11 Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Banner Elk

“Joshua gave us great service today. The trout was the best I ever eat and the prime rib was great. Never had Fried Devil Eggs before and they were good. Without a doubt we will go back.“

“𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰: 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐥 - 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐥𝐤, 𝐍𝐂 ---- Over the past 16 years, I've been fortunate to visit 68 countries and 36 states, exploring a diverse range of cuisines and regional flavors crafted by world-renowned chefs. My passion for culinary exploration is complemented by a rigorous approach to restaurant reviews, focusing on three key criteria: Ambiance, Service, and Food. Exceptional establishments that excel in all these areas are rare, but I recently discovered one in the Southeastern US that surpassed all expectations. I aim to offer an impartial perspective, showcasing both strengths and areas for improvement. --- Ambiance: The restaurant is set in a converted barn on this large acreage of land with meticulously kept grounds and beautiful statutes. It is designed with both indoor and outdoor seating (with a beautiful creek), depending on your preferences. As you walk inside, you are greeted by this amazing horse statute made from wood and a dining space with large chandeliers hanging from the rooftop, open dining areas that allow for plenty of space between the tables, and great acoustics to enjoy a conversation while you are immersed in this culinary journey. --- Service: Impeccable. The table service was truly amazing; there was never a moment that you didn't have to worry about meeting all your needs while you chat with your spouse, friends, family, and business associates. With an open kitchen concept, we were able to see how they meticulously and strategically organize dishes as they come up on the final prep area to be delivered to tables. This was truly a well-oiled machine, with everything done in synchronization, from the kitchen to the delivery of the food at your table. --- Food: Every dish we ate was truly outstanding. I really thought hard during the dinner to see if I could find anything wrong with the taste, presentation, and quality of the food – I truly could not. Even their house rolls were amazing, soft, hot, and sprinkled with a little salt on top. We ordered the following. --- Appetizer: Burrata & Local Heirloom Tomatoes (with Roasted Corn, Sherry Vinaigrette, Arugula Roasted Pepper Purée) and 15 Layer Lasagna with Black Summer Truffles (with Oyster Mushrooms, Marcona Almonds, San Marzano Marinara) --- Table Side: Pimento Cheese Scones with Sorghum Butter and Pepper Jelly --- Main Entrée: 48 hour Short Rib (with Potato Purée, Broccoli Rabe, Sage, Sauce Bearnaise Grilled Shishito Relish) and Berkshire Pork Chop (with Brussels Sprouts, Baby Carrots, Charred Radicchio Chimichurri, Grilled SC Peaches & Golden Raisins) --- Dessert: Unfortunately, the desserts were known on the menu, and I don't recall the names or descriptions. However, you can clearly see the pictures attached. --- Normally, I would write a breakdown of each dish, but this would make the review far too lengthy. What I can tell you is that each dish was combined with the perfect combination of quality ingredients, creating an experience like no other. This was truly a 5-star Michelin star experience that was executed with precision and flawlessness.“

“Bonny is a fantastic person and waitress. Food was great. Thanks for the experience.“

“Went with a group of girlfriends, we didn’t stay on the property but we really enjoyed our time visiting. The grounds are beautiful, the tasting room gave off the feel of a mountain lodge, and those behind the bar were super nice & very helpful. And the wines…DELICIOUS!!“

“Great food and staff highly recommended“

“Our server was the sweetest. My husband loved the ribs and said the beans were the best he's ever had. Traveling through from Massachusetts. 😋“

“I'm a first generation Sicilian, so I grew up on the cooking of my Nona and mother; so I set a high bar of standard. The food was better than the average Italian restaurants that you will find in a strip mall. The service was wonderful and fast. I regret that I don't remember the name of the young gentleman that was our server. The bathroom was terrible...enough said. Portions are quite large. It's too bad that they, like many businesses, don't offer military/veteran discounts. If it wasn't for those of us who served, so our Country can afford those the luxury of freedom, businesses would not be able to operate, as they now do. "Freedom does not come for free". All in all, I rate them 31/2 stars.“

“We had an awesome dinner last , we always do, Our waitress, Sue Russ, was superb, she never missed a beat, serving 12 people, I give her five stars, fortunate to have her“

“Best food ever! I drive an hour to eat there every few months for the past few years. Best Asian from Asheville to Boone & Johnson City! Never disappoints!“

“The best place to have that good delicious food and exceptional desert🥰☺️🤤“

“This place is amazing. My coworker and I stopped in for lunch because nothing else sounded good. Ladies and Getlemen, this place is the exception to Lyle Lovett’s rule of ‘Don’t eat Mexican food East of the Mississippi…’

-a good ol’ boy from Houston“