10 BEST Waynesville Restaurants (NC)

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 

Suwana Asian Cuisine 
  • Price: $$
  • Cuisine: Thai restaurant
  • Address: 128 N Main St, Waynesville (GPS)
  • Website: See menu

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

Bocelli’s Italian Eatery
  • Price: $$
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Address: 319 N Haywood St, Waynesville (GPS)
  • Website: See menu

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
  • Price: $$
  • Cuisine: Southern restaurant
  • Address: 207 Paragon Pkwy, Clyde (GPS)
  • Website: See menu

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 

 Chef’s Table
  • Price: $$
  • Cuisine: Wine and Mediterranean
  • Address: 30 Church St, Waynesville (GPS)
  • Website: See menu

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 

Haywood Smokehouse 
  • Price: $$
  • Cuisine: Barbecue restaurant
  • Address: 79 Elysinia Ave, Waynesville (GPS)
  • Website: See menu

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 

The Buttered Biscuit  - best restaurants in waynesville north carolina
  • 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

Sauced - best restaurants in waynesville
  • Price: $$
  • Cuisine: Pizza and Tacos
  • Address: 188 N Main St, Waynesville, (GPS)
  • Website: See menu

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

The Cuban Guy - best waynesville restaurants
  • Price: $
  • Cuisine: Cuban restaurant
  • Address: 42 Montgomery St, Waynesville (GPS)
  • Website: See menu

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

Church Street Depot - best waynesville restaurants
  • Price: $$
  • Cuisine: Hamburger restaurant
  • Address: 34 Church St, Waynesville (GPS)
  • Website: See menu

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

Beach Mountain Diner - best waynesville restaurants
  • Price: $
  • Cuisine: American
  • Address: 429 Hazelwood Ave, Waynesville (GPS)
  • Website: See menu

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.

Plan For Your Trip to the South!

  • Get Around: We suggest renting a car for traveling the Carolinas. Check Prices on RentalCars.com
  • Our Favorite Travel Shoes: Our answer to this question is always Allbirds.
About Natasha

Natasha moved to North Carolina for college years ago (but she's not trying to age herself here). Her days were spent reading a book on the beach and enjoying a cold glass of sweet tea in between classes at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Upon graduation, she met her partner, Cameron, and they traveled the world together crossing 85 countries and seven continents. After, many years of international travel they settled down a bit and launched Lost in the Carolinas to share their experiences about and travel tips on South Carolina and North Carolina.

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