10 RESTAURANT PICKS · HIGHLANDS, NC
Our top 10 restaurant picks, from a Blue Bike breakfast to a lingering dinner out.
A good getaway leaves room for a good meal. Explore Netsi Place’s ten restaurant picks for different appetites and occasions. Start with breakfast, save a table for dinner, and see where the day takes you.
Breakfast & lunch
Start with a proper breakfast.
Blue Bike is the place to begin a Highlands food day: a casual café serving breakfast all day, plus burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Think pancakes, omelets, or biscuits and gravy before a day of exploring.
Good for: A relaxed breakfast before the trails or a leisurely lunch near Main Street.
Website & menuBreakfast & casual bites
Something for every appetite.
Part grocery, part gathering place, Mountain Fresh brings together a breakfast menu, coffee bar, grill, and pizza. It’s a useful stop when your group wants different things or you’re picking up something easy for a cabin evening.
Good for: Breakfast, coffee, or a casual meal at the end of Main Street.
Website & menuItalian dinner
Make an evening of it.
For an Italian dinner on Main Street, put Paoletti on your list. Its family tradition and dinner service make it a lovely choice when you want to slow down over a meal. Browse the current offerings and arrange your table directly.
Good for: An Italian dinner or a special evening out.
Website & menuSpecial occasions
A table for a memorable meal.
At Old Edwards Inn, Madison’s pairs carefully prepared meat and fish dishes with an extensive wine list. Lunch and dinner are open to the public, and reservations are recommended. Breakfast is reserved for eligible hotel guests and members.
Good for: A celebratory lunch or dinner.
Website & menuPizza & easygoing meals
Follow the wood-fired aroma.
Wood-fired pizza, cast-iron sandwiches, and salads make Four65 an inviting option for an easy meal downtown. It’s open to the public and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Seasonal outdoor seating offers another way to linger when the weather cooperates.
Good for: Pizza after a hike or a casual lunch downtown.
Website & menuLunch & dinner
A little unexpected flavor.
Wild Thyme brings Asian influences to American cooking in Highlands’ Town Square. With indoor dining and seasonal outdoor seating, it works for a lunch break between shops or a dinner you’ve planned ahead. Dinner reservations are suggested.
Good for: A downtown meal with a different flavor.
Website & menuSeafood & lake views
Dinner with a change of scenery.
Overlooking Lake Sequoyah, On the Verandah combines seafood and internationally influenced dishes with a lakeside setting. It’s a natural fit for an evening when the setting is part of the occasion. Check the current menu and reserve directly.
Good for: A seafood dinner or a romantic evening by the lake.
Website & menuSpanish-inspired tapas
Share a few good things.
At Mill Creek, The Stubborn Bull serves Spanish fusion tapas inspired by seasonal ingredients and offers a substantial Spanish and South American wine selection. Make it a shared-plates evening and check the current menus before choosing your table.
Good for: Tapas, wine, and a dinner made for sharing.
Website & menuPub favorites
Keep it casual.
Burgers, sandwiches, and other pub favorites make The Ugly Dog a relaxed option after a day outside. The Highlands location welcomes walk-ins rather than taking reservations. Check its current menu and event listings if you’re hoping to catch live music.
Good for: A casual lunch or dinner with a pub atmosphere.
Website & menuBarbecue & takeout
Bring an appetite.
Pit-smoked meats, fresh sides, and family options are the draw at Highlands Smokehouse on Franklin Road. Eat in or take something back for an easy evening at the cabin. It’s also a handy option when you’d rather spend the evening on your own deck.
Good for: Barbecue, a relaxed meal, or takeout for the cabin.
Website & menu