Where to Dine in Highlands

Discover a diverse, award winning selection of restaurants in Highlands, NC for your dining enjoyment.  Mexican. BBQ.  Italian. Pizza. Fusion. Southern Comfort Food. Steaks. Seafood. Looking for take out or outdoor seating options? You’ll find those here too. From casual to fine dining – you’ll find many options when deciding where to eat in Highlands.

Suggestion: Reservations when offered are always recommended – especially during the summer season.

4118 Kitchen and Bar

With a focus on Southern flavors with a modern twist this casual restaurant offers daily specials as well as small and large plate dining. Burgers, pasta, and salads are diner favorites. Looking for something a bit different? Check out the Chicken Cordon Bleu or the Grown-Up Grilled Cheese. Custom cocktails and a nice variety of local beers are offered. Open Tuesday through Saturday.

64 Highlands Plaza
Highlands, NC 28741
828.526.5002
www.4118kitchen-bar.com

Asia House

Freshly prepared Chinese, Japanese, & Thai favorites. Be sure and check out the Spring Rolls or Sushi. Great wine pours and some of the coldest Chardonnay on the Plateau. Full bar is offered. Open year round. Just off Main Street.

151 Helens Barn Avenue
Highlands, NC 28741
828.787.1680
asiahouse-highlands.letseat.at

Black Bear

Serving American-Mexicali inspired breakfast and lunch in a relaxed atmosphere. Breakfast favorites include breakfast burritos & tacos, omelettes, french toast, and pancakes. Enjoy burgers, sandwiches, & salads for lunch. You’ll want to check out the shrimp & grits. Open seven days a week – 7:00am -4:00pm.

137 Main St
Highlands, NC 28741
828.482.7020
blackbear-breakfast-and-lunch.business.site

Blue Bike Cafe

Located in Creekside Village, the Blue Bike Cafe offers breakfast and lunch in a casual atmosphere. Breakfast favorites include omelettes, steak and eggs, and pancakes. You’ll want to check out the Banana Bread French Toast. Open year-round. Closed Wednesdays.

423 N 4th St
Highlands, NC 28741
828.526.9922
www.bluebikecafe.net

Calders Coffee Café

The classic Highlands NC coffeehouse. Meet a friend or browse the internet while you savor your favorite hot or cold coffee drink. Tasty desserts, baked goods, paninis and wines by the glass highlight the menu.

384 Main Street
Highlands, NC 28741
828.526.0020
calderscoffeecafe.com

Four65 Woodfire Bistro and Bar

An Old Edwards restaurant featuring Mediterranean-inspired dishes including wood-fired pizzas, salads, sandwiches, and small plates. The perfect gathering spot located on Main Street in downtown Highlands. Full bar. Open year-round. Closed Wednesday.

465 Main Street
Highlands, NC 28741
828.787.2990
www.four65.com

Fressers Courtyard Cafe

Fressers serves up burgers, sandwiches, salads, and more for takeout. Seasonal outdoor dining is also available.

470 Oak Street
Highlands, NC 28741
828.526.8847
www.wecaterhighlands.com

Highlands Burritos

Burritos, quesadillas, tacos, salsa, and guacamole made with fresh ingredients highlight this Mexican restaurant. Lunch daily. Dinner: Thursday-Saturday till 8:00pm. Closed Sunday. Takeout available. Formerly known as Pescado’s.

226 South 4th Street
Highlands, NC 28741
828.526.9313
www.highlandsburritos.com

Highlands Pizza

Serving up Highlands best pizza. This long time staple also offers sandwiches and salads sure to please. Or, enjoy a fresh-brewed coffee while you watch the shoppers strolling Main Street. Don’t forget to check out the taste tempting personal pizzas and French Dip sandwich.

365 Main Street
Highlands, NC 28741
828.305.7700
www.highlandspizzaplace.com

Highlands Smokehouse

Rustic mountain restaurant for BBQ ribs, brisket & pulled pork, plus classic Southern comfort food sides. Offering counter service and full-service dining at the bar. Take out and outdoor dining available. Open year-round.

595 Franklin Road
Highlands, NC 28741
828.526.3554
www.highlandssmokehouse.com

Highlands Tavern

Highlands Tavern is an intimate, casual neighborhood pub offering elevated tavern food with a twist along with an excellent selection of craft beers and fine wines. You’ll definitely want to check out the mouth-watering brisket burger. Open for dinner Friday – Tuesday year round.

205 South 4th Street
Highlands, NC 28741
828.526.9002
www.highlandstavern.com

Hummingbird Lounge

The Hummingbird Lounge at the Old Edwards Inn is more than a hotel bar. This local favorite offers a warm, sophisticated vibe and frequently features live music. Light fare is served daily from 2:00pm – 9:00pm. Beverages are served from 11:30 am to 9 pm daily. Be sure and check out the “Bartender’s Picks” that include the Banana Fusion Martini and Word on the Mountain.

455 Main Street
Highlands, NC 28741
828.787.2525
www.oldedwardshospitality.com/old-edwards-inn-spa/dine/hummingbird-lounge

Kilwin’s of Highlands

A sweet tooth extravaganza, Kilwin’s is known nationally for its creamy ice cream – and so much more. Sample Kilwin’s freshly made hand-dipped chocolates, peanut brittle, smooth and & creamy fudge. Don’t forget to check out the tasty caramel apples too.

341 Main Street
Highlands, NC 28741
828.526.3788
www.kilwins.com/stores/kilwins-highlands.com

Lakeside Restaurant

A longtime Highlands favorite for lakeside dining on Harris Lake. The emphasis is on fresh local fish and Carolina seafood. Expertly prepared and served up. Enjoy enticing dishes such as Stuffed Rainbow Trout, Grouper Maison, and Cast Iron Seared Scallops. For the land lover, be sure to check out the grilled lamb chops or steak & frites. An award winning selection of wines is also available. Dinner only. Reservation strongly suggested. Outdoor seating available.

531 Smallwood Avenue
Highlands, NC 28741
828.526.9419
www.lakesiderestaurant.info

Madison’s Restaurant and Wine Garden

An Old Edward’s Inn dining experience. Enjoy farm fresh fare in a casually elegant dining environment. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner year round. Reservations are strongly suggested. The Wine Garden with its outdoor seating is the perfect setting for enjoying a glass of wine from their award winning selection of wines.

Old Edwards Inn and Spa
445 Main Street
Highlands, NC 28741
828.526.5477
www.oldedwardsinn.com

Midpoint

Serving lunch and dinner, an innovative menu is highlighted by creative dishes such as lamb gyros, general tso’s chicken, madras curry sea bass, & bang bang pork belly. Don’t forget to check out the charcuterie board and the artisan desserts. Reservations are encouraged.

332 Main Street
Highlands, NC 28741
828.526.2277
www.midpointhighlandsnc.com

Mountain Fresh Grocery

Besides being an upscale grocery offering butcher, bakery, deli,wood-fired pizza and wine shop, Mountain Fresh serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. Diners enjoy burgers, sandwiches, salads, and pizza. Be sure and check out the hot bar and salad bar. Their fresh prepared take out dinners are also popular for those looking for a quick meal on the go. Outdoor dining available.

521 East Main Street
Highlands, NC 28741
828.526.2400
www.mfgro.com

On the Verandah

Overlooking beautiful Lake Sequoyah, On the Verandah is a long time Highlands favorite. The restaurant offers international cuisine with a focus on mixing new, exciting flavors with classic favorites. Coconut shrimp, pan seared duck, filet mignon au poivre, and lobster piccata highlight the menu. Serving dinner seven days a week. Reservations suggested.

1536 Franklin Road
Highlands, NC 28741
828.526.2338
www.ontheverandah.com

Primary Restaurant and Bar

A mountain modern restaurant serving a wide variety of lunch and dinner options. Salads, burgers, sandwiches, beef, fish, and chicken highlight the menu. Tasty food at a great price in an attractive venue. Serving lunch and dinner year round, Thursday -Monday. 

310 Main Street
Highlands, NC 28741
828.526.3555
www.primaryhnc.com

Rainforest Bar and Grill

Authentic Mexican cuisine featuring all your favorites, made to order using fresh ingredients from local markets. Check out the fruit margaritas and mojitos. Open year round. Take out available.

72 Highlands Plaza
Highlands, NC 28741
828.526.2244
www.rainforestbarngrill.com

Ristorante Paoletti

Serving since 1984, enjoy artfully prepared Northern Italian dining in a sophisticated atmosphere. Escargot, pasta, seafood, and chops highlight the menu. Serving dinner daily with an award winning wine cellar. Reservations strongly suggested.

440 Main Street
Highlands, NC 28741
828.526.4906
www.paolettis.com

Roots & Vine

A culinary experience in fine dining features local sourced ingredients from the Appalachian region. Serving dinner, Roots & Vine is unique in that it offers diners a “tasting menu only” option. A selection of wine pairings – or upgraded reserve wine pairings elevate the meal. Prepare to experience cutting edge culinary delights such as Osetra Caviar with Granny’s Biscuits, Clabber Cream, Chive, & Maldon Sea Salt, Skillet Foie Gras with Black Raspberry, French Toast, Sherry, and Black Pepper, or Bennes & Bananas with Butter Cake, Banana Jam, and Frozen Benne Custard. Limited seating, prix fixe, and reservations are required. Dinner is served Thursday – Sunday.

490 Carolina Way
Highlands, NC 28741
828.526.3555
www.roots-vine.com

Stubborn Bull at Mill Creek

This casually elegant tapas restaurant is one of Highland’s newest dining experiences showcasing  innovative food with Spanish, Mediterranean, and South American influences as well as an extensive wine & cocktail menu.  Check out the paella, sea bass and cognac filet mignon. Lunch & dinner. Outdoor dining available.  Open year round.

445 N 4th St
Highlands, NC 28741
828.200.0813
the-stubborn-bull.com

Subway of Highlands

A great place to grab a quick lunch while viewing Highlands real estate. Serving deli sandwiches, chips, and salads. Lunch and dinner service.

73 Highlands Plaza
Highlands, NC 28741
828.526.1706

The Ugly Dog Pub

The Ugly Dog Pub is a cozy, casual neighborhood tavern offering burgers, sandwiches, salads, and pub food. Cocktails, wine, and craft beer available. Check out the live music lineup offered during the week. Open every day, year round.

294 South 4th Street
Highlands, NC 28741
828.526.8364
www.theuglydogpub.com

Wild Thyme Gourmet

Upscale restaurant that offers American cuisine with an Asian influence. Specialty dishes include spicy stir fry waterfall beef tenderloin, herb crusted rack of lamb with a honey lavender balsamic sauce, & wasabi pea encrusted wild salmon. A wide selection of award winning wines is offered. Lunch is served seven days a week. Dinner – nightly except for Sunday. Outdoor seating available. Reservations for dinner are suggested.

343-D Main Street
Highlands, NC 28741
828.526.4035
www.wildthymegourmet.com

Wolfgang’s Restaurant and Wine Bistro

Southern Living named Wolfgang’s the “Best Place for Dinner in Highlands.” Diners at this long time Highlands favorite enjoy an enticing menu of steaks, seafood, veal, venison and other delights for the discerning palate. Be sure and check out the German and New Orleans specialty entrées. An extensive list of award winning wines are offered. Outdoor seating available. Closed Tuesdays.

474 Main Street
Highlands, NC 28741
828.526.3807
www.wolfgangs.net