Everything You Need to Know About “The Menu's” Insanely Cool Set
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If you clicked on this story, there's a good chance you've binged through your entire watchlist over the holidays and are officially on the hunt for a new show or movie. Our recommendation? The Menu, which is finally available to stream on HBOMax. But while the movie has a lot to offer—a gripping plot, an all-star cast, and some foodie-friendly cinematography—we admittedly can't get enough of the set. (Between the sun-drenched windows, slanted ceiling, and incredible view, the fictional Hawthorne restaurant bring some serious style to fine dining.)
Whether you've only watched the trailer or saw everything—no spoilers, please!—we have a feeling you're wondering the same thing? Where was The Menu filmed? Can you actually book a reservation at Hawthorne? We did a little digging and are sharing everything we know about The Menu's filming locations.
Where Was The Menu Filmed?
In the movie, Hawthorne is supposedly located on a remote (and, yes, luxurious) island, adding more intrigue to this dark comedy. But, in reality? The upscale eatery was filmed a stone's throw away from Savannah, Georgia. Production designer Ethan Tobman told Condé Nast Traveler that filming was initially supposed to take place in Scotland; however, the pandemic had other plans. So, the Menu took its show on the road and scouted a breathtaking spot on Tybee Island.
Of course, there's more to the Menu than its posh restaurant. (Again, no spoilers, but Decider notes that scenes were also filmed at nearby locations such as Fort McAllister State Park, Driftwood Beach, and Atlanta's World Trade Center.)
Is The Menu's Hawthorne Restaurant Real?
Though Hawthorne's ambiance is well-deserving of a Michelin star, Tobman tells Condé Nast Traveler it's only movie magic. As he explained, the crew built the facade and enough of a hallway to film some critical scenes. Otherwise, those major interior shots were filmed on a soundstage.
How Was Hawthorne Created?
Just because Hawthorne isn't a real dining institution doesn't make its decor any less mouth-watering. So, how did they do it? "The symmetry of that landscape inspired us," Tobman told Condé Nast Traveler. "But we wanted to use Brutalist, Nordic architecture in the plot; I call it organic modernism, where the shapes are inspired by nature—rock walls or sweeping glass bay windows that infer the drama of the elements."
While the exterior juxtaposes a white limestone pavement with brutalist light fixtures, the interior doubles down on "organic modernism" with a stone hearth and wood-slatted details. The result? A set that'll have you begging for seconds.
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