The Westin Jekyll Island Beach Resort recently reimagined its dining options

The Westin Jekyll Island Beach Resort is adding to its allure. The four-star luxury property has unveiled an exciting culinary transformation under the guidance of renowned chef Lindsay Autry. A three-time James Beard Award nominee, Chef Autry brings her Southern-meets-Mediterranean flair to the island with three unique dining experiences: Willet's Lowcountry, serving coastal Southern cuisine; Pour Tabby, a quaint bar that sits adjacent to an oversized veranda; and Salty's, a poolside grill that makes spending the day beach or pool side easy. Open to visitors and locals alike, each venue aims to become a community staple, capitalizing on the bounty of local seafood and new menus designed by Chef Autry to feature her Southern-meets-Mediterranean cooking style.

“I was inspired by the overwhelming character and history of Jekyll Island,” Chef Autry says. “The goal with the new concepts was to celebrate that character, embrace regional produce and ingredients, and create experiences that will draw in Westin guests and visitors ready for a fresh take on dining on the island.” 

Originally from Eastern North Carolina, Chef Autry grew up helping with her family's peach orchard and honoring her early skills in 4-H cooking competitions. This simple, southern childhood gave Chef Autry a love for cooking and ultimately inspired her to pursue a career as a chef. Earning a culinary degree from Johnson & Wales, Chef Autry trained in cities along the Eastern seaboard (Charleston, SC, Miami, FL, Palm Beach, FL), as well as Mexico, before planting roots in West Palm Beach, where she owned and operated the culinary hot spot, The Regional. For her work at The Regional, Chef Autry received three consecutive James Beard Award nominations for "Best Chef: South" (2018-2020).

Chef Autry consulted with the culinary team at Westin Jekyll Island to bring her elevated and eclectic perspective to Willet's Lowcountry, Pour Tabby, and Salty's. Chef Autry leaned into the abundance of local seafood on Jekyll Island – and her background of Southern cooking with Mediterranean influence – to create menus that are rooted in place, light, and refreshing (a combination that plays nicely with the hotel's location on the Georgia coast and the Westin brand's focus on wellness). Keeping in line with what Westin Hotels are known for, with wellness at the forefront, all menus have a sizable selection of health-conscious options, including local, organic, and sustainably sourced ingredients whenever possible. The restaurant spaces have also undergone complete renovations (with a screened-in veranda so guests and visitors can enjoy dining outdoors), bringing to life a design and feel that more closely reflects coastal Georgia.

Willet’s Lowcountry

Experience coastal Southern cuisine at Willet’s Lowcountry, where every dish tells a story. Enjoy delights like Pickled Georgia Shrimp and Sweet-Tea-Brined Fried Chicken in a relaxed atmosphere that captures Jekyll Island's charm. With indoor and outdoor seating, including a scenic veranda, it’s the perfect spot for a leisurely meal.

Pour Tabby

Adjacent to Willet’s is Pour Tabby, a cozy bar and lounge that celebrates Georgia's flavors through inventive cocktails and delicious bites. Sip on a Peach & Basil Smash while sampling dishes like Shrimp n' Grits, all in a space that feels like a home away from home.

Salty’s

For those seeking a laid-back vibe, Salty’s offers casual dining by the pool. Indulge in fresh, flavorful options like local redfish tacos and pimiento cheese BLTs, all designed for easy enjoyment wherever your island adventures take you.

The Westin Jekyll Island is undergoing an extensive transformation to redefine its presence as a premier beachfront resort on the Atlantic coastline. With new ownership at the helm, the hotel connects the guest experience more deeply with its location on the Georgia coast (including the island's history, wildlife, cuisine, and tranquil essence), enhancing its appeal as a true leisure destination and beachfront resort. 

The new culinary program is the first of many upgrades at the resort in the coming year. Other changes include renovated and redesigned rooms and thoughtful guest experiences such as historical tours and marine biology walks. No longer a hotel that could be anywhere, the reimagined Westin Jekyll Island will be authentic to its place on the Georgia coast – providing an opportunity for guests to lean into the southern coastal life, enjoy local seafood and southern cuisine, and connect to the natural world on Jekyll Island.