The Sweet Onion

There’s something magical about sitting by an open window on a warm evening, light breeze blowing, a beautiful view, good food and drink. And there’s no better place than The Sweet Onion Restaurant to do just that.

Nestled amidst galleries, bookstores, and specialty shops in downtown Waynesville, N.C., this trendy eatery is a perfect stop for a casual lunch or a fine dinner. Owners Jenny and Doug Weaver and Daniel Elliott opened The Sweet Onion in July 2007. Prior to that, they owned the Wildfire restaurant just down Main Street for four years. 

The Sweet Onion offers two dining areas, one fairly private, the other housing the open-air kitchen. If it’s not too crowded, a diner can sit at the small, yet popular bar. The interior is decorated with deep reds and purples, various earth tones, and beautiful wood floors. Artwork is bright and eclectic. A spring onion motif appears throughout the restaurant, on signs, wall hangings and even the wooden booths in the back.

Begin with a glass of wine or a cold beer on tap, such as Highland Brewing Company’s Gaelic Ale from Asheville, N.C. Or order freshly squeezed lemonade, sparkling water, or freshly brewed tea or coffee.

Each meal starts with a basket of complimentary, homemade, buttery cheese biscuits, light and delicious. The server will keep them coming, but don’t fill up too much — there’s much more to enjoy.

The Sweet Onion boasts a variety of appetizers, including ginger pork eggrolls or wild mushroom bruschetta. If it’s ocean fare you’re craving, order the calamari frita, lightly breaded and served with three distinct sauces, or indulge in the lump crab cake, truly a rich, indulgent treat.

The restaurant’s signature sweet onion soup is full-bodied and a nice accompaniment to the many salads. Enjoy a garden salad with sun-dried cranberries and candied pecans. Be sure not to miss out on the lemongrass vinaigrette. Other salads include a crispy mozzarella tomato salad, a pesto chicken caesar salad, and an Asian chicken salad with crispy wontons. 

Typically, Sweet Onion offers two creative dinner specials along with the daily menu options. Entrees range from bacon-wrapped meatloaf and chicken-fried steak to ranch fettuccini alfredo and peanut pad Thai. Grilled chicken, ribs, and select steaks are also available. 

The Sweet Onion really stands out with its seafood. Their pink Sunburst trout is from just down the road at Sunburst Trout Farm in Canton. Also on the menu are Carolina low country shrimp and grits, brown sugar grilled salmon, and cornmeal dusted catfish.

If you’re in the mood for a good sandwich, you won’t be disappointed. Try the Carolina pulled pork on a French roll, the open-faced roast beef with herbed au jus, Swiss cheese, and caramelized onions, or the fried catfish, which resembles a jumbo-sized, New Orleans-style po-boy.

By now your sweet tooth is probably calling. The Sweet Onion has three dessert choices that are sure to please. The Southern pecan crème brulee offers a good mix of crunchy and creamy. The caramel apple crisp and Dutch chocolate cake are both served warm a la mode.

Reservations are accepted every night, but for only a small portion of the restaurant. Most seating is first come, first serve. Valentine’s Day is the only night of the year where reservations are required in advance.

Next time you’re visiting the Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina, enjoy a meal at The Sweet Onion — and a sweet breeze, too.

The Sweet Onion Restaurant is located at 39 Miller St. in Waynesville, N.C. Open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and until 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Closed Sunday. By late spring, evening hours are extended until at least 9 p.m. For more information, call 828.456.5559.