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Best Southern American Restaurants in Banner Elk

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19 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Artisanal Restaurant restaurant
1. Artisanal Restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(1898)
$$$$
• Southern american • Banner Elk
Booked 12 times today
Artisanal Restaurant in Banner Elk is a shining star in the realm of Contemporary American cuisine. Its farm-to-table approach ensures only the highest quality ingredients are used, offering diners a "truly the most amazing dining experience." The rustic yet elegant environment adds to the warmth and charm, making it perfect for special occasions. With a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, the restaurant goes beyond expectations with its pre-fix menu that tantalizes the taste buds. Guests rave about the "complex and extremely well developed" flavors, especially in dishes like the seafood bouillabaisse. Artisanal is a must-visit destination for anyone in the area.
A photo of Reid's Cafe and Raw Bar restaurant
2. Reid's Cafe and Raw Bar
4.8
Exceptional(705)
$$$$
• Southern american • Banner Elk
Booked 8 times today
Reid’s Cafe in Sugar Mountain, near Linville, features a raw bar with fresh oysters and regional seafood alongside seasonal, scratch-made dishes. The bar highlights expertly crafted cocktails, local beers, and thoughtfully selected wines—perfect for an elevated dinner or relaxed evening out in the High Country. Outdoor reservations are by phone only. We look forward to seeing you.
A photo of The Gamekeeper restaurant
3. The Gamekeeper
4.9
Exceptional(3491)
$$$$
• Southern american • Boone
Booked 13 times today
The Gamekeeper in Boone, NC, offers an extraordinary Contemporary American dining experience that melds traditional and exotic flavors with impeccable style. The restaurant's "wonderful mix of flavors" and "excellently prepared" dishes are a testament to the skill and creativity of acclaimed chef Ken Gordon. Diners rave about the "outstanding food" and "flawless service," making it a favorite destination for special occasions and memorable meals. The ambiance is a seamless blend of upscale elegance and mountain charm, creating a "romantic and quaint" setting. With standout dishes like emu and elk, The Gamekeeper delivers an authentic and unforgettable culinary adventure.
A photo of Bistro Roca at Hellbender Bed & Beverage restaurant
4. Bistro Roca at Hellbender Bed & Beverage
4.8
Exceptional(139)
$$$$
• Southern american • Blowing Rock
Booked 46 times today
Rooted in the Blue Ridge Mountains and carried by the community, the merging of Hellbender & Bistro Roca brings together two beloved Blowing Rock institutions under one roof and one shared spirit. Expect thoughtfully crafted food, local ingredients and a menu that feels both familiar and renewed-comforting Appalachian flavors with a modern hand. The bar pours with the same intention: well-made craft cocktails, approachable wines,and a place to linger a little longer. Reservations are exclusively for indoor dining only, while outdoor patio and bar seating are reserved for walk-in guests on a first-come, first-served basis. Well-mannered furry companions are welcome on the outdoor patio but not permitted indoors. Located in downtown Blowing Rock, Bistro Roca at Hellbender Bed & Beverage adds a fun twist on a classic idea, making it an ideal place for all to gather. Come for the food, stay for the community.
A photo of Daingerfield's Fine Dining at Westglow Luxury Resort and Spa restaurant
5. Daingerfield's Fine Dining at Westglow Luxury Resort and Spa
4.9
Exceptional(210)
$$$$
• Southern american • Blowing Rock
Booked 13 times today
The elegant dining experience in the Manor at Westglow. Our dining room features original paintings by Elliott Daingerfield and a spectacular view of Grandfather Mountain. Enjoy a drink before your reservation in Elliott’s Bar, a fun piano lounge experience featuring our ever-growing wine collection.If you are unable to find a time online that meets your preference, please contact us directly for additional availability at 828.295.1635
A photo of The Restaurant at Gideon Ridge restaurant
6. The Restaurant at Gideon Ridge
5.0
Exceptional(750)
$$$$
• Southern american • Blowing Rock
Booked 19 times today
Our farmers define our menu. The local Appalachian produce changes with the season and so does our menu. The menu will change week to week or day to day depending on climate and seasonal growth length. From ramps and morels to soft shell crab and local beef, we strive to provide the absolute freshest in ingredients. We kindly ask that our guests are aged 12 years and older and pets are left at home.Our limited space against the window is our most popular request; we may not be able to fulfill all requests in the evening. Thank you for your understanding!For any special requests, such as flowers and desserts, please contact the restaurant directly with a 72 hour notice at 828-295-3644.
A photo of The Restaurant at the Embers restaurant
7. The Restaurant at the Embers
4.6
Exceptional(342)
$$$$
• Southern american • Blowing Rock
Booked 9 times today
Executive Chef Jason Starnes inspired menu. Locally sourced farm to table experience keeping in mind seasonal options when at all possible. Served in the heart of the "Embers Hotel" fireside. Outdoor Terrace dining available seasonally.
A photo of Basil's restaurant
8. Basil's
4.6
Exceptional(64)
$$$$
• Southern american • Boone
Booked 1 time today
Fresh pasta, no bologna! Sandwiches, soups, salads, and scratch made pasta at lunch. More pasta at night with other entree options. 20 taps of craft beer, full bar, constantly changing wine selection thanks to our Wednesday night tastings.Chef Scott Ottinger brings his years of experience to our changing menu, offering pasta as well as interesting entree and salad options.Tuesday nights feature trivia as well as half priced glasses of wine. Wednesdays feature free wine tastings from 5:30-7:30. Drop by between 5:30-7:30 to taste! Weekends often feature pairing menus on Fridays/Saturdays, with Sunday brunch weekly from 11-3. We hope to see you!
A photo of Americano Steak House & Wine Bar restaurant
9. Americano Steak House & Wine Bar
4.9
Exceptional(1009)
$$$$
• Southern american • Banner Elk
Booked 21 times today
Americano Steak House & Wine Bar is the pinnacle of authentic American cuisine, nestled in the charming mountains of East Tennessee. This award-winning restaurant is renowned for its hand-cut steaks and fresh seafood, consistently delivering an "exceptional dining experience" that diners rave about. Locally owned by a veteran, Americano takes pride in its quality offerings, from hearty 1/2 pound steak-burgers to decadent desserts, all complemented by the only full liquor bar in the area with over 100 wines. As one guest put it, "hands down one of the most amazing steaks we've ever had!" Experience the essence of American dining at its finest.
A photo of Bistro Roca restaurant
10. Bistro Roca
4.9
Exceptional(3406)
$$$$
• Southern american • Blowing Rock
We are heartbroken to share that during an ice storm in January 2026, Bistro Roca suffered a fire, and our historic building was lost. While the loss is devastating, we are deeply thankful for the outpouring of kindness, support, and love from near and far.At this time, Bistro Roca is temporarily merged with our sister restaurant Hellbender Bed & Beverage, lcoated at 239 Sunset in the heart of downtown Blowing Rock. We are excited to share this experience with you all and are so happy to continue serving our Bistro Roca and Hellbender guests where the same spirit of hospitality, care, and connection lives on.We will share updates here as we are able. Bistro Roca is in the process of rebuilding. Please visit our website at bistroroca.com to sign up for a newsletter on updates.We are inspired by this community and remain hopeful as we look toward the future.Thank you for being part of our story.The Bistro Roca Team
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • kj1234
    West Palm Beach •148 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Feb 15, 2023
    Excellent , Service outstanding Food outstanding
    More info
    Wellington's Restaurant$$$$• Southern• Johnson City
    •
    4.4
  • Seafoodlover
    South Carolina •19 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jan 5, 2020
    We enjoyed another delicious dinner at Twigs. This visit we were joined by friends who had eaten there before but it had been awhile. Between the 4 of us we ordered Pecan crusted Trout or Shrimp and Grits. Everyone was pleased and everything was really good. Twigs, we'll be back!
    More info
    Twigs Restaurant and Bar$$$$• American• Blowing Rock
    •
    4.4
  • ReneeS
    Jacksonville / Northeast Florida •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Sep 7, 2017
    Had a fabulous meal in main dining room with gorgeous view of Blue Ridge mountains. The Trout was excellent with the most tasty Yukon mashed potatoes, just amazing. The flatiron steak cooked to perfection. Excellent Caesar salad with shaved fresh Parmesan. Perhaps the best Caesar ever. Desert of Texas pecan pie outstanding! Only complaint we were there on a Thursday night and the live music too load for the inside dining room. Otherwise a perfect experience and a must do when in Boone, Blowing rock area.
    More info
    Table at Crestwood$$$$• Southern• Boone
    •
    4.2

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