462 W Main St
Sylva, NC

Ilda is the artisan passion project of husband & wife team, Michelin-trained Chef Santiago Guzzetti, and Sommelier Crystal Pace. Nestled in the Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina, the pair felt called to build a home that is rich in culture, craft and community. Santiago’s heritage in Italian cuisine and Crystal’s ties to her hometown of Appalachia create a cuisine that is unique, but also honors and respects history. This union of Italian and Southern Appalachian cuisine is the foundation where they will recreate the comfort you found at your grandmother’s kitchen table.

184 Cherokee Trail
Sapphire, NC

Michelin Star-Trained chef Johannes Klapdohr brings decades of experience, sustainable practices, and local ingredients to The Library Kitchen + Bar. Located in Sapphire, just a short drive from Cashiers, this iconic restaurant is in what was formerly, you guessed it, an old library. The structure is the oldest building in Sapphire Valley built in 1864 and was once part of a working farm. Since undergoing a full renovation in 2016, the bright ambiance of the restaurant mirrors the flavors of Chef Johannes’ vibrant menu and crafty cocktails.

606 W Main St
Sylva, NC

This farm-to-table, tropical fusion restaurant is a must-try for foodies visiting NC. Guests will enjoy an eclectic ambiance and an innovative menu filled with internationally-infused dishes. Located in an old restored 1920s drugstore and soda fountain shop, the creativity at this restaurant does not stop at its eclectic appearance. Rated by Gourmet magazine as one of "America's Best Farm to Table Restaurants," Guadalupe is a fusion restaurant that will have diners traveling through a world of flavors with Spanish, Middle Eastern, Caribbean, and even Southern influences. A must-try for foodies visiting NC, this menu is full of flavorful delights and features locally-grown and organic ingredients whenever possible. Mouth-watering menu items are endless and choices include: Red Curry Shrimp, Blackened Plantains, Peanut Chicken and Mango Pork Tacos. Guadalupe also serves a diverse selection of wines, from Spain and Latin-America, as well as brews from across the nation to right down the street.

3 E Jackson St
Sylva, NC

A favorite spot for locals and stars alike, this was the go-to spot of the award-winning "Three Billboards" cast for coffee and locally-sourced, organically-produced food. The café, whose name gives a nod to the adjacent landmark bookstore, has a rich history in town. Grab a book from upstairs and settle in to enjoy this local gem that celebrities like Woody Harrelson, Frances McDormand and Peter Dinklage all discovered while in town. The cafe provides many menu items that are locally sourced and organically produced and has a variety of gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options. Be sure to try one of their infamous savory or sweet crepes, such as the Chicken Crepedilla, a menu favorite. The restaurant has a 22-seat, dog-friendly outdoor patio, and serves as the place for artists and writers to gather. The Café hosts several rotating events, such as an Open Mic night, live music, rotating art shows, literary events and even Yappy Hours with pets on the patio.

678 W Main St
Sylva, NC

Southern Living's "Favorite Restaurant in the Region," Lulu's on Main is known for its eclectic flare that reflects the welcoming spirit of Sylva. Lulu's on Main has an edgy, retro atmosphere tied together with paintings from many local artists displayed on the wall. Chef Devin McCardle, who once served as honorary chef for Julia Child's foundation, The American Institute of Wine & Food, takes his expertise and French culinary training to the kitchen to create a menu which features a range of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free items to suit special diets. In addition, all menu items are certified hormone-free and humanely-raised, including fresh North Carolina seafood. The salmon, Szechuan salad and peanut butter pie are local favorites. Lulu's menu features a wide variety of choices and the service is said to be unmatched! A martini bar inside the restaurant offers mixed drinks, as well as beer and wine. If you have a chance, say "hi" to the owner Mick McCradle for some good stories and history on the restaurant.

Haywood Smokehouse

Dillsboro, North Carolina, United States

Looking for some local NC BBQ? Well, we have the place for you! A favorite amongst locals, Haywood Smokehouse is known for the best brisket, ribs and other specialty meats in the area. Their smoking process is long and tedious, but the time and effort put into their melt-in-your-mouth meats sets them apart from the rest. On Saturdays come for the Baby Back Ribs served with a Honey Chipotle sauce, or every other day of the week for the St. Louis-Style Ribs. Their southern sides and homemade pies will definitely give you something to write home about. Diners can even take a bottle of one Haywood's nine uniquely-flavored homemade sauces back with them to savor the flavors of the fall-off-the-bone ribs a little longer. A crowd favorite is the classic Sweet Ketchup sauce, and for those feeling adventurous try the Strawberry Chipotle. Many of Haywood's recipes are greatly influenced by traditional Southern flavors while a few items on the menu allude to Cajun, Tex-Mex and other regional cuisine flavors. Haywood really is the place to "meat!"

16 Cashiers School Rd
Cashiers, NC

Known as Cashiers' favorite porch, this open-air dining staple that just celebrated over 40 years in business. The menu features bountiful and delicious dishes for lunch, dinner and a fantastic Sunday brunch. Considered a local favorite, Cornucopia is consistently named as one of the best porches in Cashiers. A casual spot for lunch, dinner or the popular Sunday brunch, Cornucopia, like the name suggests, features a variety of dishes tempting to any palate. Locals can't get enough of the Arabian club, black bean burger, or their most famous and oldest dish, "Wade Hampton's Downfall." At dinner, try an entrée that incorporates local flair, like smoked trout from Sunburst Farms or Southern-Fried Farms Chicken. The building, which was originally purchased in 1892 for $27 has a long history of serving locals as a general store, school, post office and tack shop.

150 Lonesome Valley Rd
Sapphire, NC

Voted "Most Romantic Restaurant in NC" by Food & Wine, Canyon Kitchen stays true to its agrarian roots with an open-air feel, widespread county views and an award-winning, farm-to-table menu. Canyon Kitchen is a must-visit as far as fine dining in North Carolina is concerned. True to its history and agrarian roots, Lonesome Valley's Canyon Kitchen offers a humble, yet extraordinary connection to food, where ingredients are sourced from local and regional farms. The new Executive Chef Ed Selle is at the helm of this award-winning restaurant. The diverse prix fixe menu at Canyon Kitchen changes weekly based on seasonal ingredients, but you can always expect a rich combination of garden goodness and innovative nouveau-southern tradition. Snag a reservation here from May through October and admire the incredible views of Cow Rock and Laurel Knob at Lonesome Valley, known as the largest box canyon east of the Rockies.