13 Best American Restaurants in Highlands

Primary Restaurant & Bar American • $$
310 Main St, Highlands

Customers` Favorites

The Primary Wagyu Burger and Truffle Fries
British Fish and Chips
Black and Blue Salad
The Primary Burger
Lobster Mac&Cheese
Wagyu Beef Burger
Tomato Basil Soup
NY Strip Sandwich
The Primary Salad
Seared Tuna Salad

“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Exceptional Lunch Experience at Prime in Highlands! Our lunch at Primary in Highlands, NC, was simply outstanding. From the moment we walked in, we were warmly greeted by the host and restaurant manager, which set the tone for a wonderful meal. We started with perfectly cooked Oysters Rockefeller, followed by a fresh and flavorful green salad. My husband had the chimichurri marinated chicken sandwich, which was the special of the day, while I opted for the 14-ounce New York strip. Although I couldn’t finish the entire steak, it was perfect for sharing, and it was cooked to absolute perfection. The service was impeccable, attentive without being overbearing, and the atmosphere made for a lovely midday meal. We topped off the experience with a delicious slice of carrot cake, which was the perfect sweet ending. If you’re looking for an exceptional lunch in downtown Highlands, I highly recommend Primary for its fantastic food, atmosphere, and top-notch service“

4.2 Good78 Reviews
on the Verandah American • $$$
1536 Franklin Rd, Highlands

Customers` Favorites

Bone-In Pork Chop Chargrilled Chipotle Onion Jam Sweet Potato Purée
Pan Seared Brussel Sprouts with Bacon Jam
Fried Calamari Ancho Chile Lime Aioli
Horseradish Encrusted Halibut
Baby Iceberg Wedge Salad
Carolina Montain Trout
Coconut Curry Shrimp
Scallops and Pasta
Chocolate Torte
Pan Seared Duck

“Everything was perfection 😀“

4.1 Good104 Reviews
Highlands Tavern American • $$
205 S 4th St, Highlands

Customers` Favorites

Persimmon Salad with Grilled Chicken
Yellowfin Tuna Tartare
Green Curry Entree
Chicken Sandwich
Steak Sandwich
Chicken Curry
Salmon Salad
Cheeseburger
Tuna Tataki
Westbrook

“Finally tried the Tavern tonight and am already thinking about my next visit! The menu was eclectic and had a fantastic selection. We started with the Foccacia and it was perfectly baked and seasoned and came with a miso butter and something like an olive tapenade. Big enough to share with our neighbors:) I had the green curry with lemongrass chicken and it was rich and packed with all the goodness a curry should have. The hubby had the steak sandwich and the steak was tender and the toppings just made it so tasty. Dessert- if there’s creme brûlée i have to have it. Tonight’s special was a salted caramel and it was perfection. If you go, try the smoky and the bandit cocktail. The presentation was crazy and the taste…well…I limited myself to one..I could have drank these all night. Lol. 10/10 recommend!“

4.8 Superb121 Reviews
Don Leon's American • $
462 Dillard Rd, Highlands

Customers` Favorites

Hand Cut French Fries

“Great find off the main drag (downtown) in Highland's. The owners are lovely (married couple in their 80's) and had a sandwich shop back in the day in Highlands. We got the burger and gyro sandwich. Burger was juicy and the gyro meat was tender and plentiful. Worth a stop for sure.“

4.6 Superb37 Reviews
On the Veranda American •
34 Dogwood Dr, Highlands

“Our new Year's Eve meal was fantastic! We had the stuffed chicken and the sea bass entrees.The desserts were done perfectly and presented nicely. Overall a great night and meal. I have been dining at On the Veranda for over 15 years. Great job everyone at the Veranda!!!“

5 Superb1 Reviews
The Ugly Dog Public House- Highlands American • $
294 S 4th St, Highlands

Customers` Favorites

Dry Rubbed Wings 2sauces
Rise and Shine Burger
Pretzels & Cheese Dip
Mushroom Swiss Burger
Fried Green Tomatoes
Roasted Salmon blt
TUD Roast Beef Dip
Charcuterie Plate
Rocket Cobb Salad
Loaded Tater Tots

“Sat at a table outside. Nice atmosphere. Had the guacamole burger. My friend had the shrimp & grits. Both were very good and reasonably priced.
Updated review: Discovered that they make really good Margaritas but ordered a Margherita flatbread pizza, which should have 3 ingredients - Tomatoes, Mozzarella, and Basil. This one had no basil! And, it was a little soggy for flatbread.“

4.3 Superb214 Reviews
Wild Thyme Gourmet American • $$
343-D Main St, Highlands

Customers` Favorites

Shrimp and Tasso Linguine
Salmon in Puff Pastry
Crab Cakes Appetizer
Fried Green Tomatoes
Crab Cake Sandwich
Waterfall Beef
Fish and Chips
Spring Rolls
Walnut Salad
Burger

“As usual, the food was high quality and the service is what you expect in a nice restaurant. They know how to get fresh fish and cook it right. I we could not resist dessert because their desserts are great. I highly recommend the lemon moose cake with raspberry sauce. It got very noisy, but I don't know how that can be avoided. They were packed out. Reservations suggested.“

4.1 Good107 Reviews
Lakeside Restaurant Fine Dining • $$$
531 Smallwood Ave, Highlands

Customers` Favorites

Stuffed Rainbow Trout
Tomato Florentine Soup
Scallops and Risotto
Brussels Sprouts
Shrimp and Grits
Grouper Maison
Caprese Salad
Bread Pudding
Crab Cakes
Duck Confit

“Meal and service was excellent! Highly recommend going there,make a reservation. The grouper and halibut were awesome!“

4.6 Superb57 Reviews
Hummingbird Lounge Bar • $$$
455 Main St, Highlands

“We had an excellent dining experience, thanks to Casey’s outstanding service. He was incredibly attentive and made sure we felt well taken care of throughout the evening. For dinner, I enjoyed the pheasant, which was absolutely delicious, while my husband had the ribeye—perfectly cooked and full of flavor. Our son ordered the sirloin, but it wasn’t quite to our liking. Casey handled it with professionalism and care, ensuring it was promptly corrected. His warm and accommodating nature truly elevated our experience, making our evening both enjoyable and memorable.“

4.6 Superb42 Reviews
Kitchen Carryaway & Catering Caterers • $$
350 S 5th St, Highlands

“We enjoyed their salmon cakes immensely, that they make from their own poached salmon and then into patties. We served it with the aioli, on a bed of greens. It’s like getting a catered meal just for two. Love the people there. Rare breed.“

5 Superb4 Reviews
Madison's Restaurant Southern • $$$
445 Main St, Highlands

Customers` Favorites

Caesar Salad with Sundried Tomato Pesto Crostini Toasted Parmesan White Anchovies and Capers
Chicken Salad Sandwich on Croissant
Banana Creme Caramel Pudding
Black-Eyed Pea Hummus Plate
Southern Fish and Chips
Calf Liver and Onions
Seared Diver Scallops
Charcuterie Board
Pimento Cheese
Cheese Omelet

“Great food and atmosphere!“

4.4 Superb528 Reviews
4118 Kitchen + Bar Bar & Grill • $
64 Highlands Plaza, Highlands

Customers` Favorites

Cauliflower Tacos
Chicken Sandwich
Reuben Sandwich
Fish and Chips
Fried Chicken
Fish & Chips
Caesar Salad
4118 Burger
Soup

“Great food, great people!“

4.3 Superb76 Reviews
Mountain Fresh Grocery American • $
521 Main St, Highlands

Customers` Favorites

Mountain Fresh Grilled Cheese
Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Hamburger and Fries
Chicken Tenders
Pepperoni Pizza
Grilled Chicken
Cuban Sandwich
French Fries
French Dip
Salads

“lot to choose from. fresh n hot grill, take n bake entrees, deli, NY style pizza.“

3.6 Good90 Reviews

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