A wonderful selection of great restaurants awaits in Highlands, North Carolina. From coffee and pastries to gourmet dinners complete with wine cellar and sommelier, Highlands has it all. Whether you’re looking for a culinary journey or casual dining experience, you’ll find plenty of delicious meals and places to enjoy them. Reservations are always recommended during the season. You may also be interested in exploring the shops in Highlands. To learn more about the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau, check out our NC Living Magazine!
If you have any questions about the local area, contact Silver Creek Real Estate Group.
Scroll down to view a list of Highlands restaurants.
4118 Kitchen and Bar
Serving New American cuisine in a casual setting; enjoy food, drinks, and atmosphere all evening long. Open Tuesday through Saturday.
64 Highlands Plaza
Highlands, NC 28741
(828) 526-5002
www.4118kitchen-bar.com
Asia House
Asia House offers a varied menu of freshly prepared Asian favorites, including Chinese, Japanese, Thai, sushi and more. Full bar; open year round.
151 Helens Barn Avenue
Highlands, NC 28741
(828) 787-1680
Blue Bike Cafe
Located in the newly renovated Creekside Village, the Blue Bike is a casual breakfast and lunch spot. Offering all your breakfast favorites and so much more. Closed on Wednesdays but open year-round.
423 N 4th St
Highlands, NC 28741
(828) 526-9922
https://www.bluebikecafe.net/
Bridge at Mill Creek
Cozy decor, comfort food, and an extensive wine and cocktail menu combine to create a singular dining experience.
445 N 4th St
Highlands, NC 28741
(828) 526-5500
http://www.thebridgeatmillcreek.com
Calders Coffee Café
Stop for a delicious hot or cold coffee drink while strolling Main Street. The menu also includes tasty desserts, bakery goods, paninis and wines by the glass. Comfy chairs for reading or chatting with friends.
384 Main Street
Highlands, NC 28741
(828) 526-0020
https://calderscoffeecafe.com/
Don Leon's
Food Truck serving up burgers, gyros, salads and much more. Located at The High Dive.
476 Carolina Way
Highlands, NC 28741
828-200-0388
El Azteca Grill and Bar
Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine and hand-prepared fruit margaritas and mojitos. The intriguing menu features a variety of flavorful dishes, all made to order using fresh ingredients from local markets. Takeout orders available; open year round.
72 Highlands Plaza
Highlands, NC 28741
(828) 526-2244
Four65 Woodfire Bistro and Bar
A modern Mediterranean-inspired restaurant serving wood-fired pizzas, salads, sandwiches, and small plates. A fun gathering spot located in downtown Highlands with a full bar. Open year-round.
465 Main Street
Highlands, NC 28741
(828) 787-2990
www.four65.com
Fressers Courtyard Cafe
Just one block from Main Street, Fressers offers seasonal courtyard dining and take-out. Serving up burgers, sandwiches, salads, and more.
470 Oak Street
Highlands, NC 28741
(828) 526-8847
http://www.wecaterhighlands.com
Highlands Burritos
Formally known as Pescado's, Highlands Burritos has fresh, flavorful ingredients making their burritos, quesadillas, tacos, salsa, guacamole and other Mexicali fare worth a visit.
226 South 4th Street
Highlands, NC 28741
(828) 526-9313
https://highlandsburritos.com/
Highlands Smokehouse
Roadside BBQ joint that offers counter service and full-service dining at the bar. Open year-round.
595 Franklin Road
Highlands, NC 28741
(828) 526-3554
http://www.highlandssmokehouse.com
Hummingbird Lounge
The Hummingbird Lounge at Old Edwards Inn frequently features live music from 6 to 8 pm on Friday and Saturday nights. Lunch is served 11:30 am to 2 pm, light fare 2 to 5 pm, and dinner 5 to 8 pm daily. Beverages are served from 11:30 am to 9 pm daily.
455 Main Street
Highlands, NC 28741
(828) 787-2525
http://www.oldedwardsinn.com/dining/hummingbird-lounge
Kilwin's of Highlands
Indulge your sweet tooth with Kilwin's freshly made hand-dipped chocolates, smooth and creamy fudge and delicious caramel apples. Family owned and operated, this old-fashioned country store also has 32 flavors of Kilwin's Original Recipe ice cream, plus other irresistible treats like peanut brittle and caramel corn.
341 Main Street
Highlands, NC 28741
(828) 526-3788
www.kilwins.com/stores/kilwins-highlands.com
Lakeside
Right on Harris Lake. The focus is on seafood, with enticing dishes like Carolina Grouper Maison, Stuffed Rainbow Trout with Crabmeat and Applewood Smoked Bacon, and Bronzed Yellowfin Tuna. Multiple Wine Spectator Award Winner. Dinner only; resort casual dress.
531 Smallwood Avenue
Highlands, NC 28741
(828) 526-9419
www.lakesiderestaurant.info
Madison's Restaurant and Wine Garden
Enjoy fine Southern cuisine using fresh, local ingredients at the Old Edward's Inn. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Complement your meal with a selection from Madison's Wine Spectator award-winning wine list.
Old Edwards Inn and Spa
445 Main Street
Highlands, NC 28741
(828) 526-5477
www.oldedwardsinn.com
Midpoint
Located on Main Street, the rooftop bistro offers a wide variety of contemporary American fusion cuisine. Patio and indoor dining is available, Tuesday-Thursday 4 -9 pm and Friday-Saturday 5-10 pm. Reservations are strongly recommended.
332 Main Street
Highlands, NC 28741
(828) 526-2277
http://www.midpointhighlandsnc.com
Mountain Fresh Grocery
Mountain Fresh offers breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. With a grill, hickory wood fire pizza oven, hot bar, salad bar, all natural ice cream and gelato bar, espresso bar, bakery and a menu that changes daily, there is always something new to try. Made from scratch dinners to go are perfect for casual meals at home.
521 East Main Street
Highlands, NC 28741
(828) 526-2400
www.mfgro.com
Oak Steakhouse Highlands at Skyline Lodge
Skyline Lodge's second floor is home to Oak Steakhouse, a contemporary steakhouse featuring the finest cuts of Certified Angus Beef and locally-sourced produce from area farms. Reservations are strongly recommended.
470 Skyline Lodge Road
Highlands, NC 28741
(828) 482-4720
www.oaksteakhouserestaurant.com/location/oak-steakhouse-highlands
On the Verandah
Enjoy the fusion gourmet menu while overlooking beautiful Lake Sequoyah. On the Verandah is celebrating almost 30 years in Highlands. Open for dinner; beer, wine, and liquor available. Reservations suggested.
1536 Franklin Road
Highlands, NC 28741
(828) 526-2338
www.ontheverandah.com
The Pizza Place
Enjoy a slice or a pie; eat in or take out. Salads and hot and cold sandwiches also offered.
365 Main Street
Highlands, NC 28741
(828) 526-5660
www.restaurantji.com/
Ristorante Paoletti
Enjoy superb Northern Italian dining in an old world atmosphere. Serving dinner daily with an outstanding wine cellar.
440 Main Street
Highlands, NC 28741
(828) 526-4906
www.paolettis.com
The Ruffed Grouse
Regionally-influenced seasonal menus serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Reservations are recommended.
270 Main Street
Highlands, NC 28741
(828) 526-2590
www.highlandermountainhouse.com/the-ruffed-grouse-tavern
SweeTreats
Create your own ice cream or frozen yogurt flavor, enjoy fresh-brewed coffees or sample homemade candies and chocolates. SweeTreats also offers sandwiches, soups, and salads.
439 North 4th Street
Highlands, NC 28741
(828) 526-9822
www.sweetreatshighlands.com
Subway of Highlands
The typical Subway in downtown Highlands.
73 Highlands Plaza
Highlands, NC 28741
(828) 526-1706
Tug's Proper
Enjoy a full menu selection at this pub-style restaurant right on Highlands' Main Street. From a pancake breakfast to duck confit for dinner, this cozy respite promises a wonderful meal any time of day.
310 Main Street
Highlands, NC 28741
www.tugsproper.com
The Ugly Dog Pub
Located "on the hill" in Highlands, The Ugly Dog Pub is a friendly neighborhood spot to kick back and relax. Enjoy the full bar and made-to-order menu with appetizers, sandwiches, salads, and desserts. Watch the game on one of the widescreen TVs and enjoy live music several nights a week. Open year round.
294 South 4th Street
Highlands, NC 28741
(828) 526-8364
www.theuglydogpub.com
Wild Thyme Gourmet
Southern Accents magazine says Wild Thyme has the best sandwiches in Highlands; the lunch and dinner menus offer those and more. Gourmet foods and wines for sale to enjoy at home.
343-D Main Street
Highlands, NC 28741
(828) 526-4035
www.wildthymegourmet.com
Wolfgang's Restaurant and Wine Bistro
Wolfgang's offers an enticing menu of New Orleans specialties, steaks, seafood, veal, venison and other delights for the discerning palate. The extensive wine list has received the Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence for several years running. Located in a historic 1890s home, Wolfgang's has been featured in both Southern Living and Southern Accents magazines.
474 Main Street
Highlands, NC 28741
(828) 526-3807
www.wolfgangs.net