The best restaurants in Boone

“Coyote Kitchen & Lost Province Taproom has been slinging Southwest and Caribbean soul food since 2003, with separate fryers and cooking surfaces to avoid cross contamination, plus legit vegan and vegetarian options paired with Lost Province brews for the kind of weeknight win you can feel good about.”

From the Boone newsletter, August 28, 2026

“When takeout won't cut it, The Best Cellar serves haute American land-and-sea fare in a snug log cabin at The Inn at Ragged Gardens, a Blowing Rock fixture with 47 years of fine-food cred. Close enough for Boone folks, special enough to linger.”

From the Boone newsletter, September 19, 2026

“Craving the real thing? Los Arcoiris Mexican Grill & Cantina serves freshly prepared burritos, chile rellenos, and chimichangas, with vegetarian and kids plates for the crew. Settle into hand-painted murals and southwestern decor, then let Boone fade while you chase that "real" Mexican food they promise.”

From the Boone newsletter, August 23, 2026

“Craving a midweek boost? Wild Craft Eatery turns locally sourced ingredients into good mood food, with lunch, dinner and drinks that swing from cozy comfort to bright, fresh flavors. It’s the kind of downtown Boone spot you keep in your back pocket when you want easy, tasty, local.”

From the Boone newsletter, September 15, 2026

“You know that night when you want to feel a little fancy without leaving the mountain, Alpen Restaurant & Bar delivers fine dining inside a cozy, old-world inn with fireplace, patio, and sweeping views.”

From the Boone newsletter, September 10, 2026

“Convenience store-based pizza chain doling out create-your-own pies along with wings.”

“At The Beacon Restaurant, Italian inspiration meets High Country farms with handmade pastas, rustic Neapolitan pizzas, fresh NC seafood, and plates that actually feel seasonal. Slide in for live jazz or the First Friday Jazz Jam, then linger like a local over something beautifully composed.”

From the Boone newsletter, August 24, 2026

“Smokey's Fillin' Station in Linville is the kind of family-friendly spot you'll keep in rotation, slinging big-portion burgers, chicken sandwiches, and fries alongside jalapeño pimento cheese and legit chicken salad. Come hungry... Michelle's flavor-first cooking makes it hard to choose, and easy to become a regular.”

From the Boone newsletter, September 3, 2026

“Bocca Bistro (aka Bocca Italian Bistro) is a family inspired spot serving genuine Italian dishes passed down through generations, from pizza and pasta to soup, salads, and heroes. Ideal for a low-key dinner with the crew or a takeout night when cooking feels like a group project.”

From the Boone newsletter, August 29, 2026

“Upmarket American fare in a striking converted barn, plus outdoor dining & a free local shuttle.”

“Comforting eatery featuring sushi rolls and a wide variety of Pan-Asian staples, from curries to pho.”

“Unpretentious eatery serving barbecue sandwiches, chili and pulled pork, as well as fudge.”

“Stonewalls Restaurant has been feeding the High Country since 1985 in downtown Banner Elk with prime rib, gourmet steaks, fresh seafood, and a salad bar locals still argue is a meal by itself. Chef-driven without the fuss, plus a deep wine and cocktail list, it’s an easy yes for celebrations or weeknights.”

From the Boone newsletter, September 9, 2026

“Over in Banner Elk, Sorrento's Italian Bistro is that family-run spot locals keep in rotation, with third-generation chefs Nicole and Anthony Palazzo turning out Sicilian-rooted classics, legit pizza, and nightly specials. Grab a table in one of the two dining rooms or go all-in at the Chef’s Table.”

From the Boone newsletter, September 6, 2026

“When you’re craving ribs that fall apart, smoky brisket and pulled pork that tastes like a backyard victory lap, The Pedalin' Pig brings Southern style with a gourmet flair. Pile up plates for the table or let them cater your next hang, zero fuss all flavor.”

From the Boone newsletter, August 22, 2026

“Locally sourced New American fare, plus wines, microbrews & spirits in an upscale, casual setting.”

“Craving bright, fragrant Thai that tastes like it was cooked with a grin, Sabeing Boone King brings lively exhibition-kitchen energy and cooking from the heart. Fresh ingredients, fast friendly service, and easy online ordering make it a rock-solid weeknight move for locals who want Thai favorites without fuss.”

From the Boone newsletter, September 4, 2026

“Rustic, relaxed restaurant featuring a seasonal Appalachian menu, as well as weekly live music.”

“Banner Elk Cafe & Tavern is that dependable local spot where the cafe, lodge, and tavern share outdoor decks and a sprawling menu of espresso, smoothies, classic sandwiches, pizza, pasta, salads, desserts, and ice cream.”

From the Boone newsletter, September 1, 2026

“Old Hampton Store & Barbeque serves hickory-smoked pulled pork and chicken on sourdough rolls with legit homemade sides inside a circa-1921 general store that once welcomed the Tweetsie Railroad. Daily live music and a gift shop stocked with local pottery, jams, and gristmill goodies make lingering dangerously easy.”

“Boone’s low-key fix for serious flavor, Eem Boone Asian Eatery nails the comfort hits like pad thai and rich curries, plus crispy rolls and crab rangoon that vanish suspiciously fast. Perfect for that midweek I-refuse-to-cook mood, with take-out that keeps your couch and taste buds happy.”

From the Boone newsletter, August 15, 2026

“Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria keeps it classic with brick-oven pies, pastas and sandwiches, then adds a full arcade, mini golf, live music and family fun nights. Family owned since 1987 up on Beech Mountain, it’s an easy pick for weeknights when you want dinner and a distraction.”

From the Boone newsletter, September 18, 2026

“Shopping-mall dining room offering creative American eats, oysters & full bar in a hip setting.”

“Funky, art-filled chain pizzeria featuring craft beer, calzones & creative stone-baked pizzas.”

“Whether you’re craving a grass-fed Farm Burger, that NC Wagyu patty melt, or fried chicken with jalapeño cheddar hushpuppies, The Cardinal nails classic American road food with Boone flair.”

From the Boone newsletter, August 17, 2026

“BBQ plates & Cajun dishes, plus craft draft beer, offered in a relaxed setting with outdoor seating.”

“Laid-back fixture with locally sourced, hickory-smoked BBQ dishes, plus regional wines & microbrews.”

“When you want hearty, no-pretense Italian close to home, Bella's Italian Neighborhood Restaurant nails it with New York style pizza, chicken Parm, seafood linguine, and handcrafted pastas, plus a solid wine list and craft beers. Friendly vibe, big portions, consistent comfort that earns repeat visits.”

From the Boone newsletter, September 12, 2026

“Pizza and other comfort foods, plus homemade breads, and groceries.”

“Comfort food without the fuss, Holloway Corner Kitchen turns out fluffy pancakes, biscuit-love, fried chicken and big burritos, plus an all day breakfast menu when cravings hit late. Coffee comes from the High Country’s finest roasters, whether you're team espresso, latte, or nitro cold brew.”

From the Boone newsletter, September 8, 2026

“Creative stone-baked pizzas, legit Munchies, and a deep tap list keep Mellow Mushroom Boone in steady Boone rotation, with options for gluten-free or vegan friends, calzones and burgers when pizza indecision strikes, plus 30 draft beers and handcrafted cocktails when you just need something cold with your slice.”

From the Boone newsletter, September 13, 2026