We had a great experience and intend to go back if we visit Highlands again. The food was excellent, and the service was personal, not rushed but attentive.
Chris Joyce
Small and intimate, great food and don't miss the bread pudding
Julia McCombs
We had a delightful evening at Lakeside in the Garden. The food was excellent and service was attentive. I had the crabcakes and they were prepared perfectly. My husband had the special which was Tile fish and expertly cooked. Lakeside was recommended and we will return.
Drew Morgan
Friendly with nice lake views
Keta Biro
Went to Lakeside with my husband and another couple for dinner, and everyone enjoyed delicious meals. The server Peter was terrific, attentive and friendly. However, conversation was very difficult. The restaurant itself is small with tables very close together, and when every table is full, not uncommon due to the above-mentioned good food and service, people tend to also enjoy animated (loud) conversations. Small price to pay, but something to consider if you're planning on having any kind of serious discussion at dinner. And you'll likely need to make reservations!
Donna Farrow
Love The Lakeside Restaurant! The food, atmosphere and staff were exceptional! Chef Kevin is amazing and our server Sebastian was outstanding.
Erin Phillips
Ashamed to say it took more than a dozen years of residency in Highlands for me to finally have a meal at this lovely establishment. It was worth the wait but also, don’t wait, because you’ll kick yourself. Our table shared several appetizers, all absolutely delicious and we enjoyed two of the menu offered entrees as well as one of the night’s specials. Seafood, beef and pork were all represented and all were cooked exceptionally with interesting but extremely complimentary sides. Each diner in my party also enjoyed a perfectly made cocktail as well as an excellent per glass pour from the well-appointed wine options. Desert was a shared crème brûlée that was nearly transcendent in its perfect flavor with the texture of gossamer. If gossamer was made of creamy velvet. Portion sizes were perfect and the staff was exemplary. I had the added bonus of dining with a friend of the owner, who made time to stop by our table twice to say hello and make sure we were pleased with everything. She even remembered one of my companion’s gluten allergy and was ready with a better appetizer option when we accidentally ordered a dish that would have been problematic. The host was friendly and at one point, called the entirety of the small dining rooms attention for a brief acknowledgment of all the special occasions being hosted that night (turned out nearly every table had a birthday girl at it - including ours!) The vibe was supremely comfortable and lively, but not too loud to prevent decent conversation amongst our table. I have been informed that dining on the patio (once warm weather returns) is an enchanting experience - one I will certainly not wait another dozen years to enjoy! Prices were comparable to all finer dining restaurants in the Highlands-Cashiers area though I believe Lakeside provides more value for the dollars spent than many others on the Plateau. It has been a long time since a dinner out has left me completely content with the experience but Lakeside hit all the right notes for food, drink, service, and atmosphere. The little restaurant on the shore of Highland’s Lake Harris knows what they’re doing, and are an excellent representation of the best of Highland’s culinary offerings. Seamless professionalism, remarkable culinary execution, unpretentious charm.
Mary Cavaioli
Delicious food, our favorite place to eat in Highlands! Kelly is always very welcoming when you dine at Lakeside!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Zena Lynch
My birthday dinner at Lakeside Restaurant was an unforgettable experience. The ambiance was intimate and elegant, creating the perfect setting for a special occasion. Kelly, our hostess, welcomed us warmly and made us feel right at home. Sebastian, our server, was attentive and knowledgeable, ensuring that every detail of our dining experience was flawless.
The culinary artistry at Lakeside was truly impressive. The stuffed pork chop was a masterpiece, with a perfectly seasoned crust and a tender, flavorful interior. The steak was juicy and full of rich flavor.
Lakeside Restaurant is a hidden gem that deserves to be celebrated. Whether you're a foodie or simply looking for a memorable dining experience, this restaurant will not disappoint. I can't wait to return and explore more of their delicious menu offerings.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Troy Snelson
OMG what an awesome experience. My wife and I dined here last night and can't stop talking about it. Every aspect was just outstanding. I love the personal touch of actually speaking with Kelly to make the reservation and her calling me to confirm. Then coming by our table to chat and make sure everything was great. Our server was Carol and she was super friendly and offered great advice about the menu and specials. Cocktails and wine were also exceptional. Lakeside will be a must visit whenever we are in Highlands. Thank you!!!
Delicious dinner in a beautiful setting on a lake in a garden with our new 6 year old rescue pug Chubbs.
Filet was the best! Great service!
Perfect evening! Thank you!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
robc
We are 3 seasoned travelers spending the summer in Highlands. We have been to most restaurants here. As with all others, make a reservation or you don't get in. At Lakeside we were greeted as friends by a staff that made us all feel at home. The service was meticulous and timely. The drinks were well made and the wine list very good. Our entrees included Rainbow Trout which was perfectly cooked with a light breading that was very tasty. The second was the Chicken Cordon Blue Schnitzel which was very good according to my friend (not a favorite of mine). The third entree was the Salmon and again this was perfectly cooked and the light soy based sauce really pushed it over the top. All three entrees had ample portions with tasty sides. We had 2 desserts and they were also good. The atmosphere is busy but comfortable. The only down side is that it is noisy almost to the point that it is hard to hear your tablemates. Other than that, this is one of the 3 or 4 best restaurants in Highlands area and should not be missed.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Peg & Ron LaMascus
A little more whimsical and down to earth than most Highlands dinner venues but we loved it! Kind of a kitchy vibe that is a bit loud at times but not obtrusive or so that you can’t converse. Small dining area so reservations are a must and Kelly, the manager is a hoot! Great personality and makes you feel instantly welcome! All the wait staff were excellent and our main server, Sebastian was a very personable young man. Unfortunately, we had eaten a late and larger lunch than intended so we stuck with soup(a wonderful tomato florentine) that was obviously freshly made and the beet salad and fig and goat cheese salad. We fully intend to return for a more complete dining experience based on our brief but wonderful experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Linda Blalock
Fun little restaurant with unique, local artist paintings on the walls for sale. Hostess is absolutely adorable and engaging. Wait staff were very attentive and helpful in describing dishes we were considering. Food is fresh and local when available and prepared to perfection. We shared a wild berry and goat cheese salad as waitress said it was large. It was a perfect starter along with the fresh bread and whipped fresh butter. I enjoyed the cast iron seared scallops and risotto which were seasoned so well and great complements to each other. My friend had the seafood pomodoro and raved over how delicious it was. So much seafood in it. We had made room for house made cheesecake and berry sorbet and were not disappointed. Very popular place so reservations are recommended.
We had a great experience and intend to go back if we visit Highlands again. The food was excellent, and the service was personal, not rushed but attentive.
Small and intimate, great food and don't miss the bread pudding
We had a delightful evening at Lakeside in the Garden. The food was excellent and service was attentive. I had the crabcakes and they were prepared perfectly. My husband had the special which was Tile fish and expertly cooked. Lakeside was recommended and we will return.
Friendly with nice lake views
Went to Lakeside with my husband and another couple for dinner, and everyone enjoyed delicious meals. The server Peter was terrific, attentive and friendly. However, conversation was very difficult. The restaurant itself is small with tables very close together, and when every table is full, not uncommon due to the above-mentioned good food and service, people tend to also enjoy animated (loud) conversations. Small price to pay, but something to consider if you're planning on having any kind of serious discussion at dinner. And you'll likely need to make reservations!
Love The Lakeside Restaurant! The food, atmosphere and staff were exceptional! Chef Kevin is amazing and our server Sebastian was outstanding.
Ashamed to say it took more than a dozen years of residency in Highlands for me to finally have a meal at this lovely establishment. It was worth the wait but also, don’t wait, because you’ll kick yourself. Our table shared several appetizers, all absolutely delicious and we enjoyed two of the menu offered entrees as well as one of the night’s specials. Seafood, beef and pork were all represented and all were cooked exceptionally with interesting but extremely complimentary sides. Each diner in my party also enjoyed a perfectly made cocktail as well as an excellent per glass pour from the well-appointed wine options.
Desert was a shared crème brûlée that was nearly transcendent in its perfect flavor with the texture of gossamer. If gossamer was made of creamy velvet.
Portion sizes were perfect and the staff was exemplary. I had the added bonus of dining with a friend of the owner, who made time to stop by our table twice to say hello and make sure we were pleased with everything. She even remembered one of my companion’s gluten allergy and was ready with a better appetizer option when we accidentally ordered a dish that would
have been problematic. The host was friendly and at one point, called the entirety of the small dining rooms attention for a brief acknowledgment of all the special occasions being hosted that night (turned out nearly every table had a birthday girl at it - including ours!) The vibe was supremely comfortable and lively, but not too loud to prevent decent conversation amongst our table. I have been informed that dining on the patio (once warm weather returns) is an enchanting experience - one I will certainly not wait another dozen years to enjoy!
Prices were comparable to all finer dining restaurants in the Highlands-Cashiers area though I believe Lakeside provides more value for the dollars spent than many others on the Plateau.
It has been a long time since a dinner out has left me completely content with the experience but Lakeside hit all the right notes for food, drink, service, and atmosphere. The little restaurant on the shore of Highland’s Lake Harris knows what they’re doing, and are an excellent representation of the best of Highland’s culinary offerings. Seamless professionalism, remarkable culinary execution, unpretentious charm.
Delicious food, our favorite place to eat in Highlands! Kelly is always very welcoming when you dine at Lakeside!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My birthday dinner at Lakeside Restaurant was an unforgettable experience. The ambiance was intimate and elegant, creating the perfect setting for a special occasion. Kelly, our hostess, welcomed us warmly and made us feel right at home. Sebastian, our server, was attentive and knowledgeable, ensuring that every detail of our dining experience was flawless.
The culinary artistry at Lakeside was truly impressive. The stuffed pork chop was a masterpiece, with a perfectly seasoned crust and a tender, flavorful interior. The steak was juicy and full of rich flavor.
Lakeside Restaurant is a hidden gem that deserves to be celebrated. Whether you're a foodie or simply looking for a memorable dining experience, this restaurant will not disappoint. I can't wait to return and explore more of their delicious menu offerings.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
OMG what an awesome experience. My wife and I dined here last night and can't stop talking about it. Every aspect was just outstanding. I love the personal touch of actually speaking with Kelly to make the reservation and her calling me to confirm. Then coming by our table to chat and make sure everything was great. Our server was Carol and she was super friendly and offered great advice about the menu and specials. Cocktails and wine were also exceptional. Lakeside will be a must visit whenever we are in Highlands. Thank you!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Really enjoyed our meal here!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Delicious dinner in a beautiful setting on a lake in a garden with our new 6 year old rescue pug Chubbs.
Filet was the best! Great service!
Perfect evening! Thank you!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We are 3 seasoned travelers spending the summer in Highlands. We have been to most restaurants here. As with all others, make a reservation or you don't get in. At Lakeside we were greeted as friends by a staff that made us all feel at home. The service was meticulous and timely. The drinks were well made and the wine list very good. Our entrees included Rainbow Trout which was perfectly cooked with a light breading that was very tasty. The second was the Chicken Cordon Blue Schnitzel which was very good according to my friend (not a favorite of mine). The third entree was the Salmon and again this was perfectly cooked and the light soy based sauce really pushed it over the top. All three entrees had ample portions with tasty sides. We had 2 desserts and they were also good. The atmosphere is busy but comfortable. The only down side is that it is noisy almost to the point that it is hard to hear your tablemates. Other than that, this is one of the 3 or 4 best restaurants in Highlands area and should not be missed.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
A little more whimsical and down to earth than most Highlands dinner venues but we loved it! Kind of a kitchy vibe that is a bit loud at times but not obtrusive or so that you can’t converse. Small dining area so reservations are a must and Kelly, the manager is a hoot! Great personality and makes you feel instantly welcome! All the wait staff were excellent and our main server, Sebastian was a very personable young man. Unfortunately, we had eaten a late and larger lunch than intended so we stuck with soup(a wonderful tomato florentine) that was obviously freshly made and the beet salad and fig and goat cheese salad. We fully intend to return for a more complete dining experience based on our brief but wonderful experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fun little restaurant with unique, local
artist paintings on the walls for sale. Hostess is absolutely adorable and engaging. Wait staff were very attentive and helpful in describing dishes we were considering. Food is fresh and local when available and prepared to perfection. We shared a wild berry and goat cheese salad as waitress said it was large. It was a perfect starter along with the fresh bread and whipped fresh butter. I enjoyed the cast iron seared scallops and risotto which were seasoned so well and great complements to each other. My friend had the seafood pomodoro and raved over how delicious it was. So much seafood in it. We had made room for house made cheesecake and berry sorbet and were not disappointed. Very popular place so reservations are recommended.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Scallops and Risotto
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