20 Delicious Restaurants in Sylva NC (and More Nearby!)

Published by Christina. Last Updated on August 6, 2024.

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These wonderful restaurants in Sylva NC are ready to serve you from breakfast to lunch and dinner.

The NC mountain town of Sylva is home to locally owned shops, amazing restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, and some of the Tar Heel State’s finest breweries. Speaking of places to eat, we want to pay homage to the Jackson County seat’s wonderful eateries.

With so many options for food in Sylva and some bonus places to eat in Dillsboro, we’ve organized this guide to help you plan your day from breakfast to dinner.

Coffee Shops in Sylva
Breakfast/Brunch
Lunch and Dinner
Date Night
Dillsboro Restaurants

Note: Our food guides are always expanding, so if we left something off, it’s because our stomachs are only so big! Let us know where to eat in Sylva that’s your favorite.

Map of Restaurants in Sylva

Map of Sylva NC Attractions Image Created with Google Maps

You can visually travel to these Sylva restaurants and more area attractions with the following maps:

List of Sylva NC Restaurants Featured in this Guide

We start this guide to Sylva restaurants with our favorite coffee shops. Here’s a list of them, including all of the other places to eat that are mentioned in this guide:

Coffee Shops
- Blue Ridge Bootleg Coffee
- White Moon Cafe & Dark Moon Cocktail Bar
Breakfast/Brunch Restaurants
- City Lights Cafe
- The Coffee Shop
- Little Cove Bread
- Lucy in the Rye
Lunch and Dinner Restaurants
- Balsam Falls Brewing
- Big Nick’s BBQ
- Bread Heads Tiki Shak
- Cosmic Carryout at Innovation Brewing
- El Patron
- Josh’s Backstreet Takeout
- Lulu’s on Main
- Mad Batter Kitchen at Lazy Hiker Brewing
- Meatballs Pizzeria
- South of Philly
Date Night Restaurants
- The Cut Cocktail Lounge
- Dalaya Thai Cuisine
- Ilda
- Sante Wine Bar
Bonus: Restaurants in Dillsboro
- Dillsboro Chocolates
- Forager’s Canteen
- Haywood Smokehouse

Sylva NC Coffee Shops

These places have special coffee talents but they also serve food, either in small bites or full meals. Thus, they’re absolutely qualified for this guide to Sylva restaurants.

Blue Ridge Bootleg Coffee

Address: 582 W Main St, Sylva, NC
Website

Coffee is the most important meal of the day and Blue Ridge Bootleg Coffee (BRB Coffee) is one of my favorite places to get started.

This is one of Sylva’s newer establishments but its story goes back a few generations to owner Matt King’s grandfather and great grandfather, who were bootleggers in the mountains of Western NC.

Matt blazed his own trail with a 20-year music career in Nashville before opening his coffee shop in Sylva. King still splits time as a producer in Music City but you can find him roaming around Blue Ridge Bootleg Coffee roasting coffee or working behind the counter.

You can buy a bag of small batch BRB coffee or sip on a cup or three inside this visually soothing cafe. I’ve done all of the above, but prefer sitting inside with a pour-over and small bite.

White Moon Cafe & Dark Moon Cocktail Bar

Address: 545 Mill St, Sylva, NC
Website

“Cafe and coffee by day, hidden speakeasy by night” is what I like to say to myself about White Moon/Dark Moon.

We love starting our day here when it’s White Moon, though, thanks to a great lineup of quality coffee and homemade food.

High quality ingredients keep their dishes high on list of places to eat in Sylva. That’s true no matter what I’m eating, whether it’s an egg sammy with fuego sauce or a smoothie with goji berry, cacao nibs, and cashew milk.

Don’t forget about White Moon’s homemade biscuits with a strawberry-rhubarb-jalapeno jam.

Of course, you could always spice up your day with a bloody mary or a mimosa!

Breakfast/Brunch Restaurants in Sylva NC

Those amazing coffee shops are not to be overlooked for breakfast or brunch, but these places make the first meal their specialty.

City Lights Cafe

Address: 3 E Jackson St, Sylva, NC
Website

Attached to the amazing City Lights Bookstore is the City Lights Cafe.

I’ve eaten many Everything Bagels from here, but could also “settle” for one of their yummy crepes any day of the week. You’re welcome to choose your own path, either for all-day breakfast, lunch, or Sunday Brunch.

The lunch menu is a nice mix of paninis, wraps, and burritos. What I love about City Lights Cafe is the mix of lighter or heavier options that cater to the way you’re feeling at any given moment.

There’s also a nice range of sweet and savory options.

Oh, and don’t forget about the coffee or espresso that also made me put this place in the “Coffee Shops” category above. I’ll always have a soft spot for a good cold brew but a good espresso or drip coffee are always welcome in my guides, this one included.

The Coffee Shop

Address: 385 W Main St, Sylva, NC
Facebook Page

If you’re looking for an old school breakfast in Sylva, stop your search and head over to The Coffee Shop. I’m half kidding because I’d love it if you read the rest of this guide, but I’ll understand in this one case.

Open since 1926, The Coffee Shop is the oldest restaurant in Sylva, unless someone else holds that title. Owned by previous employee Barbara Barnes since 2019, the menu hasn’t changed much over the years and The Coffee Shop’s loyal customer base is okay with that.

Start your day here with an omelet or a country steak sandwich and you’ll be good to do everything on your list. You can always swing by for lunch and an opportunity to dine on this restaurant’s famed meatloaf, chicken and dumplings, and a homemade pie or two.

Honestly, I think you should give yourself enough time to do all of the above at this long-loved Sylva restaurant.

Little Cove Bread

Address: 646 W Main St, Sylva, NC
Website

As the weekend nears, I’m always anticipating the opening of Little Cove Bread. This small shop produces phenomenal Italian-style bread and pastries.

Grab a focaccia and a chocolate crossiant and you’ll see why we love this place. All of their creations pair perfectly after a morning walk around town or in the middle of a drive toward somewhere beautiful along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

If you’re in town on a weekend, though, you’ll need to act quickly and visit Little Cove Bread first. There have been multiple occasions when I’ve either been the last person to get a focaccia or been behind the last person.

Lucy in the Rye

Address: 612 W Main St, Sylva, NC
Website

Smack in the middle of downtown Sylva is Lucy in the Rye, an amazing choice for breakfast and lunch! This restaurant is also in contention for “Best Name” and still would be if I weren’t a huge Beatles fan.

Beyond the fun name, I have a hard time looking past the Belgian waffle when ordering. It’s made with a secret recipe and possibly one of the greatest waffles I’ve ever eaten.

There’s also chicken and waffles, which combines two of my favorite things in this world.

You can also go lighter with some avocado toast or arrive a little later and devour a Smashburger.

No matter what you choose, make sure you get at least one of their sausages on the side.

Lunch and Dinner Restaurants in Sylva NC

Even if you didn’t wake up at the crack of noon, these lunch and dinner spots are worth the wait to fill your belly.

Balsam Falls Brewing

Address: 506 W Main St, Sylva, NC
Website

For a North Carolina small town, Sylva sure does have a great selection of breweries! Balsam Falls Brewing (BFB) is one of the best in the area, known for its chill atmosphere, tasty beers, and yummy food menu.

It’s hard to beat their Beer Cheese with Soft Pretzel Bites as an appetizer, but there are even more options to devour.

Stacked Smash Burgers are the star of the menu, but BFB’s flatbreads and wings (either fried or grilled) are in hot competition for the top spot in our hearts.

Big Nick’s BBQ

Address: 7 E Sylva Shopping Center, Sylva, NC
Website

I love a good restaurant that pays tribute to a special someone and Big Nick’s BBQ is a heartwarming example.

Big Nick was owner Tim Fisk’s father and a barbecue legend with a restaurant footprint from Western NC all the way down to Florida.

Tim’s followed his dad into the barbecue business more than 25 years ago and today, he runs one of the best restaurants in Sylva.

If you want to eat at Big Nick’s, you’ll need to get there early or else you’ll risk missing out. Beef brisket and pulled pork are easy go-tos but the amazing burgers here always have me internally debating my choices.

Bread Heads Tiki Shak

Address: 606 W Main St, Sylva, NC
Website

The Grateful Dead-inspired Bread Heads Tiki Shak is one of the vibeyest restaurants in Sylva. Starting its journey as a food truck, Bread Heads quickly expanded into historic Main Street.

This place serves a delightful mix of meat and veggie options from appetizer to desert.

Sample apps like their Korean corn dogs (KC Jones) or share some Poke Nachos with a friend or enemy. No matter the beef (pun intended), you’ll leave in a better mood and ready to settle any scores.

Further down the menu, you’ll find tasty sandwiches, “Smokin'” bowls, and desserts that include fried snickers with ice cream and a classic root beer float.

I tried really hard to to not insert any Dead references but I just can’t help myself.

You won’t be singing the Mexicali Blues after eating at Bread Heads. I’ll be here all week.

Cosmic Carryout at Innovation Brewing

Address: 414 W Main St, Sylva, NC
Website

Cosmic Carryout at Innovation Brewing is the nice accompaniment to an amazing brewery that has expanded into Dillsboro and the campus of Western Carolina University.

The menu might seem basic upon first glance, but you’ll be coming back for another burger and hand-cut fries.

The Sweet Potato Quesadilla takes NC’s most prolific tuberous root and kicks it up a notch with seasoned rice, black beans, cheese, and sambal sauce.

El Patron

Address: 86 W Main St, Sylva, NC
Website

One of my favorite things about eating in Sylva is the deliciousness that awaits just outside downtown. El Patron is one of the first (or last) places you’ll see when venturing into (or out of) town, and its Guadalajaran menu deserves a stop.

Generous portions and the best salsa are two reasons to love this place, but prepare for the delicious flavors that fill their chimichangas, taquitos, and tacos (to name a few). The salsa, guacamole, and pico are all made fresh every day.

Veggie options are also available and the kids also have a place at the menu, too!

Josh’s Backstreet Takeout

Address: 605 Mill St, Sylva, NC
Website

Josh’s Backstreet Takeout is one of the most popular restaurants in Sylva for families and people on the go. This place lives up to its moniker as “great food with an Asian flair.”

A variety of specials pass through but the mainstays include rice dishes, salads, and wraps. Ask anyone about this place and they’ll likely come back with the words “Cheesy Chicken.”

While Josh doesn’t accept credit cards at the time of writing, cash and checks are accepted at this wonderful spot on Mill St.

Lulu’s on Main

Address: 678 W Main St, Sylva, NC
Website

With everything from hand-cut steaks to sandwiches, Lulu’s on Main is a classic Sylva restaurant serving Jackson County since 1989.

Priding themselves on local, hormone and GMO-free ingredients, expect fresh and delicious meals. Lula’s on Main also has a covered dog-friendly outdoor terrace, which gets very popular on summer and rainy days.

I love visiting for lunch and for a chance at one of Chef Devin’s Bowl, which always rotates. He’s skilled in a variety of cuisines, and it’s always fun to see what’s currently on his culinary mind.

Some of the dishes carry over from lunch to dinner, joined by entrees like Lulu’s Signature Steak and Lulu’s Entree Salads.

While you’re enjoying a meal here, take a moment to look around the walls. Chef Devin’s partner, artist Lindsay McCardle, and his mother, Lynda McCardle, both have their artwork on display inside the restaurant.

Mad Batter Kitchen at Lazy Hiker Brewing Company

Address: 617 W Main St, Sylva, NC
Website

Lazy Hiker Brewing Company is a great spot for a pint after a long day chasing waterfalls or a tough day admiring the surrounding mountains.

The Franklin-based brewery opened its location in Sylva with a restaurant (Mad Batter Kitchen), and the menu complements any occasion. Soft pretzels with beer cheese and nachos are a couple of our favorite munchies to share.

One thing we love about Mat Batter Kitchen is the range of light to heavy that’s on the menu.

Either a Greek Rice Bowl or Korean BBQ Pork Bowl will do the trick, but sometimes you just NEED a hand-tossed pizza to top things off.

Thankfully, Lazy Hiker’s kitchen is prepared for all of the above and more for your Sylva food adventures!

Meatballs Pizzeria

Address: 414 W Main St, Sylva, NC
Website

Owned by the same dynamic duo as Ilda’s (see below) is Meatballs Pizzeria, a causal wood-fired pizza restaurant in Sylva.

Karen Martar opened up Meatballs using a family meatball recipe in 1983 where it would flourish for 17 years.

Today, Karen’s daughter, Crystal Pace, carries on the legacy in pizzas and subs. Meatballs’ menu has a sample of original 1983 and 2023 pizzas, honoring the past and exploring the future.

You can also enjoy those meatballs on a sub, and compare flavors with your friends and family.

Personally, I am still trying to figure out which one I liked best, and will report back to you when I come to a decision.

South of Philly

Address: 44 E Sylva Shopping Center, Sylva, NC
Website

South of Philly is in the same shopping center as Big Nick’s BBQ (see above) and is a great spot for takeout or dine-in. Hoagie options include Philly Steak, Meatless Philly, Chicken Parm, and more.

It’ll take you a couple of weeks to work your way through the menu here, and they also have wings (boneless and bone-in) available.

If this wonderful place’s name sounds familiar, it might be because you’ve seen them in Asheville, too.

Date Night Restaurants in Sylva

We’ve taken care of your needs for lunch and dinner, but what about those extra-special restaurants in Sylva? Do they exist?

The short answer is “yes!” but we think you deserve more than that. Here are our picks for your next date night in Sylva.

The Cut Cocktail Lounge

Address: 486 W Main St, Sylva, NC
Facebook Page

The Cut Cocktail Lounge is a cozy bar on main street that lives up to its billing of “Fancy, Southern Gothic vibes” along with delicious craft cocktails and mocktails.

Of course, the star of the show is the fresh and local ingredients that produce The Cut’s amazing drinks.

You can also find interesting combos on the menu like a beer and a shot, and some tasty late-night bites, too.

Dalaya Thai Cuisine

Address: 1084 W Main St, Sylva, NC
Website

This Sylva restaurant is a true culinary treasure, serving Northern Thai food that will transport you to Chiang Mai with just one bite. Dalaya sits in an unassuming building between Dillsboro and downtown Sylva and originally opened for takeout only.

Today, it’s one of the hottest places to eat in Sylva, and I’m not just talking about the spice in those dishes. With just a handful of tables, you need to arrive early for dinner.

Any wait will be worth it, so come with a hungry belly and be ready to try dishes that most Thai restaurants in North Carolina don’t serve!

Ilda

Address: 462 W Main St, Sylva, NC
Website

If you are looking for fine dining in Sylva, Ilda’s is the spot!

Husband/wife power team Chef Santiago Guzzetti and Sommelier Crystal Pace blend their heritage for an impressive menu that calls back to grandma’s dinner table.

Remember those meatballs we mentioned from Meatballs Pizzeria? Well, you can enjoy them as an appetizer at Ilda.

Deciding on a main dish is the hardest part at Ilda’s.

Options include Marsala Rigatoni with crispy mushrooms, Pork Chop Milanese, Squid Ink Spaghettoni with blue crab claw, and some of the most delicious Mafaldini with Lamb Bolognese you’ll ever enjoy.

Save room for their homemade tiramisu that is soaked in local moonshine. The ‘shine is so local they can’t tell you where it came from.

Sante Wine Bar

Address: 470 W Main St, Sylva, NC
Website

Next door to Ilda is Sante, its sister wine bar that sells unique, top-shelf wines by the glass or the bottle. Stop by for an event or a tasting and you’ll likely end up joining their wine club before you leave.

While sipping, you can pair your selection with tapas and charcuterie from Ilda.

Sante is the great place to wait for your table at Ilda or for you to finish the night after eating at Ilda. I hope the folks at Sante don’t get mad about the number of times I mention Ilda.

Bonus: Restaurants in Dillsboro

Since it’s so close to Sylva, we thought you’d enjoy a few places to eat in Dillsboro. We’ll start with one of our favorite sweet-tooth spots in all of North Carolina.

Dillsboro Chocolate Factory

Address: 28 Church St, Dillsboro, NC
Website

Okay, maybe it’s not a typical “restaurant,” but one of the best-known businesses in the area is the Dillsboro Chocolate Factory. They’re best known for hand-dipped chocolate, fudge, truffles, and more.

Also on our mind from this amazing place is the coffee bar, which is always read to serve that perfect pick-me-up!

Forager’s Canteen

Address: 42 Depot St, Dillsboro, NC
Website

Foragers Canteen is an awesomne fusion of Southern and Italian cuisine. The menu constantly changes, but we’ve enjoyed dishes like the blueberry pecan trout, shrimp and grits, and the Forager’s Reuben.

We hope you get to enjoy a taste of this elegant restaurant in Dillsboro!

Haywood Smokehouse

Address: 403 Haywood Rd, Dillsboro, NC
Website

Haywood Smokehouse has locations in Waynesville, Franklin, and Dillsboro and is well-regarded by barbecue lovers across the state (including us!).

Expect more than just delicious pulled pork here, as Haywood Smokehouse has some of the most succulent ribs and meaty brisket alongside awesome side dishes.

Whether indulging in their signature dishes or savoring their delectable sides, we highly recommend this Dillsboro restaurant for its sauces. You can choose from quite a few options, but there’s an Eastern NC sauce ready to take you back to Greenville and Wiltson!

What is Your Favorite Sylva Restaurant?

We love these restaurants in Sylva and the few we mentioned in Dillsboro. If there’s one on our list (or not on the list) that you love, let us know about it!

Remember that our bellies are only so big, so be kind if we left out one of your favorites.

In the meantime, we hope you’re able to make it out to at least a few of these places and share your experiences in our North Carolina Travel Facebook Group!

Eat well, drink responsibly, and don’t forget to tip at these amazing Sylva NC restaurants!

More Things to Do in Sylva NC and Nearby

We’ve featured many of these restaurants in Sylva in our NC Travel Guides collection. Here are a few of our favorite guides that feature Sylva NC and its surroundings: