About
The Nest is your go-to for tapas, artisan small plates, and international wines. Located within walking distance of Neptune Park, local restaurateur Zack Gowen opened this chic spot in 2016. Zack made a name for himself on St. Simons Island when he purchased and revitalized the Georgia Sea Grill in 2014. His next venture was Three Little Birds-Fly In, Fly Out, followed by The Nest. All three are part of his Georgia Sea Grill Collective.
What makes The Nest unique is that, despite its Euro-centric menu and impressive wine list, it maintains a low-key vibe. Think sophistication without any of the high-brow pretentiousness associated with fine dining.
Regarding the World-Class wines, The Nest incorporates a specialized Coravin system. Using a needle to pierce the cork without removing it, The Nest can serve glasses of wine without patrons having to purchase the bottle.
But there's more to The Nest than sommelier-approved wine service. The limited menu features French-inspired staples and Southern classics, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Its central location makes it easy to combine sightseeing with a fine meal. For instance, after a day with Turtle Tides Paddleboards and Kayaks or walking to nearby St. Simon's Island Lighthouse Museum, you're never far from a delicious meal at The Nest.
Since opening, this eatery has satisfied vacationers' evolving tastes while offering the easygoing service for which St. Simons is known.
Vibe
The quaint eatery is next to its sister restaurant, Three Little Birds-Fly In, Fly Out. With matching green tin roofs, off-white facades, and earthtone signs, and covered front porches, the curb appeal is through the roof!
Parking is limited, and while there aren't any bike racks, you could cruise from your Casago home on a rental from Seaside Bikes and Carts.
The interior is down-to-earth, with wood floors, wicker hanging lights, and earth-tone tables. A wooden bookcase serves as an accent wall, while the wine display adds sophistication.
The bar area is framed by emerald-green wainscot, while countless wine glasses suspended overhead shimmer in the room's light. The wood shelves on the rear wall contain wines, spirits, and a vinyl turntable. Listening to albums while sipping wine adds yet another layer of enjoyment at this restaurant.
The outdoor ceiling heaters and abundant flat-screen TVs make The Nest approachable and laid-back.
The Nest: Menu & Drinks
A popular tapa is the roti with a side bowl of curry. This Indian-inspired flatbread is crisp enough to scoop up the yellow curry, making it the ideal starter to share.
The steak and frites feature seared flatiron steak, shoestring fries, and homemade chimichurri. The meat is tender and juicy, while the chimichurri sauce adds the right amount of spice. The fries are light, not greasy, and will disappear fast when sharing!
The fall salad and pasta can serve as sides or as a meal on their own. The salad showcases fresh mixed greens, butternut squash, sweet peppers, tomatoes, and red onions. Tying these vegetables together is the house-made pineapple rum vinaigrette. The pappardelle pasta features bay scallop scampi and tomatoes. Uniting this tour de force is the sauce crafted with white wine, butter, lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs.
For a taste of the South, consider the Southern Fried Chicken Lollipops. The "lollipops" are breaded chicken legs, deep-fried to a golden brown, set upon a bed of polenta and collard greens. But it's the hot honey drizzled atop this mound of deliciousness that will have your taste buds dancing!
The wine selection is top-notch, with an international selection that will amaze any connoisseur. Using the Coravin system, you can choose glasses of unique vintages for your meal. While not as extensive, the beer list has various options, and the specialty cocktails are also on point.
Whether you visit to sample the wine, gather to share artisan tapas, or cheer on your favorite sports team, The Nest will transform your Golden Isles getaway into the extraordinary.
Local Tips
- Join its email for exclusive offers and invites!
- Happy Hour is from 4:00 PM until 5:30 PM.
- Check its social media pages for updates and specials.
- Bring your vinyl album and listen to it at the bar.
