Brevard is known as North Carolina’s land of waterfalls as it’s set right on the cusp of an outdoor adventure hotspot, the Pisgah National Forest.
It’s also an alluring cultural hub of the high country with a charming downtown to explore, where a foodie feast awaits. The eclectic eats here range from comfort foods to farm-to-table fares, meaning there are plenty of amazing restaurants in Brevard, NC.
As a special spot nestled in the Smoky Mountains, Brevard is chock full of both charm and craft breweries. One of our favorite things to do is venture out into the region’s natural wonders and amazing hikes, and then treat ourselves to a delicious meal followed by a refreshing and delicious draft beer. Drink and eat your way around with the best restaurants in Brevard, NC.
Fantastic Restaurants in Brevard, NC
The Square Root
The Square Root is a tucked away treasure set in an enchanting restored historic building. The atmosphere is artistic, chic, and furnished with exposed brick and wooden beams. This eatery has something for everyone on the extensive and mouth-watering menu.
Take a seat at the vintage bar, an intimate table for two, or the breezy covered patio and dine on delightful dishes from around the globe. Whether you’re picky or easy to please, dishes like the Rabbit Gumbo, Chicken Marsala, Eggplant Parmesan are sure to satisfy. Regional flavors are featured, as well, and they always offer an array of local beers on draft.
Vescovo Neighborhood Eatery
For a place that’s all about good food and good times with good people, Vescovo has the ideal ambiance. Named after a dearly departed friend, the space was made to honor their spirit which can be seen in everything from the menu to the artwork.
The fares are all authentic Italian, and everything here is handmade from scratch, from the pastas to the sauces.
The Scallops and the Cacio E Pepe, or the original Mac and Cheese as it’s called here, are both popular picks. It’s set in the newly developed lumberyard district of town, and has a real rustic yet upscale feel to it. It’s an intimate space, so we recommend making reservations in advance. Be sure to ask what the specials are, as there are rotating meat and seafood dishes each night that are always delicious.
The Falls Landing
If enjoying a romantic weekend in North Carolina, one of the best restaurants in Brevard is The Falls Landing. This mountainside seafood restaurant is a delightful destination in Brevard. Each plate is seasonal, meaning the menu is always fresh and changing based on what’s locally available.
It’s a long-standing staple of the community set right in the downtown district. The ambiance is cozy and casual.
The menu is quite extensive with plenty of plates to pick from. The fish dishes are really the specialty here, with the Fresh North Carolina Trout getting rave reviews from past patrons. The beverage selection here is excellent as well, with a varied wine list, local crafts on draft, and well curated cocktails.
Jordan Street Cafe
This adorable spot serves up favorite American fares in a quaint setting. The patio seating is picturesque and the dining room is warm and inviting. It’s a historic spot that’s been a beloved part of Brevard for decades. The grub here is gourmet, with burgers, seafood, steaks, and pastas all gracing the menu.
Of course, starting any meal off here with their house-made fresh bread and pesto is a given. We love that there are always local Brevard breweries on tap to try as well, alongside the full bar if we want something boozier.
It’s a great place to save some room for something sweet, as all the desserts are handmade from scratch. It’s a fun pick for a Sunday brunch, boasting modern takes on all the Southern classics.
Papa L.E.W.
Don’t miss out on this gem in Brevard! Papa LEW is a no frills wings and burgers stop with portion sizes that won’t leave you wanting more. If you’re seeking an unpretentious, affordable, but delicious meal in Brevard, make sure to stop here for lunch or dinner.
The interior is cozy and inviting, and the owners are incredibly friendly and engaging with all customers. The food alone would be reason enough to return, but the overall experience has now solidified this spot as one of the best restaurants in Brevard.
Wine Down on Main
Wine Down on Main is the local watering hole that everyone loves to frequent. Paying a visit here is one of the best things to do in Brevard. It’s an aptly named European-style establishment, with a vast number of varietals to pair with light plates.
Music and art often fill the space here, adding a fun and funky flair to the atmosphere. We especially love to go on the weekends for live music.
The deck is delightful for snacking and savoring a sauvignon. The menu features fares from around the world, and is always changing every day. The best bet is to make your own charcuterie board from their superb selection of artisan meats and cheeses. This little cozy spot is actually one of the best restaurants in Brevard.
Quixote
Quixote is a modern eatery for mouth-watering Mexican fares and delicious Spanish dishes, and it certainly earns a spot on this best Brevard restaurants list.
They offer all the familiar favorites, from tacos to burritos to carnitas. Some more unique dishes are also available that are always fun to try, such as the Tamarindera, Momias, and Osso Buco.
Everything is authentic and super fresh, and most recipes are in the home style of the Guadalajara region. Traditional desserts like the flan and the platanos fritos are tasty here too. The beverages include local and imported cervezas and many creative cocktails, such as the special flavored margaritas.
Wild Morel
At Wild Morel, you’ll find Italian comfort food, including wood-oven pizza, all served in relaxed digs in a mountain-style house.
Wild Morel is a new addition to the already thriving cuisine scene in Brevard, but as they offer some of the only wood-fired pizzas in this small North Carolina mountain town, we suspect it was much needed.
They also feature an array of unique dishes like Tuscan Wild Boar Ragu Pappardelle and, for a starter, Wagyu Beef Carpaccio to indulge in.
Working alongside local and regional farmers, growers, and suppliers, Chef Tony is committed to establishing Wild Morel as an economic stronghold in the community. Collaborating with local artisans, he aims to create a dining experience that perfectly complements his menu and wine offerings, providing patrons with a warm and inviting atmosphere in which to share their lives over a delicious meal.
With a focus on using only the freshest seasonal ingredients available, the Chef updates the menu on a regular basis to include a variety of tantalizing dishes. He has curated an extensive wine list to complement these delectable offerings, ensuring the perfect pairing for every dish.
Smoke on BBQ
For a hearty classic North Carolina barbecue meal, Smoke on BBQ in Brevard can’t be beaten. It’s a hidden gem in town that’s well worth a spot on any itinerary. After working up an appetite out hiking on some of North Carolina’s best trails, we love to cure all our carnivore cravings here. It began as a food truck and blossomed into a beloved institution.
It’s take-out only, so we like to stop on the way out of town or if we’re just too tired to enjoy a sit down meal somewhere.
Each meat is smoked fresh daily, and every sauce, marinade, and seasoning is made in-house. Many options are even made to order to ensure maximum freshness. Only a certain amount of each dish is prepped for each day, so sometimes things will run out.
Go early if you’re set on a certain style of barbecue. Each plate is served with slaw, fries, pickles, sauces, and bread. The Pimento Cheese Beef Brisket Sandwich is one of our favorite bites in Brevard.
The Blind Mule Brevard
The Blind Mule has recently relocated just a block off Main Street, so be sure not to miss it as some tourists tend to do. The setting is simple and rustic here, and feels like an authentic mountain experience.
They offer a small plate service, which is fun for sharing and trying lots of different types of foods inspired from areas all over the world. The Lamb & Feta Keftede as well as the Indian Gobi Vindaloo are just two of the amazing small place service options.
For mains, enjoy the Joyce Farms Chicken Schnitzel or the Pepita Crusted “Carolina Mountain” Trout, served with creamy, cheesy grits. These are just some of the hearty meals that will satisfy anyone. Everything here is farm-to-table with ingredients sourced directly from local farmers. There’s always an amazing selection of Brevard beers on tap and interesting specials to try.
TRAVEL AROUND THE AREA
Now that you know all the best restaurants in Brevard, and have checked out our list of things to do in Brevard, travel more of the area with us below!
- Best Christmas Towns in North Carolina to Celebrate
- Guide to Visiting Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina
- Guide to Visiting Sliding Rock Falls in North Carolina
- Best Things to Do in Little Switzerland
- Best Things To Do in Asheville
Plan For Your Trip to the South!
- We like to use VRBO when searching for vacation apartment rentals and Hotels.com when searching for hotels.
- See our favorite cooler for the road!
- Get Around: We suggest renting a car for traveling the Carolinas. Check Prices on Expedia.com
- Our Favorite Brand of Shoes: Our answer to this question is always Keen. When hiking, enjoying the beach, or just needing a comfortable shoe for daily wear, this it it.
- Check out our favorite North Carolina Souvenir! Or for the coffee or tea lover in the family.
