Best restaurants near me in Banner Elk

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

American

Italian

Steakhouse

Seafood

French

Fusion / Eclectic

Top Rated

Charming

Fancy

Good for business meals

Good for groups

Good for special occasions

Great for fine wines

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

Bar

Counter

Standard

High Top

Outdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

31 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Bayou Smokehouse & Grill restaurant

1. Bayou Smokehouse & Grill

3.7

Very Good(24)

$$$$

• Cajun • Banner Elk

Bayou Smokehouse and Grill in Banner Elk serves up Texas and Louisiana eats made from family recipes. Guests can stop in for a casual Breakfast, Lunch or dinner while also grabbing a beer with family and friends.

A photo of Reid's Cafe and Raw Bar restaurant

2. Reid's Cafe and Raw Bar

4.7

Exceptional(781)

$$$$

• American • Banner Elk

Booked 7 times today

Reid’s Cafe in Sugar Mountain, near Linville, features a raw bar with fresh oysters and regional seafood alongside seasonal, scratch-made dishes. The bar highlights expertly crafted cocktails, local beers, and thoughtfully selected wines—perfect for an elevated dinner or relaxed evening out in the High Country. Outdoor reservations are by phone only. We look forward to seeing you.

3. The Gamekeeper

4.9

Exceptional(3597)

$$$$

• American • Boone

Booked 11 times today

You haven't fully experienced the Blowing Rock, NC region until you've dined at The Gamekeeper. It's a true gourmet restaurant with an engaging blend of upscale elegance and mountain charm. Famous for an evolving menu that blends the traditional with the exotic, The Gamekeeper features a selection of perfectly prepared game plus a range of continental and American entrees. Acclaimed chef and owner Ken Gordon brings tremendous warmth and skill to the table treating you more as friends than guests. You'll experience a meal to remember that includes fine wines, decadent desserts, and a generous serving of personal attention. You'll leave happy and impressed with a desire to return soon!

A photo of Daingerfield's Fine Dining at Westglow Luxury Resort and Spa restaurant

4. Daingerfield's Fine Dining at Westglow Luxury Resort and Spa

4.8

Exceptional(366)

$$$$

• American • Blowing Rock

Booked 9 times today

Daingerfield’s at Westglow is one of the Blue Ridge Mountains’ premier dining destinations, offering refined Appalachian-inspired cuisine, an award-winning wine list, and an atmosphere of timeless elegance.Our Main Dining Room offers the estate’s signature panoramic views of Grandfather, Sugar, and Beech Mountains, while the adjacent Sunroom provides a more intimate setting near Elliott’s Piano Bar & Lounge, where live piano music enhances dinner Friday through Sunday.If you are unable to find a time online that meets your preference, please contact us directly for additional availability at 828.295.1635

A photo of Bistro Roca at Hellbender Bed & Beverage restaurant

5. Bistro Roca at Hellbender Bed & Beverage

4.6

Exceptional(436)

$$$$

• American • Blowing Rock

Booked 40 times today

Rooted in the Blue Ridge Mountains and carried by the community, the merging of Hellbender & Bistro Roca brings together two beloved Blowing Rock institutions under one roof and one shared spirit. Expect thoughtfully crafted food, local ingredients and a menu that feels both familiar and renewed-comforting Appalachian flavors with a modern hand. The bar pours with the same intention: well-made craft cocktails, approachable wines,and a place to linger a little longer. Reservations are exclusively for indoor dining only, while outdoor patio and bar seating are reserved for walk-in guests on a first-come, first-served basis. Well-mannered furry companions are welcome on the outdoor patio but not permitted indoors. Located in downtown Blowing Rock, Bistro Roca at Hellbender Bed & Beverage adds a fun twist on a classic idea, making it an ideal place for all to gather. Come for the food, stay for the community.

6. Haven

new

3.8

Excellent(37)

$$$$

• American • Blowing Rock

Booked 14 times today

Haven is a lakeside restaurant in Blowing Rock, where the locavore menu is defined by the seasons. Our offerings change often, shaped by what's fresh, what's in season, and what our chef is exploring. Our tasting menu offers a rare chance in Blowing Rock to experience the kitchen's full range in one seated dinner, course by course, built for groups of up to fifteen who want to immerse themselves in the whole story, one plate at a time.Dine indoors, take a seat at the bar, or find a table on the patio. The lake is close by no matter where you sit, ready for a post-dinner walk. Haven is open to the public, with reservations recommended.

A photo of The Restaurant at the Embers restaurant

7. The Restaurant at the Embers

4.3

Awesome(405)

$$$$

• American • Blowing Rock

Booked 13 times today

Executive Chef Jason Starnes 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.

8. The BEACON

4.5

Awesome(821)

$$$$

• Contemporary Italian • Boone

Booked 18 times today

The Beacon is a labor of love from Tina Houston, owner of Reid’s Café & Catering Co., established here in the High Country since 1999. From our kitchen to our staff, we strive for innovation and discovery in all facets of our company. We love the intentional, the specific, and the well-cared-for. We work closely with our Blue Ridge farmers, producers, and NC fisherman to present deliberate and thoughtful food and beverage menus. Our Bar highlights inspiring cocktails and an impressive biodynamic wine program. A dedication to offering natural wines adhering to strict traditional methods, free of pesticides, and minimal intervention. Live music every Tuesday and Thursday during dinner service provides a subtle and delightful ambience. Our semi-private section of our dining room hosts "family style" dining of up to 30 guests. Feel free to contact us for availability. Join us every first friday of the month for Jazz Jam from 9:30 PM - Midnight, including late night food and drinks.

A photo of The Restaurant at Gideon Ridge restaurant

9. The Restaurant at Gideon Ridge

4.9

Exceptional(914)

$$$$

• American • Blowing Rock

Booked 15 times today

Our farmers define our menu. The local Appalachian produce changes with the season and so does our menu. The menu will change week to week or day to day depending on climate and seasonal growth length. From ramps and morels to soft shell crab and local beef, we strive to provide the absolute freshest in ingredients. We kindly ask that our guests are aged 12 years and older and pets are left at home.Our limited space against the window is our most popular request; we may not be able to fulfill all requests in the evening. Thank you for your understanding!For any special requests, such as flowers and desserts, please contact the restaurant directly with a 72 hour notice at 828-295-3644.

A photo of Casa Rustica Restaurant restaurant

10. Casa Rustica Restaurant

4.3

Awesome(2307)

$$$$

• Italian • Boone

Booked 16 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.

Dining near Banner Elk at a glance

Updated on 11/5/2026

Pepper's Restaurant and Bar

4.9

View restaurant

Discover local gems

Exceptional reviews

American

Average check amount

$30 and under

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

H
Haley
Charlotte •6 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Our server, George, was amazing. He gave excellent recommendations and was spot on. We had the Cuban crepe as our appetizer. I’m so glad we did!! It was amazing. Absolutely delicious and so flavorful. For our entrees we had the ramen and the ribeye. Both were delicious as well. All the the different flavors from both dishes were impressive. They definitely know what they’re doing there.
More info
Bistro Roca at Hellbender Bed & Beverage$$$$• American• Blowing Rock
•
4.6
J
juniusGold
West Palm Beach •28 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
As always the quality of the food combined with the excellent service makes this a reliably enjoyable restaurant in the high country!
More info
Reid's Cafe and Raw Bar$$$$• American• Banner Elk
•
4.7
R
RobertGold
Greensboro / Winston Salem / Highpoint •109 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Outstanding!! This Saturday evening, I enjoyed the Chilean Sea Bass. It was fantastic. So I came back the next evening for Japanese Wagu and it was fantastic. Everything was excellent. Service, Ambiance, and Food! Overall, I think this is the best fine dining restaurant in North Carolina and probably beyond
More info
Daingerfield's Fine Dining at Westglow Luxury Resort and Spa$$$$• American• Blowing Rock
•
4.8
S
ShellyeGold
Coastal Georgia •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
We visit the area every year and are always looking for something new. We found this resturant online and it had 3500+ reviews and 5 stars. The Gamekeeper did not disappoint. The staff were friendly and attentive. The menu is small, so they executed every detail perfectly. The food was really good. The location is beautiful. We will visit again.
More info
The Gamekeeper$$$$• American• Boone
•
4.9
W
WilliamGold
Tampa / Central Florida West •22 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jul 13, 2026
Our sever Addie was great, very personable. Best red beans and rice I’ve had in a long time.
More info
Bayou Smokehouse & Grill$$$$• Cajun• Banner Elk
•
3.7

Frequently asked questions

Here are the most popular cuisines: American, Italian, Steakhouse, Contemporary American, Southern and many more.

There are 93 restaurants on OpenTable in Asheville / Western North Carolina.

Yes, we partner with a third party to bring back menu information for restaurants near you.

Explore OpenTable

Restaurants nearby

Open near me

Best restaurants near me in Banner Elk

Price

Cuisine

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Accessibility

31 restaurants available nearby

1. Bayou Smokehouse & Grill

2. Reid's Cafe and Raw Bar

3. The Gamekeeper

4. Daingerfield's Fine Dining at Westglow Luxury Resort and Spa

5. Bistro Roca at Hellbender Bed & Beverage

6. Haven

7. The Restaurant at the Embers

8. The BEACON

9. The Restaurant at Gideon Ridge

10. Casa Rustica Restaurant

Dining near Banner Elk at a glance

Pepper's Restaurant and Bar

American

See what locals rave about

Frequently asked questions

What cuisines are available near me in Asheville / Western North Carolina?

How many restaurants are on OpenTable in Asheville / Western North Carolina?

Can I see menu information for restaurants?

Explore OpenTable