Over the years, the North Carolina High Country has established itself as a foodie destination for tourists and locals alike. There are many local restaurants with award-winning chefs ready to indulge you with their culinary magic.
With so many local animal, vegetable, and herb farms from which to choose, area chefs have an abundance of seasonal healthy and delicious food sources to showcase their original and varied menus. You’ll find everything from regional favorites like barbeque to local trout to luxury dining options sure to please everyone after a fulfilling day’s adventure here in the mountains!
Luxury Dining in Boone, Blowing Rock, and Banner Elk
Home to the Blue Ridge mountains, quaint small towns and villages, and outdoor adventures, luxury dining chefs in the High Country understand the importance of preparing foods for the discerning vacationer. Here to recreate, forget your cares, and perhaps indulge, you will find many luxury restaurants in the greater Boone, Blowing Rock, and Banner Elk areas that will help you do just that.
And, while the food is top-notch, you will find that the atmosphere is more “elegant mountain” style, allowing you to wear what you’re most comfortable in and to relax in a luxury home environment.
Boone and Banner Elk Luxury Restaurants
Gamekeeper
The Gamekeeper – ‘An Adventure in Fine Dining’ – is a restaurant located between Boone and Blowing Rock, known for ‘ interesting and delicious interpretations of Southern classics.’ Set in a log home with twinkling white lights and eclectic decor, you will love the mountain vibe.
The Gamekeeper menus change seasonally and may include traditional or exotic specialties such as Emu, Bison, Venison, Elk, Boar, Duck and Mountain Trout. The Gamekeeper boasts fresh local ingredients and humanely raised meats and proudly stands behind what they’re serving.
While known for their adventurous menu of game, Gamekeeper also offers the most intriguing vegetable plate in all of the High Country with a taste of every veggie on their menu served on one plate! Be sure to come early and enjoy a craft cocktail at arguably the coziest bar in the area!
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The Restaurant at Gideon Ridge Inn
The Restaurant at Gideon Ridge Inn in Blowing Rock menu changes week to week or day to day depending on climate and seasonal changes, as local farmers define their menu. ‘From ramps and a morsel to soft shell crab, local chicken livers, and beef,’ they strive to serve only the freshest local ingredients.
In 2023, Trip Advisor named The Restaurant at Gideon Ridge Inn the #2 Fine Dining Restaurant and the #3 Date Night Restaurant in the US! Here you will be surrounded by stunning mountain views in an intimate European-styled setting.
The staff is knowledgeable and attentive and you may be personally greeted by award-winning Chef Hunter Womble. Needless to say, reservations are required well in advance so book as soon as you know you’re coming – Outdoor firepit and glorious sunsets while you wait!
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Storie Street Grill
Storie Street Grille on Blowing Rock’s Main Street is a family-run Bistro with a downtown, hometown vibe. Also sourcing from neighboring farms, NC breweries and wineries, and local suppliers, Storie Street Grill offers elegant decor in a warm calming atmosphere.
A connoisseur’s wine cellar accompanies the menu – from meatloaf, pecan-crusted trout, and pork tenderloin to their famous banana split bread pudding, you will need that walk around downtown Blowing Rock after your luxurious meal!
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Highly Mentionable Restaurants in Boone and Banner Elk
- The Best Cellar
- Timberlake’s Restaurant at Chetola Resort Properties
- Cafe Violette
- The Table at Crestwood
Ashe County Luxury Restaurants
The Riverhouse Inn & Restaurant
Just minutes from West Jefferson and 45 minutes from Boone, The Riverhouse is known as a tasteful yet unassuming luxury dining restaurant in Ashe County. They offer regional dining with new menu items daily serving their inn guests and visitors alike.
Relax in a riverfront restaurant surrounded by woods and walking trails and take in some live music with specialty cocktails at the bar. With indoor and outdoor seating and great live music, The Riverhouse Inn & Restaurant offers the epitome of luxury dining and gracious mountain living,
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Craft Bistro
Dubbed as the only fine dining restaurant in West Jefferson, the Craft Bistros’ reviews say it all; “Everything about our meal, from drinks, to appetizer, entrees and desserts was incredible! Amanda W.” “ I had the scallops on a bed of mushroom and white chocolate risotto. My date had the duck, and we both shared the shrimp toast appetizer. We have eaten in and also been servers in fine dining establishments, and can say that this exceeded all of our expectations! Thank you all so very much for the memorable evening! Anne G.”
“This place is always amazing and service is top-notch. We have never had anything on the menu or specials that wasn’t beyond expectations. If you come to West Jefferson make sure you make a reservation you will not regret it. The chef and employees are some of the friendliest we have ever encountered.Jill B.”
With many special events and a downtown West Jefferson location, this is the place to be for fine dining with local appeal.
Banner Elk Luxury Restaurants
Artisanal
Collared shirts and Jackets preferred to tell you something about Artisinal Restaurant in Banner Elk. Grand picture windows enhance the Mountain Luxury surrounding in this secluded haven, as you take in glorious long-range and streamside views.
The restaurants’ exclusive partnership with Springhouse Farms ensures the freshest daily Certified Organic ingredients will add to your gourmet dining experience. Described as “World class” and “Our all-time favorite restaurant” Artisanal is heralded as the most special luxury dining restaurant in the mountains.
Chef’s Table at Sorrentos
Serving an eclectic menu of Italian, Japanese, and American dishes, the Chef’s Table at Sorrento’s boasts an award-winning chef and an upscale atmosphere in the heart of Banner Elk’s downtown. A family-owned business for over 35 years, fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients are combined to offer you unique recipes served with rousing flavors and flair.
Enjoy dinner on a night with live jazz music then take a stroll around the Village of Banner Elk or cap off your night with an expertly chosen glass of local wine at the bar.
Banner Elk Luxury Restaurant Honorable Mentions:
Top Dining Destinations in the North Carolina High Country
The charming small-town vibe in the NC High Country offers an enticing backdrop to one of the state’s top dining destinations, offering local and exciting flair. After a day on the slopes or traversing mountaintops, you may decide to satisfy your appetite with luxury eats in the Blowing Rock, Boone, Banner Elk, and Jeffersons areas.
While the dress may be mountain chic, and the atmosphere mountain elegant, you will find the dining to be exceptional and varied. Be sure to call ahead for reservations to some of the top restaurants listed above and prepare your body and soul for a unique, luxury restaurant experience!