Where to Eat in the High Country
Whether you’re due for a date night, taking the whole family out, or just grabbing a cheap (but quality) bite to eat, North Carolina’s High Country is the place to dine. The High Country is home to many locally-owned and reputable restaurants, no matter what you’re craving or who you’re dining with.
Foggy Rock Eatery and Pub
Blowing Rock, NC
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If you’re looking for a place that can accommodate a large group including a high chair or booster seat (or both), Foggy Rock Eatery and Pub is the place to go. Being a family-owned restaurant themselves, they happily provide a family friendly vibe. The menu consists of a wide range of foods, from chicken and waffles to bang bang shrimp, so you can please everyone in your group. Added bonus: there’s a whole gluten free menu!
Be sure to let the Foggy Rock staff know if you or anyone in your party is a service member in uniform, because they also offer discounts.
Casa Rustica
Boone, NC
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Casa Rustica is Italian cuisine at its finest. It has been a local favorite since 1981, opened by an Italian family in town who populated the menu with original recipes that had been passed down for several generations. Some local favorites are the chicken parmesan, sausage ravioli, and eggplant dish, all paired with a staff-recommended glass of wine. The fireplace and rustic feel make for an ideal date night spot, but the upstairs room is also available for large groups on special occasions.
Peddler Steak House
Boone, NC
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Peddler Steak House is perfect for a birthday, anniversary, or Saturday night when you want to treat your significant other to a romantic evening by candlelight. Steaks are brought to your table to be cut to your liking and are served with the gourmet soup and salad bar. While they do have some of the best steaks in the High Country, if you prefer seafood over steak, there’s plenty dishes on the menu to choose from. Locals rave about the food, but also the high quality service.
Knife and Fork
Spruce Pine, NC
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Knife and Fork is open for brunch, lunch and dinner, and their menu changes daily based on the availability of local, seasonal meats and produce. Whether you’re craving something savory or sweet, your dish will consist of only the freshest ingredients. If you’re unsure what to order, we recommend the six-course dinner tasting crafted by the head chef himself. The outdoor seating area is perfect to bring a group to in the spring or summer, with a lively ambiance and a famous cocktail and craft beer list.
Fred’s Backside Deli
Beech Mountain, NC
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If you’re on the road or just trying to stop for a quick, affordable sandwich, Fred’s Backside Deli is the go to. The hidden gem is located in the downstairs of Fred’s General Mercantile, a hardware and gift shop in Beech Mountain. $10 at Fred’s will get you anything from a Big Country Breakfast to the soup and salad lunch combo, or homemade brownies off of their dessert menu (a local favorite). And if you’re just passing through, Fred’s will pack you a picnic to go!
Keep your eyes out for the 19th Hole – an addition to the list of great High Country restaurants. Located right on Linville Land Harbor’s golf course, this new spot will open April 14!
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