Dining
Farm-to-Table Flavor on the Water
At Willow Tree Restaurant Catering and Baking, food is part of the experience. Our kitchen focuses on fresh, seasonal dishes inspired by local farms, Appalachian flavors, and the slower rhythm of lake life.
Join us for breakfast, lunch, or dinner in the dining room or outside on the lakeside patio. Whether you are starting your morning before a day on the water, stopping in after a hike, or settling in for dinner with a view, our menu is built around simple ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and warm hospitality.
Our full bar (coming soon) features regional craft beers, curated wines, and signature cocktails, with dockside lunch service and special wine pairings available for guests looking to make the most of the lake.
Today’s Menus
Our menus change with the season, the market, and what is fresh that day. Check back here for the latest breakfast, lunch, dinner, bar, and specials menus before your visit.
Menus are updated daily and are subject to change based on seasonal availability.
Lodge Dinner Menu
Fireside Bar Menu
Lodge Lunch Menu
Fireside Bar Drink Menu
Note: For questions about today’s menu or dietary accommodations, please call the lodge before your visit.
From Morning Coffee to Lakeside Dinner
Start the day with a relaxed breakfast before heading out to explore Lake Santeetlah and the Nantahala National Forest. Return for a casual lunch on the patio, or make dinner the reason to slow down and stay awhile.
The restaurant is open to lodge guests and visitors. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, holidays, and during peak travel seasons.
Dining Hours:
Breakfast
(Reservation only for non lodge guests.)
7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Lunch
(Thursday – Sunday)
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Dinner
(Thursday – Sunday)
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Regional Beer, Curated Wine & Signature Cocktails
(Coming Soon).
Settle in with a drink before dinner, enjoy a glass of wine on the patio, or ask about pairing options for your meal. Our bar features regional craft beers, curated wines, and signature cocktails designed to complement the setting — relaxed, unfussy, and rooted in the mountains.
Dockside Lunch, Wine Pairings (Coming Soon) & Sunset Cruises
Make lunch part of your day on the lake. Dockside lunch service is available for an additional charge, with menu options prepared for guests enjoying time on the water.
Ask about sunset boat cruises with dockside wine pairings — a simple way to take in Lake Santeetlah at its quietest and most beautiful hour.
Dockside service and sunset cruise pairings are available seasonally and may require advance notice.
Pastries, Breads &
Seasonal Baked Goods
Willow Tree Restaurant Catering and Baking also offers fresh pastries and baked goods made for slow mornings, coffee on the porch, and special gatherings. Availability changes daily, so ask what is fresh from the kitchen when you arrive.
Catering for Gatherings by the Lake
From intimate weddings and rehearsal dinners to family gatherings, retreats, and holiday celebrations, Willow Tree provides on-site catering for events at Lake Santeetlah Lodge.
Our team works with you to create a menu that fits the setting, the season, and the people around the table.
Event Types:
Reserve Your Table
We recommend making dining reservations in advance, especially during weekends, holidays, and peak travel seasons. Lodge guests and visitors are welcome.
For same-day availability, daily menu questions, or special requests, please call the lodge.
Good Food. Good Views. No Rush.
At Lake Santeetlah Lodge, dining is meant to feel easy — a good meal, a beautiful view, and time to enjoy both.
