14+ Best Restaurants in Banner Elk NC

Banner Elk, NC, is a small but vibrant mountain town surrounded by gorgeous scenery and full of things to see, do, and—most importantly—eat! Though it’s only 1.92 square miles, Banner Elk really packs in an impressive variety of restaurants, cafes, and local eateries. In this guide, we’ll share our personal picks for the very best restaurants in Banner Elk, North Carolina—based entirely on our own visits and dining experiences.

We’ve been visiting Banner Elk for many years, often using it as our home base for exploring Beech Mountain and nearby attractions like the Land of Oz. Over those trips, we’ve dined at quite a few local restaurants, but it wasn’t until recently that we spent more dedicated time here, really exploring the town’s full culinary scene.

During our latest visit in the fall of 2025, we revisited old favorites and discovered several new restaurants as well—and once again, Banner Elk didn’t disappoint. From cozy delis and casual pubs to refined dining rooms and creative new eateries, the food scene here continues to surprise us in all the best ways. In fact, Banner Elk has some of the best restaurants we’ve experienced anywhere in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Alright, enough talk about how great the food is—let’s dig in. Here are our picks for the very best restaurants in Banner Elk, NC, all based on our firsthand experiences. 

Banner Elk Cafe

Banner Elk Cafe sits in the heart of downtown Banner Elk just off Shawneehaw Ave. The Cafe is a casual restaurant, offering good food, and both indoor and outdoor seating. We were actually pretty surprised at how large their outdoor eating area was.  They even have a fire pit area and heated decking areas with comfortable tables and chairs.

By far, Banner Elk Cafe has one of the largest and most comprehensive menus we've ever seen for this type of restaurant. The reason is because it's split into two restaurants: a sandwich, burger, and salad place, and an Italian place.

The Cafe offers breakfast as well, and while we weren't able to try their breakfast, we've heard it's fantastic. Added to our bucket list for a future visit.

They offer anything you could want, from sandwiches to pecan trout, ribeye steaks, and even Korean BBQ! We took an extra long time to decide what we wanted, as you really need to look over everything. The menu and the number of items available are overwhelming.

We did ask our waitress for some recommendations, and she was very helpful, offering up some great options.  

We ended up starting off with some simple drinks, a local beer they had on tap, and a wine. Next, we tasted their Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese, and honestly, this was incredible. Very well done, and served with a strawberry dressing on the side. The strawberries were ripe and fresh, and just delicious. We highly recommend this one.

For entrees, we ordered the crab cakes sandwich and the pineapple teriyaki chicken wrap.   Both were very good and filling.

We inquired about desserts and if they had any specialties and were told that all of their desserts weren't made there and were purchased outside of the restaurant. We passed. It's not really that we had a problem with that, we're just not big dessert eaters to begin with, so unless it's extra special, we usually pass. I'm sure what they had was very good based on the other food we ate.

Overall, we found the Banner Elk Cafe to be an average restaurant experience, not bad, but not fantastic either. We would definitely eat there again, especially for that Strawberry Salad.

Fred and Larry's Coffee House

While on a recent weekend getaway in Banner Elk NC, we had some time to kill and wanted to try a local coffee shop for breakfast.   We stumbled upon Fred and Larry's Coffee House.  It caught our attention (or at least mine ... Larry) due to the name, so we headed over to try it out.

Wow, were we impressed!  The place is so warm, cozy, and inviting, with tons of coffee and cappuccino options, and they have lots of muffins, pastries, bagels, and more for breakfast or a late-day snack.  We tried their Cafe Miel, which was the weekly special, and it was excellent!  

We coupled that with these cinnamon muffins filled with creme ... oh my, some of the best muffins we've ever eaten, especially since they were toasted.  All crunchy and crusty on the outside, and soft and warm in the middle, with the sweet cream that wasn't overbearing.  

The Coffee House is full of cool decor, warm colors, and soft, cozy leather chairs, couches, and tables to sit at. They even have outdoor seating as well. We love Fred and Larry's, and will definitely be back in the future.   

What we appreciated even more as a Marine family was their support for Marines and our servicemen and women. They had multiple signs up showing their support, and a Marine Corps flag was proudly flying out front. 

If you love coffee, you just can't miss Fred and Larry's Coffee House!

High Country Pie

A new addition to Banner Elk’s food scene, High Country Pie serves up some of the most delicious and unique meat pies we’ve ever tried. They’re located right at the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster and Adventure Course, making it an easy and tasty stop before or after your ride.

During our latest visit, we sampled several of their savory pies, including the New Lander, Chicken and Gravy, Curry Up!, Steak and Cheese, and the Forager. We also couldn’t resist a few of their sweet treats—especially the hot bread pudding, which was amazing.

The pies are outstanding. The crusts are flaky and soft with a perfectly crisp exterior, and the fillings are hot, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. My (Larry’s) favorite was the New Lander, while Jenn really loved the Steak and Cheese—but honestly, every single one we tried was fantastic. The Curry Up! was a close second for both of us.

While they do have a small table inside if you want to sit and eat, High Country Pie is really designed for easy takeout, with a convenient outdoor-facing window where you can place and pick up your order.

When visiting Banner Elk, this is absolutely a place you’ll want to try. In all our travels through the Blue Ridge Mountains, we’ve never experienced food quite like this before—it’s delicious, creative, and one of a kind.

Kettell Beerworks

We finally had the chance to stop in at Kettell Beerworks during our most recent visit to Banner Elk, and we’re glad we did. When we arrived late in the afternoon, there were only a couple of people inside, but as we sat down, folks trickled in. Within a few minutes, the place filled up with a fun mix of both tourists and locals—always a good sign.

We ordered a few flights and a pretzel with beer cheese. While the food was about what you’d expect from a small brewery—simple and good—the beer was fantastic. Kettell serves up a rotating selection of seasonal and small-batch brews, all made right there on site, and everyone we tried was solid.

Kettell Beerworks has a great laid-back, local vibe, with both indoor and outdoor seating available. While it’s definitely more of a brewery than a full restaurant, they do offer a small menu with pizza, wings, pretzels, and a few desserts. It’s a great spot to relax, hang out with friends, and enjoy some really good local beer in the heart of Banner Elk.

LP on Main

If you're a foodie, you'll love LP on Main. LP on Main is actually one of the three original restaurants in Banner Elk, NC. Previously named Louisiana Purchase Food & Spirits, they moved the restaurant to its current location on Main Street and renamed it LP on Main.

Not only did they move, but they moved into a custom-built building that is gorgeous and decorated with warm colors, lighting, wooden tables, and an open and airy feel. They even have outside deck seating, which overlooks Main Street.  

Husband and wife owners Patrick and Laurie Bagbey have built something special, which offers an upscale dining experience that still has a casual feel to it. They serve some of the very best food available in the town of Banner Elk.  

LP on Main is farm-to-table, sourcing ingredients locally from places like Trosley Farms, Charlotte’s Greenhouse, Springhouse Farms and Heritage Farms, and many more. They pride themselves on using fresh and seasonal ingredients.

Don't let the small menu fool you either; they focus on quality, and they deliver.

They have a really nice-looking bar, serving beer, wine, and mixed drinks. Their speciality cocktail list is full of delicious and unique drinks. We enjoyed the Blackberry Old Fashioned, Pink Guava Paloma, The Little Coconut, and the Bee Pollen (our personal favorite).

Some of our favorite items from the "Sharables" Menu include the Crab cake (it's huge and delicious), the BBQ Shrimp with smoked cheddar grits, which was spicy and amazing, and our favorite seasonal item, the grilled peach salad. They even offer Tartare Black Angus Beef, which was a first for us.

For entrees, we enjoyed the Scottish salmon and the bison meatloaf, and the short ribs looked amazing.  

The salmon was cooked perfectly, and the fresh cucumbers and tomatoes really complemented it. The bison meatloaf was very tender and topped with a spicy BBQ sauce, but the real treat was the smoked mac and cheese. SO good.

Be sure to save room for dessert! The Sticky Toffee Pudding is served warm, and it is absolutely divine. If you're looking for something lighter and more refreshing, get the Strawberry Pave.

Our server Samantha was wonderful, professional and friendly. She found the delicate balance between being attentive and not being overbearing.   

The combination of service, atmosphere, delicious food, and friendly attentive owners makes this in the top tier of best restaurants in Banner Elk, NC.

Prohibition Kitchen

Located right in the heart of downtown Banner Elk, Prohibition Kitchen came highly recommended by a local we met, so we decided to give it a try one evening—and we’re so glad we did. Known for their craft cocktails and small but carefully curated menu, this spot is one of those rare finds where everything just comes together perfectly.

We arrived around 5 p.m. and were among the first few guests of the evening. We grabbed a couple of seats at the bar and were immediately greeted by the bartender, who was friendly, attentive, and clearly knew her craft.

We started off with smoked old fashioneds, which were excellent. While sipping on our drinks, two cups of soup appeared in front of us. “Everyone gets a soup,” the bartender told us with a smile. It was a house-made tomato basil, and it was fantastic.

For starters, we shared the crab cake, which came served over a chilled rice salad—light, fresh, and delicious. For our entrees, I (Larry) had the seared scallops with puff pastry and lobster bisque, and Jenn went with the tenderloin skewers over Israeli couscous. Both dishes were exceptional—beautifully presented, creative, and full of flavor.

Of course, we couldn’t leave without dessert. Jenn chose the chocolate cake, and I tried the pear cake made with fresh pears. Both were outstanding. By the time we finished our meal, the restaurant had filled up and was buzzing with energy—some guests enjoying cocktails at the bar, others savoring full dinners like we were.

We really enjoyed the staff, the food, and the cozy “speakeasy” atmosphere of Prohibition Kitchen. It’s the kind of place that feels special without being pretentious, and we’ll definitely be back on our next trip to Banner Elk.

Stonewall's Restaurant

Also one of the original Banner Elk restaurants, opening in 1985, Stonewalls Restaurant provides an elegant yet welcoming dining experience with consistently excellent food, especially their steaks. They even dry-age their own steaks in-house!

The restaurant not only features top-notch food but also a warm and inviting atmosphere. Guests can dine inside or on their large outdoor patio, and there’s an outdoor seating area with chairs and a cozy open fire — perfect for relaxing before dinner or unwinding afterward with friends.

Over the years, we’ve dined at Stonewalls multiple times, and it remains one of our favorite spots in town. The dining room, food, and staff are always exceptional, and they’ve rightfully earned their reputation as one of Banner Elk’s best restaurants.

On our most recent visit, we were greeted by friendly staff and enjoyed one of their seasonal fall cocktails — the Harvest Old Fashioned — which was excellent. We started our meal with the crab-stuffed mushrooms, which were flavorful and perfectly cooked. For entrees, we ordered the pork chop — and the filet mignon with a brussel sprouts . Both were phenomenal and cooked perfectly, honestly some of the best we’ve had anywhere.

During this visit, we also had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with one of the owners, Scott. He shared that following Hurricane Helene, Stonewalls made the heartfelt decision to close for a month — not because of damage, but to focus on helping the community. Using their food truck, they served over 30,000 meals to residents and first responders while Banner Elk was cut off by road washouts and severe storm damage. While in town, we heard from several locals who told us how much that meant to them and how Stonewalls was a true lifeline during those difficult weeks.

If you have room for dessert, Stonewalls offers several tempting options. On past visits, we’ve enjoyed the Chocolate Lava Cake and the Salted Caramel Brownie topped with vanilla ice cream — both incredible finishes to an already amazing meal.

To say that dinner at Stonewalls is wonderful would be an understatement. The food, service, and hospitality are consistently top-notch, and the heart of the people behind it shines through. Whether you’re looking for an upscale night out, a perfectly cooked steak, or just a place that truly cares about its community, Stonewalls is a must-visit in Banner Elk. We’ll definitely be back.

Town Tavern

Located near the park in downtown Banner Elk, Town Tavern is a large and lively restaurant that’s clearly popular with both locals and visitors. When we arrived in the early evening, it was already busy, with nearly every table filled and a fun, upbeat atmosphere.

We started off with drinks and an order of onion rings. They were frozen but still good, though a few were a bit overdone. For dinner, we tried the boneless garlic and parmesan wings (which were more like chicken nuggets) and a salad topped with shrimp. The food was classic pub fare—good, but not great.

Town Tavern is the kind of place that’s perfect for hanging out with friends, watching a game, or relaxing over a few drinks and a bite to eat. If you’re mainly going for the food, there are better dining options around town, but if you’re looking for a lively, social spot to unwind, Town Tavern fits the bill.

Uncle Lee’s Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar

We’ll be honest—whenever we’re in a small mountain town, we’re always a little skeptical about how authentic an Asian restaurant might be, especially one that serves sushi. But Uncle Lee’s Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar is a true exception—and an absolute treat if you enjoy Asian cuisine.

Before our visit, we’d already heard great things about it from a few locals, and they were right.

Located just a short drive from downtown Banner Elk on the way up toward Beech Mountain, Uncle Lee’s delivers an authentic Asian dining experience with outstanding food, friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant is clean, well-kept, and offers both indoor seating and a nice outdoor patio.

We started with the Chive Cakes, which were amazing—hot, soft, chewy, and packed with flavor, especially when dipped in their ginger soy sauce. The Tom Yum soup also caught our eye, and we’re glad it did—it was hot, creamy, flavorful, and perfectly spiced.

For our main dishes, Jenn ordered the Poke Bowl, and I went with the Sea of Love Roll. Both were incredibly fresh, and the fish literally melted in our mouths.

We can’t wait to go back and try some of their hot Thai dishes, but as sushi fans, we can definitely vouch for the sushi—it’s excellent. If you enjoy authentic Asian food made and served by a kind and hardworking family, Uncle Lee’s absolutely needs to be on your must-visit list. We loved it!

Williams Deli & Bakery

Williams Deli & Bakery may be small, but it really packs a punch. We stopped in for lunch during our most recent visit to Banner Elk and could immediately tell it’s a popular spot—the line was steady, and the place was buzzing with both locals and visitors.

When you walk in, you’re greeted by a clean, cozy dining area that feels a bit like home. The order and dining areas are both cute and country-styled, with lots of charm. The ordering process is simple and efficient, too. A large chalkboard explains exactly what to do—just grab a paper slip, fill out your sandwich order, pick your sides, and take it up to the register. Once you’ve ordered, they bring your food right to your table.

We both ordered a half sandwich and soup combo. Jenn had the Eagle’s Nest on sourdough, and I went with the chicken salad. The tomato basil soup that came with our meals was outstanding—rich, flavorful, and perfect for a mountain day. For dessert, we shared a slice of chocolate chip loaf that was just as good as it sounds.

Everything we tried was fresh and tasty, and the staff was friendly and welcoming. We really enjoyed our lunch here and would definitely put Williams Deli & Bakery near the top of our lunch choices in Banner Elk.

Bayou Smokehouse & Grill

The Bayou Smokehouse & Grill is located in the Village in the heart and center of downtown Banner Elk NC.  This place was busy and vibrant but appeared very laid back and casual.   The menu contains a plethora of items from steaks to authentic cajun items like Étouffée and red beans and rice.

They even have authentic Texas BBQ with one of their house specialties being Smoked Brisket.

One of the cool things about their menu is they offer a few samplers that let you taste a number of the top BBQ and cajun dishes.

They offer a full bar with beer, wine, local craft brews, and cocktails.  Bayou Smokehouse & Grill looks amazing and fun, and we can't wait to try it very soon.

Bella's Neighborhood Italian

Bella's Neighborhood Italian is in the same strip mall as our favorite coffee shop, Fred and Larry's.   The restaurant isn't really notable from the outside, but we noticed it stayed pretty busy as we drove by a number of times. Based on reviews and some local comments we heard, turns out it's a great place for authentic Italian food and pizza.

Bella's offers standard made-in-house Italian fare, subs, NY-style pizza, and a full bar. They serve both lunch and dinner.  Bella's offers family-style dining, in a very casual no-frills dining environment, and all at an affordable price.

Notable items include Pizza, Chicken marsala, and Seafood pasta.   Their sauces are noted to be fantastic, including the Marinara and Alfredo which is thin like it should be.

Sorrentos Italian Bistro

Sorrentos Italian Bistro is a place we really wanted to try, but our schedule just didn't allow it.  We hope to dine with them during a future visit to Banner Elk.    Sorrentos is one of the original three restaurants in Banner Elk and opened in 1983.  They serve family recipes from Sicily that go back over 100 years.  

Sorrentos is owned by the same family that owns Chef’s Table, Prime 21, Barra Sports Bar, and the Banner Elk Winery.  Prime 21 is a private membership-only steakhouse located near Sorrentos Bistro.

Sorrentos has established itself as one of the best restaurants in Banner Elk among locals and tourists.  They offer indoor and outdoor seating, with seating sections around a fire pit which looks super nice. 

They also offer one of the most extensive wine lists in town, and while they do serve mainly traditional recipes, they have added several new and innovative items to the menu. Sorrentos is a fine-dining version of the familiar neighborhood Italian restaurant.

Sorrentos serves all of your traditional Italian dishes, plus several different pizzas, and some specialties including crab cakes and Chicken Marsala, which we've heard a lot about.

Unfortunately, we haven't been able to personally try them during our visits, but we want to!

Chef's Table at Sorrento's

Located upstairs from Sorrento's, Chef's Table Executive Chef Nicole Palazzo (the granddaughter of founders of Sorrento’s) serves up some of the best she has to offer, and some of the finest dining you can experience in Banner Elk.  

The menu has both small plate and main plate options, and even sushi. In fact, we've heard it's the best sushi in the area, which got our attention. We love sushi.

Entree options include trout, sea bass, steaks, and more.

This was another restaurant we weren't able to get into during our visits.