ILDA

12 Best Restaurants in Cashiers and Highlands, North Carolina | Eater Carolinas

"The dim, romantic atmosphere of Ilda cocoons customers as they contemplate the Italian-meets-Appalachian menu from chef Santiago Guzzetti. Seasonal plates, like the prosciutto and snap pea salad with bacon fat ranch, keep the menu fresh, but some classics always stick around, like Karen’s meatballs, an ode to Guzzetti’s mother-in-law and his wife, Crystal Pace. More nods to Western North Carolina can be seen in dishes like the green casarecce with ramp pesto and rabbit or the trout brodetto. If you sit at the bar, chat up co-owner Antoine Maurice Hodge about his latest cocktail creations." - Erin Perkins