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Ristorante Paoletti
Location: 440 Main St, Highlands, NC 28741
Website: paolettis.com
Lakeside Restaurant
Location: 531 Smallwood Ave, Highlands, NC 28741
Website: lakesiderestaurant.info
Wild Thyme Gourmet
Location: 343 Main St, Highlands, NC 28741
Website: wildthymegourmet.com
Madison’s Restaurant
Location: 445 Main St, Highlands, NC 28741
Website: madisonshighlands.com
The Ugly Dog Pub
Location: 294 S 4th St, Highlands, NC 28741
Website: theuglydogpub.com
Travelers visiting this mountain plateau will find an impressive density of fine-dining establishments that prioritize seasonal ingredients sourced from local Appalachian farms.
The quality is remarkably consistent, with many venues maintaining prestigious culinary accolades that rival those found in major metropolitan hubs, making it a premier destination for those who appreciate refined service and meticulously curated wine cellars.
Cashiers excels in providing "mountain-chic" experiences, offering everything from authentic wood-fired pizzas and artisanal bakeries to upscale comfort food served in historic structures. Meanwhile, Sapphire Valley provides a serene backdrop for intimate dining, where international influences—ranging from traditional Italian trattorias to vibrant Mexican kitchens—are tucked away amidst the lush forest scenery. This geographical trio ensures that whether a visitor is seeking a quick post-hike craft brew or a multi-course tasting menu, the level of execution remains exceptionally high across all three towns.
Sapphire Valley
The Library Kitchen & Bar
Location: 184 Cherokee Trail, Sapphire, NC 28774
Website: librarykitchenandbar.com
Mica's Restaurant & Pub
Location: 4000 US-64, Sapphire, NC 28774
Website: https://www.micas.restaurant/
SlopeSide Tavern
Location: 217 Sapphire Valley Rd, Sapphire, NC 28774
Website: slopesidetavern.com
The Fix Location: 3093 US Highway 64 East Sapphire, NC 28774
Website: https://thefixsapphire.com/
Cashiers
The Orchard Restaurant & Events Barn
Location: 905 Highway 107 South, Cashiers, NC 28717
Website: theorchardcashiers.com
Slab Town Pizza
Location: 45 Slab Town Rd, Cashiers, NC 28717
Website: slabtownpizza.com
Cornucopia Restaurant
Location: 16 Cashiers School Rd, Cashiers, NC 28717
Website: cornucopianc.com
Whiteside Brewing Company
Location: 128 NC-107, Cashiers, NC 28717
Website: whitesidebrewing.com
El Manzanillo Mexican Restaurant
Location: 11 Regional Dr, Cashiers, NC 28717
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