Above: The Dillard House Inn & Restaurant in Franklin, N.C., one of the southern Appalachian’s premier restaurants, offers up delicious country cooking.
The Red Barn Cafe at Tiger Mountain Vineyards
After a weekend tour of Tiger Mountain Vineyards, relax on the patio over a meal. The café is open May through November for Friday and Saturday night dinners as well as Saturday and Sunday lunch/brunch. The menu includes soups, salads, small plates, entrees and desserts. 2592 Old 441 South, Tiger. Information: tigerwine.com.
The Dillard House
Famed for serving up Southern and country cooking, The Dillard House Inn and Restaurant doesn’t skimp on breakfast either. Whether you’re checking in for a getaway or just want some homestyle cooking, you’ll find out what’s been drawing hungry visitors for more than a century to Dillard. 768 Franklin St., Dillard. Information: dillardhouse.com.
Bodensee Restaurant
If you’re soaking up the charms of Helen’s Bavarian village, be sure to try some authentic German favorites like spätzle, Weiner Schnitzel and house-made sausages. There’s also a great outdoor patio to enjoy the view. 64 Munich Strasse, Helen. Information: bodenseerestaurant.com.
The Sawmill Place
Blairsville residents and visitors alike swear by the big breakfast served at The Sawmill Place. We’re talking homemade biscuits, bacon, baked apples and much more. You can also grab lunch there. 1150 Pat Haralson Drive, Blairsville. Information: thesawmillplace.com.
Beechwood Inn
Check in for the weekend and enjoy panoramic views of Black Rock Mountain from your room and the restaurant, which offers award- winning cuisine prepared from local food and the inn’s own wine list. 220 Beechwood Drive, Clayton. Information: beechwoodinn.ws.
Wild Thyme
This gourmet restaurant in Highlands, NC serves up an American menu with Asian influences, not to mention a wine list praised by Wine Spectator magazine three-years running. 343-D Main St. Information: wildthymegourmet.com.
Jim’s Smokin’ Que
If it’s barbecue you’re hankering for, head to Blairsville for smoked baby back ribs and expertly smoked pork, chicken and turkey. Don’t forget the Brunswick Stew! 4971 Gainesville Highway, Blairsville. Information: jimssmokinque.com.
Harvest on Main
Consistently named one of North Georgia’s best restaurants, Harvest on Main uses seasonal products from local farmers — grass- fed beef, veggies and trout — to craft its menu. 576 E. Main St., Blue Ridge. Information: harvestonmain.com.
Hofer’s Bakery
Enjoy breakfast and lunch in the Bavarian dining room, featuring entrees specially prepared European staff and breads baked in a stone hearth oven. Deli sandwiches are perfect to pick up for picnics or hikes and there’s also an outdoor biergarten. 8758 N. Main St., Helen. Information: hofers.com.
La Pizzeria at Cucina Rustica
If you’re in the Blue Ridge Mountains but craving a taste of Italy, then La Pizzeria’s menu of wood-fired pizzas will take you there. 76 Forge Mill Road, Morganton. Information: lapizzeria-ga.com.
61 Main
This farm-to-table restaurant serving up quail, grouper, rabbit and shrimp is located inside the historic Jasper Theater building. 49 S. Main St., Jasper. Information: 61main.com.
The Orchard
Set in a century-old farmhouse, this Cashiers, NC favorite serves up local fish, beef and a big selection of wine and beers to enjoy while gazing out over the orchard. 905 Highway 107 South, Cashiers Valley. Information: theorchardcashiers.com.
The Black Sheep
The restaurant serves up new American dishes, including local beef and veggies, with private label wine and a giant outdoor patio with raw bar and craft cocktails. 480 W. Main St., Blue Ridge. Information: blacksheepblueridge.com.
Table 64
If you’re in Sapphire Valley, be sure to have dinner at Table 64 with its unique tapas menu and diverse wine selection. 3093 Highway 64E, Sapphire Valley, NC. Information: tablesixtyfour.com.