Santiago Guzzetti’s ever-evolving seasonal menu showcases the restaurant’s relationships with local farmers, fishermen and artisanal producers across Western North Carolina while displaying the unmatched skill and technique of southern Italian cooking.įrom our bar you will enjoy innovative cocktails curated by credible NYC bar and spirits professional, Antoine Maurice Hodge. Santi’s Sicilian grandmother, Ilda, is his inspiration as he inherited his passion for cooking from her. The wines chosen for Ilda will be both classics and rarities with a focus on Italian varietals.

Crystal’s passion for traveling and wine has taken her around the world, but like Karen, she believes the magic lives in Sylva. Karen, a sassy Sicilian from New Jersey, not only left a huge impact on Crystal, but the entire town of Sylva. This restaurant space is especially heartfelt for Crystal because this is where her stepmom, Karen Martar, opened her first restaurant, “Meatballs” nearly 40 years ago. Santiago and Crystal met while working in New York and together, the two bought a small restaurant on the corner of Main Street and Mill Street in the heart of downtown Sylva, North Carolina.Ĭrystal is a Sylva native and the daughter of local stained glass artist, Bob Pace. This union of Italian and Southern Appalachian cuisine is the foundation where they will recreate the comfort you found at your grandmother’s kitchen table. Santiago’s heritage in Italian cuisine and Crystal’s ties to her hometown of Appalachia create a cuisine that is unique, but also honors and respects history. Nestled in the Smokey Mountains of Western North Carolina, the pair felt called to build a home that is rich in culture, craft and community. Ilda is the artisan passion project of husband & wife team Chef Santiago Guzzetti and Sommelier Crystal Pace. We welcome you to enjoy our rustic Italian-Appalachian cuisine along side inventive craft cocktails and unique wines in the very heart of downtown Sylva. Coach Dale 'Diesel' Collins, Bobby 'The Bearded Wonder' Bennett, and Shannon 'Big Mess' Messer host special guests Chef Santiago Guzzetti.

Jame restaurant sylva nc