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High Country Foodie Spots!
There are so many amazing places to eat here in the High Country! Below is a list of foodie favorites that have earned great reputations with locals and visitors alike.
Full disclosure — we haven’t made it to all of them yet (we’re working on it!).
If you try one and love it — or even if it’s not your thing — we’d love to hear about your experience!
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We've arranged these by location, starting with those closest to Sugartime.
And if you just want to grab a beer, we've included a list of local breweries at the bottom!
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Banner Elk/Sugar Mountain (10 mins)
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Banner Elk & Sugar Mountain
LP on Main is more than a restaurant — it’s a heartfelt gathering place where good food and community come together. As Banner Elk recovers from Hurricane Helene, LP on Main welcomes everyone back with the comfort of home-cooked hospitality and fresh, local ingredients. The menu highlights North Carolina seafood, locally raised meats, and produce from nearby farms like Trosly and Springhouse. With a full bar, craft cocktails, and local brews, every meal here feels like a shared celebration — from their family to yours.
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Highland’s Prohibition Kitchen
Speakeasy cocktail bar with tapas – we haven’t been but it’s on our list! Hidden right in the heart of Banner Elk, Highlands Prohibition Kitchen takes you back to the Roaring ’20s with its cozy candlelight, smooth jazz, and vintage bar vibe. The menu puts a fresh spin on classic dishes, and the cocktails are as creative as they are delicious. It’s the kind of place that feels special but never stuffy — perfect for date night, a fun evening with friends, or just soaking up that old-school charm with a great drink in hand.
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Nestled at the base of Grandfather Mountain, Reid’s Café is all about fresh, thoughtful food made with care. This local favorite serves up seasonal dishes built around the best ingredients from nearby farms. From housemade focaccia and pastries to slow-roasted meats and small-batch dressings, everything here is crafted from scratch and full of flavor. It’s the kind of place that feels both cozy and elevated — a true taste of the High Country done right.
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Tucked above Sorrento’s Bistro in the heart of Banner Elk, The Chef’s Table offers an elegant yet welcoming dining experience. The menu blends American, Italian, and Japanese influences, featuring locally sourced ingredients and seasonal flavors from the farms of western North Carolina. Each dish feels like a work of art — creative, fresh, and beautifully presented. With its cozy, refined atmosphere and thoughtfully chosen wines, The Chef’s Table is perfect for a special night out.
Blowing Rock
A longtime Blowing Rock favorite, The Best Cellar started back in 1975 in a little basement on Main Street — where they once served soups, sandwiches, and even sold used books (hence the name!). These days, it’s one of the High Country’s most beloved fine dining spots, known for its fresh seafood, hand-cut steaks, and cozy, romantic vibe. Everything on the menu — from entrées to desserts — is made fresh daily, and the wine list is top-notch. Perfect for a date night or a special occasion, it’s a true local gem that combines great food, history, and Southern charm. Reservations a must!
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The Gamekeeper is a true High Country favorite — a cozy mountain spot where fine dining meets Southern comfort. The seasonally changing menu focuses on creative, locally inspired comfort food with a twist, featuring game meats like emu, bison, venison, elk, trout, and duck, along with plenty of fresh vegetables from nearby farms. It’s a place where you can enjoy something adventurous yet familiar, all crafted with care and quality. The bar boasts an impressive wine list and a lineup of fun, fancy cocktails — but whatever you do, don’t skip the bread pudding. It’s what they’re famous for! It's about a 20-minute drive from Sugartime, on the way to Blowing Rock off winding Shulls Mill Rd - reservations required!
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Perched high above Blowing Rock, Gideon Ridge Restaurant celebrates the best of Appalachian flavors and seasonal ingredients. The menu changes often — sometimes even daily — depending on what local farmers are harvesting. From ramps and morels to soft-shell crab and mountain beef, every dish is fresh, creative, and full of local character. Reservations are a must!
Once a 1950s gas station, The Speckled Trout has transformed into one of Blowing Rock’s most beloved spots for local flavor and community. The kitchen celebrates Appalachian food traditions with a fresh, modern twist — think mountain trout, soup beans, and hoecakes paired with local ciders, craft beers, and small-batch wines. The menu changes with the seasons, always rooted in what’s grown and brewed nearby. It’s a place that feels both down-home and inspired — where good food, good drink, and good company come together in true High Country style. Reservations not required, but it does get busy. Bar seating is available.
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Boone
The Beacon shines as a love letter to handmade, intentional food. Set beside Boone’s iconic Water Wheel, this cozy spot focuses on seasonal menus built around the best local ingredients — from housemade aioli and cast iron cornbread to naturally fermented pickles and locally butchered meats. Every detail feels cared for and crafted with purpose. It’s a perfect reflection of High Country dining at its best: fresh, thoughtful, and full of heart.
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Not fancy, but some of the best burgers around! Alongside burgers, sandwiches and snacks are all made from fresh, local ingredients and the cocktails are crafted with just as much care. It’s the kind of place where you can kick back, grab a great drink, and enjoy a meal that’s both familiar and full of flavor. The friendly staff and lively atmosphere make The Cardinal a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike.
Daniel and the Dog
Tucked inside the historic 1850 Hotel, Daniel & The Dog blends mountain heritage with modern sophistication. Named in honor of Daniel Boone and his loyal hunting dogs, this stylish spot captures the spirit of adventure in every sip and bite. The cocktail menu pairs tradition with creativity, while Chef Jimmy Smith’s elevated Appalachian dishes showcase local, seasonal ingredients in surprising and delightful ways. With its cozy ambiance and refined hospitality, Daniel & The Dog is the perfect place to unwind, connect, and savor a little Blue Ridge storytelling with your supper.
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Casual Indian cuisine nestled in a strip mall - but some of the best Indian we've had in the US! Bringing bold flavors and modern flair to the High Country, Mint Indian Cuisine celebrates the rich heritage of Indian cooking while adding a fresh, creative twist. The menu is full of vibrant dishes — from aromatic curries and spicy appetizers to sweet, comforting desserts — all crafted with care and authentic flavor. Inspired by India’s long culinary history and a passion for innovation, Mint offers an experience that’s both traditional and exciting. It’s the perfect spot to spice up your stay in Boone.
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Right in the heart of downtown Boone, The Social is all about good food, craft cocktails, and community. This family-owned spot was built on the same friendly spirit as its sister restaurant, The Local, and has quickly become a favorite gathering place for neighbors and visitors alike. The menu features tasty bites made with care, and the atmosphere is cozy, lively, and full of High Country warmth. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick drink or settling in for dinner with friends, The Social feels like home.
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Vidalia Restaurant and Wine Bar
A local favorite for elevated Southern dining, Vidalia has been serving up refined North Carolina flavors since 2008. Owned by Sam and Alyce Ratchford, this charming Boone restaurant pairs farm-fresh ingredients with creative flair, offering a menu that changes with the seasons and celebrates local producers. The space is relaxed yet elegant, complete with a cozy porch, full bar, and a wall of wine that hints at their passion for good food and good company. Rooted in community and family, Vidalia is the kind of place that captures the heart of Blue Ridge dining — welcoming, thoughtful, and delicious.
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Breweries
There are lots of breweries throughout the area, some are restaurants as well, others will often have food trucks.
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Beech Mountain Brewing Company
Booneshine​
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