For a relatively small town, there are some fantastic restaurants in Waynesville, North Carolina. Located between Ashville and Cherokee, this town near the Great Smokey Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway, which means Waynesville is an awesome outdoor destination in North Carolina.
From hiking the best trails in the state, chasing waterfalls, swimming in lakes, to biking the Blue Ridge Parkway visitors will likely be hungry come the end of the day. Here are some of the best Waynesville restaurants to enjoy.
Best Waynesville Restaurants (NC)
1. Suwana Asian Cuisine
For a fairly small area with a small population, Waynesville is certainly diverse when it comes to ethnic cuisine! At Suwana Asian Cuisine, the name says it all – Asian dishes from a wide range of countries in Asia.
Whether it’s Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese or Thai you crave, you’ll find it at this Asian fusion eatery. The food is absolutely delicious and on the extensive menu, you’ll find both traditional and modern dishes such as spring rolls, fried rice, ramen, sushi and a variety of noodle-based dishes.
2. Bocelli’s Italian Eatery
For authentic Italian Fare, Bocelli’s Italian Eatery is a favorite among locals and visitors to Waynesville. Upon entering this establishment, you’re greeted with a cozy ambiance but it’s the incredible food that draws diners to this place.
Only the best local, fresh ingredients are used in the delicious dishes, many of which are made using homemade sauces and freshly-made dough. Pizzas and calzones are prepared in brick ovens and the pasta dishes and wine offerings are as about as varied as you can imagine!
The restaurant is open seven days a week and pets are welcome to dine with their families on the outside patio.
3. Blue Rooster Southern Grill
Blue Rooster Southern Grill isn’t located right in Waynesville but it’s only about four miles away in the nearby village of Clyde. If you’re seeking traditional Southern comfort food that uses fresh, local ingredients, it’s well worth the short drive.
On the menu, you’ll find familiar southern staples such as fried green tomatoes, sweet potato casserole, fish & grits, Po Boys and the best skillet fried chicken in the region.
4. Chef’s Table
For fine dining in Waynesville, look no further than Chef’s Table. While this is a favorite spot for couples looking for a romantic meal in the downtown area, it’s a great option for anyone seeking high-quality, well-prepared dishes in elegant surroundings.
Many of the dishes on the menu are inspired by wine country and Californian and Mediterranean cuisine. A variety of unique salads, pasta dishes and sandwiches are available, and everything is made using fresh, local ingredients, some of which come straight from the owner’s gardens! Enjoy one of the renowned wines from the extensive list to pair with your meal.
5. Haywood Smokehouse
Barbecued food is a popular option anywhere in the Southern United States and in Waynesville, the Haywood Smokehouse is by far the best BBQ restaurant in town! Enjoy Texas-style barbecued dishes that feature top-quality meat and sausages and sauces that are made right on site.
Everything is slow-roasted to perfection! Some of the menu’s top picks include Collard Greens and Brunswick Stew and to satisfy your after-dinner sweet tooth, there’s a variety of time-honored desserts to choose from.
6. The Buttered Biscuit
- Price: $
- Cuisine: Breakfast & brunch restaurant
- Address: 1226 Dellwood City Rd, Waynesville (GPS)
- Website: See menu
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and this rings especially true when traveling! After all, you want to be energized and ready to face a long day of exploring.
In Waynesville, the most popular place to get a delicious, hearty breakfast is The Buttered Biscuit. And yes, as the name suggests, biscuits are the main item on offer but if you’re thinking traditional biscuits like the ones your grandmother used to make, think again; the biscuits served here are huge and they’re served just about any way you like!
Choose from a wide variety of toppings and enjoy a freshly-made meal using fresh, local ingredients. On the menu, you’ll also find a variety of other breakfast staples including French toast, pancakes, waffles, omelets, and eggs. Breakfast is served all day but if you come a little later in the morning, you can also enjoy some lunch items.
7. Sauced
While traveling, sometimes it’s just nice to find a cozy little place where you can enjoy a plate of good ol’ comfort food and some cold brews. In Waynesville, the place to be for such an atmosphere is Sauced.
Enjoy a wide selection of gourmet tacos, burgers, quesadillas, salads, wings, and, of course, plenty of tap beer. When it comes to the pizza, you can build your own however way you like it.
8. The Cuban Guy
When it comes to Latin American cuisine in Waynesville, there aren’t many options available. Sure, there are a few Mexican restaurants in Waynesville, but if you’re looking for something different, The Cuban Guy, which is located in a strip mall downtown, is great option.
The family-owned eatery specializes in traditional Cuban dishes but also serves dishes from other Latin American countries. Guava Pastelitos and the famous Cuban Sandwich are just some of the items on the menu.
9. Church Street Depot
For a truly local dining experience, not many options compare to the Church Street Depot! As this is one of the best Waynesville restaurants, many items are homemade and fresh, local ingredients are used as much as possible.
Expect to find on the menu many wholesome items such as burgers, hand-cut fries, hotdogs, sandwiches, chili, and hand-spun ice cream shakes. You’ll find a selection of beers, wines, and teas and on nice days, your meal can be enjoyed outdoors on the deck.
10. Beach Mountain Diner
Since 2020, the Beach Mountain Diner has been a popular go-to in Waynesville for diners seeking a combination of traditional comfort food and modern dishes. Situated in the Hazelwood district, this upscale eatery features chic and cozy décor.
This is one of those Waynesville breakfast restaurants that is a must-try, but the lunch and dinner offerings are equally popular. With a menu that includes fried chicken and waffles, shrimp and crab omelets and deli-style sandwiches, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your hunger here!
EXPLORE MORE
We hope this guide helped you determine a few of the best restaurants in Waynesville! For more travel in the region, see more of our guides below.
- 15 Best Things to Do in Hendersonville, NC
- 14 Romantic Getaways in North Carolina
- 15 Dreamy Cabins in Asheville, NC to Book
- The Best Breweries in Asheville to Grab a Beer
- 22 BEST Small Towns In North Carolina
Plan For Your Trip to the South!
- We like to use VRBO when searching for vacation apartment rentals and Hotels.com when searching for hotels.
- See our favorite cooler for the road!
- Get Around: We suggest renting a car for traveling the Carolinas. Check Prices on Expedia.com
- Our Favorite Brand of Shoes: Our answer to this question is always Keen. When hiking, enjoying the beach, or just needing a comfortable shoe for daily wear, this it it.
- Check out our favorite North Carolina Souvenir! Or for the coffee or tea lover in the family.
