Dine Inside a Hobbit House at This One-of-a-Kind Rhode Island Restaurant

Literature and film serve as passageways to faraway lands and allow us fascinating glimpses into mystical worlds beyond our borders. But when the last page of the book is read, or the movie credits begin to roll, we are sadly left to sit with a story that often ends far too quickly. Imagine if you could continue the adventure and enjoy an incredible meal at a fantasy-inspired restaurant that feels like you are literally stepping into a Tolkien novel? I recently had the unique opportunity to spend an unforgettable night of cozy candlelit dining at a hobbit house restaurant in Rhode Island, and let me tell you, this immersive dining experience is not to be missed.

The Hobbit Houses™ are located at The Preserve Sporting Club & Resort, a sprawling 3,500-acre property in Richmond, Rhode Island. Three separate restaurants are nestled into this peaceful setting; each restaurant offers guests a storybook journey filled with upscale cuisine and fine Maker’s Mark bourbon pairings.  

This Hobbit House Restaurant Is Straight Out of a Fantasy Novel

During a recent visit to The Preserve, my daughter and I experienced the fantasy for ourselves. We first spent the afternoon exploring the forested grounds, which are filled with luxurious amenities such as a spa, equestrian center, and an 18-hole golf course, as well as a variety of accommodations to suit every visitor's taste. When it was time to set out on our Hobbit House™ dining adventure, a friendly Preserve staff member escorted us from the spacious Hilltop Lodge and transported us via golf cart down a serene forested path that led to a quaint fairytale house tucked between giant boulders.

I was so excited to view the interior of this eccentric stone building that would serve as our private setting for the evening. However, I couldn’t help but stop for a moment to take photos in front of its round, blue door, the perfect background for digitally documenting this unique Rhode Island dining experience. The door opened, and we stepped into an intimate room that smelled of freshly baked pastries.

A Rhode Island Restaurant Filled With Hobbit-Inspired Details

As my eyes adjusted to the dim light, I looked around and took in all of the building's charming details. A fire burned before us, and flickering candles melted throughout the stone-walled room. A few were tucked into a crevice of a boulder that served as one of the restaurant's walls. The whimsical dining room was decorated with large goblets and a few old books. Tiny windows let in the last bits of daylight.

A Rhode Island Restaurant with a Hobbit-Approved Menu

Each Hobbit House™ dinner offers a private experience for up to eight guests. Since it was only the two of us, my daughter and I had the whole house to ourselves. As we sat down across from each other at a large table made from repurposed whisky barrels, we were greeted by our hostess, Michaela, who spent some time reviewing the prix fixe menu, which was made up of four courses of upscale dishes, each paired with a distinct Maker's Mark bourbon. 

Soon, we were dining on airy Gruyère popovers and sipping the first of the four bourbons. We could smell the aroma of the second course of individual pheasant pot pies as they warmed in the oven. This hearty dish was then served with a colorful roasted butternut squash burrata salad, large enough to be its own meal.   

Each dish was even better than the last, and by the time we made it to the main, our stomachs were already growing full. A steamy Le Creuset cast iron skillet of Maker's Mark braised short ribs and another of honey salmon appeared before us, along with an ample serving of charred Brussels sprouts and the most mouthwatering sweet potato mash that I have ever tasted.

As we moved through each course, Michaela educated us on each bourbon pairing and explained how they were created and aged. She expertly anticipated our every need and entertained us with tales of Hobbit enthusiasts who sometimes attend dinner in costume. 

By the time dessert was served, I really couldn't eat another bite; however, the final course of fresh apple blossom tart was just too decadent to pass up. With all we ate, there were surprisingly leftovers. Michaela packed these up and handed us individual s'mores kits to bring to the large fire pit burning just outside. 

As we emerged from our earthy surroundings and stepped into the darkness, we could see the stars twinkling above and hear the birds chirping in the trees. The house looked even more magical when lit up at night. We strolled over to the fire pit and plopped down in front of the roaring flame, but were much too full to eat any s'mores.  

What To Know Before Visiting Hobbit Houses™

You don’t have to be a guest of the Preserve to dine at the Hobbit Houses™, but if you do have the opportunity to vacation here, I highly suggest doing so. The property is located in Richmond, close to the University of Rhode Island and only 25 minutes from the seaside town of Narragansett. In addition to fanciful dining, the Preserve has every amenity and recreational activity that you could ever ask for.

Dinner and lunch are available at three on-site Hobbit Houses™. Reservations for these Rhode Island dining bucket list experiences are required and should be made well in advance, as each house holds one seating per meal. Off-site guests can park in the Hilltop Lodge lot and walk over to the restaurant.

Why This Themed Restaurant Is One of the Most Unique Dining Experiences in New England

Our meal at this unique venue proved to be much more than just a themed dinner, but rather an extraordinary, sensory-invoking experience. If you are a fan of hobbits, fine bourbon, or unique restaurants in Rhode Island, I highly recommend visiting. You can find more information about the Hobbit Houses™ on the Preserve Sporting Club & Resort website and the Preserve Sporting Club & Resort Facebook page.

Per journalistic integrity, we disclose that the creator of this content was invited to this location by The Preserve Sporting Club & Resort, and expenses were covered. However, all opinions and thoughts expressed in this content are their own.