Boone

Top Restaurants in Boone

Boone, NC boasts a vibrant culinary scene with a range of top-notch restaurants. From the farm-to-table elegance of Vidalia Restaurant to the Appalachian cuisine of Over Yonder, the dining options in Boone offer an unforgettable journey amidst the scenic backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

by Liz Sims

Aug 31, 2023

A

Boone

Best Brewery Food

Booneshine Brewing

Booneshine Brewing’s menu offers a wide selection of mouth-watering dishes, from locally sourced burgers to vegan-friendly options. They offer a full service restaurant and tasting room or you can also grab a beer and quick bite from their food truck and outdoor beer garden. If you’re a first-time visitor to Boone looking for a relaxing environment, it’s a must do.

Lost Providence

Lost Providence is another great option if you are looking to have both a brewery experience as well as enjoy a lunch or dinner out. The original Lost Province Brewing Company is located on Depot Street in downtown Boone. This location is a brewery and a full service restaurant specializing in wood fired pizza. There are also several other options throughout Boone, including Lost Province at Hardin Creek, however they primarily focus on production for the brewery and taproom. Lost Providence also has a new sister restaurant, Coyote Kitchen & Lost Cantina, that is currently undergoing an expansion, but is still open and operating.

Best Breakfast or Brunch in Boone

Sunrise Grill 

Sunrise Grill is a family owned and operated, serving breakfast and lunch. The menu features classic American dishes with a Southern flair. Be sure to try their famous sweet potato pancakes or biscuits and gravy for a true taste of Southern hospitality. You will love their welcoming atmosphere, friendly service, and delicious food made with locally sourced ingredients.

Melanie’s Food Fantasy

Melanie’s Food Fantasy in Boone is known for its exceptional farm-to-fork breakfast and lunch featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Their menu is known for being eclectic, unique, and one of a kind in a country environment. Located on King Street, we definitely recommend trying Melanie’s if you are in the area.

Best Casual Restaurants in Boone

Coyote Kitchen

Coyote Kitchen is a staple in Boone, around since 2003. They feature an eco-conscious Southwest and Caribbean cuisine menu. Their restaurant is bright and cheery and filled with local art. Be sure to try Coyote Kitchen’s famous jerk chicken or their signature “Buddha Bowl” for a delicious and satisfying meal. Coyote Kitchen is now owned by the same team as Lost Providence brewing, featuring a lot of their beer on draft.

Dan’l Boone Inn

The Dan’l Boone Inn is a popular restaurant in Boone, located in one of the town’s oldest buildings. It is known for delicious Southern-style cooking served family style and warm hospitality. The menu features classic dishes such as fried chicken, country-style steak, mashed potatoes, green beans, and biscuits with gravy, all made from scratch using fresh ingredients. Additionally, they also offer a variety of homemade desserts, including pies, cakes, and cobblers. 

F.A.R.M. Cafe

The F.A.R.M Cafe (Feed All Regardless of Means) Cafe is a unique community-driven restaurant in Boone that serves delicious, farm-to-table meals made from locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. The menu changes regularly depending on what’s available, but typically includes a variety of soups, salads, sandwiches, and entrees, all prepared with care and creativity by the talented chefs. What sets the F.A.R.M Cafe apart is its pay-what-you-can model, which allows customers to pay what they can afford or volunteer in exchange for a meal. This makes it possible for everyone in the community to enjoy healthy, nutritious food, regardless of their financial situation.

Peddlin’ Pig

The Pedalin’ Pig is a popular BBQ restaurant in Boone that serves up delicious smoked meats and classic Southern sides. They have multiple locations throughout the area and are a local staple. The menu features a variety of BBQ favorites such as pulled pork, brisket, ribs, and chicken, as well as a selection of sandwiches, burgers, and salads. All meats are slow-smoked on site using local hickory wood for a rich, smoky flavor. In addition to the BBQ, the Pedalin’ Pig offers a range of tasty sides, including mac and cheese, collard greens, baked beans, and hushpuppies.

Best Upscale Restaurants in Boone

Casa Rustica

Casa Rustica is a charming Italian restaurant in Boone. They opened in 1981 and have been a staple in the area for over 40 years. The restaurant has a cozy and romantic atmosphere. The menu features a variety of classic Italian dishes, such as pasta, risotto, and seafood, as well as a selection of steaks, chicken, and vegetarian options. All dishes are made with fresh ingredients and the restaurant also boasts an impressive wine list, with a focus on Italian varietals. 

Over Yonder

Over Yonder is a restaurant located near Boone in nearby Valle Crucis. The building is the  former homestead of the Taylor Family, one of the founding families of Valle Crucis, and offers a charming, rustic setting. If you are looking to try elevated Appalachian cuisine, Over Yonder is one of our favorites. The menu features a range of inventive dishes that draw inspiration from the flavors and ingredients of the Appalachian region including dishes such as buttermilk fried chicken, trout cakes, and braised pork shank, as well as a selection of salads, sides, and desserts. All dishes are made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and made from scratch. The restaurant also offers a selection of craft cocktails, local beers, and wines to complement the meal.

 Game Keeper

The Game Keeper is a renowned restaurant that offers a rustic yet elegant dining experience located in nearby Blowing Rock. The restaurant is inspired by the gamekeepers of the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains. The menu features dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients, including wild game and fresh seafood. Some of the most popular items include the elk loin, venison, and trout. The restaurant also offers an extensive wine list to complement your meal.

Vidalia

Vidalia is a farm-to-table fine dining restaurant in Boone that offers a refined and creative take on Southern cuisine. The menu features a variety of seasonal dishes that showcase the flavors and ingredients of the region, such as shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, and roasted chicken.

SUMMARY

From the upscale and wild-inspired creations at The Gamekeeper to the sophisticated Southern flavors at Vidalia Restaurant & Wine Bar, Boone offers a diverse range of culinary experiences. Casa Rustica invites diners to savor traditional Italian cuisine, while Coyote Kitchen adds a dash of global flair to the mix. Whether you’re a visitor looking for a memorable dining experience or a local in search of your next favorite spot, Boone, NC’s top restaurants promise to tantalize your taste buds and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the culinary culture of this charming mountain town.

About the Author

Liz Sims

I am a local North Carolina resident and co-founder of WanderNC. I have lived in Charlotte for the last 7 years and also am a part time resident in Seven Devils, NC. I am passionate about traveling and exploring new places in North Carolina!

Related Posts

Top Coffee Shops in Boone
Top Coffee Shops in Boone

Aug 30, 2023

Discover the enchanting Boone, NC, through a journey of its top coffee shops. Nestled amidst the Blue Ridge Mountains, these coffee havens offer more than just a caffeine fix; they provide a taste of local charm, a cozy atmosphere, and a diverse range of meticulously crafted coffees, making each sip an adventure.

Top Breweries in Boone
Top Breweries in Boone

Aug 28, 2023

From the innovative craftmanship of Lost Province Brewing Co. to the rustic charm of Appalachian Mountain Brewery, each establishment offers not only a unique array of flavors but also a sense of community. Learn more about the top breweries in Boone, NC.

Subscribe