Lost Isle: Johns Island’s Fire-to-Table Backyard Oasis Garnering National Acclaim

By Mark A Leon 

Tucked away behind a modest white house at 3338 Maybank Highway, Lost Isle has quickly become one of Johns Island’s most distinctive dining experiences, earning national attention and a loyal local following for its unique outdoor vibe and innovative fire-to-table menu.

A Backyard Oasis with a Laid-Back Vibe

Lost Isle is all about atmosphere. There’s no indoor dining—everything happens outside, beneath a canopy of sailcloth and the sprawling branches of a majestic pecan tree. Guests enter through a lush walkway, emerging into a backyard oasis adorned with string lights, chandeliers hanging from live oaks, and the flicker of open fire pits. The setting is cozy and intimate, perfect for date nights, girls’ nights out, or simply unwinding with friends. Even in cooler months, fire pits and blankets keep the vibe warm and inviting.

The service model is casual and approachable: guests order at the bar or grill, then choose their own seating. This setup fosters a relaxed, communal energy, where the focus is on enjoying good food, good company, and the open air.

A Menu Where Fire Meets Feast

Lost Isle’s menu is a celebration of live-fire cooking, blending Southern classics with global flavors. Chef Josh Taylor, who grew up in his mother’s North Georgia restaurant and honed his craft in kitchens across the Southeast, leads the kitchen with a passion for wood-fired cuisine.

Signature small plates include:

• Whipped Ricotta with charred tomato, herb oil, chili honey, and focaccia

• Fire Roasted Olives with grilled bread

• Smoked Fish Dip and Charred Eggplant Dip

• Sweet Potato Hummus with miso, tahini, and pumpkin seed macha

Shareable sides like curry-braised collards, crispy grit cakes, and smoked Brussels sprouts are local favorites, while mains showcase the grill’s versatility:

• Smoked Tomahawk Pork Chop with ancho-cherry glaze and smoked apple salsa

• Charcoal Grilled Chicken with tamarind-chili glaze and Thai basil salsa verde

• Grilled Australian Ribeye with guajillo pepper cream sauce

• Harissa Cauliflower Steak for vegetarians

• Fire Roasted Sapelo Island Clams with chili-chorizo butter

The bar program, curated by co-owner T.J. Lynch, features housemade cocktails, a curated wine list, and local beers. Standout drinks include the Sheeny Neeny and the inventive Miso Juice, blending mezcal, tequila, blood orange, miso, and honey.

Meet the Owners: T.J. Lynch and Josh Taylor

Lost Isle is the brainchild of restaurateur T.J. Lynch and chef Josh Taylor. Lynch, known for opening New York City’s acclaimed Mother’s Ruin and local favorite Lowlife on Folly Beach, brings a wealth of hospitality experience and a knack for creating laidback, welcoming spaces. 

His vision for Lost Isle was to offer Johns Island a casual, high-quality spot where guests could enjoy the outdoors and the primal appeal of live-fire cooking.

Chef Josh Taylor’s culinary journey began in his mother’s restaurant and led him through corporate kitchens and chef roles across the Southeast. His leadership style—relaxed yet efficient—shines in Lost Isle’s bustling, open-air kitchen, where he and his team craft a menu that’s both approachable and adventurous.

A Nationally Recognized Destination

Lost Isle’s commitment to quality and originality hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2024, it was the only Charleston-area restaurant named to the New York Times Top 50 Restaurants in the U.S., a testament to its fresh approach and local support.

The Lost Isle Experience

Dining at Lost Isle feels like joining a friend’s backyard bonfire—if your friend happened to be a top chef. With its blend of fire-driven cuisine, inventive drinks, and a magical outdoor setting, Lost Isle has redefined what it means to dine out on Johns Island, making it a must-visit for locals and visitorsp alike.

Follow Lost Isle Johns Island’s journey on Instagram.

Photo Credit: Lost Isle and Charleston Daily