Dining (Call or check online for winter hours.)
The High Country has seen an explosion of dining options with an increasing variety of cuisine. From traditional southern cooking to sushi to Indian and Asian options, you’ll find something to delight your palette. In the winter many places are closed on Sunday night or early in the week, but the weekends offer you the full selection. Call or check the websites listed with each restaurant to confirm winter hours.
The Best Cellar
1861 Farmhouse Restaurant
3608 Hwy 194 S, Valle Crucis – 828-963-6301 – www.1861farmhouse.com
Restaurant and winery in a 151 year old fully restored Victoria Farmhouse.
Barra
140 Azalea Circle in downtown Banner Elk – 828-898-5214 – 828-897-7727 – www.bannerelkbarra.com
Cigar Bar and sports lounge. Seven flat screen TVs.
Bistro Roca and Antler’s Bar
143 Wonderland Trail, Blowing Rock – 828-295-4008 – www.bistroroca.com
American bistro fare and wood fired pizza. Lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Restaurant parking.
Blowing Rock Alehouse & Brewery
150 Sunset Dr, Blowing Rock – 828-414-9600 – www.blowingrockbrewing.com
The feeling of an English Pub with the mood of a French Bistro.
Café Portofino
970 Rivers St, Boone – 828-264-7772 – www.cafeportofino.net
Sandwiches, pasta, and steaks. Fine dining in a casual atmosphere.
Canyons
8960 Hwy 321 heading out of Blowing Rock towards Lenoir 828-295-7661 – canyonsbr.com
A wall of windows overlooking the majestic John’s River Gorge. Sunday Jazz Brunch.
Casa Rustica Italian-American Restaurant
1348 Hwy 105 Boone – 828-262-5128 – www.casarustica1981.com
A long time Boone favorite run by the Pedroni family since 1981. Easy on-site parking.
Cha Da Thai
173 Howard St, Boone – 828-268-0434 – www.chadathai-nc.com
Extensive Thai menu with good beer and wine selections. Lunch and dinner.
Char Restaurant and Bar
179 Howard St, Boone – 828-266-2179 – www.char179.com
Upscale casual dining in a sophisticated setting. Weekly nightlife and entertainment.
Cobo Sushi Bistro and Bar
161 Howard St, Ste B, Boone – 828-386-1201 – www.cobosushi.com
A sophisticated new addition to the Boone dining experience. Dinner only, but open late. Closed Sunday & Monday.
Gamekeeper Restaurant
3005 Schulls Mill Rd, Boone – 828-963-7400 – www.gamekeeper-nc.com
AAA Four Diamond Rating for six years running. Bison, ostrich, venison and more. Worth navigating the twisty scenic road. Between Boone and Blowing Rock.
Joy Bistro
115 New Market Center, Boone – 828-265-0500 – www.joybistroboone.com
Fine Continental/French dining. Dinner only. Closed Monday.
Louisiana Purchase
397 Shawneehaw Ave., Banner Elk – 828-898-5656 – www.louisianapurchasefoodandspirits.com
Fine Creole and Cajun dining for twenty six years. Dinner only. Closed Sunday.
Makoto’s
2124 Blowing Rock Rd, Boone – 828-264-7977 – www.makotos-boone.com
Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar. Daily Specials.
Mellow Mushroom
805 W. King St, Boone – 828-865-1515
155 Sunset Dr, Blowing Rock – 828-295-3399
mellowmushroom.com
Pizza, hoagies, salads and more.
Two locations in the High Country.
Mint Indian Cuisine
203 Boone Heights Dr, Boone – 828-386-1441 – www.mintnc.com
Only Indian restaurant in the High Country.
Our Daily Bread Delicatessen
627 W. King St, Boone – 828-264-0173 – www.ourdailybreadboone.com
Soups, salads, sandwiches and desserts. Beer and wine.
Rowland’s at the Westglow Resort & Spa
224 Westglow Circle, Blowing Rock – 828-295-4463 – www.westglowresortandspa.com/15/rowlands-restaurant
Simplicity at the Mast Farm Inn
2543 Broadstone Road Valle Crucis – 828- 963-5857 – www.themastfarminn.com/simplicitys-menu
Gourmet, organic, fine dining. À-la-carte and Chef’s Menu nightly except Sunday and Monday. Sunday brunch.
Sorrento’s Italian Bistro
140 Azalea Circle in downtown Banner Elk – 828-898-5214 – www.sorrentosbistro.com
Italian with French influences. Nicole Palazzo is the 3rd generation family chef.
Sushi Club
140 Azalea Circle in downtown Banner Elk – 828-898-1940 – www.bannerelksushiclub.com
Sushi, drinks, dancing and entertainment. Open late.
Storie Street Grille
1167 Main St, Blowing Rock – 828-295-7075 – www.storiestreetgrille.com
Lunch and dinner in the heart of Main St. Local ingredients and regional flavors. Closed Sunday through Tuesday in winter.
The Best Cellar in the Inn at Ragged Gardens
203 Sunset Drive, Blowing Rock – 828-295-3466 – www.ragged-gardens.com/blowing_rock_restaurant.html
Fine dining since 1975
See our full review at www.capitalatplay.com/best-cellar
The New Public House & Hotel
239 Sunset Dr., Blowing Rock – 828-414-5018 – www.thenewpublichouse.com
Southern inspired small plates and full meals.
Timberlake’s Restaurant at the Chetola Resort
North Main St, Blowing Rock – 828-295-5500 – www.chetola.com/restaurants.html
Breakfast and dinner.
Twigs Restaurant and Bar
7956 Valley Blvd, Blowing Rock – 828-295-5050 – www.twigsbr.com
A fine dining restaurant and casual bar. Live music on the weekends. Parking.
Vidalia Restaurant & Wine Bar
831 W. King St., Boone – 828-263-9176 – www.vidaliaofboonenc.com
2nd Place Fine Dining winner for Best Dish in North Carolina. Lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Closed Mondays.
Zuzda Tapas Restaurant and Bar
502 W Main St, Banner Elk – 828-898-4166 – www.zuzda.com/menu.html
Extensive current menu selections online. Spanish and other progressive small plate dining.
