Street Corn Shrimp Tacos from Foragers Canteen

30+ Great Restaurants in Sylva NC & Dillsboro NC

Looking for the Best Restaurants in Sylva NC & Dillsboro NC?

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Sylva and Dillsboro are tiny sister mountain towns in the western part of North Carolina. Over the years, both towns have become popular for their stunning outdoor surroundings, activities, and restaurants. We also have a great article talking about all the fun things to see and explore in Sylva and Dillsboro, if you’re interested in learning more.

Surprisingly, even though Sylva and Dillsboro are small towns that are a little off the radar, they have an incredible array of restaurants. During your visit, you definitely won’t get bored of the food with everything there is to try.

In today’s article, we put together all the best places to eat in Sylva and Dillsboro, including bars, cafes, sweet treats, and more. 

Restaurants in Sylva NC & Dillsboro NC

✅ Lulu’s On Main
Address: 678 W Main St, Sylva, NC 28779

Lulu’s on Main has been a staple of Sylva since 1989. This restaurant is a local favorite that falls under the fine dining category of eateries, though the atmosphere is comfortable and casual. Their great lunch and dinner meals have a little something for everyone, including vegan and vegetarian options. Pets are allowed on the outside patio. 

Lulu's On Main in Downtown Sylva NC

✅ ILDA Italian Restaurant
Address: 462 W Main St, Sylva, NC 28779

Another fabulous fine dining option is ILDA, located on Main Street in Sylva. ILDA is considered a Southern Italian restaurant that pairs Southern Appalachian flavors with rich tastes straight from Italy. At ILDA, they use only the finest, freshest ingredients from local mountain farms. 

ILDA in Downtown Sylva NC

✅ Big Nick’s BBQ
Address: 7 E Sylva Shopping Center, Sylva, NC 28779

Big Nick’s is a family-owned BBQ joint that combines the best juicy barbecue flavors with the sweetest Southern hospitality. They serve big flavor barbecue and some fantastic desserts. They are open every day from 10:30-9 p.m. or until they sell out. 

Big Nick's in Sylva NC

✅ Mad Batter Kitchen
Address: 617 W Main St, Sylva, NC 28779

Mad Batter is a local favorite pizza place with supreme, homemade pizzas located right across from Lazy Hiker Brewing. This lively pizza joint is female-owned and has a fun, casual atmosphere with a large outdoor patio. 

✅ Creekside Oyster House and Grill
Address: 219 W Main St, Sylva, NC 28779

Creekside Oyster House is one of the best places in town for fresh seafood dishes, oysters, and cocktails. They also have a beautiful outdoor patio and local wine and beer options. 

Creekside Oyster House & Grill in Sylva NC

✅ City Lights Cafe
Address: 3 E Jackson St, Sylva, NC 28779

City Lights Cafe is more than your regular coffee bar. While they do have delicious fresh brewed coffee, they also serve great crepes, paninis, salads, soups, and pastries. Everything can be enjoyed inside or on their lovely covered outdoor patio.

City Lights Cafe in Downtown Sylva NC

✅ Dalaya 
Address: 1084 W Main St, Sylva, NC 28779

Dalaya is an authentic Thai-style restaurant with a cozy rustic atmosphere and a nice outdoor patio. 

✅ Little Cove Bread
Address: 646 W Main St, Sylva, NC 28779

If you are looking for freshly baked bread, Little Cove Bread is the best place in the area.

Bread at the Little Cove Bread in Sylva NC

They have lots of fresh Italian bread options, drinks, some meats, and pastries. 

Croissant from Little Cove Bread

✅ Lucy in the Rye
Address: 612 W Main St, Sylva, NC 28779

Lucy in the Rye is a nice, casual breakfast and lunch restaurant in downtown Sylva. This new restaurant has homemade Belgian waffles, biscuits, and local meats. 

Lucy in the Rye Downtown Sylva NC

✅ Breadheads Tiki Shak
Address: 606 W Main St, Sylva, NC 28779

Breadheads is a tiki shak with an exciting variety of foods and a full-service bar. 

✅ Speedy’s Pizza
Address: 285 W Main St, Sylva, NC 28779

Speedy’s Pizza is said to not only have the best pizza in town but also serve some other great Italian dishes like calzones, strombolis, soups, and sandwiches.

✅ Josh’s Backstreet Takeout
Address: 605 Mill St, Sylva, NC 28779

Josh’s Backstreet Takeout is a hidden gem and a local favorite in Sylva. They serve Asian-style foods with a unique twist you won’t see anywhere else. All food is takeout only, though there is a nice picnic area directly across the street.

Josh's Backstreet Takeout in Downtown Sylva NC

✅ The McGuire Estate
Address: 553 W Main St, Sylva, NC 28779

The McGuire Estate is a historic mansion that was built in 1910. The stunning mansion, now a restaurant, has spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The menu includes many fine dining options, sharing plates, and a full bar with signature cocktails. 

The McGuire Estate in downtown Sylva, NC

✅ Haywood Smokehouse
Address: 403 Haywood Rd, Dillsboro, NC 28725

Haywood Smokehouse is an old-fashioned-style smokehouse and Texas-style barbecue spot. They serve juicy, premium meats and have a great selection of Southern sides.

✅ Kostas Express Restaurant
Address: 489 Haywood Rd, Dillsboro, NC 28725

Kostas Express is a family-style, rustic restaurant with a fun selection of Greek, American, and Italian foods. This is such a perfect place to bring the family for a quick and delicious meal.

Kostas Express in Downtown Dillsboro, NC

✅ The Well House
Address: 57 Craft Cir, Dillsboro, NC 28725

The Well House is a cute, local restaurant with homemade meals at great prices.

The Well House in Dillsboro, NC

✅ Foragers Canteen
Address: 42 Depot St, Dillsboro, NC 28725

Foragers Canteen is a lovely farm-to-table restaurant in downtown Dillsboro.

Foragers Canteen in Downtown Dillsboro, NC

All meals are made fresh using local ingredients, including local meats and produce. Guests can enjoy meals indoors or out in the rustic-style restaurant. 

Street Corn Shrimp Tacos from Foragers Canteen

✅ Boots Steakhouse
Address: 64 Front St, Dillsboro, NC 28779

Boots Steakhouse is the finest steakhouse in the Sylva/Dillsboro area. They have the best cuts of steak, seafood, fancy southern cuisine, appetizers, and more. They also have an extensive wine list, including wines made by local wineries. 

Boots Steakhouse in Downtown Dillsboro, NC

✅ The Rivers and Rails Tavern
Address: 2 Dills St, Dillsboro, NC 28725

The Rivers and Rails Tavern is proud to serve everything fresh and made from scratch. They have a fun menu with foods from around the country, including seafood sandwiches, yummy appetizers, and made-from-scratch cocktails. They have vegetarian and vegan options as well.

The Rivers and Rails Tavern in Downtown Dillsboro, NC

✅ Quirky Birds Treehouse & Bistro
Address: 148 Front St, Dillsboro, NC 28725

Quirky Birds Treehouse is a fun, unique, Soulfood-style restaurant located in the heart of Dillsboro. Quirky Bird is a great place to catch live music and enjoy the outdoor patio while sipping on a signature cocktail. 

Quirky Birds Tree House and Bistro in Downtown Dillsboro, NC

✅ The Coffee Shop
Address: 385 W Main St, Sylva, NC 28779

The Coffee Shop is a homey breakfast and lunch shop in downtown Sylva. They have all your favorite coffee drinks and some amazing homemade pies, omelets, and burgers. 

The Coffee Shop in Sylva NC

Coffee Shops in Sylva NC & Dillsboro NC

✅ The Farmhouse Mercantile & Coffee Bar
Address: 582 W Main St, Sylva, NC 28779

The Farmhouse Mercantile is a store with a little bit of everything. Guests can find home decor, furniture, clothing, and jewelry by local artists, and then they have great coffee and pastry selections at the Coffee Bar.

The Farmhouse Downtown Sylva NC

✅ Heart Coffee Company
Address: 52 Front St, Dillsboro, NC 28779

Heart Coffee Company can be found inside the Horsefeathers furniture store. They have a great selection of freshly brewed caffeinated drinks, teas, and light bites.

Desserts in Sylva NC & Dillsboro NC

In addition to Restaurants in Sylva NC & Dillboro NC, here is a separate list for those to focus on yummy treats.

✅ Jack the Dipper Ice Cream
Address: 280 Asheville Hwy Suite 4, Sylva, NC 28779

Jack the Dipper is a favorite ice cream parlor across Western North Carolina and Florida. They have 32 flavors of hand-dipped ice cream and made-to-order waffle cones.

Jack the Dipper in Sylva NC

✅ Baxley’s Chocolates
Address: 546 W Main St, Sylva, NC 28779

Baxley’s Chocolates is a delicious homemade chocolate store with all your favorite chocolates and some exciting, unique flavors like lavender truffles, orange chili truffles, and a great selection of fudge.

Baxley's Chocolates in Downtown Sylva, NC

✅ Dillsboro Chocolate Factory
Address: 28 Church St, Dillsboro, NC 28725

Dillsboro Chocolate Factory is a family-owned and operated homemade chocolate store that has been open since 1999. They use only the finest quality of chocolate to make the best and sweetest treats. 

Dillsboro Chocolate Factory in Downtown Dillsboro, NC

Drinks in Sylva NC & Dillsboro NC

In addition to Restaurants in Sylva NC & Dillsboro NC, here is a separate list for those to focus on the drinks.

✅ Innovation Brewing
Address: 414 W Main St, Sylva, NC 28779

Innovation Brewing has been a great craft brewery in downtown Sylva for nine years. They offer beer flights, great food from local food trucks, and non-alcoholic options. All ages are welcome, and dogs are welcome on the patio. They have another location in Dillsboro as well, as you’ll see below.

Innovation Brewing in Downtown Sylva NC

✅ Balsam Falls Brewing Co.
Address: 506 W Main St, Sylva, NC 28779

Balsam Falls Brewing Co. is a family-owned, small-batch brewery with a great selection of unique flavors. They also have a nice food menu and live music. 

Balsam Falls Brewing Co in Downtown Sylva NC

✅ Lazy Hiker Brewing
Address: 617 W Main St, Sylva, NC 28779

 Lazy Hiker Brewing is a fun get-together brewery with an outdoor patio, disc golf, and an outdoor space. Guests can enjoy delicious craft beers and live events in this dog-friendly venue. Be sure to check out the food trucks for yummy meals.

Lazy Hiker Brewing Co in Downtown Sylva NC

✅ White Moon Cafe & Dark Moon Cocktail Bar
Address: 545 Mill St, Sylva, NC 28779

White Moon Cafe & Dark Moon Cocktail Bar is a great local cafe by day and cocktail bar by night in downtown Sylva.

White Moon Cafe & Dark Moon Cocktail Bar Inside

During the day, guests can enjoy yummy breakfast pastries and light bites and come back in the evening for signature cocktails and live events. 

Iced Coffee at White Moon Cafe in Sylva NC

✅ The Cut Cocktail Lounge
Address: 486 W Main St, Sylva, NC 28779

The Cut Cocktail Lounge is a classic small-town cocktail lounge with great service and strong drinks. The dark, homey feeling lounge is a great place to enjoy a drink with friends or go out for a date.

The Cut Cocktail Lounge Sylva NC

✅ Santé -The Wine Bar
Address: 470 W Main St, Sylva, NC 28779

Santé is a neighborhood wine bar and store located right next to ILDA. The very knowledgeable staff will help anyone with finding the perfect wines for their needs. They also offer a nice variety of small bites.

Sante The Wine Bar

✅ Nantahala Brewing
Address: 5 Grindstaff Cove Rd, Sylva, NC 28779

Nantahala Brewing is a great craft brewery that uses the freshest mountain water to brew all its beers. Their large taproom is well talked about and enjoyed by visitors and locals regularly. They serve great food using fresh ingredients and are a popular live music venue.

Nantahala Brewing in Downtown Sylva NC

✅ Innovation Station
Address: 40 Depot St, Dillsboro, NC 28725

Innovation Station, located in Dillsboro, is a taproom, production facility, and event space for Innovation Brewing. They offer fabulous beer flights, rotating food trucks every day of the week, and some nice non-alcoholic options. All ages and pets are welcome.

Innovation Brewing in Downtown Dillsboro, NC

​​Where To Stay in Sylva NC & Dillsboro NC

📍Best Western Plus River Escape Inn & Suites – The Best Western River Escape is a beautiful hotel located on the banks of the Tuckasegee River in Dillsboro. The clean, comfortable rooms, paired with the delightful sounds of the river, make for a lovely, relaxing vacation for you and the whole family. Guests at the Best Western Plus River Escape can enjoy river access, outdoor gardens, an indoor swimming pool, barbecue facilities, and a balcony. 

📍Roamer’s Respite – Close to Town with Sunset Views – The Roamer’s Respite is the most beautiful mountain escape that is suitable for a family or a large gathering. With three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a view unlike any other, the Roamer’s Respite is a fantastic place to relax and unwind. The private home also includes a game room, a balcony, grills, and a full kitchen, and it is a pet-friendly space.

📍Idyllic Cottage in Downtown Sylva – The Idyllic Cottage in Downtown Sylva is a beautiful little cabin with a great location within walking distance of many restaurants and other Sylva attractions. The comfortable floral, rustic vibe will make you feel right at home. Other accommodations at the Idyllic Cottage are a full kitchen and mountain views, and they are pet-friendly. 

Final Thoughts

Not many think of Sylva and Dillsboro as “foodie” towns, but they certainly have a great variety of restaurants that have tons of flavors, unique dishes, fun atmospheres, and excellent service. You’ll have plenty of restaurants in Sylva NC & Dillsboro to choose from!

During your trip to the area, you’ll be pleased to have food options on every corner that will not only delight and fill your tummy but also give you a nice taste of what life is like in Sylva and Dillsboro. 

Distance to Sylva & Dillsoro, NC:

Bryson City, NC: 16 – 20 miles
Maggie Valley, NC: 26 – 30 miles
Asheville, NC: 46 – 50 miles
Brevard, NC: 53 – 60 miles
Murphy, NC: 62 – 64 miles
Charlotte, NC: 173 – 176 miles