Sweet Onion — Restaurant in Waynesville

Our lunch at The Sweet Onion in downtown Waynesville was nothing short of exceptional, leaving us with a memorable culinary experience that we'll be talking about for a long time. From the moment we stepped in, the ambiance set the stage for what was to come—a delightful journey through flavors that were both familiar and innovative.

The cocktail menu was impressive, with each drink crafted with care. We sampled a few, and each one was a masterpiece of mixology. The cocktails weren't just drinks; they were experiences, with layers of flavors that complemented not just each other but also the food we were about to enjoy.

Speaking of which, we started with the Sweet Onion soup, their signature dish. This was not your ordinary French onion soup. It was an ode to the onion, sweet and savory, with a depth of flavor that spoke of hours of careful caramelization. The broth was rich, the onions tender and sweet, and the crouton with melted cheese on top was the perfect vessel to soak up every last drop of this comforting soup.

Next, we ventured into the realm of the unexpected with the fried Saltines, accompanied by a creamy pimento cheese. The concept might sound peculiar, but it was executed brilliantly. The Saltines were fried to a golden crisp, managing to be crunchy without being oily, which is quite the feat. The pimento cheese was the ideal partner, offering a smooth, tangy contrast to the crackers' crunch. Adding nuts to the mix introduced an element of surprise with their subtle texture and flavor, turning a simple appetizer into a sophisticated treat.

Feeling the need for something light yet refreshing to round out our meal, we opted for the lemongrass grilled chicken salad. This dish was a revelation. The chicken was grilled to perfection, each piece infused with the aromatic essence of lemongrass. The meat was juicy, flavorful, and tender, with a slight char that hinted at the grill's kiss. The salad itself was a harmonious blend of fresh greens, herbs, and vegetables, dressed in a Thai-inspired vinaigrette that was both tangy and slightly sweet, balancing the robust flavors of the chicken beautifully.

What made The Sweet Onion stand out was not just the quality of the ingredients or the execution of the dishes, but the genuine thought and creativity put into each item on the menu. The fusion of local Southern flavors with international influences created a culinary experience that was both comforting and adventurous.

Service was attentive, knowledgeable, and added to the overall enjoyment of our meal. The staff's recommendations were spot-on, enhancing our dining experience.

In summary, The Sweet Onion has crafted a menu that delights on every level, proving that food can be an art form. Every dish we tried was a testament to their skill and passion for food. If you're in Waynesville, this is a must-visit spot for anyone who appreciates a meal that's both a feast for the palate and a celebration of...

We went to the Sweet Onion, as a celebration for my daughter’s 22nd Birthday. We had a reservation, and it was needed, as the place was packed! We sat in a booth across from a window, and it was a lovely ambiance, and was far enough away from the noisier bar area, for us to relax. We were intrigued, by the unique soda jerk flavor of Raspberry & Cream, but decided to wait until a later date to try it. Our waitress, Melanie, was very attentive, and was very knowledgeable of the menu choices, and specials. My husband ordered the Meatloaf, my daughter ordered the Gnocchi, off the regular menu, and I ordered the Gnocchi Special for the evening. Every one of us loved their food! Even though my meal was very good, I have to say that my salad, was the best salad I have ever had in my life! They serve greens, with glazed pecans, various veggies, and a to die for blueberry basalmic vinegrette! The combination was just wonderful! I wish I had done it then, but I am going back during the day, to purchase a bottle of the house made dressing! My husband and my daughter, ended up sharing a lot of the meatloaf, as my daughter just loved it! She loved her gnocchi meal too, but meatloaf is one of her favorites, and this one did not disappoint! The only reason she didn’t order it herself, was because my husband did, and she figured they could share tastes from each of their meals. My husband didn’t mind, as the serving was very generous. My daughter had the Blackberry compote Crème Brûlée for dessert, and they lit a candle on her plate. Just my husband and myself, sang “Happy Birthday” to her. We all shared her dessert, and it was delicious-her Crème Brûlée was better than my favorite go to, on Princess Cruiselines, and that is saying something! All in all, it was a wonderful evening, and we will definitely...

My family and I frequent this restaurant often. Normally, we have a great experience and really enjoy the food and service. Last night we came in for dinner to celebrate an early Mother’s Day dinner. Our server was horrible. I have never felt so uncomfortable and embarrassed in a place of business, where I was a paying customer in my life. The server (seemed to potentially be new to the restaurant or service industry by her actions) refused to serve a drink because she stated my family was “pressuring.” From the moment she came to the table she seemed like she had a poor attitude and work ethic and it didn't seem like it was going to be a good experience. After ordering my drink she checked my ID, and she proceeded to talk about her hesitancy to serve us to other staff members within ear shot and it made us all extremely uncomfortable and unwelcome. She came back to the table, stated she would not bring me a drink but that I could go to the bar and order it. We immediately got the manager who rectified the situation, served us and we were able to express our frustrations and confusion and got a new server who was awesome. This experience was so bizarre and off-putting and I don’t think my family, friends or myself and my husband will ever be back. Again, we always have a great experience apart from this one server, so hopefully if you go you will be fortunate and have a...