Location: Highlands
Top Restaurants in Highlands
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Highlands Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Highlands
Highlands is an incorporated town in Macon County in the U.S. state of North Carolina. Located on a plateau in the southern Appalachian Mountains, within the Nantahala National Forest, it lies mostly in southeastern Macon County and slightly in southwestern Jackson County, in the Highlands and Cashiers Townships, respectively. The permanent population was 924 at the 2010 census.
Things to do in Highlands
1. Ristorante Paoletti
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 999 reviews
We are celebrating 34-years serving superb regional Italian Cuisine in Highlands, North Carolina in 2018. We operate from April-December. Our menu offers the largest selection of fresh coastal Seafood & Rainbow Trout. Daily made Ravioli, Prime Grass-fed Steaks, Chops and Rack of Lamb and Gluten-Free options are offered on our regular menu and Daily Special card. Full Dinner Menu available at the Bar. To complement your meal we offer one of the deepest wine cellars in the SE. Craft Cocktails & 35-Sparkling, Red and White selections are offered by-the-glass. Recipient of the Wine Spectator's 'Best of Award of Excellence' since 1987. Located next to the Highlands Inn and across from the Old Edwards Inn. We encourage Phone Reservations and accepted up to 30-days in advance of your desired dining date. Online, fax, email or Opentable reservations are not available, unfortunately. Kindly, call and leave your reservation request on our voicemail. Your call will be returned promptly.
Reviewed By Disneyaddict87 - Pinellas Park, Florida
The hostess stated we were early, very early and our table was not ready on at least 2 occasions. We arrived 10 minutes early for an 8:15 reservation. She was very rude and set the mood for us. Server was very entertaining, food was good, wine offered a vast selection. Desserts were very enjoyable. Table next to us had a toddler and they played videos on their phone very loudly and no one asked them to turn it down after we complained.
2. Kilwin's Chocolates and Ice Cream
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 323 reviews
Reviewed By George M - Scaly Mountain, North Carolina
Great place for families wanting ice cream, candy, candied apples and much more. Clean, good service and located in a courtyard setting surrounded by other clothing stores, restaurants and a sauce specialty shop called Colonel Mustard's that is a must stop.
3. Buck's Coffee Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 252 reviews
Reviewed By mikki777 - Woodstock, Georgia
Regular coffee is good. Nice stop that isn't a chain restaurant in the heart of downtown Highlands. Fast service.
4. Wolfgang's Restaurant & Wine Bistro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 817 reviews
Internationally recognized Chef Wolfgang invites you to dine in his garden pavilion or by the fireside in a historic home. Nestled amongst the rhododendrons on the historic main street of Highlands. . Wolfgang's is the recipient of the Wine Spectator's "Best of Award of Excellence" for the past years, our wine list features over 800 wines. Eclectic Contemporary American Cuisine with a New Orleans flair, Seafood and Steaks. . "Our State" magazine named Wolfgang's Restaurant & Wine Bistro the place you must eat in Macon County. Featured in Southern Living, Southern Accents, WNC Magazine, and Outside Magazine. Chef Wolfgang Green was the Executive Chef for the Brennan Family of Commander's Palace. Elected Member of Academy of Chefs Certified Executive Chef Member Texas Culinary Olympic Team Voted Jamaican and Texas Chef of the Year and Chaine des Rotisseurs.
Reviewed By Michael M
We absolutely love Wolfgang’s! They have the great combination of incredibly friendly and helpful staff, great menu and daily specials, and a wine list that is made for all tastes and budgets. The mix of Creole/Cajun, German, and American style food provides something for everybody. And I can’t forget to mention the many seating areas they have to offer, from the Bistro (indoor and outdoor), the front dining area (indoor and outdoor) and then the original dining areas in the house, where the kitchen and restrooms are located. When in Highlands, you definitely should visit Wolfgang’s - at least once!
5. SweeTreats Deli
Overall Ratings
4 based on 94 reviews
Reviewed By Lloyd S - Atlanta, Georgia
We come here every time we visit Highlands. They moved a couple years ago to the town center. Custom made flavors using real fruits. Prices are very good considering what you get.
6. Sweet Treats Ice Cream & Coffee House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By elnbryant - Birmingham, Alabama
This place was the only ice cream shop open on a Sunday night and had lines out the door. Service didn't take too long though and was well worth the wait...You pick either chocolate or vanilla ice cream and the toppings you like and they will mix them in for you. Prices are reasonable and the ice cream was delicious! Get the vanilla ice cream with strawberries or chocolate and brownies!!
7. Meritage Bistro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 186 reviews
Delicious Euro-Mediterranean cuisine, served in our delightful cool canopy garden or the mountain contemporary dining room. Chef-owned and operating in the Highlands market for 20 years. Meritage is located two blocks off main in a peaceful mountain location with a relaxed vibe and some of the best food in Highlands! Come join us!
Reviewed By Micheled7 - Alpharetta, Georgia
I'm always impressed when I find a restaurant where the staff is highly enthusiastic and welcoming. Thats the case of the staff at Meritage. From the ease of making reservations, to our dining experience, everything was wonderful. My husband and I shared the tuna appetizer, which was really fresh. I then had the rainbow trout and my husband had the lamb meatloaf. The cocktails were delicious, as was dessert. We will definitely be back next time we are in the Highlands area.
8. Cyprus
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 796 reviews
Award Winning Chef Nicholas Figel introduces destination quality International Cuisine to Highlands, NC. In the Cyprus open kitchen, we take our inspiration from peasant foods and traditional cuisines from around the world. We hand harvest our vegetables and shop the ethnic markets to deliver authentic and traditional International flavors. We feature a unique regional menu, written and executed each day in the Cyprus kitchen, always by hand, and always using time honored, traditional cooking methods. The dining room is relaxing, inclusive, and a great place to enjoy great food and good times with friends. Cyprus International Cuisine, The most exciting dining destination in Highlands
Reviewed By Mary M - Atlanta, Georgia
My dear friend and I had a wonderful dinner this evening-our waiter Martini was lovely! The food was delicious -we cannot wait to go back!
9. Madison's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 952 reviews
Innovative farm-fresh cuisine for lunch and dinner in an environment of relaxed elegance. Most menu items sourced locally and grown organically at The Farm at Old Edwards. Dine indoors year-round or outdoors in the warm months at the Wine Garden beside the beautiful waterfall. (Breakfast service is for hotel guests only.
Reviewed By Christofero C
I took my fiancé there for her 35 birthday and they did not disappoint. The food was extraordinary and delicious. The atmosphere was very romantic with several dishes being complimentary of the chef and pastry chef. The sommelier was terrific with his knowledge of wines and also gave us a bit of humor while explaining several different wine origins. I would recommend this elegant restaurant to anyone looking for some delicious food with an upscale environment.
10. Lakeside Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 398 reviews
Reviewed By Pam C - Ormond Beach, Florida
We were warmly greeted at the door by the owner who showed us to our seat and introduced our server, Galina, who was attentive, friendly, and knew the menu well. Lakeside is another local restaurant with a fantastic wine list with reasonable choices as well as top of the line.
Hubby started with the lightly dusted cornmeal fried oysters which were a great choice: sweet, tender, very lightly fried. Hubby enjoyed the Colorado lamb chops grilled which were to his liking. I had the local rainbow trout sautéed in lemon butter and served with creamy Boursin cheese mashed potatoes. Delicious food served in a cozy restaurant with an excellent server!
