Boone may be a mountain town, but its food scene felt anything but small. I loved how the restaurants here honored their roots—Southern, seasonal, soul-warming—while also pushing toward something more creative. Whether I was sitting fireside in a rustic cabin or sipping sake downtown, Boone gave me meals that felt heartfelt. These were the kinds of dinners that made me slow down, notice the people around me, and savor every bite just a little longer.
Best Restaurants in Boone, NC:
Dine on Upscale Appalachian Fare at Gamekeeper Restaurant
This place felt like a secret tucked into the forest. I drove up a winding road, the trees thick around me, until I found a glowing cabin in the woods. Gamekeeper was rustic but elegant, the kind of place where boots and wine glasses feel equally at home. I sat near the fireplace, and for a while, the outside world disappeared.
What I Loved Most: The menu—thoughtful, wild, and deeply rooted in the mountains.
My meal? Elk loin with sweet potato hash and huckleberry sauce. It was bold, tender, and like nothing I’d had before. I finished with a scoop of house-made sorbet that tasted like the first cold night of fall.
Address: 3005 Shulls Mill Rd, Boone, NC 28607
If You Crave Rustic Italian Warmth, Reserve a Table at Casa Rustica
Walking into Casa Rustica felt like arriving at someone’s Italian grandmother’s house—if she happened to decorate with wine barrels and string lights. There was a warmth in the room that went beyond the food. The music was soft, the servers smiling, and I felt at home almost immediately.
What I Loved Most: The balance of tradition and comfort. It wasn’t fussy—it was inviting.
My meal? Chicken Marsala with creamy mushroom sauce, plus a side of garlic knots that disappeared embarrassingly fast. Tiramisu for dessert, and it might’ve been the best I’ve ever had.
Address: 1348 Hwy 105, Boone, NC 28607
Roll Into Bold Flavor at CoBo Sushi Bistro & Bar
Downtown Boone has its charms, and CoBo is one of them. Sleek, stylish, and just a little bit unexpected, this sushi bistro gave me that perfect balance of sharp flavors and mellow ambiance. I slid into a leather booth, ordered a cocktail, and let the night slow down.
What I Loved Most: The creativity—the way classic rolls met local flair.
My meal? The “Appalachian Trail” roll with spicy tuna and jalapeño, plus sashimi that was clean and delicate. I ended with a yuzu crème brûlée that still lingers in my memory.
Address: 161 Howard St, Boone, NC 28607
Watch the Sizzle and Savor the Show at Makoto’s Japanese Steak House
Makoto’s wasn’t just dinner—it was an experience. I sat around the hibachi grill, watching flames leap into the air and onions turn into volcanoes. The chef was both artist and entertainer, and I laughed more during that meal than I had all week.
What I Loved Most: The performance—the way dinner became a show you were a part of.
My meal? Filet mignon and scallops, grilled to perfection, with fried rice and a ginger salad that woke up my appetite before the main event even started.
Address: 2124 Blowing Rock Rd, Boone, NC 28607
If You Love Creative Comfort Food, Explore Melanie’s Food Fantasy
This was comfort food with a twist—brunch that felt like a dream. Melanie’s was sunny and full of life, the kind of place where locals linger over coffee and every dish feels like a hug. I grabbed a table outside under a wide umbrella and let the mountain air set the tone for the day.
What I Loved Most: The energy—relaxed, cheerful, and just the right amount of quirky.
My meal? The sweet potato pancakes with maple butter and cinnamon apples, plus a side of bacon that was crispy perfection. I took my time, and I’m glad I did.
Address: 664 W King St, Boone, NC 28607
Sink Your Fork Into Classic Cuts at Peddler Steak House
Old-school in the best way, Peddler Steak House gave me candlelight, wood paneling, and the satisfying crackle of a steakhouse doing what it does best. It felt like the kind of place families go for birthdays and couples return to every anniversary.
What I Loved Most: The ritual—picking your cut tableside, watching it grilled just the way you like it.
My meal? A ribeye with loaded baked potato, Caesar salad, and warm rolls that kept magically refilling. I added a glass of Cabernet and called it a perfect night.
Address: 1972 Blowing Rock Rd, Boone, NC 28607
Closing Thoughts
In Boone, the food tells a story—of the mountains, of tradition, of creativity tucked into unexpected corners. Each restaurant offered me more than a meal: they gave me a moment, a pause, a reason to linger. Whether rustic or refined, each spot made me feel welcome. And full—in every way that counts.