The Studio — Restaurant in Hilton Head Island

My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the Studio dining experience. She’s been coming to HHI for about 30 years. Me, about 15. We’ve dined at most of the common establishments, but never came across the Studio in the 14 years it’s been open. I guess it’s because it’s kind of hidden, but it’s s definitely a hidden gem. In the past vacationers used to drive by places, stop, check them out and then go back if it was good. I guess now in the 21st century, we turn to apps like OpenTable, and this is one of the few restaurants on the island where one can make reservations online. The food was remarkable. The ambience is amazing. The live music was just right. There are dozens of family-friendly restaurants to take the whole brood, but this is the spot for the mom and dad getaway where you leave the kids behind with your relatives. It’s owned by Paul and Lunolia Colella. Paul is the Exec Chef and Lunolia is the resident artist who also runs the front end. The place is a studio for Lunolia’s beautiful paintings and Paul’s gastronomic excellence. I had the Studio Palette, which was a combo of filet mignon, lamb medallions, and grouper—basically my three favorite entrees. I subbed the potatoes and asparagus for spinach because we’re doing the Keto thing (it works—down 20 lbs so far). It was life-changing. My wife, also on a low carb diet, had the Studio Salad, with an add-on of scallops (not on the menu), which Paul gladly provided us for the market price. It was so perfectly executed, it made my wife, who normally avoids gorgonzola cheese, suddenly rethink gorgonzola cheese on salads. The scallops were perfectly sautéed. We finished off our bottle of 2015 Gehricke Russian Valley Zin, which was very reasonably priced, then had some dessert cafes. The Jamaican coffee was everything I could hope for, the perfect end to a perfect dinner. Note: Despite other reviews, the chairs were quite comfortable for normal-sized humans. Also, don’t bring you kids or show up in novelty T-shirts. If you actually make a reservation, and dress for the occasion, you will not be disappointed. We have four kids, and love restaurants that offer a $7 chicken fingers dish and free crayons, but this is not that place. This is now a HHI...

We reserved a time to dine at 6. Called ahead and told the person on the phone that we were going to be late. They were more than accomadating initially. We walked in and were sat by the patio door on a windy colder day (60 degrees), with multiple bugs flying on the table. We asked very politely to either be reseated, or close the door slightly. The waiter didn't say anything and simply walked away. After about 5 minutes, he came back to tell us the owner is still uncomfortable with covid and they couldn't close the door, however, we were offered a one time use blanket to keep us warm multiple times (we personally don't like to eat being cold with wind and bugs flying into the room). Understandably, we were okay with the owners concern of COVID, but another two person table was available just slightly further away from the door. They said the table was specifically reserved. So we asked for another table which was also denied as all the tables were specifically reserved. We even apologized for being an inconvenience, but were still made out to be problem to a point where it became extremely awkward. Finally, the owner came over and said we could move to the table we requested, to which the waiter said I thought we couldn't seat anyone at that table. After moving to the table slightly further away, we felt extremely awkward and uncomfortable, so much so, that we had to leave. When the waiter came back to ask for food, we awkwardly asked for the check, finished our wine, and left. Never have I ever asked a simple request and was made to be the enemy and was so personally uncomfortable that I had to leave. Very upset as the ambiance was nice, but to made so uncomfortable to have to leave was...

We love to try different restaurants when we travel. The only requirement is that there are vegan options. Sometimes this just ends up being a salad with the chicken removed. The Studio had multiple, fabulous vegan options in every category! The stand out in the appetizer category was a “meat” pie that was encrusted in pillowy dough so light and crispy that I almost canceled the rest of my meal to order more of them. The main course consisted of a “Hippie loaf” and a decadent cheese ravioli and other things I can’t even remember now. I think I’m still in the food, the next day! There was so much food that I had to get that part of the meal to go. Both of our mains were absolutely fantastic! We have had vegan food and all of the major cities in the US and quite a few cities in Europe, and these were easily in the top of the list! But then we had the dessert !!! Even restaurants who have nice vegan dinners typically only provide a little lump of sorbet at the end of the meal for vegans. This restaurant had three main desserts. We ordered two of them to share. One was the richest chocolate tart I have ever experienced! It was so good that I ate the rest of it, even though I felt a little nauseous from being too full! The second one was a perfect blueberry crumb cake with ice cream, which was also perfect!! As we were leaving, we talked to the owner and her husband who is also the chef. They are such a lovely people. She explained to us that they are vegan and all of a sudden it all made sense. Of course they were! People who are not vegan don’t typically make these kind of amazing meals for us. Thank you guys so much. We will be back when...