Menu of The Secret Garden in Highlands, North Carolina, USA

Menu Overview

The Secret Garden, nestled in the heart of Highlands, NC, offers a culinary experience that feels both fresh and familiar. This charming spot, located at 208 N 5th St, embodies the essence of a relaxed, inviting lunch destination where the focus is clearly on quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation.

The menu is a vibrant blend of hearty sandwiches, crisp salads, and comforting soups, each crafted with care and seasonality in mind. Standout dishes like the chicken salad served on a flaky croissant showcase how simplicity can shine. The croissant’s buttery layers perfectly complement the fresh, flavorful chicken salad, creating a well-balanced bite that Jessie B aptly described as “absolutely delicious.” This combination is emblematic of The Secret Garden’s talent for elevating classic flavors without unnecessary fuss.

Salads like the “Godfather” continue to catch repeat diners’ attention. This offering is lauded not just for its taste but for consistent quality—a true mark of culinary reliability that invites loyal customers like Jeannie Chambers back again and again. The inclusion of fresh, tangy vegetables on crusty ciabatta rolls, as experienced by Ansel Strickland, reflects a menu rooted in thoughtful seasoning and freshness. Vegetable-forward sandwiches bring a complex but approachable taste that perfectly suits the restaurant’s relaxed, hip atmosphere.

Beyond sandwiches and salads, the butternut squash and street corn pasta salad are noteworthy highlights that bring seasonal depth and playful textures to the table. Soups, particularly the slow-simmered chicken noodle and tomato soup, offer warmth and comfort, hitting the perfect note for a leisurely midday meal. Andrea Gabbard’s comment about the chicken noodle soup captures the heart of The Secret Garden’s appeal—simple, soulful dishes made from scratch.

Pastries and baked goods, including fresh doughnuts, double chocolate muffins, and oatmeal pies, provide tempting sweet conclusions or midday treats. These baked delights, which can easily distract patrons browsing the deli case, underscore the kitchen’s well-rounded skill in both savory and sweet realms.

Atmosphere plays a key role in the dining experience here. Whether seated inside among welcoming families and professionals, or outside on a sunlit patio with dogs and lively groups, The Secret Garden fosters a community feel that is rare and refreshing. Owner attentiveness and a genuine family-oriented approach lend warmth that resonates with diners of all ages.

In sum, The Secret Garden’s menu is a masterclass in balanced, approachable dining. It offers fresh, thoughtfully composed dishes that invite repeat visits. From crisp salads and fresh sandwiches to comforting soups and homey baked goods, every element feels carefully crafted to deliver both comfort and excitement. If you find yourself wandering downtown Highlands, this tucked-away gem is a must-stop for anyone who values fresh flavors and a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.