4 Best Restaurants in Waynesville, The North Carolina Mountains

Singletree Heritage Kitchen

$$$ Fodor's choice

Singletree boldly proclaims their guiding principles, from integrity in sourcing to sustainability, and those values are conveyed in beautifully presented plates and, most importantly, in flavor. Seared duck breast and Parisian gnocchi with collards shine at dinner, but it's sandwiches like the Brasstown Melt—sliced steak on ciabatta with horseradish, provolone, arugula, and caramelized onions—that keep the midday shift bustling.

Frogs Leap Public House

$$$

This popular eatery partners with more than a dozen natural and organic producers to find the ingredients needed to create its rigorous "farm-to-fork" modern Southern menu, which changes frequently. The atmosphere is charming, with high pressed-tin ceilings and reclaimed barn wood accents, and the service is friendly.

44 Church St., Waynesville, North Carolina, 28786, USA
828-456–1930
Known For
  • charmingly rustic atmosphere
  • informed servers and sophisticated meals
  • five-course chef's menu on weekends
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Mon., and periodically during winter. No lunch.

The Chef's Table

$$$

At the region's most celebrated restaurant, chef-owner Josh Monroe uses ingredients from his own farm and local purveyors to prepare dishes in an open kitchen. The award-winning menu includes dishes like lamb shank, trout, and deconstructed lasagna that are created with wine pairings in mind. After 20 years, the decor feels a bit tired, but the top-notch service and white tablecloth atmosphere stand the test of time. 

30 Church St., Waynesville, North Carolina, 28786, USA
828-452–6210
Known For
  • hands-on chef who uses local ingredients
  • the best wine selection in town
  • classy date night experience
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon., Reservations recommended

Recommended Fodor's Video

The Sweet Onion

$$

This casual restaurant serves delicious Southern comfort food like country fried steak, shrimp and grits, and blackberry barbecue short ribs. Business bustles at lunchtime for favorites like the pimento cheese fried chicken club.