When we think of America’s most beloved scenic route, most people envision jaw-dropping Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks, amazing waterfalls, and/or the colorful foliage along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Fall.
Commerce and other signs of “civilization” rarely enter our idyllic picture of the BRP, which is America’s #1 most visited National Park.
There are actually only a few restaurants on the Blue Ridge Parkway. But there are tons of great places to eat in nearby small towns over the course of your road trip.
Here we’ve compiled a list of great places to eat near the Blue Ridge Parkway, from Milepost 0 in Waynesboro VA to Milepost 469 in Cherokee NC.
I’ve included some of our favorite Blue Ridge Parkway restaurants for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including details on the closest BRP milepost and the restaurants’ distance from the Parkway.
Remember that it’s always a good idea to check for Blue Ridge Parkway closures before setting out, because they may make some of these great restaurants more difficult to reach.
READ MORE: How to Plan an Amazing Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip
Looking for Places to Stay Along the Blue Ridge Parkway?
-
Chetola Resort (Blowing Rock resort w/lodge, condos, restaurant, bar, lake, and hiking trails)
-
Pisgah Inn (historic inn w/stunning views, restaurants, a country store & souvenir shop)
-
Peaks of Otter Lodge (historic lodge w/63 rooms, restaurant & view of Sharp Top Mountain)
-
Switzerland Inn (historic inn w/mountain-view suites, fine dining, spa & shops)
-
Wintergreen Resort (ski resort near Waynesboro VA w/condos, restaurants, spa & more)
Blue Ridge Parkway Restaurants in VA & NC Guide
- Stella Bella & Lucy’s
- Devil’s Grill at Wintergreen Resort
- Peaks of Otter Restaurant
- Blue Cow Ice Cream Co
- The Floyd Country Store
- Mabry Mill Restaurant
- The Gap Deli at the Parkway
- Old North State
- The Bluffs Restaurant
- Gamekeeper Restaurant
- Timberlake’s Restaurant
- Switzerland Cafe
- Plant
- Bent Creek Bistro
- The Pisgah Inn
- The Square Root
- Blue Rooster Southern Grill
- Chef’s Table
- Haywood Smokehouse
- Harrah’s Cherokee Casino
READ MORE: The 15 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Hotels & Cabin Rentals in NC & VA
Blue Ridge Parkway Restaurants in VA
1. Stella, Bella & Lucy’s (4.5 miles from MP 0)
327 West Main St, Waynesboro VA • (540) 949-5111
Located just a few miles west of the start of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Stella, Bella, & Lucy’s is a fine café in Waynesboro VA.
Named after the owners’ beloved dogs, the restaurant serves breakfast from 9AM to 10:30AM, and lunch from 11AM to 2:15PM.
Breakfast items include classics like French toast, quiche, and omelets, as well as Greek yogurt parfaits and banana boats. Their lunch menu has a selection of salads, sandwiches, and soups made from scratch daily.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Things to Do in Waynesboro VA (Augusta County)
2. Devil’s Grill at Wintergreen Resort (5.6 miles from MP 13.1)
Route 664, Wintergreen VA • (434) 325-2200
Wintergreen Resort near Waynesboro VA has a number of great dining options, with the excellent Devil’s Grill being our favorite. But note that it is reserved for members and resort guests only.
The Devil’s Grill serves dinner from 5PM to 9PM every Wednesday through Sunday, as well as a Sunday Brunch from 11AM to 2PM.
Starters range from Crawfish Pot Pie and Baked Brie to Crispy Chicken Wonton. Popular entrees include Whole Smoked Trout, Moroccan Rack of Lamb, and Papa Weaver’s Pork Chop.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Virginia Mountain Resorts to Visit
3. Peaks of Otter Restaurant (MP 85.6)
85554 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Bedford VA • (866) 387-9905
Located right on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the historic Peaks of Otter Lodge & Restaurant overlooks picturesque Abbott Lake and provides easy access to several beloved Blue Ridge Parkway lookouts.
Their Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner from April through October, opening at 7:30AM and closing at 9PM, with an hour-long break in between each menu.
Daily breakfast is served buffet-style, but their lunch and dinner menus offer unique choices like Cauliflower Steak, Lobster Mac & Cheese, and Polly Wood Pot Pie. They also have a full bar.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Things to Do in Bedford VA (BRP MP 85.6–90.9)
4. Blue Cow Ice Cream Co (4.3 miles from MP 120)
1115 Piedmont St. SE, Roanoke VA • (540) 400-8558
I discovered Blue Cow Ice Cream on a BRMTG press trip to Roanoke VA, and the line was snaking out the door and around the corner.
This popular ice cream parlor is located at the base of Mill Mountain Park and the Roanoke Star, and is just over 4 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Blue Cow is a small-batch artisan ice cream company with a few locations scattered around the state of Virginia. They make both traditional and unusual flavors utilizing fresh local ingredients.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Restaurants in Roanoke VA (Virginia’s Blue Ridge)
5. The Floyd Country Store (6.1 miles from MP 165.3)
206 S Locust St, Floyd VA • (540) 745-4563
One of our favorite Virginia mountain towns, Floyd is a renowned hub for traditional Appalachian music.
The Floyd Country Store is the premier venue, and live music and a cool store are half the draw of eating there.
Their menu is the other reason, offering a collection of playful classics and delicious wholesome food.
Examples of their best dishes include the Tempeh Rueben Sandwich, Pickled Beet Salad, and Country Bowl (pinto beans served with collards, chowchow, and cornbread).
READ MORE: Exploring the Crooked Road, Virginia’s Appalachian Music Trail
6. Mabry Mill Restaurant (MP 176.1)
266 Mabry Mill Rd SE, Meadows of Dan VA • (276) 952-2947
Mabry Mill is one of the top Blue Ridge Parkway attractions in Virginia. In addition to the ever-popular historic site, there’s a hopping little restaurant and gift shop.
The Mabry Mill Restaurant has an assortment of delightful pancake options, including sweet potato, cornmeal, buckwheat, traditional, and oatmeal. They also serve standard café-style breakfasts.
Lunch here smacks of homestyle cooking, with offerings like Pot Roast, Roast Turkey Platter, and Chicken Salad Sandwiches.
Save room for dessert, because their Blackberry Cobbler is legendary!
READ MORE: The 13 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Campgrounds to Visit
7. The Gap Deli at the Parkway (400 ft from MP 199.5)
7975½ Fancy Gap Hwy, Fancy Gap VA • (276) 728-3881
Basically right on the Blue Ridge Parkway, The Gap Deli at the Parkway is just 400 feet from the off-ramp in the town of Fancy Gap VA.
It has comfy indoor and outdoor seating, which is surrounded by colorful flowers in Spring and Summer.
This deli has a collection of specialty sandwiches, such as the Turkey Gone Wild Wrap and The Hot Mama, as well as old favorites like the Monte Cristo, BLT, and Egg Salad Sandwiches.
House-made soups are also available, and guests can make combos of their favorites.
READ MORE: Exploring the Blue Ridge Music Center Near Galax VA (BRP MP 213)
Blue Ridge Parkway Restaurants in NC
8. Old North State (13.4 miles from MP 199.5)
308 N Main St, Mt Airy NC • (336) 789-9463
Though Old North State in Mount Airy NC is a little further off the Blue Ridge Parkway than others on this list, Downtown Mt Airy and this restaurant make it well worth the extra drive.
Old North State is a quality Yadkin Valley winery, and the attached restaurant is absolutely fantastic.
Their seasonal menu changes frequently, but typical dishes might include rare Seared Yellowfin Tuna, Fried Oyster Salad, or Margaret Duck Breast.
The restaurant is open for lunch Tuesday through Saturday, and for dinner Wednesday through Saturday.
READ MORE: The 7 Best Restaurants in Mt Airy NC & Surry County
9. The Bluffs Restaurant (MP 241)
45338 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Laurel Springs NC • (336) 372-7875
The Bluffs Restaurant at Doughton Park recently reopened, but has retained the feel of an old-fashioned diner with a long bar, chrome stools, and checkered flooring.
This place was originally opened in 1949 as the very first Blue Ridge Parkway restaurant. It now serves local craft beers and contemporary diner food.
Much of the draw to this restaurant is the nostalgia, and the fact that it’s a BRP legend.
The service has been a bit spotty on some of our recent visits, but it’s too irresistible not to try again!
READ MORE: The 25 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes for NC Day Trips
10. Gamekeeper Restaurant (5.7 miles from MP 292)
3005 Shulls Mill Rd, Boone NC • (828) 963-7400
Open for dinner every Thursday through Sunday, The Gamekeeper is all about farm-to-table food from local sources in the NC High Country.
The popular Boone NC restaurant is located in a stone cottage with several dining areas, including the main dining room, the vineyard room, the bar & lounge, and beautiful outdoor seating.
Their menu features a lot of wild game, as well as upscale takes on old favorites like Mac ‘n Bleu Cheese and Strawberry Shortcake.
Note that some vegan and vegetarian options are also available.
READ MORE: 25 Best Things to Do in Boone NC (Blue Ridge Parkway MM 291.8)
11. Timberlake’s Restaurant (1.6 miles from MP 292)
185 Chetola Lake Dr, Blowing Rock NC • (828) 295-5505
Timberlake’s Restaurant is part of Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock. It’s open every day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, starting at 7:30AM.
Their breakfast menu kicks off with a varied selection of “benedicts,” and includes several tasty bread and meat choices.
Lunch and dinner featured fancied-up versions of casual fare. For example, they serve Ahi Tuna Nachos, Buffalo Chicken Dip, and Fried Green Tomato Caprese as appetizers.
Dinner here is notoriously delicious, and might include scrumptious entrees such as Duck Club Sliders, Roasted NC Quail, or Shrimp & Grits.
READ MORE: 10 Must-Visit Blue Ridge Mountain Resorts
12. Switzerland Café (0.2 miles from MP 334)
9440 Hwy 226-A, Little Switzerland NC • (828) 765-5289
The Switzerland Café in Little Switzerland NC has been open for over 3 decades now, and specializes in fresh sandwiches, soups, and quiches.
Popular favorites on the menu include Pulled Pork Shoulder, Smoked Deviled Eggs, and Smoked Trout.
They also have a Vegan BBQ Sandwich, as well as funkier dishes such as the Cheeseburger Chowder.
Pro Tip: The Switzerland Café has an AMAZING assortment of pies and cakes, so save room for dessert!
READ MORE: 15 Best Things to Do in Little Switzerland NC
13. Plant (5.5 miles from MP 384)
165 Merrimon Ave, Asheville NC • (828) 258-7500
A top-quality vegan restaurant in Asheville is still a rare thing, and Plant has been rated by critics as one of the best vegan restaurants in the USA!
James Beard Award-nominated Chef Jason Sellers offers an ever-changing dinner menu that might include options like a plant-based Cheese Plate, Mushroom Ravioli, and Lasagna Crudo.
They also make awesome vegan desserts, such as Crème Brulee, Peanut Butter Cheesecake, and house-made Ice Cream with Pistachio Cookie.
Plant serves dinner every Wednesday through Sunday.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Things to Do in Asheville for Couples
14. Bent Creek Bistro (MP 393.6)
100 Frederick Law Olmstead Way, Asheville NC • (828) 665-2492
The Bent Creek Bistro is located on the North Carolina Arboretum campus, right off the Blue Ridge Parkway.
It’s a great choice, because the botanical garden is a must-see attraction on a BRP road trip through Asheville.
This bistro focuses on using seasonal products from Western North Carolina and features hearty sandwiches, house-made soups, and hand-cut salads, as well as small-batch baked goods.
Wine, local beers, and locally roasted coffees are also available here.
READ MORE: The 35 Best Things to Do in Asheville NC
15. The Pisgah Inn (MP 408.6)
408 Blue Ridge Parkway, Canton NC • (828) 235-8228
Along with the Switzerland Inn and Peaks of Otter Lodge, the Pisgah Inn is one of only 3 true Blue Ridge Parkway hotels.
In addition to rooms with killer views, the hotel offers fine dining breakfast, lunch, and dinner 7 days a week.
Breakfast includes standard dishes like Buttermilk Pancakes, Hot Apple Oatmeal, and a Greek Omelet. Lunch options range from the Pisgah Pecan Salad and Zen Thai Bowl to Crab Cake Sandwiches.
Their dinner menu is similar to lunch, but with more upscale flourishes such as the Grilled Filet Mignon and Braised St. Louis Style Ribs.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Romantic Getaways in NC (Hotels, Inns & Resorts)
16. The Square Root (19 miles from MP 412.2)
33 Times Arcade Aly, Brevard NC • (828) 884-6171
While The Square Root restaurant is a 20-mile drive away from the Blue Ridge Parkway, the route to it goes through the waterfall-filled heart of the Pisgah National Forest.
Trust us when we say that this is a SPECTACULAR detour that simply must be taken!
Plus, it’s in the excellent town of Brevard, one of the more popular small towns near Asheville NC, where I lived for several years.
The Square Root has been deemed the best restaurant in Brevard for 12+ consecutive years, with a diverse menu that includes hits like Cedar Plank Salmon, Peach Glazed Pork Flat Iron, and Wok Fried Brussels Sprouts.
READ MORE: The 12 Best Brevard Breweries and Cideries to Visit
17. Blue Rooster Southern Grill (10.4 miles from MP 443.6)
207 Paragon Pkwy, Clyde NC • (828) 456-1997
Located in the small town of Clyde NC (near Waynesville), the Blue Rooster Southern Grill is a very popular local favorite whose dishes boast a strong Appalachian influence.
Appetizers include classic fare like Fried Green Tomatoes, Stone-ground Grits, and Hush Puppies.
In terms of entrees, they’re known for their Southern-style Fried Chicken. But our team also loved the Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignon, Kentucky Dry Rub Pork Chops, and Rather Be Fishin’ Po Boy.
Note that the Blue Rooster is only open on weekdays, from 11AM to 8PM every Monday through Thursday, and until 8:30PM every Friday.
READ MORE: 30 Fun Facts About Appalachian Scots-Irish History & Culture
18. The Chef’s Table (7.7 miles from MP 443.6)
30 Church St, Waynesville NC • (828) 452-6210
Founded by an ancestor of BRMTG co-founder Bret Love, the town of Waynesville has been a hub of Western North Carolina for many years.
It provides quick access to Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Pisgah National Forest, and Nantahala National Forest, not to mention the Blue Ridge Parkway and Asheville.
The Chef’s Table is arguably Waynesville’s best restaurant, using local produce to make upscale dishes (such as Grilled Romaine Salad, Bourbon Pecan Crusted Local Trout, Lamb Shank, etc.) to pair with great wines.
The small restaurant boasts nice artwork on the wall, a killer wine cellar, a shared outdoor patio, and numerous awards. It’s open for dinner every Tuesday through Saturday.
READ MORE: The 14 Best Restaurants in Waynesville NC for Foodies
19. Haywood Smokehouse (6.7 miles from MP 443.6)
79 Elysinia Ave, Waynesville NC • (828) 456-7275
Haywood Smokehouse is a punchy place that dares to serve Texas-style barbecue in the state of North Carolina.
They’re doing it so well that they have 3 NC locations now, including one in Dillsboro and one in Franklin.
Their Waynesville location is just a short drive from the Blue Ridge Parkway, so it’s a trip worth taking for serious BBQ fans.
Of course, Beef Brisket is the big draw on the menu here, but the Smokehouse also serves Chopped Pork, Andouille Sausage, and Half-Chicken.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Things to Do in Waynesville NC & Haywood County
20. Harrah’s Cherokee Casino (3.9 miles from MP 469)
777 Casino Dr, Cherokee NC • (828) 497-7777
Located near the southern terminus of the Parkway, the town of Cherokee NC features the tribal-owned Harrah’s Cherokee Casino.
True to classic casino form, there are loads of good restaurants to enjoy under one roof!
Brio Italian Grille uses the flavors of Northern Italy. The Selu Garden Café has a great breakfast buffet and casual American fare for lunch. Wicked Weed Brewpub is the place for local craft beer and fabulous pub food.
Noodle Bar is great for late-night munchies, while the Gordon Ramsay Food Market does global cuisine with fresh local ingredients. -by Jonathon Engels; featured photo by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett
