36 Best Restaurants in The North Carolina Mountains, North Carolina

Background Illustration for Restaurants

We've compiled the best of the best in The North Carolina Mountains - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

Veranda Café

$

With its gingham curtains and checkered tablecloths, this popular downtown lunch spot serves food that is both unpretentious and tasty. The soups are the best thing on the menu (the Hungarian mushroom soup is a longtime favorite), and the sandwiches are winners, too.

West First Wood-Fired

$$

Thin-crust pizzas made from organic flour are the specialty at this lively eatery that also serves a range of creative pasta and entrees like a roasted root bowl. Try out eclectic pizza toppings like roasted salmon, butternut squash, and sweet onion marmalade. The open-air patio is especially popular.

101B 1st Ave. W, Hendersonville, NC, 28792, USA
828-693–1080
Known For
  • Sit in the dining room, the loft, or on the patio
  • Industrial-chic decor
  • Eye-catching oven
Restaurant Details
Closed Sun.

Something incorrect in this review?

White Moon

$

This bustling bistro transforms from a coffee shop into a cocktail bar after hours. Stop in for a to-go cappuccino, or stay awhile amidst the calming greenery for smashed avocado toast topped with a farm egg. 

Recommended Fodor's Video

Wild Craft

$$

Although the menu ranges from garam masala curry to sweet potato enchiladas to meatloaf with mashed potatoes, Wild Craft's common denominators are responsible, local sourcing and creativity in the kitchen. Much of the menu accommodates vegans and gluten-free diners, but every dish remains flavor-forward. Sit inside the small dining room or on the covered patio out front. 

506 W. King St., Boone, NC, 28607, USA
828-262–5000
Known For
  • Tempeh Gouda tacos delicious enough to convert a carnivore
  • Extensive kids' menu
  • Laid-back environment
Restaurant Details
Closed Tues. and Wed.

Something incorrect in this review?

Willow Tree

$$

Robbinsville's best restaurant is a chef-owned gem serving specialties like local mountain trout with lemon-caper butter sauce and a grilled ribeye. Seating is inside and on the porch of a historic home.

302 Ford St., Robbinsville, NC, 28771, USA
828-260–8158
Known For
  • Smoked trout dip
  • BYO wine or beer (it's a dry county)
  • Rich desserts like chocolate cobbler
Restaurant Details
Closed Sun. and Mon. Lunch only Tues.–Thurs.

Something incorrect in this review?

Wolfgang's Restaurant and Wine Bistro

$$$

Cheerful and unpretentious, though not inexpensive, Wolfgang's has an eclectic menu ranging from a Wiener schnitzel to venison au poivre to Cajun shrimp and grits (the founder was a chef in New Orleans). Several of the rooms—spread across two former homes with a breezeway between—have fireplaces, and in good weather, there's outdoor seating. The wine list is smart and long.

474 Main St., Highlands, NC, 28741, USA
828-526–3807
Known For
  • Quaint bistro atmosphere
  • Eclectic menu
  • Extensive wine list
Restaurant Details
Closed Mon. and Tues.
Reservations essential

Something incorrect in this review?