Even if the food wasn't good (which it was amazing), the restaurant building is one of my favorite places I've ever eaten! From the moment we arrived we treated as friends rather than just patrons of the restaurant. We were taken through the restaurant on a mini tour; being shown the kitchen, dinning room and restroom location. Our table was outside on what was a beautiful summer evening. Between the four in our party we had 3 orders of the Maine Lobster Linguine, 1 Spice Crusted Sea Bass, Bread and Brie as our appetizers. To finish dinner we order the Creme Brûlée and Chocolate Pot De Creme. Everything was made to perfection, from the start of our meal to the finish. I think anything we would have ordered would have been delicious, the care and attention to detail is evident in every part of Star Diner; they care about you and your dining experience! I look forward to our next visit (although our friends are the lucky ones, only living 20 minutes away; we live a little more than 9 hours away in Pennsylvania). The food, staff and atmosphere is second to none! Well done and thank you!
Katie W
This is a must place to stop and eat. The food was incredible and the chef and his wife run the diner and have Made it such a unique and delicious experience. We went for brunch and every bite was savory. We enjoyed not only the food but the atmosphere. Our waiter Britt was attentive and friendly. We enjoyed talking to him and learning more about the area. The restaurant is a favorite with the locals, we were treated like family as well. You will not be disappointed and I recommend a reservation if you go for dinner.
Mitzvah21
I experienced one of the most unique and flavorful meals at this nostalgic, high end diner! I had never eaten grits before, nor had I ever heard of Brûlée’d eggs (not even sure I spelled that correctly). As soon as Brûlée eggs were explained, I knew we had a talented and original chef creating our meals. I have a feeling this experience has set a high bar for my next grits experience. The flavor of the pork schnitzel and Andouille gravy will make you understand when cooking shows describe the different flavors noticed in a bite of something. My friend had the shrimp cakes and enjoyed them too. Then there is the ambiance and engaging owner that only adds to the experience. Obviously I can’t say enough about this restaurant!
Chanel Harrison
Great food great drinks a wholeeee vibe
Williamsons2014
This is a five-star restaurant in one of the few authentic, gracious small towns remaining in the American South. Admittedly, Asheville is a great city for food and drink, but Star Diner is worth the exceptionally scenic drive from Asheville. Escape the tourists and enjoy an evening in a wonderful small town on the French Broad River. Our dinner on Saturday night was so good that we went back for brunch on Sunday. (Okay, I admit - we spent the night just down the street at the Old Marshall Jail Hotel, but we had other options.)
774juliev
What a surprise! We were in town to visit family and just wandered in to one of the best dining experiences we’ve ever had.
planningpro
Former Tupelo Honey chef has his own restaurant in downtown Marshall. Creative menu in old gas station with only outdoor seating. Hot night nearly ruined experience. But fried chicken saltimbocca was delicious .
jillcJ9565IU
Star Diner is a standout in our community. It has always been the go-to restaurant for special celebrations or for an evening to impress visitors. Now they're serving lunch and it measures up with their dinners and brunch. Worth a trip from Asheville or beyond.
williamsM29HU
It was a beautiful evening and lovely to sit outside for dinner. We had the scallops special and the angel hair alio olio with vegetables. The scallops were perfectly seared, moist and flavourful. The pasta & vegetables were really delicious. Nice wine selection and great service. Looking forward to a return visit.
Daniel C
Awesome food and staff. They handled my shellfish allergy concerns vero well. I had the bison meatloaf. First time eating bison for me. Very tasty. The cake was to die for and was complimented with press-made coffee.
For Marshall, this is a good restaurant. The setting is pleasant. Skip the bread, though, and ask for the freshest desserts.
Jeffrey P
We were searching for a heated outdoor dining place near our home in Asheville, NC where we could bring our two young children (both toddlers). This restaurant was mentioned to us and we're so glad we found it. The space is so charming, and the outdoor area is wonderful and is both covered and heated when needed. The staff was wonderful and super understanding of life with toddlers, even allowing them to climb inside the collection of vintage trucks. Everything we ate was incredible!
Wanderlust3483
We have wanted to try this place for over a year now and were finally able to on our anniversary for brunch. Everything was fantastic. The seating is outside under patio heaters and we were quite warm the entire time, even asking someone to turn one down a bit. The ambiance is so eclectic, the building is old and very well renovated. The service was impeccable. In all, this meal was about $60 per person with gratuity, so it's a little cost prohibitive unless it's a special occasion. We also had everything from drinks to dessert, so that adds up fast. The mimosas were fantastic, the brie appetizer was delicious, the entrees and dessert were great as well. I can't wait to be able to visit again. Keep up the great work, Star Diner staff!
ericsN1107TX
A bit off the beaten path, to say the least, but well worth the scenic drive getting there. If I have any complaint, it is our not realizing that we had to “ignore” the conspicuously placed “wait to be seated” sign outside the front door… in plain sight of the servers working the outdoor dining area… and actually come inside the front door to be acknowledged… that was silly on both ends. Seating is outdoors with gas heaters, which was fine. We were warm in spite of the cold chill in the Autumn air. Once seated, the service was attentive. The meal was excellent!!!
L9330PLharrys
We’ve now experienced the Star Diner several times and remain impressed. I’m originally from Asheville and now reside in Johnson City, Tn, both of which have multiple and varied restaurants. So here’s Marshal, an out of the way, stop on the road and a small restaurant in an ancient gas station. Yet the food and service are incredible. Al of the menu items are prepared when ordered so be patient as it will be worth it. Sunday brunch is exceptional. Prices are reasonable for quality of food and service. Well worth the one hour drive from home. Give it a try. You’ll not be disappointed.
Even if the food wasn't good (which it was amazing), the restaurant building is one of my favorite places I've ever eaten! From the moment we arrived we treated as friends rather than just patrons of the restaurant. We were taken through the restaurant on a mini tour; being shown the kitchen, dinning room and restroom location. Our table was outside on what was a beautiful summer evening. Between the four in our party we had 3 orders of the Maine Lobster Linguine, 1 Spice Crusted Sea Bass, Bread and Brie as our appetizers. To finish dinner we order the Creme Brûlée and Chocolate Pot De Creme. Everything was made to perfection, from the start of our meal to the finish. I think anything we would have ordered would have been delicious, the care and attention to detail is evident in every part of Star Diner; they care about you and your dining experience! I look forward to our next visit (although our friends are the lucky ones, only living 20 minutes away; we live a little more than 9 hours away in Pennsylvania). The food, staff and atmosphere is second to none! Well done and thank you!
This is a must place to stop and eat. The food was incredible and the chef and his wife run the diner and have Made it such a unique and delicious experience. We went for brunch and every bite was savory. We enjoyed not only the food but the atmosphere. Our waiter Britt was attentive and friendly. We enjoyed talking to him and learning more about the area. The restaurant is a favorite with the locals, we were treated like family as well. You will not be disappointed and I recommend a reservation if you go for dinner.
I experienced one of the most unique and flavorful meals at this nostalgic, high end diner! I had never eaten grits before, nor had I ever heard of Brûlée’d eggs (not even sure I spelled that correctly). As soon as Brûlée eggs were explained, I knew we had a talented and original chef creating our meals. I have a feeling this experience has set a high bar for my next grits experience. The flavor of the pork schnitzel and Andouille gravy will make you understand when cooking shows describe the different flavors noticed in a bite of something. My friend had the shrimp cakes and enjoyed them too. Then there is the ambiance and engaging owner that only adds to the experience. Obviously I can’t say enough about this restaurant!
Great food great drinks a wholeeee vibe
This is a five-star restaurant in one of the few authentic, gracious small towns remaining in the American South. Admittedly, Asheville is a great city for food and drink, but Star Diner is worth the exceptionally scenic drive from Asheville. Escape the tourists and enjoy an evening in a wonderful small town on the French Broad River. Our dinner on Saturday night was so good that we went back for brunch on Sunday. (Okay, I admit - we spent the night just down the street at the Old Marshall Jail Hotel, but we had other options.)
What a surprise! We were in town to visit family and just wandered in to one of the best dining experiences we’ve ever had.
Former Tupelo Honey chef has his own restaurant in downtown Marshall. Creative menu in old gas station with only outdoor seating. Hot night nearly ruined experience. But fried chicken saltimbocca was delicious .
Star Diner is a standout in our community. It has always been the go-to restaurant for special celebrations or for an evening to impress visitors. Now they're serving lunch and it measures up with their dinners and brunch. Worth a trip from Asheville or beyond.
It was a beautiful evening and lovely to sit outside for dinner. We had the scallops special and the angel hair alio olio with vegetables. The scallops were perfectly seared, moist and flavourful. The pasta & vegetables were really delicious. Nice wine selection and great service. Looking forward to a return visit.
Awesome food and staff. They handled my shellfish allergy concerns vero well. I had the bison meatloaf. First time eating bison for me. Very tasty. The cake was to die for and was complimented with press-made coffee.
Restaurantji Recommends
For Marshall, this is a good restaurant. The setting is pleasant. Skip the bread, though, and ask for the freshest desserts.
We were searching for a heated outdoor dining place near our home in Asheville, NC where we could bring our two young children (both toddlers). This restaurant was mentioned to us and we're so glad we found it. The space is so charming, and the outdoor area is wonderful and is both covered and heated when needed. The staff was wonderful and super understanding of life with toddlers, even allowing them to climb inside the collection of vintage trucks. Everything we ate was incredible!
We have wanted to try this place for over a year now and were finally able to on our anniversary for brunch. Everything was fantastic. The seating is outside under patio heaters and we were quite warm the entire time, even asking someone to turn one down a bit. The ambiance is so eclectic, the building is old and very well renovated. The service was impeccable. In all, this meal was about $60 per person with gratuity, so it's a little cost prohibitive unless it's a special occasion. We also had everything from drinks to dessert, so that adds up fast. The mimosas were fantastic, the brie appetizer was delicious, the entrees and dessert were great as well. I can't wait to be able to visit again. Keep up the great work, Star Diner staff!
A bit off the beaten path, to say the least, but well worth the scenic drive getting there. If I have any complaint, it is our not realizing that we had to “ignore” the conspicuously placed “wait to be seated” sign outside the front door… in plain sight of the servers working the outdoor dining area… and actually come inside the front door to be acknowledged… that was silly on both ends. Seating is outdoors with gas heaters, which was fine. We were warm in spite of the cold chill in the Autumn air. Once seated, the service was attentive. The meal was excellent!!!
We’ve now experienced the Star Diner several times and remain impressed. I’m originally from Asheville and now reside in Johnson City, Tn, both of which have multiple and varied restaurants. So here’s Marshal, an out of the way, stop on the road and a small restaurant in an ancient gas station. Yet the food and service are incredible. Al of the menu items are prepared when ordered so be patient as it will be worth it. Sunday brunch is exceptional. Prices are reasonable for quality of food and service. Well worth the one hour drive from home. Give it a try. You’ll not be disappointed.