Singletree Heritage Kitchen

Singletree Heritage Kitchen stands out among Waynesville's dining options for its thoughtful blend of traditional Southern cooking and modern culinary techniques. Located in the heart of downtown, this restaurant draws both locals and visitors with its seasonally rotating menu that showcases regional ingredients.

The dining room features exposed brick walls and hardwood floors, creating a welcoming atmosphere that balances casual comfort with upscale dining. Regular favorites include their pan-seared mountain trout, which arrives with a crispy skin and tender flesh, and their seafood stew brimming with fresh catches. The kitchen particularly excels at soups and starters, with the butternut squash soup earning consistent praise for its rich, velvety texture.

Service here shines, with staff who know the menu inside and out and gladly accommodate dietary restrictions. They're particularly attentive to gluten-free and vegetarian requests, offering thoughtful alternatives rather than simple omissions.

While dinner service can occasionally be uneven during peak hours, and the acoustics make conversation challenging when the restaurant is full, most diners find the overall experience worth returning for. The wine list features several North Carolina vintages, complementing the local-forward menu approach.

Expect to spend $25-35 for dinner entrées, with lunch offerings ranging from $12-20. The restaurant can get quite busy during peak tourist seasons and weekend evenings, so reservations are recommended. The noise level rises considerably during busy periods, so request a corner table if you're planning an intimate conversation.

For the best experience, visit during early dinner service when the kitchen is fresh and the dining room is quieter. Don't skip the house-made desserts, which change regularly based on seasonal ingredients.