Madison's Restaurant and Wine Garden
This elegant restaurant located inside Highlands, North Carolina’s Old Edwards Inn & Spa is more than a hotel eatery—it’s the fine dining hub for a local community that’s rich in arts and recreational activities. The biggest draw is the seasonally focused, Carolina-influenced menu—order a pan-seared pork chop and you’ll find it served with a dressed up version of local favorite hoppin’ john (that’s rice and peas to non-natives). Hearty breakfasts and lunches are served here, too, and in warm weather, you can dine outside in the inn’s attractive Wine Garden.
Our Inspector's Highlights
• Be it a mere celebration of the weekend or a wedding anniversary, the mood here is unquestionably upscale.
• If you’re up for it, allow sommelier Phillippe Brainos to take you on a vino journey with a host of reds from across Europe. You’ve already braved the winding roads getting to the resort, so what’s a few more tasty twists and turns?
• Chef Chris Huerta grows many of his ingredients on property in the resort's gardens and greenhouses.
• If you’re up for it, allow sommelier Phillippe Brainos to take you on a vino journey with a host of reds from across Europe. You’ve already braved the winding roads getting to the resort, so what’s a few more tasty twists and turns?
• Chef Chris Huerta grows many of his ingredients on property in the resort's gardens and greenhouses.
Things to Know
• Madison’s is located off the main lobby of the charming Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Old Edwards Inn & Spa. The casually elegant, Southern-influenced American restaurant is the main dining venue at this sprawling, historic inn.
• You can sample a lengthy list of breakfast favorites, from fresh omelets to buttermilk pancakes, between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., or try the lunch menu of salads, sandwiches and pizzas between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Dinner, a more formal experience, is served in the charming, rustic dining room between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
• Much like Madison’s fun but formal menu, its dress code requirements are equally as versatile. Though the central restaurant at Old Edwards Inn & Spa has its regulars who wear blazers and beautiful summer dresses to dinner, there is also a contingent of guests that's a bit less formal in khakis and loafers.
• You can sample a lengthy list of breakfast favorites, from fresh omelets to buttermilk pancakes, between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., or try the lunch menu of salads, sandwiches and pizzas between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Dinner, a more formal experience, is served in the charming, rustic dining room between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
• Much like Madison’s fun but formal menu, its dress code requirements are equally as versatile. Though the central restaurant at Old Edwards Inn & Spa has its regulars who wear blazers and beautiful summer dresses to dinner, there is also a contingent of guests that's a bit less formal in khakis and loafers.
The Food
• Craft a meal from the seasonally driven menu—even a simple garden salad is almost too beautiful to eat, with farm-fresh vegetables and edible flower garnishes.
• Some of our favorite items on the menu? A great rib eye and a glass of North Carolina’s finest riesling.
• If you’re in the mood for a rich dessert, the chocolate bourbon soufflé is the way to go. Although this dish does not appear on the restaurant’s daily menu, it does turn up quite frequently. Executive pastry chef Vinzenz Aschbacher appreciates the sought-after bourbon-infused confection.
• Some of our favorite items on the menu? A great rib eye and a glass of North Carolina’s finest riesling.
• If you’re in the mood for a rich dessert, the chocolate bourbon soufflé is the way to go. Although this dish does not appear on the restaurant’s daily menu, it does turn up quite frequently. Executive pastry chef Vinzenz Aschbacher appreciates the sought-after bourbon-infused confection.
The Look
• The inviting room, with its stone-clad walls, exposed beams and rich earth tones, has a rustic appeal, and many tables offer a view of Highlands’ quaint downtown streets.
• Slip into one of the comfortable banquettes — they are the ideal place to enjoy a leisurely meal.
• It's not called the Old Edwards Inn for nothing, there is an older-worldly charm to the restaurant.
• Slip into one of the comfortable banquettes — they are the ideal place to enjoy a leisurely meal.
• It's not called the Old Edwards Inn for nothing, there is an older-worldly charm to the restaurant.
Getting There
445 Main Street, Highlands, North Carolina 28741
TEL828-787-2525 / 828-787-2625
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