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Restaurants near Watauga Lake

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23 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of The BEACON Butcher Bar restaurant
1. The BEACON Butcher Bar
4.8
Exceptional(637)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Italian • Boone
Booked 17 times today
The Beacon Butcher Bar is a labor of love from Tina Houston, owner of Reid’s Café & Catering Co., established here in the High Country since 1999. The Beacon is located in the heart of Boone, NC adjacent to the iconic Water Wheel. Just as we value beautiful ingredients in our catering, The Beacon adheres to a similar message. In the kitchen, we value the fashion from scratch details as small as the aiolis and dressings we use, to the housemade desserts and pastries, cured and smoked meats, and naturally fermented pickles. Behind the bar, we strive for innovation and discovery from our unique and inspiring cocktails. We work within the seasons of the Blue Ridge to present a deliberate and thoughtful menu. We love the intentional, the specific, the well-cared-for. Respectively, our market offers a unique selection of local goods and treats. From our featured cloister honey to housemade single origin chocolates, we present the craft and exceptionality of local, artisanal talent.
A photo of Americano Steak House & Wine Bar restaurant
2. Americano Steak House & Wine Bar
4.7
Exceptional(891)
Price: Moderate
• Steak • Banner Elk
Booked 14 times today
The best award-winning steakhouse in the area! Worth the drive from Banner Elk (13 miles), Beech Mountain, Sugar Mountain (30 minute drive) , Johnson City or wherever you are. Americano Steak House is a local, veteran-owned restaurant featuring hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, amazing salads, 1/2 pound steak-burgers, decadent desserts and the only full liquor bar in the East Tennessee mountains will over 100 wines by the bottle and glass.We kindly ask that you do not show up early for your reservation, but simply on time. We are a small, boutique steakhouse that focuses on exceptional food and incredible service in the mountains of East Tennessee and typically cannot seat guests earlier than their reserved time.While we have always discouraged them, our policy towards no shows/same day cancelations MUST be firm. No shows and same day cancellations are the plague of the industry and we ask of you to uphold your end of this commitment as we are thrilled to provide on our end.
A photo of Gourmet and Company restaurant
3. Gourmet and Company
4.9
Exceptional(741)
Price: Expensive
• American • Johnson City
Booked 25 times today
A Johnson City tradition since 1989, Gourmet and Company offers a dining experience that is unique to the region. Dinner menu selections run the gamut from traditional fine dinning classics to exciting specials including exotic meats and exceedingly fresh seafood. Lunches are casual and perfect for socializing or business. We also have an indoor lounge and outdoor patio bar that are fully stocked with a wide selection of wines, fine spirits, and craft beers.
A photo of Casa Rustica Restaurant restaurant
4. Casa Rustica Restaurant
4.5
Awesome(2229)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Boone
Booked 9 times today
Casa Rustica is Boone"s authentic Italian restaurant since 1981. We offer a wide selection of entrees including fresh pastas, chicken, veal, seafood and steaks. Our nightly specials complement our menu and our homemade desserts are not to be missed. Visit the La Bouca Lounge where the menu offers original sandwiches and flat-bread pizzas. Casa Rustica provides a cozy atmosphere in a log cabin setting. Come for romantic fireside dining or bring the whole family and enjoy our friendly and prompt service.
A photo of The Restaurant at the Embers restaurant
5. The Restaurant at the Embers
4.7
Exceptional(206)
Price: Expensive
• American • Blowing Rock
Booked 10 times today
Executive Chef Matthew Betlach inspired menu. Locally sourced farm to table experience keeping in mind seasonal options when at all possible. Served in the heart of the "Embers Hotel" fireside. Outdoor Terrace dining available seasonally.
A photo of Vivian's Table at The Bristol Hotel restaurant
6. Vivian's Table at The Bristol Hotel
4.8
Exceptional(601)
Price: Expensive
• Steak • Bristol
Booked 13 times today
Vivian’s Table delivers an approachable take on the chophouse dining experience, drawing inspiration from the culinary traditions of the Bristol community to breathe new life into the cuisine of the Appalachian region. With nearly 30 years of food and beverage experience, executive chef Jason van Marter is the architect behind the menu at Vivian’s Table. Chef Jason uses his southern, coastal, and Hawaiian cuisine expertise to enliven Vivian’s classic recipes with innovative twists that delight the senses and level up the local culinary scene. He is constantly developing expertly crafted seasonal specials made with local ingredients to bring something new – and delicious – to the table. His unique bites pair perfectly with Vivian’s extensive menu of wine and cocktails for a special occasion or a simple night out.
A photo of Hickory, at Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards restaurant
7. Hickory, at Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards
4.7
Exceptional(361)
Price: Expensive
• American • Bristol
Booked 10 times today
Hickory at Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards is the signature restaurant from James Beard award nominee, Chef Travis Milton, offering the finest dining in the region. The menu is inspired by his Appalachian heritage, culture, and traditions and uses locally sourced produce to create a menu rooted in the beauty of the Appalachian mountains. Located on the ground floor of The Inn, a boutique luxury property with 28 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the rolling hills, lake, and vineyards, whether sitting at the vast bar enjoying a craft cocktail, in the private dining room for that special evening, being awed at the Chef’s Table, or being treated to a wine tasting in our wine cellar that boasts a 1700 bottle curated wine collection, including Nicewonder Vineyards’ own award-winning wines. From the breakfast meeting to start the day, midday snacks, or celebrating a special occasion for dinner, the Hickory team will make your experience unforgettable.
A photo of Basil's restaurant
8. Basil's
4.6
Exceptional(15)
Price: Moderate
• American • Boone
Booked 3 times today
Fresh pasta, no bologna! Sandwiches, soups, salads, and scratch made pasta at lunch. More pasta at night with other entree options. 20 taps of craft beer, full bar, constantly changing wine selection thanks to our Wednesday night tastings.Chef Scott Ottinger brings his years of experience to our changing menu, offering pasta as well as interesting entree and salad options.Tuesday nights feature trivia as well as half priced glasses of wine. Wednesdays feature free wine tastings from 5:30-7:30. Drop by between 5:30-7:30 to taste! Weekends often feature pairing menus on Fridays/Saturdays, with Sunday brunch weekly from 11-3. We hope to see you!
A photo of Red Onion Cafe restaurant
9. Red Onion Cafe
3.9
Excellent(563)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Boone
Booked 5 times today
A Boone Restaurant Offering Food to Feel Good About. One of the classic restaurants in Boone NC, the Red Onion Café opens daily at 11am and serves continuously into the evening. Across from Appalachian State University on Highway 321 near downtown Boone, the restaurant offers convenient dining for Appalachian football and basketball games and other campus events. The Red Onion Café is unique among Boone restaurants, offering a menu stocked with one-of-a-kind items such as the Artichoke Dip appetizer, our famous blond brownie - the Horace Cookie, weekly dinner specials, vegetarian meals, lunch specials, pasta, pizza, salads, a large children's menu and homemade desserts.
A photo of Red Lobster - Bristol restaurant
10. Red Lobster - Bristol
4.3
Awesome(11)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Roanoke
Elevate your day at Red Lobster, where fun meets fancy and every meal is a celebration. Whether you’re marking a special occasion or treating yourself or your crew, Red Lobster is the perfect place to enjoy all your seafood favorites. Dive into our signature shrimp, wild caught lobster and crab, and more. Plus, a variety of fish and popular non-seafood items like our Cajun Chicken Linguini Alfredo. Looking for a showstopper? Create Your Own Ultimate Feast or select a Live Maine Lobster straight from the tank. Or explore our Daily Deals with a different special available each weekday at a price you’ll love. Toast the day with Signature Cocktails including Lobster Punch and Main Deck Margarita Flights to make any moment feel festive. You won’t want to miss our newest menu items or special promotions like Lobsterfest and Crabfest. Reserve online today. Group Dining, To Go, or Catering options. For parties of 11+, please call.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Honor
    Greensboro / Winston Salem / Highpoint •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Dining at the Beacon is a ABSOLUTE MUST if you find yourself in the Boone area. From the moment our party was greeted at the door, we were provided exceptional service and attention that allowed for my guests and I to completely relax and enjoy the experience. Everyone at the table raved over the presentation, taste, and creativity of their dishes, with each bite being savored. This is a restaurant that strives to go beyond tasty food, that welcomes all and makes each person feel special. The Beacon has become my favorite local restaurant and my instant recommendation to anyone looking for a top-notch dinner experience.
    More info
    The BEACON Butcher BarPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• Boone
    •
    4.8
  • Nichole
    South Carolina •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    The food and service were impeccable. My advice, be adventurous, as the menu presents an opportunity to try something you have probably never tried before. The services was fantastic, the food was delicious, the atmosphere was cozy and everything you want from fine dining in the mountains. It was a tad pricey, but worth every penny, you only live once!
    More info
    The GamekeeperPrice: Very Expensive• American• Boone
    •
    4.9
  • Justin
    Asheville / Western North Carolina •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Eaten here multiple times and never had a bad meal or cocktail, however, this meal, had red grouper, was by far my most fav meal yet
    More info
    Gourmet and CompanyPrice: Expensive• American• Johnson City
    •
    4.9
  • Christine
    Asheville / Western North Carolina •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Apr 8, 2025
    At first we were forgotten sat in back corner but then better communication and our dinner was great !
    More info
    Casa Rustica RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Italian• Boone
    •
    4.5
  • FeleciaVIP
    Asheville / Western North Carolina •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Apr 5, 2025
    We love eating here! Always the best food & experience. By far our favorite Date night spot 😍.
    More info
    Americano Steak House & Wine BarPrice: Moderate• Steak• Banner Elk
    •
    4.7

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