Elevated Cuisine: Fine Dining in Highlands
Nestled high in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Highlands, North Carolina, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and refined charm. The crisp mountain air, stunning vistas, and quaint boutiques draw visitors from near and far. But beyond its scenic allure, Highlands boasts a culinary scene that is as diverse and impressive as its landscape. From upscale establishments serving innovative cuisine to cozy cafes dishing out comforting classics, Highlands NC food truly offers something for every palate. This guide will navigate you through the best dining experiences this charming mountain town has to offer, ensuring your visit is a feast for the senses. Prepare to discover the delightful tapestry of flavors that make Highlands NC a true culinary destination.
For those seeking an unforgettable culinary experience, Highlands offers a selection of exquisite fine dining establishments. These restaurants showcase the talents of skilled chefs, utilizing fresh, often locally sourced ingredients to create dishes that are both visually stunning and incredibly flavorful.
Old Edwards Inn and Spa’s Madison’s Restaurant
Old Edwards Inn and Spa’s Madison’s Restaurant is a cornerstone of the Highlands dining scene, consistently earning accolades for its exceptional food and impeccable service. The ambiance is sophisticated yet welcoming, with a focus on elegant mountain décor. The menu at Madison’s is a celebration of seasonal ingredients, with dishes like pan-seared scallops with butternut squash risotto, grilled North Carolina trout with roasted vegetables, and prime beef tenderloin with truffle mashed potatoes. Their wine list is extensive and carefully curated, offering the perfect pairing for every dish. Expect to spend a bit more here, as it’s a splurge-worthy destination for a special occasion. Diners consistently praise the restaurant’s attention to detail and the overall exquisite experience. When exploring Highlands NC food, Madison’s is a must-try for those seeking elevated dining.
Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro
Another gem in the Highlands NC fine dining landscape is Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro. Wolfgang’s offers a more intimate and romantic atmosphere, perfect for a special date night. The menu features classic French and Continental cuisine with a modern twist. Patrons rave about the escargots, the bouillabaisse, and the perfectly cooked steaks. Don’t forget to explore their extensive wine list, meticulously chosen to complement the food. Wolfgang’s offers a blend of elegance and delicious flavors, making it a memorable dining experience in the heart of Highlands. Its elegant ambiance makes it a standout for those wanting a luxurious Highlands NC food adventure.
The Ruffed Grouse Tavern
Finally, consider The Ruffed Grouse Tavern located within the Highlands Inn. This tavern provides an upscale experience while still maintaining a sense of mountain charm. The Ruffed Grouse serves high quality meats and seafood as well as many other expertly prepared dishes. In addition to the fantastic meals, The Ruffed Grouse has an extensive wine and cocktail menu.
Relaxed Bites: Casual Dining and Charming Cafes
While Highlands boasts impressive fine dining options, the town also offers a plethora of casual eateries and charming cafes that are perfect for a relaxed meal or a quick bite. These establishments provide delicious food in a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.
Mountain Fresh Grocery
Mountain Fresh Grocery is a Highlands institution, known for its delicious sandwiches, salads, and baked goods. It’s a great place to grab a quick and tasty lunch or a picnic to enjoy amidst the stunning scenery. Their sandwiches are made with high-quality ingredients and are piled high with fillings. The bakery section is a tempting array of freshly baked breads, pastries, and cakes. Mountain Fresh Grocery is a local favorite, and a great place to experience the authentic Highlands NC food scene. It’s perfect for a casual lunch and a chance to stock up on snacks for your mountain adventures.
Calderwood Perk
For coffee lovers, Calderwood Perk is a must-visit. This cozy café serves up expertly brewed coffee, delicious pastries, and light breakfast options. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with comfortable seating and friendly staff. It’s the perfect place to start your day or to take a break from exploring the town. Calderwood Perk is known for its commitment to quality coffee and its delicious homemade pastries. It is a great way to experience what Highlands NC food has to offer.
Larkin’s on the Lawn
Don’t miss out on Larkin’s on the Lawn. While primarily known for its beautifully landscaped outdoor space and events, Larkin’s also boasts a fantastic menu of casual eats. From burgers and sandwiches to salads and appetizers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The relaxed atmosphere and beautiful surroundings make Larkin’s a perfect spot for a leisurely lunch or dinner. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch some live music while you’re there. This place is a local favorite, showing off the vibrant, yet relaxed Highlands NC food culture.
Hearty and Homestyle: Mountain Comfort Food
When in the mountains, it’s often comfort food that truly hits the spot. Highlands has a few fantastic restaurants that specialize in hearty, homestyle dishes that will warm you from the inside out. These restaurants offer a taste of Southern hospitality and classic mountain flavors.
Blue Ridge Bakery
Blue Ridge Bakery is more than just a bakery; it’s a place to indulge in classic Southern comfort food. While their baked goods are certainly worth trying, their lunch and dinner menus feature dishes like fried chicken, meatloaf, and mashed potatoes, all made with love and care. Blue Ridge Bakery offers a taste of home in the heart of Highlands. Don’t miss their pies – they’re legendary! For a true taste of Highlands NC food with a homestyle touch, this is a must.
The Ugly Dog Public House
The Ugly Dog Public House is another great option for casual, comforting fare. While it has more of a pub atmosphere, it also serves great comfort style food. The menu features dishes like sandwiches, burgers, pasta, and salads. They are often very busy so be prepared for a possible wait. The Ugly Dog is a great way to experience how Highlands NC food can have something for everyone.
Indulge Your Sweet Tooth: Desserts and Treats
No culinary exploration is complete without indulging in some sweet treats. Highlands offers several fantastic options for satisfying your sweet tooth, from ice cream shops to bakeries offering decadent desserts.
Kilwins
Kilwins is a classic ice cream and confectionery shop, offering a wide variety of ice cream flavors, homemade fudge, and other sweet treats. It’s the perfect place to cool off on a warm day or to indulge in a sweet treat after dinner. The aroma of chocolate and freshly made waffle cones is irresistible. Kilwins is a staple in Highlands, and a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. This establishment shows how Highlands NC food always has room for dessert.
Dusty Rhodes Superette
Dusty Rhodes Superette is a little more of a general store, however it serves up ice cream by the scoop and makes for a great dessert option. Dusty Rhodes is a popular tourist location and often has a line out the door. This general store turned dessert stop shows how Highlands NC food can be found in the most unexpected of places.
Planning Your Culinary Adventure: Tips for Dining in Highlands
To make the most of your culinary experience in Highlands, keep these tips in mind:
Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season (summer and fall). Many of the popular restaurants fill up quickly, so it’s best to book your table in advance.
The dress code is generally smart casual. While Highlands is a relaxed town, many of the restaurants have a more upscale feel, so it’s best to dress accordingly.
Inquire about dietary restrictions. If you have any dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.), be sure to call the restaurant ahead of time to inquire about their menu options.
Parking can be limited, especially in the downtown area. Plan accordingly and allow extra time to find a parking spot.
Highlands can be an expensive destination. Be sure to budget accordingly, as the restaurants can be pricier than in other areas.
A Culinary Conclusion to Your Highlands Experience
Highlands, NC, is more than just a beautiful mountain town; it’s a culinary destination that offers a diverse range of dining experiences. From upscale fine dining to cozy cafes and comforting homestyle meals, Highlands has something to satisfy every palate. The combination of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, talented chefs, and a charming mountain atmosphere makes dining in Highlands an unforgettable experience. As you explore the stunning landscapes and quaint boutiques, be sure to take the time to savor the delicious flavors that this charming town has to offer. So, pack your bags, plan your culinary adventure, and discover the delectable Highlands NC food scene for yourself. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply looking for a delicious meal, Highlands is sure to leave you wanting more. Bon appétit! The rich tapestry of Highlands NC food awaits your exploration.
