3 Best Restaurants in The North Carolina Mountains, North Carolina

Built in a former speakeasy and now adorned with photos of the dogs and horses of hundreds of faithful customers, the wood-fired oven at this trusted favorite works for fancy nights out—ribeye with blue cheese butter or a lamb loin with chimichurri—or a more casual family pizza dinner (opt for the signature pie with local prosciutto and manchego). Appetizer options speak to the breadth of the menu, from mussels in green curry to Thai spring rolls to roasted figs, but all are sourced and prepared with passion and integrity.

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. 

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.