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Best Restaurants for Lunch In The High Country

Best Lunch in the High Country - The Best Cellar
The Inn at Ragged Gardens - The Best Cellar

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Welcome to the ultimate guide to the best restaurants for lunch in the High Country!

Discover the best places to dine amidst stunning vistas and charming towns. From quaint cafes to rustic eateries, explore a variety of culinary delights.

Indulge in locally sourced ingredients and traditional Southern flavors in Boone and Blowing Rock. Experience the cozy ambiance and delicious dishes that define the lunch scene in Banner Elk and Linville.

Whether you’re craving comfort food or gourmet cuisine, the High Country offers a range of options to satisfy your midday cravings. 

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Join us as we uncover the top lunch spots in the area, where every bite is a taste of the region’s rich culinary heritage.

Top Lunch Spots in Blowing Rock, NC

Explore the charming town of Blowing Rock, North Carolina, with these top lunch spots offering delicious fare and welcoming atmospheres.

1. The Inn at Ragged Gardens – The Best Cellar

Cozy Bistro Setting

Dine in a cozy bistro setting at The Best Cellar, known for its gourmet sandwiches, salads, and soups. Enjoy fresh ingredients and homemade bread in a relaxed atmosphere.

2. Sunny Rock Eggs and Things

Breakfast and Lunch Fare

Enjoy breakfast and lunch fare all day at Sunny Rock Eggs and Things, a cozy eatery with a menu featuring hearty omelets, sandwiches, and salads. Relax on the outdoor patio and soak in the mountain views.

3. Blowing Rock Brewery and Ale House

Gastropub Fare

Savor gastropub fare at Blowing Rock Ale House & Inn, where you can enjoy craft beer and elevated pub favorites for lunch. From burgers to fish tacos, there’s something for everyone on the menu.

4. Foggy Rock Eatery & Pub

Mountain Comfort Food

Treat yourself to mountain comfort food at Foggy Rock Eatery & Pub, offering a diverse lunch menu with options like gourmet pizzas, sandwiches, and pasta dishes. Enjoy a laid-back dining experience with friends and family.

Conclusion

Blowing Rock, NC, boasts a variety of lunch spots catering to every taste and preference. Whether you’re in the mood for gourmet sandwiches, Southern classics, or gastropub fare, these top lunch spots promise delicious meals and memorable experiences in the heart of the High Country.

Best Lunch in the High Country - Blowing Rock Brewery & Ale House
Best Lunch in the High Country - Blowing Rock Brewery & Ale House
See Blowing Rock Trip Deals on Orbitz

Top Lunch Spots in Boone, NC

Discover the vibrant culinary scene of Boone, North Carolina, with these top lunch spots offering a diverse array of flavors and cuisines.

1. Melanie’s Food Fantasy

Eclectic Menu

Satisfy your cravings with an eclectic menu at Melanie’s Food Fantasy, featuring everything from gourmet sandwiches to fresh salads and hearty soups. Enjoy a cozy atmosphere and friendly service in downtown Boone.

2. The Cardinal

Farm-to-Table Fare

Experience farm-to-table fare at The Cardinal, known for its locally sourced ingredients and innovative dishes. Indulge in creative sandwiches, seasonal salads, and artisanal pizzas while soaking in the welcoming ambiance.

3. The Local

Community-focused Cuisine

Dine on community-focused cuisine at The Local, where you’ll find a menu highlighting regional flavors and ingredients. From Southern classics to international-inspired dishes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this charming eatery.

4. Capone’s Pizza

Authentic Pizzeria

Treat yourself to authentic Italian pizza at Capone’s Pizza, a beloved pizzeria in Boone. Choose from a variety of gourmet pies, including classic Margherita and specialty creations, crafted with fresh, quality ingredients.

5. Black Cat Burrito

Creative Tex-Mex Fare

Feast on creative Tex-Mex fare at Black Cat Burrito, offering a menu of flavorful burritos, tacos, and nachos. With vegetarian and vegan options available, everyone can find something delicious to enjoy at this laid-back eatery.

Conclusion

Boone, NC, is home to an array of lunch spots that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. Whether you’re craving farm-to-table cuisine, authentic Italian pizza, or creative Tex-Mex fare, these top lunch spots promise satisfying meals and memorable dining experiences in the heart of the High Country.

See Boone Trip Deals on Orbitz

Top Lunch Spots in Banner Elk, NC

Explore the culinary delights of Banner Elk, North Carolina, with these top lunch spots offering a diverse selection of flavors and cuisines.

1. Stonewalls Restaurant

Upscale Mountain Dining

Indulge in upscale mountain dining at Stonewalls Restaurant, known for its elegant ambiance and refined cuisine. Enjoy a menu featuring locally sourced ingredients and expertly prepared dishes, from gourmet sandwiches to fresh salads.

2. Artisanal Restaurant

Farm-to-Table Fare

Experience farm-to-table fare at Artisanal Restaurant, where seasonal ingredients shine in every dish. Savor creative interpretations of classic favorites, including artisanal sandwiches, hearty soups, and flavorful salads.

3. Banner Elk Café & Lodge

Casual Dining Atmosphere

Relax in a casual dining atmosphere at Banner Elk Café & Lodge, offering a menu of comfort food favorites and Southern-inspired dishes. From homemade soups to hearty sandwiches, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this cozy eatery.

4. Bayou Smokehouse & Grill

Southern BBQ Specialties

Satisfy your BBQ cravings at Bayou Smokehouse & Grill, specializing in Southern BBQ specialties and Cajun-inspired dishes. Feast on tender smoked meats, flavorful sides, and homemade desserts in a relaxed setting.

5. Bella’s Italian Restaurant

Authentic Italian Cuisine

Treat yourself to authentic Italian cuisine at Bella’s Italian Restaurant, serving up a menu of classic pasta dishes, wood-fired pizzas, and savory appetizers. Enjoy a taste of Italy in the heart of Banner Elk.

Conclusion

Banner Elk, NC, boasts a variety of lunch spots that cater to every taste and preference. Whether you’re in the mood for upscale mountain dining, farm-to-table fare, or Southern BBQ specialties, these top lunch spots promise delicious meals and memorable dining experiences in the charming mountain town.

Best Dining in the High Country - Banner Elk Cafe
Banner Elk Cafe
See Banner Elk, NC Trip Deals on Orbitz
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Top Lunch Spots in West Jefferson, NC

Discover the vibrant culinary scene of West Jefferson, North Carolina, with these top lunch spots offering a variety of delicious options to satisfy every craving.

1. Black Jack’s Pub & Grill

Casual Pub Fare

Enjoy casual pub fare at Black Jack’s Pub & Grill, where you can feast on juicy burgers, flavorful sandwiches, and crispy appetizers. With a relaxed atmosphere and friendly service, it’s the perfect spot for a laid-back lunch.

2. Boondocks Brewing Tap Room & Restaurant

Craft Beer and Comfort Food

Savor craft beer and comfort food at Boondocks Brewing Tap Room & Restaurant, known for its extensive beer selection and mouthwatering dishes. From gourmet pizzas to hearty salads, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

3. Sweet and Savory Bakery and Deli

Homemade Deli Fare

Treat yourself to homemade deli fare at Sweet and Savory Bakery and Deli, offering a menu of freshly made sandwiches, salads, and soups. Don’t forget to save room for dessert, as their sweet treats are not to be missed.

4. The Hotel Tavern

Historic Dining Experience

Experience a taste of history at The Hotel Tavern, housed in a beautifully restored historic building. Enjoy a menu of elevated pub fare, including hearty burgers, classic sandwiches, and chef-inspired specials.

5. Pie on the Mountain

Gourmet Pies and Comfort Food

Indulge in gourmet pies and comfort food at Pie on the Mountain, where you can sample a variety of sweet and savory pies made from scratch. Pair your pie with a side of soup or salad for a satisfying lunch.

Conclusion

West Jefferson, NC, offers a diverse array of lunch spots, from casual pubs to charming bakeries, each serving up delicious fare in a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re craving classic comfort food or gourmet specialties, these top lunch spots promise a memorable dining experience in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

See West Jefferson, NC Trip Deals on Orbitz

Top Lunch Spots in Valle Crucis, NC

Explore the quaint charm of Valle Crucis, North Carolina, with these top lunch spots offering a delightful culinary experience amidst picturesque surroundings.

1. Over Yonder

Southern Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Indulge in Southern farm-to-table cuisine at Over Yonder, located in a historic farmhouse. Enjoy seasonal dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients, along with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

2. The Mast Farm Inn

Rustic Inn Dining

Experience rustic inn dining at The Mast Farm Inn, known for its cozy ambiance and hearty Southern-inspired fare. Dine on comfort classics like fried chicken and biscuits while soaking in the warm hospitality of this charming inn.

3. The Original Mast General Store

Deli and Bakery Delights

Discover deli and bakery delights at The Original Mast General Store, a historic landmark in Valle Crucis. Grab a freshly made sandwich or salad from the deli counter, along with a selection of sweet treats from the bakery.

4. Overlook Barn

Scenic Dining Experience

Immerse yourself in a scenic dining experience at Overlook Barn, a rustic event venue with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Enjoy a farm-fresh lunch prepared with locally sourced ingredients in this idyllic setting.

5. Valle Crucis Park

Picnic in Nature

Escape to Valle Crucis Park for a picnic in nature, where you can enjoy a leisurely lunch surrounded by lush greenery and the peaceful sounds of the Watauga River. Pack your own lunch or grab takeout from a nearby restaurant.

Conclusion

Valle Crucis, NC, offers a unique blend of dining experiences, from upscale farm-to-table restaurants to casual delis and scenic picnic spots. Whether you’re looking for Southern comfort food or a gourmet meal with a view, these top lunch spots promise a memorable culinary journey in the heart of the High Country.

The Mast Farm Inn
The Mast Farm Inn
See Valle Crucis, NC Trip Deals on Orbitz

Conclusion

As you conclude your exploration of the High Country‘s culinary delights, reflect on the delightful lunches that have invigorated your adventures.

From cozy cafes to charming bistros, the High Country offers an array of lunch spots that cater to every taste and preference.

Whether you’ve savored hearty sandwiches in Boone, indulged in farm-fresh salads in Valle Crucis, or enjoyed gourmet burgers in Blowing Rock, each lunch experience has added flavor and charm to your High Country journey.

As you plan your next lunch outing in the region, remember to embrace the spirit of culinary exploration and savor every bite amidst the stunning landscapes of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Picture of The Doirons

The Doirons

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