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High Country Foodie Spots
There are so many great places to eat in the High Country that we couldn’t fit them all into our regular Guidebook!
This is our longer list of restaurants that have earned a great reputation with locals and visitors. Full disclosure: We haven’t made it to every one yet—we’re working on it!
If you try one, we’d love to hear what you think. And if you discover another place we should add, let us know!
We’ve organized the restaurants by location, starting with those closest to Sugartime. You’ll also find a list of local breweries at the bottom.
Banner Elk/Sugar Mountain (10 mins)
Banner Elk & Sugar Mountain
Local • Southern • Seafood
A longtime local favorite featuring seasonal dishes made with regional ingredients, including North Carolina seafood, locally raised meats and produce from nearby farms. They also offer craft cocktails, local beer, wine and zero-proof options.
A great choice for a polished dinner in downtown Banner Elk.
Seasonal • Local • Elevated Casual
Fresh, thoughtful food built around seasonal ingredients and local farms. The menu changes regularly, making this a good one to visit more than once.
Expect carefully prepared dishes, a welcoming atmosphere and a full selection of cocktails, mocktails, beer and wine.
The Chef's Table at Sorrento's
Fine Dining • Seasonal • Special Occasion
An intimate dining experience upstairs from Sorrento’s featuring creative dishes influenced by American, Italian and Japanese cuisine. A great choice for a special night out.
Our tip: Check current operating days and make reservations in advance.
Blowing Rock
Fine Dining • Seafood & Steaks • Special Occasion
A longtime Blowing Rock favorite known for fresh seafood, hand-cut steaks, an extensive wine selection and an intimate atmosphere. Located inside the historic Inn at Ragged Gardens, it’s a lovely choice for date night or a special occasion.
Our tip: Reservations are strongly recommended.
Fine Dining • Local & Adventurous
A High Country favorite featuring creative interpretations of Southern classics. The seasonal menu highlights locally sourced ingredients and adventurous options such as bison, venison, elk, trout and duck.
Our tip: Reservations are required for the dining room—and don’t leave without trying the bread pudding! Walk-ins are welcome for the separate bar and patio menu.
Fine Dining • Mountain Views • Special Occasion
Perched above Blowing Rock, the Restaurant at Gideon Ridge offers seasonal cuisine in an intimate setting with beautiful mountain views. The menu changes regularly based on available ingredients.
Our tip: The restaurant is reservation-only, welcomes guests ages 12 and older, and opens reservations 14 days in advance.
Appalachian • Elevated Casual • Cocktails
A popular downtown Blowing Rock restaurant serving regional fare inspired by Appalachian food traditions. The seasonal menu highlights mountain ingredients, while the bar offers creative cocktails, local craft beer, cider and wine.
It can get busy, and reservations are available.
Boone
Seasonal • Handmade Pasta & Pizza • Cocktails
A warm, stylish restaurant near Boone’s iconic Water Wheel. The seasonal menu draws inspiration from Italy and features handmade pasta, Neapolitan-style pizza, North Carolina seafood and locally sourced meats.
Our tip: Check their calendar for live jazz, music and weekly specials.
Burgers • Casual • Cocktails
Not fancy—but some seriously good burgers! The Cardinal serves creative burgers, sandwiches, salads and snacks made with fresh ingredients, along with thoughtfully crafted cocktails.
A fun, casual spot where you can relax and enjoy a great meal.
Cocktail Bar • Bourbon • Elevated Bites
Located inside the historic 1850 Hotel, this speakeasy-inspired bar specializes in creative cocktails, rare bourbons and elevated Appalachian-inspired bites.
A stylish choice for drinks and a light dinner in downtown Boone.
Indian • Casual • Walk-Ins Only
A casual spot serving some of the best Indian food we’ve had! Expect flavorful curries, appetizers and traditional dishes prepared with aromatic spices and a creative touch.
Our tip: Don’t let the strip-mall location fool you. Mint welcomes walk-ins and does not take reservations.
Downtown Boone • Cocktails • Casual
A lively, family-owned gathering spot in downtown Boone offering chef-inspired food, creative cocktails and a warm atmosphere. It’s a great place to grab a drink, enjoy a quick bite or settle in for dinner with friends.
Southern • Seasonal • Wine
A Boone favorite for elevated Southern cooking featuring local and seasonal ingredients. The atmosphere is relaxed but polished, with creative dishes, a full bar and a thoughtfully selected wine list.
A great choice for lunch, dinner or a special meal in downtown Boone.
Breweries
There are breweries throughout the High Country, and each offers a different atmosphere and selection. Some serve full meals, while others offer snacks or regularly host food trucks.
Check each brewery’s website for current hours, menus, live music and special events.
Kettell Beerworks • Banner Elk
Beech Mountain Brewing Co. • Beech Mountain
Blowing Rock Brewing Co. • Blowing Rock
Appalachian Mountain Brewery • Boone
Booneshine Brewing Co. • Boone
Lost Province Brewing Co. • Boone
Parallel Brewing Co. • Boone