8 Scenic North Carolina Restaurants Featuring Mountain Views
North Carolina’s mountains offer more than just hiking trails and stunning vistas – they serve up delicious meals with breathtaking backdrops too!
From Asheville to Blowing Rock, restaurants perched on mountainsides combine local flavors with panoramic scenery that’ll make your jaw drop faster than your fork. Ready for dinner with a view that’ll have your Instagram followers green with envy?
1. Mountain View Restaurant – Little Switzerland
Tucked into a curve along the Blue Ridge Parkway, this gem lives up to its straightforward name with jaw-dropping panoramas of the Catawba Valley. The rustic charm hits you immediately!
How about homestyle cooking that tastes like grandma made it? Their country ham biscuits are legendary among locals and travelers alike. Though the decor is simple, the million-dollar views make this spot pure gold.
2. Sunset Terrace – Omni Grove Park Inn, Asheville
Where historic luxury meets mountain majesty! This open-air terrace restaurant serves up prime steaks alongside unobstructed views of the Blue Ridge Mountains that stretch for 100 miles.
Marvel at the century-old stone architecture while sipping craft cocktails as the mountains turn purple at dusk. Hungry for a splurge? Their tableside Caesar salad preparation is practically performance art with a tasty finale.
3. The Restaurant at Gideon Ridge Inn – Blowing Rock
Situated on a 4,000-foot hill, this undiscovered culinary gem serves seasonal farm-to-table fare. The Blue Ridge Mountains are framed by floor-to-ceiling windows in the cozy dining area.
Are you feeling opulent? Wine Spectator has recognized their wine list with Awards of Excellence!
But what makes the convoluted trek up worthwhile is the mix of elegant cuisine and foggy mountain vistas.
4. Lakeside Restaurant – Lake Lure
Known for being used for filming Dirty Dancing, this waterfront beauty combines glistening lake reflections with mountain backgrounds.
The outside deck almost seems to float over the glistening waters of Lake Lure!
You’ll fall in love with their trout almondine if you’re looking for seafood with a mountain twist.
The mix of water, peaks, and fresh food produces a triple threat of sensory enjoyment, even though the mountains here are kinder than their western siblings.
5. Court Street Grille – Mountain View
Small-town charm meets big mountain vistas at this Main Street favorite! The rooftop dining area offers surprise panoramas that’ll make you forget your pizza is getting cold.
Want the inside scoop? Locals flock here for Thursday trivia nights and the loaded potato soup. Though the building dates back to 1903, the modern rooftop addition provides a fresh perspective on the ancient Appalachian peaks surrounding this charming mountain town.
6. Sand Hill Kitchen – Asheville Area
Don’t be fooled by the humble appearance; this roadside kitchen offers mouthwatering flavors and breathtaking views of the mountains. Directly facing the breathtaking Pisgah range are the outdoor picnic tables.
Do you want comfort cuisine with a modern twist? Among foodies, their pimento cheese biscuits have become cult favorites. Although this restaurant is a casual lunch location, its delicious handmade food and foggy mountain setting make it a destination.
7. Caddyshack Café – Sugar Mountain Resort
Ski bunnies and mountain lovers unite at this slope-side eatery where burgers come with a side of breathtaking views! The massive deck overlooks Sugar Mountain’s ski runs and the surrounding Blue Ridge peaks.
How amazing is their hot chocolate on a chilly day? Absolutely life-changing with homemade whipped cream! Whether you’re refueling after hitting the slopes or just soaking in the scenery, this casual mountain hideaway delivers postcard-worthy vistas year-round.
8. Chef’s Table at Sorrento’s – Banner Elk
Italian cuisine meets Appalachian views in this sophisticated mountain hideaway! The glass-enclosed dining room makes you feel suspended among the treetops with long-range mountain panoramas.
Ever tried their legendary tableside-prepared Pasta Carbonara? Pure theater with delicious results! Though nestled in tiny Banner Elk, this upscale eatery draws foodies from Charlotte and beyond who come for the handmade pasta but stay for the sunset mountain glow.