[Former] Owner Robert Lightkep opened the restaurant on the 19th of April, 2001, and has been serving fresh fish, salads, and unique dishes ever since. "I have seafood deliveries every day that we're open," Robert said. "I want to give the people the best quality available and the freshest produce available, so I buy only the freshest and best products that I can." In addition to fresh food, meals are served on a covered patio overlooking a pond and fountain.

Robert Lightkep has a long history in the Cashiers area, attending Blue Ridge High School. At that time, Robert began working in the kitchen in Sapphire Valley when he was 14. After graduation, he went to Florida and tenured at Maison Jarden in Orlando before returning to North Carolina.

Robert serves about 250 people a day between lunch and dinner. Reservations for dinner are recommended and sometimes they are full for weeks in advance.

He credits his staff with a lot of the Lightwater Grille's success. Chef Linda Farmer is very creative, he says. Abigail Foley at the front desk helps keep things together for both staff and customers.

Lightwater Grille can cater parties at the restaurant or in your home.

Download the complete lunch and dinner menus here (Zip file, 360k - images are in JPG format).