Last Updated on June 5, 2025
Highlands, North Carolina, has been welcoming visitors in search of a mountain retreat for more than a century, so this town understands the art of hospitality. Pair that sentiment with Western North Carolina’s bountiful harvest of produce, dairy, and other fresh farm products, and you have a recipe for something magical.
Whether you consider yourself a “foodie” or you just enjoy local food (who doesn’t?), elevated options are available at every peak and hollow. If you’re planning a day trip to Highlands, there are several locations you won’t want to miss.
Here’s how we would build a full day of fine dining in Highlands, NC.
Breakfast at Edelweiss Highlands
Edelweiss Highlands is an upscale patisserie founded by an internationally trained artist. Oksana Shchelgachova was born into a family of bakers and confectioners in Ukraine before graduating from the Australian Patisserie Academy and National Art Academy Kyiv. As such, she brings a unique perspective to her work, combining folk tradition with elevated baking and a truly artistic flair. Enjoy one of her edible masterpieces with a cup of coffee inside the bakery. Or take in a serene mountain morning at a patio table.
892 N 4th Street, Highlands | (828) 200-2700 | facebook.com
Lunch at Wild Thyme Gourmet
Located in Town Square, Wild Thyme Gourmet offers a unique, fast-paced lunch service that is sure to delight. Chef and owner Dindu Lama takes inspiration from his home country of Nepal to infuse Asian flavors into American cuisine. Lunch favorites include the salmon BLT, grilled veggie sandwich, sesame chicken salad, and japanese panko crusted crispy shrimp sandwich with onion blossom sauce, among others. Their warm, friendly, and courteous service extends beyond the confines of the dining room to the seasonal outdoor patio.
343 Main Street, Highlands | (828) 526-4035 | wildthymegourmet.com
Drinks at High Country Wine & Provisions
The West Coast may be America’s richest wine country, but Western North Carolina is catching up quickly. High Country Wine & Provisions is the mountain home of Davis Family Vineyards. Always adventurous and never pretentious, their authentic tasting experience brings you around the world with each swirl of your glass. Savor a variety of rotating wine flights and wines by the glass. And if you’re still hungry, add a curated charcuterie board with specialty items from Highlands Smokehouse to your table.
621 Franklin Road, Highlands | (828) 482-4502 | highcountrywineprovisions.com
Dinner at Ristorante Paoletti
In Highlands, NC, you don’t have to go far for a taste of fine Italian dining. Located on Main Street, Ristorante Paoletti is an acclaimed, family-run eatery perfect for special occasions or the everyday. The Paoletti family has been sharing and perfecting their recipes and family traditions for nearly 70 years! Take some time to peruse the extensive and award-winning offerings from the wine cellar while you’re there. With reservations booked up to a month in advance, you’ll want to make the most of this extraordinary meal.
440 Main Street, Highlands | (828) 526-4906 | paolettis.com
Dessert from The Chocolate Heaven Company
Has there ever been a more delectable business name than The Chocolate Heaven Company? Over the last quarter century, they have perfected a tight menu of small-batch, all-natural cake products that range from coffee cake to carrot cake. But the star of the show, of course, is the chocolate heaven, which can best be described as a cross between a chewy brownie and creamy fudge. The bakery is located a few miles west of Town Square off Dillard Road, but is well worth the drive. Just be sure to pick up your dessert early—they close at 5:00 PM.
2254 Dillard Road, Highlands | (828) 421-2042 | lovechocolateheaven.com
Make Highlands, NC your home and enjoy fine dining every day!
At an elevation of 4,118 feet above sea level, Highlands is the ultimate destination for those seeking a quiet mountain getaway. Dubbed “the height of happiness,” this mountain town is home to properties including small cabins on Mirror Lake, large estate properties, and homes with amazing mountain views. If a neighborhood feel nestled in a quiet mountain town is what you’re after, Highlands also has homes available in gated and non-gated communities. Avid golfers will feel right at home here, as Highlands boasts not one, but five private golf developments. Whether you’re searching for a second home in the mountains or the perfect spot to retire, Highlands, NC is a great place to call home.
Does that sound like the perfect lifestyle for you? Find homes for sale in Highlands, NC!
