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Willow Creek Inn, Vale, NC

Willow Creek Inn

4.3
4.3
42 reviews
$31 to $50
European
Welcome to The Willow Creek Inn. A unique and personalized dining experience. We have no preset menus at The Restaurant at Willow Creek Inn. Master Chef Mansour prepares his 5 Star Specialties based on the seasonal availability of fresh ingredients as well from the current offerings of local, organic vendors. From a romantic dinner for two during the week to one of our monthly special events The Willow Creek Inn does a little bit of everything.

Please see our menus for special events and for weekly dining. Looking for a personalized dinner or private party? Please call us to make arrangements with Mansour. Reservations must be placed at least 48 hours in advance.

Make a booking

2 people

19:00


Booked 1 time today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    European, Mediterranean, American

  • Hours of Operation

    Mon–Sat 6:00 pm–10:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (704) 276-1111

  • Payment Options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress Code

    Business Casual

  • Executive Chef

    Mansour Zand

  • Catering

    Here at The Willow Creek Inn we offer exquisite cuisine with a European flair. Our repertoire includes recipes gathered from chef Mansour's early years and his travels from around the world. From authentic Southern BBQ to traditional french cuisine your options are limitless! Feel free to take a look at some of our sample menus on our webpage or please call Mansour to discuss your event. The Willow Creek Inn is happy to deliver food for your next party or ask us about our venue space here on the property.

  • Private party facilities

    The Willow Creek Inn offers a variety of choices for private events. We have an indoor dining area, dining deck, and a pavilion on the property. These areas can accommodate an intimate dinner party to a large wedding. For anyone that has interest in our venues and pricing please call us to arrange an appointment so that we can discuss menu options and you can tour the property. Thank you!

  • Area

    Hickory

  • Parking Details

    Hotel Parking

  • Additional

    Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining

What 42 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.3
4.3 based on all time ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

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  1. DavidG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 8 March 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our food was some of the best quality, cooked and tast was outstanding.
  2. EricF

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on 15 February 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Horrible management. I had a reservation, and they cancel on me one hour before my reservation on Valentines Day. They overbooked. Then the manager was very unapologetic.
  3. DonaldF

    Miami

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 15 February 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The food was exquisite and the service was outstanding.
  4. OpenTable Diner

    Charlotte

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 2 January 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My sons birthday ! Wonderful experience
  5. OpenTable Diner

    Charlotte

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 16 October 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This experience is truly unique!!! The food was fantastic and the service next level! There’s a passion behind this offering that is hard to find! We chose the beef this time and our courses were paired very well. I’d have been satisfied if the meal ended with the soup, but the food kept coming. We plan to come back and try the fish and chicken - and of course the wine pairings - next time!
  6. AlexS

    Charlotte

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 19 June 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Location was closed, not in operation. Catering with 3-5 day prior notice only...
  7. BetsyD

    Charlotte

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 2 April 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    This was a very unique and unexpected dining experience. The exterior of the little house in the country along with the antique, grandmother's dining room feeling leaves one quite misled before the food is served. The food is extremely well thought out, well prepared and cooked to perfection. The set menu allows your party to enjoy the food almost as an unexpected surprise without having the stress of having to decide what to order followed by immediate buyers remorse. Even members of our party with most unworldly palette enjoyed everything that was served. We enjoyed the staff, our company, the wine, the food. It was a pleasurable experience and we will be making many return trips!
  8. RhondaW

    Charlotte

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 18 March 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Such a neat spot. A definite experience. Wonderful food and service.
  9. DannyT

    Jacksonville

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 26 February 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Quaint location. Food was incredible and staff was extremely pleasant. Courses were brought out timely. Chef came out near the end, pulled up a chair to our table and we had a great 10 minute discussion with him. Just an outstanding evening all the way around!
  10. Mccharlotte

    Charlotte

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on 12 February 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Food was very good but the experience with the staff and the connections they try to make are what sets this place apart from others in the greater Charlotte area.
  11. Hayden

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 9 January 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best dining experience I’ve had in my entire life! The food was amazing from start to finish and my water and wine glasses always remained full. The night we were there, Chef Mansour was also our server and he was incredible all around. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone that doesn’t want to plan out their entire menu and who loves food…can’t get any better than that!
  12. TrishJ

    Charlotte

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on 17 October 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    the service and food here has never disappointed me and I am a hard person to please
  13. KenD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 18 September 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Most of the food was grown there. Very fresh and delicious. Couldn't find that anywhere else. We are grateful for the evening.
  14. Mike

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 16 September 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best food in North Carolina, maybe in the USA. Personal service. Would recommend the Willow Creek Inn to everyone.
  15. StanleyC

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 29 August 2020

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    I really don’t want to write a bad review, but there was no live jazz as advertised and the food was served buffet style and was cold by the time we got to it. Still, I would be willing to give it another visit at a time when dinner was served tableside.
  16. ToniC

    Charlotte

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 22 August 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had an amazing dinner! The Chef was very friendly and menu was delicious! Will definitely be back. It is a must do experience!
  17. SteveK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 21 August 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of the best culinary experiences I’ve ever had! A very modest restaurant from the outside but don’t be fooled! The food was so unique and original and the Chef was quite a character. I’ll remember this meal for a long time. Can’t wait to go back!
  18. JimB

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 12 June 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    In as few words as possible. An impeccable dining experience. We felt as if Mansour invited us to his home to share a meal and what a delicious meal it was. Mr Zand gives a new meaning to farm to table. We will return soon with many in tow. Thanks Jim & Rose
  19. RobbF

    Charlotte

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on 15 February 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service was very good. Everyone from the Chef to the staff was friendly. The atmosphere was very nice. The quality of the meal was amazing and 6 courses for $100.00 is unbeatable. The fact that it included the wine and pre dinner cocktail was even more value. That being said, as a wine enthusiast, when I go back, I will bring my own wine for the main course. Yellowtail just didn’t do the Beef Wellington justice. But who can complain when you are already getting so much bang for your buck.
  20. JennyB

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 28 November 2019

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    The staff was incredibly friendly. Some food was amazing, some, nothing extraordinary. The place is clean inside, but very outdated and run down. From the parking lot to the condition of the building (outside moreso), there is much left to be desired. I am not high maintenance and find some older, one of a kind places, sometimes better than others. If the food was all outstanding, the rest of the stuff I could easily overlook. Potatoes were on the menu, and not an option that night as was stated. My kids were disappointed. The pumpkin cheesecake was wonderful. I asked for white wine, got red wine. Was okay overall. Wouldn't go back though.
  21. TimW

    New England

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 28 November 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Thanksgiving
  22. JasonT

    Charlotte

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 17 November 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Way off the beaten trial but well worth the hike great ambiance and conversation.
  23. TrudyP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 5 October 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Purchased this deal which cost $51 for a 4-course dinner for two. It was a 68 minute drive but traffic was not a problem on a Saturday evening. We were pleasantly greeted by the owner and chef, Manseur. He had called me earlier in the day to ask if would like steak or fish. I had fish (Sea Bass) and husband had wonderful selection of Filet Mignon. The first course was a type of lamb patty, and was quite filling, but I did not finish. The second course was a beautiful salad, straight from his garden, and it was absolutely delicious! I've not ever had a salad that good, ever! He brought us a small scoop of sorbet which was a palate cleanser. Then a few minutes later we were served the 3rd course, our entrees. They were both very delicious, prepared perfectly to our liking. It came with a tasty orzo that was also flavored with saffron. He served us a delicious Red Merlot that was top notch, loved it! He also brought out some bread and butter with our meal. The 4th course was a wonderful dessert, his homemade pecan pie. So yummy. When he bought the property years ago, there were 98 pecan trees on it! This is located among farmland. So please don't expect 4 or 5 star surroundings, but do expect food that is top notch! You can't lose on this deal, and sadly I doubt you will see that $51 price point for a 4-course dinner for two again for awhile! His website shows different fun occasions that you can book and reserve for future dates.
  24. clemsongrad71

    Charleston

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 29 July 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We loved talking with Chef Mansour a d our meal was scrumptious.
  25. TrishJ

    Charlotte

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on 12 May 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    wonderful presentation and finished product. Always get our moneys worth here
  26. Estrella

    Baltimore

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 2 March 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is my favorite restaurant in the area. It is a charming setting with beautifully laid tables, flowers, linens and proper silverware. The food is consistently good and I know I will have a nice leisure meal. I introduced my friends to it the other night and they said it was the freshest salad they had ever eaten and the food was delicious. Three of us had beef and you could cut it with a butter knife it is so tender. The fish was good and flavorful . Willow Creek is always a highlight of the dining experience. Highly recommend as it is small, intimate, delicious food, good service, great price and you get to know the chef who welcomes and seats you. You feel you are a guest in his home.
  27. BrettW

    Richmond

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on 20 January 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is a dining experience. It is not normal going out to eat dining. If you expect a menu, there isn't one. If you expect a wine list, there isn't one. You have a choice of wine Red or White, that is all. I believe some of the negative reviews for this restaurant are reviews done from the perspective of eating at a traditional restaurant and having multiple choices for everything. The chef does farm to table, they are his dishes. You can ask for gluten free and he will abide. But everything else is done very well by the chef. The food, the wine, the service, the atmosphere were all great. I hear he has special events throughout the year, we will try one in the future. But just dining there was an experience.
  28. RandyP

    New York Area

    9 reviews

    2.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on 28 December 2018

    overall2food2service1ambience1
    Don’t waste your $.
  29. Luckily

    New England

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on 22 November 2018

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    We went here for Thanksgiving. It was a lovely drive from Charlotte and the setting and building are very charming. From all we heard, the really great meals are not at Thanksgiving, but throughout the year at special dinners. Thanksgiving was really just OK in terms of the food. Several of the dishes on the buffet were cold, and we were first in line. We had to wait probably half an hour at our table before we were served soup and ok rolls, nothing special. Wine comes with dinner which was great, though don't expect fine wines or fine dining. The restaurant is in a house, and we were seated on the porch, where there were about ten other groups. The area where the buffet was located was a hodgepodge of papers, bags of rolls, books and paintings. The kind of sight you would expect at a slightly eccentric aunt's home. I say that as a rather eccentric aunt myself. Though my home when company comes is much neater than this was. I would love to go back for the Persian dinner or a meal that is specially planned for us. All in all, we were happy we went out to the country for Thanksgiving and enjoyed ourselves. The servers were friendly as was our host. I would chalk it up as a fun experience.
  30. WWZ1

    Charlotte

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 19 October 2018

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Fantastic food with a wonderful chef/host. I really cannot say enough good things about both of those. If it were closer, my wife and I would be regulars (and we probably will be wife's birthday regulars - it was that good!)
  31. TrishJ

    Charlotte

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on 10 August 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food, the service, everything, was perfect. Monsignor called in advanced and asked if we would like chicken fish or beef, and then took care of the rest. We had a succulent meal followed by the most divine lemon pound cake.
  32. ThomasR

    Raleigh

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on 28 July 2018

    overall1food1service1ambience2
    Chef ought to be ashamed of himself. What a disappointment. Nobody introduced themselves. Nobody told us what we were eating. Lentil soup was good. Salad was very good. It ended there. My wife's salmon was indistinguishable from what you can get at K&W Cafeteria or Golden Corral. Dry and overcooked. Awful. Our "beef" appeared to be prime rib that was subjected to meat tenderizer. All the plates had some kind of potato/beef/cheese slop and hopelessly overcooked carrots. One of our five "courses" was a tiny ball of sherbet to "refresh" our palates. Silly us, we thought we'd get an appetizer. Dessert was an unremarkable dry pound cake with pudding filling. Red wine was inoffensive. That's it. So, for 3 adults and a child we were charged $305. I can't remember when I was ripped off this badly. Please do yourself a favor and do not go there.
  33. JaniceB

    Charlotte

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 7 April 2018

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Way out of the way in Vale, NC is this little, quirky gem of a restaurant that has neither a menu nor a freezer. All dishes are prepared based on what fresh ingredients the chef can get that day. And the chef will call you ahead of time to find out whether you want beef, chicken or fish. We had a 5-course meal as well as fresh in-house baked bread and a palate cleanser of sorbet. The chef, Mansour Zand, pulled up a chair and chatted with us throughout the meal and kept our wine glasses full. The food was delicious, plentiful and interesting. I usually don't eat dessert but the lemon cake was just too good to pass up. There are very few restaurants that operate this way, with such personalized service and creative cookery, so it's a bonus that it's less than an hour's drive from Charlotte. Willow Creek Inn also hosts theme nights, so we'll be trying some of those for sure!
  34. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 18 February 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Valentines
  35. OpenTable Diner

    Charlotte

    3 reviews

    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 30 December 2017

    overall1food5service1ambience1
    Very rude Chef. Food was good but not worth his attitude. Wait staff had no idea what they were serving, you had to ask the rude chef. Who may or may not tell you. No menus, your choice is chicken,beef or fish, that is the description. So you get one protein and whatever else he wants to give you. He may take offense if you ask what something is. Our story is from the Twighlight Zone. I tried to paste it but couldn’t . I don’t recommend the restaurant nor the chef. Although the food was good. Other reviews mention his attitude. My wife told him he was a mean man when we left.
  36. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 23 November 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    So glad I came across the Willow Creek Inn for Thanksgiving...just wish I had come across it a year ago! Can't wait to see the place in the daylight and to experience some of the seasonal events, especially Persian New Years. Mansour is a wonderful, welcoming host. It appears that he speaks to every table in the restaurant. Looking forward to my next visit.
  37. LaDonnaB

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 21 October 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful event all the way around--setting, food, ambiance, and entertainment. Was definitely one of the best evenings I have spent in years.
  38. AnthonyT

    Charlotte

    6 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on 30 September 2017

    overall2food4service4ambience1
    Excellent food, and owner was very interesting to converse with between courses. However, tables are all close together in small room with no music, so there is no privacy. Obnoxious table next to us made everyone in the place miserable.
  39. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 30 September 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Easily one of the best experiences and meals my wife and I have ever had. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys great food and a simple atmosphere. The cook has an amazing sense of humor and is a joy to talk to . We were completely blown away by the experience.
  40. TrishJ

    Charlotte

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on 12 August 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A favorite and we will be back again and again. Monsignor is brilliant

FAQs

Willow Creek Inn is rated 4.3 stars by 42 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

19:00


Booked 1 time today
Google Map for Willow Creek Inn

3083 Wyant Rd, Vale, NC 28168

Additional information

  • Area

    Hickory

  • Hours of Operation

    Mon–Sat 6:00 pm–10:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    European, Mediterranean, American

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress Code

    Business Casual

  • Parking Details

    Hotel Parking

  • Payment Options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive Chef

    Mansour Zand

  • Additional

    Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining

  • Phone number

    (704) 276-1111

  • Catering

    Here at The Willow Creek Inn we offer exquisite cuisine with a European flair. Our repertoire includes recipes gathered from chef Mansour's early years and his travels from around the world. From authentic Southern BBQ to traditional french cuisine your options are limitless! Feel free to take a look at some of our sample menus on our webpage or please call Mansour to discuss your event. The Willow Creek Inn is happy to deliver food for your next party or ask us about our venue space here on the property.

  • Private party facilities

    The Willow Creek Inn offers a variety of choices for private events. We have an indoor dining area, dining deck, and a pavilion on the property. These areas can accommodate an intimate dinner party to a large wedding. For anyone that has interest in our venues and pricing please call us to arrange an appointment so that we can discuss menu options and you can tour the property. Thank you!

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