The Pedalin’ Pig BBQ

The place for delicious Southern hickory-smoked pit-cooked barbecue, fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs, mouth-watering pork belly tacos, WNC microbrews and regional wines. Renowned local chef turned pit-master prepares homemade sauces and rubs that will make your taste buds squeal. Covered outdoor seating, plenty of parking, and quick service. For more, go to their website. 4235 NC Hwy Read More

Sorrento’s Italian Bistro

This eclectic Italian restaurant features 100-year-old recipes from Sicily, focusing on southern Italy. Savor many seafood dishes, pizza, veal, eggplant, calamari, lasagna, manicotti, spaghetti and more. Dine inside the dining room filled with art or outdoors. For more info, go to their website. 140 Azalea Circle, Banner Elk, NC (In the Village of Banner Elk complex) Read More

Artisanal

Artisanal means “hand crafted,” so all recipes are made from scratch and all food prepared in-house. Chef Bill Greene, an Avery County native, made his way back home after cooking in famous restaurants like LeCirque in NY. Fine dining in rustic elegance with a contemporary American menu with a progressive farm-to-table approach. OpenTable 100 Best Read More

Banner Elk Cafe & Lodge

With 3 restaurants in one, enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner daily with a big number of menu items, ranging from eggs benedict to big burgers and healthy options including grilled mahi, chicken sandwiches and daily specials for lunch. Dinner offerings include ribs, steaks, fish, pizza and pasta. Order from any menu. Spacious outdoor dining. Tavern Read More