1. Dine on Upscale Appalachian Fare at Gamekeeper Restaurant
Gamekeeper Restaurant offers a unique, one-of-a-kind dining experience specializing in locally sourced game and humanely farm-raised meats. Set in a beautifully preserved 1950s-era stone cottage between Boone and Blowing Rock, this rustic fine-dining venue combines refined cuisine with warm, mountain charm.
Recommended For: Adventurous diners, food lovers seeking local flavors, and anyone wanting a memorable fine-dining experience in a cozy, historic setting.
- Savor grilled bison tenderloin, Peking duck breast, or grilled emu fan filet.
- Explore a seasonally changing menu that delights both meat and veggie lovers.
- Unwind at the full-service bar with globally inspired wines, craft beers, and classic cocktails.
- Dine in a charming 1950s stone cottage with rustic elegance and mountain views.
- Enjoy an intimate dinner experience, open Wednesday through Sunday evenings.
Gamekeeper Restaurant, 3005 Shulls Mill Rd, Boone, NC 28607
Phone: 828-963-7400
2. If You Crave Rustic Italian Warmth, Reserve a Table at Casa Rustica
Casa Rustica Restaurant fuses Old-World Italian cuisine with the tastes and flavors of the High Country. This traditional, family-run Italian trattoria has been delighting the Boone community for nearly 40 years with its welcoming atmosphere and hearty, from-scratch dishes.
Recommended For: Italian food lovers, families, couples, and anyone seeking a cozy, authentic dining experience with rustic charm.
- Indulge in housemade pasta, fresh seafood, chicken, veal, and beef dishes.
- Relax fireside in the La Bouca Lounge with flatbread pizzas and gourmet sandwiches.
- Savor homemade desserts crafted with love and tradition.
- Enjoy a full-service bar with global wines, craft beers, and classic cocktails.
- Dine in a rustic, wood-accented setting, open every evening for dinner.
Casa Rustica Restaurant, 1348 NC-105, Boone, NC 28607
Phone: 828-262-5128
Date Ideas:
3. Roll Into Bold Flavor at CoBo Sushi Bistro & Bar
CoBo Sushi Bistro & Bar is an urban Japanese restaurant and bar with designer décor and a casual yet elegant atmosphere, offering a one-of-a-kind dining experience in Boone.
Recommended For: Sushi lovers, date nights, and anyone craving upscale Japanese cuisine with a modern twist.
- Delight in fresh, handmade sushi, sashimi, nigiri, and specialty rolls.
- Sample contemporary menu items like fresh seafood, Korean tacos, and crispy duck.
- Watch expert chefs in action at the open sushi bar.
- Pair your meal with premium sake, craft cocktails, or a selection from the full-service bar.
- Dine in style, open for dinner Monday through Saturday.
CoBo Sushi Bistro & Bar, 161 W Howard St, Boone, NC 28607
Phone: 828-386-1201
4. Watch the Sizzle and Savor the Show at Makoto’s Japanese Steak House
Makoto's Japanese Steak House is a contemporary Japanese steakhouse located in the Nasa Plaza, offering upscale teppanyaki grills, sushi, sashimi, and specialty cocktails in a refined, welcoming atmosphere. Known for its sublime Japanese cuisine and prime USDA steaks, it’s a local favorite for a memorable dining experience.
Recommended For: Teppanyaki fans, sushi lovers, families, and anyone seeking a dynamic, upscale Japanese dining experience.
- Enjoy expert-prepared teppanyaki grills, sushi, sashimi, and prime USDA steaks.
- Savor Asian specialties like tataki, tempura, teriyaki, hibachi, udon, and ramen.
- Pair your meal with craft beers, microbrews, fine wines, or classic cocktails.
- Relax in a refined atmosphere perfect for both lunch and dinner outings.
- Dine seven days a week for lunch or dinner in Boone’s Nasa Plaza.
Makoto's Japanese Steak House, 2124 Blowing Rock Rd, Boone, NC 28607
Phone: 828-264-7976
5. If You Love Creative Comfort Food, Explore Melanie’s Food Fantasy
Melanie’s Food Fantasy is a beloved farm-to-fork spot in downtown Boone, serving classic American fare in a casual, laidback atmosphere for nearly three decades. With a cozy country-style dining room and a spacious outdoor patio, Melanie’s is the go-to place for fresh, simple, and delicious meals any time of day.
Recommended For: Breakfast lovers, families, vegetarians, and anyone seeking hearty, fresh, locally inspired American comfort food.
- Start your day with scrambles, eggs Benedict, omelets, and fluffy pancakes.
- Indulge in Southern favorites like blackened pimiento-cheese burgers and chipotle-honey salmon with grits.
- Enjoy vegetarian delights like tempeh and soysage dishes.
- Dine indoors surrounded by charming country décor or relax on the airy outdoor patio.
- Visit for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, open daily in downtown Boone.
Melanie’s Food Fantasy, 664 W King St, Boone, NC 28607
Phone: 828-263-0300
6. Sink Your Fork Into Classic Cuts at Peddler Steak House
Peddler Steak House, located in the Watauga Village Shopping Center, is a classic chophouse known for prime cuts of USDA-grade beef, slow-cooked prime ribs, succulent pork chops, and fresh seafood grilled over Tennessee hickory charcoal.
Recommended For: Steak lovers, couples, families, and anyone craving a classic chophouse experience with top-quality cuts and an elegant setting.
- Feast on expertly grilled USDA steaks, slow-cooked prime rib, pork chops, and fresh seafood.
- Build your own plate at the fresh salad bar with herbs, salads, fruits, and vegetables.
- Pair your meal with fine wines, craft beers, or classic cocktails from the extensive bar.
- Enjoy the warm, wood-and-leather décor perfect for intimate or celebratory dinners.
- Dine nightly for dinner in Boone’s beloved chophouse destination.
Peddler Steak House, 1972 Blowing Rock Rd, Boone, NC 28607
Phone: 828-264-4433
7. Taste Farm-to-Table Freshness Done Right at Proper
Proper is a casually elegant, intimate, and romantic restaurant that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the South. Set in a beautifully restored 1896 jailhouse with a charming garden patio for alfresco dining, Proper offers unforgettable Southern home-style cooking with fresh, seasonal twists.
Recommended For: Couples, Southern food lovers, and anyone seeking a cozy, authentic dining experience in a historic setting.
- Savor signature Southern dishes like catfish nuggets, pulled pork, crab cakes, and fried chicken.
- Enjoy classic sides such as green beans, collards, mashed potatoes, and pickled beets.
- Dine alfresco on the garden patio or inside the beautifully restored historic space.
- Pair your meal with craft beers, top-shelf spirits, or fine wines from the full-service bar.
- Visit daily for lunch or dinner and experience the true taste of Southern hospitality.
Proper, 142 Water St, Boone, NC 28607
Phone: 828-865-5000
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