Are you prepared for a culinary adventure with the best restaurants in Highlands, NC, a delightful alpine village that is swiftly turning into a gastronomical arena?
Whether you are an ardent food lover or someone who just wants to eat something tasty with some view, this guide will take you through ten of the finest restaurants in the Highlands that will make your stomach growl.
Best Restaurants in Highlands, NC: Your Ultimate Dining Guide
Each culinary gem offers a unique blend of flavors, ambiance, and exceptional service, ensuring a memorable meal every time.
1. Highlands Smokehouse
If you ever find yourself craving some barbecue hits in one of the amazing restaurants in Highlands, NC, then Highlands Smokehouse is the ultimate place to be.
Whether you are alone, with your family, or on a romantic couple’s retreat, there is definitely something for everyone.
What sets aside Highlands Smokehouse? A crowd favorite amongst both tourists and natives alike, they’ve been cooking up sumptuous barbecues in America’s largest underground pit for years.
These include juicy pit-smoked meats, fresh sides, and even beverages from their full-service bar. Highlands Smokehouse has a relaxed vibe to it, with indoor and outdoor seating availability where you can chill out while savoring true southern tastes.
Address: 595 Franklin Rd, Highlands, NC 28741
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2. Ristorante Paoletti
Featuring an extensive wine list and a menu that highlights fresh seafood and homemade pasta, Ristorante Paoletti is one of the must-visit restaurants in Highlands, NC, for all kinds of travelers.
Since 1953, the Ristorante Paoletti has been synonymous with excellence. It serves artisan Italian dishes made from fresh local seafood and prime meats cooked to perfection.
Having been around for more than 70 years now, this restaurant has a rich history that ensures traditional flavors combined with a passion for using only high-quality ingredients.
This place should be noticed whether one is celebrating any special event or just looking forward to having an unforgettable Highlands meal.
Address: 440 Main St, Highlands, NC 28741
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3. Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar
Enjoy wood-fired cooking flavors at Four65. This is one of the fashionable restaurants in Highlands, NC, modernizes traditional dishes with a Mediterranean twist.
Of course, their charred Neapolitan pizzas are perfect for anyone who loves them, and so are their juicy steaks or fresh seafood; every bite has the unique taste of being cooked in a wood oven.
Four65 is located on Main Street and offers an outdoor seating area that overlooks it. It has everything, from full bars to urban vibes!
Be it alone or with friends/family/your beloved one, Four65 suits any kind of visitor.
Address: 465 Main St Box 2130, Highlands, NC 28741
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4. Wild Thyme Gourmet
If you like farm-to-table eating with a twist, check out Wild Thyme Gourmet. This one of the coziest restaurants in Highlands, NC, serves dishes featuring the freshest local ingredients so that you can taste all the flavors in every bite.
But what’s unique about Wild Thyme is its combination of American and Asian cooking styles.
The menu at Wild Thyme Gourmet is a roller coaster for your taste buds, from Waterfall Beef Tenderloin Spicy Stir Fry to Rack of Lamb Herb.
Whether you’re alone, with family, or on a date, the cozy atmosphere, coupled with delicious food, will make your visit to Wild Thyme Gourmet memorable.
Address: 343-D Main St, Highlands, NC 28741
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5. Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro
Mixing Dutch, European, and Louisiana cooking types into one menu is what has made Wolfgang’s Restaurant one of the famous restaurants in Highlands, NC.
They also boast an impressive selection of wines from all over the world, which can perfectly pair with any item on their diverse menus.Their extensive menu includes dishes like pecan-crusted shrimp, crab cake, grilled salmon, and kale salad.
You will feel right at home sitting alone while sipping wine and enjoying a delicious meal at Wolfgang, and the menu is designed to give you a taste of the best flavors.
You won’t find another place like Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro in Highlands!
Address: 474 Main St, Highlands, NC 28741
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6. The Ugly Dog Public House- Highlands
For more comfortable food in Highlands, NC, explore The Ugly Dog Public House.
This place is a popular local spot where you can have a delicious meal and is known for its vibrant ambiance and friendly attitude.
There are many different craft beers on tap, and dishes include roasted salmon burgers, smoked wings, and mushroom Swiss burgers.
There is live music going on every night, family specials as well as the warm welcome from the owners who bought the pub back in 2010.
The Ugly Dog Public House is definitely a place in the Highlands that one must visit if one wants good food, great drinks, and memorable moments.
Address: 294 S 4th St, Highlands, NC 28741
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7. Madison’s Restaurant
Madison’s Restaurant and Wine Garden is one of the unique farm-to-table restaurants in Highlands.
The menu at Madison’s changes with each season, so every visit is unique and memorable. It includes sea bass, smoked trout melt, and seared diver scallops.
With such a wide variety of wines available, this place will always have what’s needed for any meal accompaniment.
You can either have a leisurely lunch in their sun-dappled wine garden or enjoy an elegant dinner inside the building itself, which offers more formal dining options.
Warmth, great food, and a magical setting make Madison’s Restaurant and Wine Garden the perfect destination for anyone who wants to experience Highlands’ best vibe while eating out.
Address: 445 Main St, Highlands, NC 28741
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8. On the Verandah
Located directly above Lake Sequoyah, On the Verandah is one of the amazing restaurants in Highlands, NC, that will be remembered once you leave it.
Nestled in Highlands, North Carolina, this hidden gem showcases the breathtaking mountain landscape surrounding it, setting the scene for any special occasion.
The Verandah’s menu changes constantly, and it includes items like scallops and pasta, pan-seared duck, and chocolate torte.
For more than forty years, they have been attracting foodies from all walks of life, including tourists and locals alike.
With its cozy atmosphere, ample seating for large parties, and plenty of parking space available on-site, On The Verandah is the perfect dining spot for everyone.
Address: 1536 Franklin Rd, Highlands, NC 28741
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9. Asia House
If you want to visit one of the mountainside restaurants in Highlands, NC, drive up to Asia House. Indeed, this local staple will take you on a culinary trip around the continent.
Their comprehensive menu has something for everyone, from sushi and sashimi to miso soup and red shrimp curry. Each dish reflects true Asian cuisine.
The goal of Asia House is not only to delight palates but also to open doors for all people. It is an inclusive place with a warm atmosphere that can cater to different dining needs.
Asia House guarantees such incredible experiences with Asian cooking, which will always remain etched in the back of your mind until the next time the desire strikes again.
Address: 151 Helens Barn Ave, Highlands, NC 28741
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10. Blue Bike Cafe
Begin your day off right at The Blue Bike Cafe. This sweet restaurant in Highlands, NC, is filled with the scent of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods.
However, this cute cafe is more than just a place to grab a quick bite; it’s a community center where locals and visitors gather together over good food and hospitality.
The restaurant’s owners have created a menu that combines the laid-back brunch vibes of the Gulf Coast with hearty Appalachian Mountain flavors.
Their menu includes food items like banana bread, french toast, eggs benedict, and Philly cheesesteak.
At The Blue Bike Cafe, you’ll find an inviting atmosphere, plus all-day dishes designed to satisfy any craving.
Address: 423 N 4th St, Highlands, NC 28741
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FAQs
What is unique about the local honey from the Highlands?
The local honey in the Highlands has a different taste, which is derived from many wildflowers found in that region.
What is special about Highlands’ artisanal cheese?
The unique flavor of cheese in Highlands is because it is made from rich pastures where cows are fed and handcrafted by locals who know how best to do it.
Why do heirloom vegetables grow well around the Highlands area?
Highlands’ heirloom vegetables are cherished for their vibrant flavors and the traditional farming methods that preserve their authenticity.
What sets apart the coffee in Highlands?
Coffee in Highlands stands out due to the small-batch roasting techniques and the high-altitude beans sourced from local growers.
