Fuego Modern American Cuisine — Restaurant in Waynesville

Like many others, we stayed in Lake Junaluska for a week on vacation. We were initially going to go somewhere else but the wait was too long so we came here. When we called, we were told no wait which was both a huge green flag but also a red flag.. we came here and are so glad we did! (Later on I overhead they had a wait because the kitchen started to back up, so we just got lucky!).

This place is pretty tiny, but our party of 6 was promptly seated. They serve a pretty decent selection of beers as well as THC beverages (not for me). They have a wide variety of food available.

I got the Nashville Honey Hot chicken tacos. I usually NEVER get chicken tacos because I think that they're dry and inferior to beef -- but I was intrigued. These were the best chicken tacos I have ever had in my life. Full stop. Need the recipe. Got it with an Apple and Daikon salad which was good. Rest of the party got an assortment of chicken, fish and Bang Bang shrimp but I only had eyes for those chicken tacos. One member of our party thought the fish he had been served was not red snapper but another variety such as tilapia -- he's a fishing guide down in Florida so I will deferred to him, but if there was some tom foolery with fish its hard to tell if it was the restaurant's fault or the supply chain -- he said it was good either way. Street corn was good, pork bowl was outstanding, fried okra good etc.

My Mom insisted on paying when the time came and accidentally forgot her card at the restaurant. We called the restaurant at 11pm, we'll past closing and someone answered. When we told them we needed to come pick it up because they were closed Monday when my Mom flew out, they said it was fine to come pick it up. The owner walked her card out to us (apparently she also cooks and helps clean up; a great owner operator!). Great experience, would go back again.

Great food,...

The best restaurant to happen in Waynesville!!

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Fuego, and I must say it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warm smiles and a cozy ambiance that set the tone for a delightful evening. The staff was sooo inviting and kind!

Food: The menu offers a diverse selection of dishes, each more tempting than the last. We started with the Ahi Wanton Tacos and the Fried Ham and Pimento Balls which was perfectly seasoned and beautifully presented. For the main course, we chose the Fuego Burger and Poke Bowl, and it was nothing short of perfection – cooked to perfection, bursting with flavor, and accompanied by a delightful side of Tortilla Chips and Chorizo Queso that left us definitely wanting to come back as soon as possible!

Service: The service was impeccable. Our waitress Amanda was knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely passionate about the food. She provided excellent recommendations and ensured our glasses were never empty. The staff’s attention to detail and commitment to providing a memorable dining experience truly stood out.

Value: Considering the quality of the food and the level of service, the prices are very reasonable. It’s clear that Fuego places a high value on customer satisfaction and strives to deliver an experience that exceeds expectations.

Overall, Fuego is a gem in the culinary scene. Whether you're a local or just passing through, this restaurant is a must-visit. I can’t wait to return and try more of their delicious offerings. Highly...

EDIT:

Hi! I really appreciate you reaching out! You’re absolutely right—I should have provided more context with my review, and I sincerely apologize if it came across as unfair. That was never my intention.

The Positives: The atmosphere was vibrant, and your food presentation was stunning. Your staff were incredibly kind and knowledgeable, answering our questions about wait times and menu items with enthusiasm. Because of this, I updated my review to reflect 5 stars for atmosphere and 4 stars for service.

Our Experience: While we expected a bit of a wait given the full house, our meal took roughly 40 minutes to arrive. We were excited to dig in, but unfortunately, the flavor didn’t match the presentation for us. It was overwhelmingly salty, and something about the taste felt off. We truly hate wasting food, but in this case, we couldn’t finish it. Given the wait time, price, and our personal taste preferences, it wasn’t quite what we had hoped for.

That said, we know tastes vary, and it’s clear that many people love your restaurant, which is great! We appreciate the experience and wish you continued success. Thanks again for...