You might be a long-time resident of the Brevard area, or you might be coming for your first trip to the “Land of Waterfalls” – no matter which description fits you, you’re going to need some grub!

Dining in Brevard runs the gamut, with a lot of options for a small town. You’ll be able to find everything from a tasty and humble hot dog at Corky’s Dawg House to classy dining in Brevard at Square Root or The Falls Landing Restaurant. 

The restaurants in Brevard offer plenty of options for dietary restrictions, from allergy-friendly options to vegan and vegetarian dishes. When you’re exploring the boisterous and pleasant downtown area, you’ll find plenty of dining options while you explore and shop. Here are our picks for a wide variety of well-loved and delicious restaurants in Brevard! 

Don’t forget to check out our web story: The 18 Best Restaurants in Brevard, NC

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The 18 Best Restaurants in Brevard

1. Enjoy Exposed-Brick Ambiance at Square Root

This restaurant consistently tops lists of the “Best Restaurants in Brevard, NC” because of the many things they do well: from outstanding service to a beautifully crafted wood bar top to a historic restored building, Square Root handles it all. 

What’s best is that they also have outstanding food: from Crispy Roasted Duck a l’Orange to Rabbit Gumbo to Five Spice Tuna, you’ll find a wide variety of proteins artfully paired with sauces, vegetables, and spices that makes every option a feast. 

If you find you cannot wait for your entree, order some Duck-Bacon and Sweet Corn Wontons, or Poke Ahi Tuna Nachos to tide you over, and if you’re in the market for lighter fare, you can’t go wrong with the Fig and Grilled Chicken Salad or a Fried Green Tomato BLT. 

In addition to an extensive beer and wine list, consider a craft cocktail like the Square Root Greyhound (made with Absolut Ruby Red, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, ruby red grapefruit juice, and lime) or their ginger and lemon-forward bourbon drink, the Admiral Burns.

2. Sit at the Soda Fountain at Rocky’s Grill and Soda Shop

Some Brevard restaurants can feel like it’s a little step back to a simpler time, and nowhere is that more true than at Rocky’s Grill and Soda Shop. This old-fashioned soda shop will have everyone harkening back to times gone by, but the food itself will be a crowd-pleaser for everyone. 

Sandwiches at Rocky’s are made on bakery bread from nearby Bracken Mountain Bakery, and they feature favorites like grilled cheese, BLT, peanut butter and jelly, and even The Elvis (a PB&J with bananas!). Check out the salads and burgers, as well as a whole selection of hot dogs – try the White Cheddar Jalapeño Pimento Cheese Dog! 

For dessert, try the various ice-cream-based treats that soda fountains made their name from: shakes and malts, root beer floats, and a whole list of decadent sundaes. You’ll love the food and the feel at this charming little spot. 

3. Sample the Seafood at The Falls Landing Restaurant

The Falls Landing has been the seafood mainstay in downtown Brevard since 1993, and it is so popular with visitors and locals alike that dinner reservations are usually a must. 

The lunch crowd can sample a variety of salads and sandwiches, from the Rocket Salad with arugula, cranberries, almonds, blue cheese, tomatoes, and cucumbers to the Salmon BLT. There’s also their popular Fish and Chips and a North Carolina Trout dish on offer. 

At dinner, start off with the Falls Landing Crab Cakes or Blackened Shrimp Skewers before sampling from the various fish and shellfish options on the menu. For any landlubbers among you, there’s the Rack of Lamb, as well as high-quality steaks and burgers on the dinner menu too. Make this your destination while you’re enjoying the beauty of the mountains – this place is a must when dining in Brevard. 

4. Send Compliments to the Chef at Vescovo Neighborhood Eatery

There’s always something special about a chef-owned restaurant, where the chef designs everything himself for his own place. Vescovo brings this attention to the details of an Italian-focused menu, resulting in classic flavors that are well-sourced and truly delicious.

Start with a Beets by Trey salad with red and golden beets, goat cheese, arugula, pistachio, and shallot vinaigrette, before diving into some Cacio E Pepe pasta and then scallops, steak, or chicken parm. 

The craft cocktail list includes a variety of inventive drinks, including some that are perfect for the dessert crowd, like the Espresso Martini or the Chocolate Martini. An excellent wine list, a cozy atmosphere, and attentive service all put Vescovo on the map of the best restaurants in Brevard to try. 

5. People-Watch at Mayberry’s Soups and Sandwiches

You’re likely to find a crew at Mayberry’s during any lunch rush – it’s just the go-to spot and so popular. Diners love the Sweet Apple Bacon Sandwich, the Gingered Pork or Chicken Sandwich, the Turkey and Wild Rice Soup, or the Seven Layer Salad. 

With a simple but extensive menu, visitors to Mayberry’s expect prompt service and a bright atmosphere. It’s a good place to stop if you need to get going but also want a little of the Brevard-friendly-neighbor flavor. 

Don’t miss the Cheddar Cornbread, and if you happen to be vegetarian, sandwiches like the Portabella and the Mayberry’s PB&B peanut butter and banana sandwich are tasty options, among others! This place is truly a gem among the many restaurants in Brevard!

6. Get One with Everything at Corky’s Dawg House

Corky’s Dawg House is a great restaurant option simply on the flavors available alone, but it’s particularly good if you’ve got a crew with a few hot-dog-loving children in tow. From the Breakfast Dawg covered in bacon, egg, and cheese to a Kielbasa or Veggie Bratwurst, you’ve got all kinds of hot dog options here at Corky’s. 

The menu also features burgers, salads, BBQ, and sandwiches, so you needn’t go all-in on hot dogs, but they are the specialty, so it’s no wonder that you see a lot of folks walking out with their Carolina Dog covered in chili, coleslaw, and onions. Consider some Hot Pretzels or Fried Mac N Cheese Balls for the table – you only live once, and everything at Corky’s is a real treat!  

7. Take Your Date to the Jordan Street Cafe

Whether you’re visiting the intimate dining room, sitting at the bar or in the lounge area, or taking a seasonal spot on the patio, Jordan Street Cafe is one of the top Brevard restaurants. 

They put a classy twist on familiar favorites like Chicken Parmesan, Salmon Pasta, a Mahi Mahi Sandwich, and more. Try a Maple Walnut Salad or Fried Pickles with cajun aioli to start your experience, and don’t be surprised if you end up loving every morsel of the Homemade Bread with Pesto. 

While it’s hard to save room, you’ll be glad if you’re not too full for Blackberry-Raspberry Streusel Tart with ice cream, Vanilla Cheesecake with salted caramel, or Chocolate Mousse for dessert. A sweet and fun spot for a date or other special occasion or simply for a night out during your vacation in Brevard. 

8. Eat Breakfast and Brunch Staples at Grammys Restaurant

If you want one of the most beloved Brevard restaurants, look no further than Grammys. Visitors rave about the big portion sizes, the affordable prices, and the homey atmosphere. 

They also talk about how well they make the basics: a really good pancake, a perfectly cooked egg, and the absolutely crispiest hash browns are all high on visitor’s lists. While there are many ways to do breakfast and lunch right here, from the Egg Salad Sandwich to the Turkey Reuben to the Egg White Omelet, even top-notch Prime Rib! 

Many visitors to Brevard are thrilled to discover that this hometown country-cooking spot is now one of their favorites too. 

9. Enjoy Simple Pleasures at Brevard Diner

Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, dine-in or take-out, locals turn to Brevard Diner for its straightforward takes on tasty diner favorites. With fresh ingredients and generous portions, you’ll be equally at home whether you sink your teeth into a breakfast of Cherry Rolled Pancakes or a Farmer’s Omelette. 

The lunch and dinner menu features both diner favorites like pork chops and burgers as well as Italian favorites like fettuccine alfredo and Greek flavors like spanakopita (a flaky pastry full of spinach, onions, and feta) and a mouthwatering lamb gyro. There’s even salads, seafood, and a milkshake for dessert – you’ll definitely leave well-fed!

Their motto is “every bite takes you home,” and that rings true: this is unfussy, tasty food that feels like you’re eating it around a kitchen table with the people you care about. If you’re looking for the best restaurants in Brevard, you really can’t go wrong with Brevard Diner.

10. Relax With a Glass at Wine Down on Main

When you want an elevated experience with a casual setting, Wine Down on Main delivers both the flavors and the wines that you need. With 35 or more kinds of wine available by the glass, you’re likely to find a flavor that fits every taste, but don’t expect this to be a wine bar with only a cup of almonds or a bowl of olives! 

Their menu has a hearty list of tasty paninis (I wish I could sink my teeth into a Prosciutto Caprese right now!) as well as salads, baked brie to share, hummus, flatbreads, and soup. At the heart of the menu are their charcuterie boards, which make a great light meal or heavy snack among wine-drinking friends. 

You pick the cheeses and meats, and the Wine Down team adds walnuts, olives, grapes, pickled peppers, and bread. Truly a great option if you’ve arrived too early for your dinner reservation or, let’s face it, if you’re pretty hungry and just want to make sure there’s a shining goblet of wine by your meal. 

11. Sample Mexican Delights at Quixote Fine Cuisine

I love many of the dishes you can find on local Mexican food menus anywhere, but it’s always fun to find a Mexican restaurant that has created dishes full of Mexican flavor profiles but with innovative twists. 

I love that in Brevard, Quixote Fine Cuisine brings you appetizers like carrot soup, house specialties like shrimp in a chipotle-orange reduction, or chicken in a tasty pecan and apple sauce with rice. 

Sample fried plantains, flan, or churros for dessert, knowing you can always try the others on future visits. It’s no surprise that Quixote has a suite of regulars who love their dishes. On a beautiful day, enjoy their cheery outdoor patio while you try the authentic and special flavors. People particularly rave about the bacon-wrapped shrimp!

12. Get Flavor and Fun at Love Eat Thai Kitchen

When you’re craving the warming flavor of Thai food or dining with vegetarians or vegans, you really cannot go wrong with Love Eat Thai. Thai food typically uses few animal products or is easy to substitute in tofu, and Love Eat Thai makes it easy for carnivores and vegans to eat side-by-side and enjoy both the ambiance and the flavors. 

Takeout food holds up too, so if you are in Brevard as a visitor but really are craving a night in rather than eating out, consider getting Basil Chicken, Pad Thai, or Pineapple Fried Rice to go. Mango Sticky Rice is a beloved dessert, and locals love the affordable lunch specials. 

It’s a particularly popular spot for hikers who have spent all day exercising and want something very filling but not excessively heavy. And if you’re looking for vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Brevard, this is always a crowd-pleaser.

13. Eat Well and Be Well at Morning Social

The breakfast lovers behind Morning Social want to make your breakfast a special experience, and every ingredient is thoughtfully sourced in an effort to make you the best version of a variety of breakfast favorites. 

Try the Greenhouse Skillet, a potato hash base with herbed goat cheese and gruyere over roasted vegetables, all topped with egg, avocado, dill, and a basil sauce – yum! Keep it light with the Quinoa Bowl made with miso broth, or order a Build Your Own Omelet or Egg Sandwich. 

For lunch visitors, there’s an Egg Salad, a Reuben, and burritos and burgers to fill you up, all with plenty of veggies featured so that you’ll leave full but not feeling sluggish. With outdoor spaces and courtyards, Morning Social is a perfect way to start a day of adventures in the Brevard area.

14. Experience Savory Flavors at The Blind Mule Brevard

The Blind Mule is yet another one of the Brevard restaurants that prides itself on farm-fresh, local food, particularly focused on the weekly specials that rotate with the seasonal flavors that are available. 

Start with the tapas menu, including Spicy Calabrese Peppers & Roasted Garlic Tapenade, then try a Blind Mule Wedge salad, or a Quinoa & Rice Stuffed Pepper dish with feta cheese. Chicken shawarma, trout, beef tenderloin, and short ribs are all examples of main dishes that might be available. But don’t be surprised if you visit and the chef has whipped up something extra-special that you just have to try. 

With an extensive wine list well-curated for you to enjoy, as well as beers of various kinds, you’ll have everything you need to have a great time when you choose The Blind Mule.

15. Witness the Transformation From Marco’s Trattoria to Wild Morel

If you were a fan of the tasty food at Marco’s Trattoria, you’ll be very impressed with what Chef Tony has put together at Wild Morel, the new restaurant in the same location. With farm-to-table as its core philosophy, Wild Morel is a combination restaurant and wine bar aiming to use mostly seasonal ingredients with a personal flair from the chef. 

Your options will shift with the seasons in order to offer you the freshest dishes possible, but you might find yourself eating a burrata salad with cherries, Marcona almond gremolata, lolla rossa and satsuma vinaigrette, every ingredient chosen for its contribution to the overall flavor. For your main course, consider the Bistecca alla Fiorentino, an exquisite steak served with wild mushroom, potatoes, white asparagus, and a wine reduction sauce. 

Though flavors are still toward the Italian type of cooking, with multiple pasta dishes, you’re not going to see these local and fresh ingredients everywhere, and it’s not your typical pizza, pasta, and salad spot. You have to try it to believe it – because this is easily one of the best restaurants in Brevard! 

16. Grab a Chicken Biscuit at Henry’s

Great food doesn’t have to feature a classy ambiance (not that we complain when there’s a good one!). Henry’s is a drive-through mainstay of the Brevard restaurant community. Reviewers rave about their Chicken Biscuits and Bologna Biscuits. 

At the time of writing, it appears that Henry’s is cash only, so be prepared for that, but in exchange, they work to keep prices low, making Henry’s a good option for stocking your cooler with an easy meal on your way to exploring Brevard’s many waterfalls and hiking opportunities in nearby state parks. If you want to try a local, Southern-focused take on fast food, this is one of the top Brevard restaurants. 

17. Grab Tasty Local Food to Go at The Cardinal Drive-In

Are you the type to remember the good ol’ days or enjoy movies from the ‘50s? You’ll feel like you stepped into one when you visit the Cardinal Drive-In – or rather, drove into one! 

This drive-up takeaway diner offers all the favorites: fried chicken, burgers, shrimp, and sandwiches, as well as hot dogs and a host of tasty fried sides: french fries, tater tots, onion rings, and even fried mushrooms and cheese sticks! The shakes and sundaes take up some serious menu real estate: try everything from an orange Dreamsicle to a pink lady wild cherry shake, or grab a pineapple sundae. 

Some of the coolest events they host are the “cruise-ins,” a chance for people with beloved antique or classic cards to gather and see each other’s awesome hot rods that have been restored or maintained in their original glory. You’ll think you walked onto the set of Grease if you happen by when the classic cars are in town and their owners are drinking a soda float as they chat. 

18. Get Your Mountain Hiking Meal at Cedar Mountain Cafe

While technically a few miles outside of Brevard, this cafe is so close to much of the natural beauty that draws people to Brevard that we thought it would make a good addition to your options for places to eat in Brevard. 

Cedar Mountain Cafe is the perfect pit stop when you’re coming back from a big camping trip, a major mountain biking day, or even if your group is just hungry from driving around on the scenic roads of this area. If you’ve got somewhere to be, they have an online ordering platform so you can place your order and pick it up, and you’ll want to try this food. 

From the Chilaquiles, a tortilla-based dish full of eggs, cheddar, and salsa, to the Ham and Brie Omelet, which is covered in onions and mushrooms, your breakfast needs are well tended at this spot. Choose from a variety of burgers, like the Spicy Billy burger with onions, jalapeños, and goat cheese, for your lunch, or opt for a Catfish Sandwich or Grilled Shrimp Salad. 

With crowd-pleasing options that feature plenty of hearty sides and a substantial kids’ menu, this may just become one of your favorite places to fill up when you’ve been exercising and exploring. 

There you have it! The 18 best restaurants in Brevard, NC. What are your favorite Brevard restaurants? Let us know so we can check them out!

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