Below is a compilation of some of the best places to eat in the North Carolina Mountains.
Louisiana Purchase- Specializing in Cajun Cuisine rich in culinary artistry. Traditional Cajun entrees such as Jambalya, Blackened Fish Bourbon Street, and Seafood Etouffee. The Purchase also boasts one of the few Best of Award of Excellence Wine List in the country. 397 Shawneehaw Ave. Banner Elk. 828-898-5656.
Stone Walls- Family style American. Specializes in steak, prime rib, seafood. Hwy 184 Downtown Banner Elk. 828-963-6161.
The Corner Palate- Wide ranging menu including pasta, soups, salads, quiches, omelettes, quesadillas, jambalaya, steak, chicken and fish N.C. Hwy. 184, Banner Elk 828-898-8668
Best Cellar Restaurant- Intimate atmosphere in rustic cabin. Well known for steaks, seafood and fowl. Reservations recommended. Hwy 321 Blowing Rock Rd. 828-295-3466.
Blowing Rock Cafe- Steaks, spaghetti, tacos and salads, homemade soups. 349 Sunset Dr. 828-295-9474.
Melanie's Food Fantasy- 415 Blowing Rock Rd., Boone. 828-264-6075.
Casa Rustica Restaurant- Northern Italian-American in rustic cabin. 1348 Hwy 105, Boone. 828-262-5128.
Los Areos Mexican- 1934 Blowing rock Rd. (Hwy 321), Boone. 828-264-7770.
China Chef's- Watauya Village Shopping Center, Boone. 828-265-3313.
Original Emporium Restaurant- Sandwiches, burgers, grilled specialties, pasta, salads. Lunch and dinner 7 days. Highway 321, Blowing Rock. 828-295-7661.
Kilwin's Chocolates & Ice Cream- Main St. Blowing Rock. 828-295-3088.
Black Diamond Bistro & Grill- Fresh food from scratch. Mix of American, European and Middle Eastern Sunrise Shopping Center, Banner Elk. 828-898-7555.
Macado's- 539 W. King St. Boone. 828-264-1375.
Daniel Boone Inn Restaurant- Old fashioned, family style dining. Junction 321 & 421, Boone 828-264-8657.
LaFayette's at Green Park Inn- Cajun/French in historic inn. Reservations required. Hwy 321 South, Blowing Rock 828-295-3141.
Tartan Restaurant- Mountain fare with Scottish flare. Lunch and dinner. Hemingway St., Linville 828-733-0779