Highlands is fast becoming a regional hub for food lovers, and the Highlands Food & Wine Festival proves it. This year’s 10th-anniversary edition, November 13–16, 2025, blends headliner concerts with culinary star power and tastings all over town. Signature happenings include the Grand Tasting at The Bascom, Smoke Signals in Kelsey Hutchinson Park, the Main Event on Main Street, the Barn Ramble at Flat Mountain Farm, and Sunday’s Shot at Redemption. Expect 60+ chefs and 100+ beverage partners, plus intimate wine dinners hosted by local restaurants.

Highlands Food & Wine Banner

Build your dining itinerary around the festival, then keep the flavor tour going at some of the best resturants in town: 

Fine Dining 

  • Madison’s: Refined farm-to-table in the heart of town, with polished service and a deep wine program.
  • Ristorante Paoletti’s: A Highlands icon for decades, serving classic Italian pastas, veal, and pristine seafood. 
  • Oak Steakhouse: Certified Angus Beef and Appalachian sides in the mid-century Skyline Lodge setting.
  • Highlands Supper Club: Cozy, supper-club vibes and contemporary Southern comfort plates, plus a lively bar.
  • The Stubborn Bull: Social, shareable tapas inspired by Mediterranean and South American flavors.

Stubborn Bull 2025

Mid-Level Favorites 

  • Highlands Tavern: An Old-World tavern feel, hearty plates, and a thoughtful cocktail and bourbon list.
  • Four65 Woodfire Bistro: Wood-fired pizzas, cast-iron sandwiches, and a buzzing Main Street scene. 
  • Wild Thyme Gourmet: American cooking with Asian accents, plus a sunny patio for prime people-watching. 
  • The Ruffed Grouse Tavern: Seasonal, regionally sourced menus inside Highlander Mountain House’s gathering space.
  • Stubborn Buddha: Contemporary pan-Asian plates and creative libations in a stylish downtown room. 

Casual & Comfort 

  • The Blue Bike: Local favorite for breakfast and lunch classics, coffee, and friendly service. 
  • 4118 Kitchen + Bar: Easygoing burgers, shareables, and late-night hours for post-show bites. 
  • Don Leon’s: Diner-style gyros, pitas, and salads made for a quick, satisfying lunch. 
  • Highlands Burrito: Fresh burritos, bowls, and salsa galore in a bright, casual setting. 
  • Los Vaqueros: Crowd-favorite Mexican combo plates and street-taco staples.
  • Highlands Smokehouse: Slow-smoked barbecue, from brisket to burnt ends, with relaxed patio seating.Highlands Smokehouse

Lunch, easy to grab 

Don Leon’s; The Secret Garden market café for seasonal, ready-made meals; One Wicker Cheese Co. for picnic boards and sandwiches; Black Bear Breakfast & Lunch for all-day comfort.

Wine time 

Relax and Sip on the lawn at Highlands Wine Shoppe or wander the vines at The Vineyard at High Holly on nearby Scaly Mountain.

Sweet finishes 

Kilwin’s for fudge and scoops, Summit Sweet Ice Cream for playful toppings, and Cake Bar/Chocolate Heaven for an evening treat.