Our Favorite Restaurants: Saluda, NC

One of the necessities of an enjoyable vacation is a good meal. Or two. Or three. Whether you are craving a casual bite or a more formal dining experience, the restaurants near Saluda, NC will not disappoint. We’ve rounded up our favorites within a short drive from the cabin, all of which we have personally tried and most we visit regularly. The list varies from the ultra-casual spot to the special occasion option.

1. The Purple Onion (Saluda)

On summer evenings patrons waiting on a table spill out onto the sidewalk in front of the restaurant, often striking up conversations with others, local and visitor alike. It’s the vibe that the former owner envisioned when she opened The Onion (as the locals refer to it) and one that, even though the reins have passed to new owners, persists today.

The menu features some tried and true favorites, such as the Smoked Trout and Tzatziki Board and Roasted Chicken from Joyce Farms, as well as seasonal specials incorporating fresh, local ingredients.  Choose from hand-tossed pizzas with traditional or more innovative toppings, like the Green Goddess (basil pesto, spinach, avocado, and a green goddess vinaigrette). The craft cocktail selection never disappoints, and always features a non-alcoholic option. In fact, any of the featured cocktails can be ordered sans alcohol.

If the weather permits, choose the covered side garden patio for a relaxing dining experience. And it’s best to make reservations during the high season, as The Purple Onion is voted number two of the best restaurants Saluda, NC on TripAdvisor.

Purple Onion Restaurants Saluda NC

Photo Courtesy: The Purple Onion via Facebook

2. Postero (Hendersonville)

A true gem of a restaurant featuring the freshest seasonal ingredients, Postero is a must on the list of places to eat near Saluda. Contemporary dishes are a spin on traditional favorites and change regularly to reflect the seasons. The kitchen is on full display from almost every table and adds to the lively, social atmosphere.

Innovative plates like house-made BBQ potato chips with smoked bacon & rosemary mousse, and the Braised Pork Shank, which is as pretty as it is tasty, elevate traditional fare to another level. Or how about a recent summer appetizer feature: Local strawberries and whipped goat cheese piled high on brioche with a balsamic reduction. Divine doesn’t even begin to describe it.

A stellar wine cellar and talented mixologists ensure the perfect food and drink pairing. Trip Advisor readers have ranked Postero #2 in the Best Restaurants in Hendersonville. Reservations are essential, particularly in the summer, when you may have to book weeks out to get a weekend table for dinner.

Postero Restaurant Hendersonville NC

Photo Courtesy: Postero via Facebook

3. Green River BBQ (Saluda)

Hands down the best wings we’ve ever eaten – and the sides are just as good! (NOTE: Green River BBQ is currently rebuilding after damage from Hurricane Helene. Check their website for a reopening date.) When you’re in the mood for comfort food, no one does it better than Green River BBQ. We always end up ordering too much because there are too many items we love. The wings are smoked, and then fried, and smothered in the most delectable sauces (our favorite is the Asian Sweet Chili). Pair it with their Mac N Cheese (baked for a crispy, cheesy top) or the Tomato Pie (a good ol’ Southern favorite.) No matter what you choose, you’ll need a big appetite or a to-go box.

Green River BBQ Restaurants Saluda

Photo Courtesy: Green River BBQ via Facebook

This cute, casual bakery and cafe is a great place to grab a quick breakfast or lunch. They serve either all day, so for those who are up early for hiking or a bike ride can get sandwiches or salads even at 10am. Conversely, if you choose to sleep in you can still get breakfast if you arrive after noon. They also serve amazing custom-order pizzas from 5pm – 8pm on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Breakfast options include grit bowls, sandwiches, and a must-try French toast. Lunch fare consists of sandwiches, salads, and some heartier dishes like Chicken Pot Pie. Vegetarians will find a few choices on the menu, like the Black Bean Burger and a Vegetarian Reuben on made-in-house marbled rye.

Sundays are all about brunch, with two specials offered in addition to the regular menu. Recent features include Strawberry Cheesecake Waffles, Smoked Salmon and Dill Frittata, and Rosemary Chicken Ravioli Soup. They post the brunch specials on their Facebook page a few days out so you can plan ahead.

Be sure to grab some baked goods to take with you. The cinnamon rolls are stellar, and just one of the reasons it made our favorite restaurants Saluda, NC.

Wildflower Bakery and Cafe Restaurants Saluda NC

Photo Courtesy: Wildflower Bake Shop via Facebook

5. Shine (Hendersonville)

Housed in a historic building with exposed brick walls, this Main Street restaurant is beautiful, lively, and has such a diverse menu it’s often difficult to choose just one entreé. The dishes are creative and built around seasonal ingredients, and you can choose between salads, sandwiches, pasta, steaks and seafood. When you want to grab a bite between traditional meal times, Shine offers an Intermission menu between 3-5pm and from 9:30pm to close. Reservations are encouraged, especially in the summer. Shine was voted the Mountain Xpress Best of WNC winner in 2022 and 2023, and easily made our list of the best restaurants near Saluda, NC.

Pork belly egg rolls, lobster hushpuppies, and escargot appear on the appetizer section, while the goat cheese salad with tart cherries and sorghum dressing is a special favorite with patrons. The Sweet Potato Ravioli with crawfish and smoked chicken brings the heat, and more unique plates like Frog Legs and Bulgogi (Korean BBQ ribeye) keep things interesting. Brunch is served all day on Fridays and Saturdays and include all of the traditional breakfast favorites as well as many of the items from the regular menu.

The Libations menu has an impressive selection of craft made cocktails and extensive wine and beer list. And the best part? On warm weather weekends, you can sip your drinks on the rooftop bar, taking in a gorgeous view of downtown while soaking in the relaxing ambiance. There are no children or dogs allowed on the rooftop and no food is served there, only drinks in a decidedly adult atmosphere.

Busy bar at Shine Restaurant Hendersonville

Photo Courtesy: Shine via website

The bustling and friendly atmosphere at this downtown Landrum gem is probably the closest thing you’ll find in the area to an authentic neighborhood pub. The restaurant buzzes with lively conversation, and if you’re open to it, you can probably make a new friend or two before you finish your meal. Their motto of Good Food, Good Beer, Good Times is succinctly accurate.

A heated outdoor patio is available year-round but in particularly high demand during nicer weather. If you’re a planner, make reservations well in advance. If you like to live on the edge, you can add your name to a waitlist when you’re en route. Simply Google The Hare and Hound on your mobile device and click the “Join Waitlist” button.

In addition to the standard pub fare, the restaurant is famous for baby back ribs, Guinness stew, and Fish and Chips, all of which are outstanding. Freshly caught fish is frequently on the weekly specials list. And if that weren’t enough, a popcorn machine churns out tasty treats and the most amazing scent. You can help yourself or your wait person will bring some to the table to tide you over until the real food arrives. The Hare and Hound is voted the #1 restaurant in Landrum by TripAdvisor.

The bar at Hare and Hound Landrum SC

Photo Courtesy: The Hare and Hound via website

7. Stone Soup (Landrum)

Set in a converted house just out of downtown, this local favorite incorporates the freshest ingredients to create casual fine dining meals. The decor is a nod to the area’s equestrian heritage, with framed photos of horses and riders from various disciplines, from jumping to eventing to dressage.

Menu standouts include Candied Brussels Sprouts with bacon, a wood-fired Brie Spinach Artichoke pizza, and Shrimp and Grits, as well as a nice selection of salads and sandwiches. In addition to the restaurant menu, grab and go gourmet meals are available from the in-house deli, Suzanne’s Kitchen. Branded as food that feeds your soul, these meals are perfect for a picnic or as an alternative to eating out. Selections change weekly and have included Classic Meatloaf over Mashed Potatoes wtih Sage and Mushroom Gravy, Risotto Milanese, and Jambalaya.

Reservations are suggested, especially for dinner. Request a seat in the garden patio when weather allows.

Photo Courtesy: Stone Soup via Facebook

8. Huckleberry’s (Tryon)

More of a lunch counter with specialty to-go and meal prep offerings, Huckleberry’s in Tryon still makes our list for one of the best restaurants in Saluda. Specializing in the freshest seasonal ingredients, their menu changes monthly. Some of the offerings include a Portobello Mushroom Fajita Bowl with roasted corn, jasmine rice, and a cilantro lime dressing, and a roasted turkey and pear bacon wrap with creamy brie cheese and pear bacon chutney – it’s one of our favorites! Regular menu items include their signature chicken pot pie, also available gluten free, and their chili and cornbread pot pie, a rich beef chili with a cheddar scallion cornbread crust. The coolers are stocked full of salads, ready to heat meals and other offerings that are perfect for taking on a hike or feeding the family after a busy day exploring.

Photo Courtesy: Huckleberry’s via Facebook

9. Newman’s Restaurant at The Orchard Inn (Saluda)

If you’re looking for a meal to celebrate a special occasion, the farm-to-table dining at Newman’s comes complete with amazing mountain views. Located at The Orchard Inn, this restaurant’s menus change with the seasons, highlighting locally sourced ingredients, many from their own organic gardens.

An outdoor fireplace on the covered patio adds to the ambience, but you won’t spend much time looking at the fire. The mountain views command the spotlight here. If you’re going for dinner, make sure you arrive before sunset to get your money’s worth, or opt for the Sunday brunch served from 11:30am – 2pm.

The menus are prix fixe with choices for each of the four courses. Recent dinner features include Roasted Red Pepper Sundried Tomato Soup, Pan Seared Shrimp and Scallop Saffron Risotto, New Zealand Lamb Chops with a Grilled Apple Demi Glace, and Espresso Créme Bruleé. Vegetarians will always find creative options, like Pan Fried Tofu with Maitake Mushrooms and Jicama Pineapple Slaw.

While there is a dress code for dining, it is relaxed casual, so no need to break out the coat and tie. Reservations are highly recommended and can be completed right from the website. If you want to experience the views and atmosphere but don’t want to splurge on dinner, you can also go early and just enjoy a drink on the patio, complete with sunset views.

Open air restaurant with mountain views at Newman's Restaurants Saluda NC

Photo Courtesy: Newman’s via website

10. Flat Rock Wood Room (Flat Rock)

Is a visit to the North Carolina mountains really complete without a barbeque meal? We don’t think so, and luckily Flat Rock Wood Room is just a short drive from the cabin. Authentic pit smoked meats, everything from ribs to chicken to traditional pork barbeque, are no surprise. A few specialty plates, though, steal the show. The Piggy Mac Skillet is an iron skillet with four-cheese macaroni and cheese, pulled smoked pork, Competition Sauce, crispy buttery bread crumbs, and torched cheddar cheese topped with green scallions. The Fork and Knife Sandwich features pulled smoked pork piled on house made cornbread and topped with shredded cheddar cheese and competition BBQ glaze. We’ll just leave that right there.

Non meat eaters in your party? No problem. Vegetarians will find plenty of choices from salads to a vegan burger to a nice selection of appetizers and sides. Wood-fired pizzas are some of the best in the area, with both traditional tomato sauced base pies or olive oil white pizzas. Try the Carl Sandburg, with Goat cheese, walnuts, Chianti infused grapes, and Saba, a traditional Italian grape syrup.

Reservations are encouraged, as this popular place can be overrun, particularly in the summer. They do have an option on their reservations page to select whether you are attending a show at the Flat Rock Playhouse so that they can adjust your reservation time as needed. You can also pick up any items to go if you prefer a quieter night in.

Photo Courtesy: Flat Rock Wood Room via website

Best Restaurants Saluda NC

The culinary scene near Saluda offers a mix of flavors and experiences, and every meal is an opportunity to discover something new and exciting. From cozy cafes to upscale eateries, the meals you discover during your time at Whispering Falls Cabin and Saluda will leave you with delicious memories to savor long after you’ve returned home.