Spring’s Brightest Flavors Are In Jackson County, North Carolina

Azaleas and rhododendrons aren’t the only things catching our attention this time of year in Jackson County, North Carolina. From award-winning bites to exciting new restaurants, spring in the Western North Carolina mountains brings even more reasons to get outside and savor the season.

Elevated Comfort Food with a Side of Charm

Tuna and blood orange carpaccio. Duck confit agnolotti. Heirloom carrots and local mushrooms. Pork meatballs made from a secret family recipe. You’ll find it all at Ilda, a rustic Italian-Appalachian kitchen on Sylva’s Main Street. With an ever-evolving seasonal menu from husband-and-wife duo Chef Santiago Guzzetti and Sommelier Crystal Pace, Ilda honors the local landscape and community and is a standout destination for foodies.

An Appetite for Accolades

Jackson County is home to many restaurants and chefs whose menus have turned heads and satisfied taste buds nationwide. Dalaya Thai is the culinary masterpiece of Chef Kanlaya Supachana. Hailing from Chiang Mai, Supachana’s flavorful, cooked-to-order Thai cuisine earned her a James Beard Foundation nomination for Best Chef in the Southeast. We recommend snagging a table outside overlooking Scotts Creek and opting for the daily curry—a spicy special that rotates based on what’s in season.

Just a few miles from Sylva, Haywood Smokehouse in Dillsboro was named one of the “Top 25 BBQ Restaurants in the Country.” It’s famous for its tender brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and expertly smoked specialty meats, but don’t skip the sides—or the homemade pies.

Speaking of treats, at High Hampton’s Dining Room in Cashiers, Pastry Chef April Franqueza adds the sweet touch to the end of every meal—earning her a 2025 James Beard Award® semifinalist nomination for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker. Together with her husband Executive Chef Scott, they create southern favorites with Blue Ridge flavor. Start your day with biscuits and gravy or poached eggs with local greens, and enjoy dinner favorites like local North Carolina trout or Elysian Fields lamb. Relish each bite as you take in High Hampton’s unforgettable views of Rock Mountain.

Savor Every Moment

Whether chasing bold new flavors or fresh spring adventures, every meal offers more peak moments to celebrate the season in Jackson County.

Plan your trip at DiscoverJacksonNC.com.

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