Cates Compass contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Read my disclaimer for more information.

Are you visiting Bryson City and trying to determine what the best places to eat are? I’ve been 7 times so I’ve got you covered!

Although Bryson City is a relatively small town, there are some great restaurants that you must try when you visit! I’ve sampled almost every spot in town and come up with the 6 restaurants that should be at the top of your list.

I want to preface this by saying I genuinely haven’t had a bad meal here and I don’t think you can go wrong anywhere. Almost every restaurant is affordably priced because it’s a small mountain town. The Bistro at Everett Hotel is the only up-scale place I know of in town.

I’ve eaten at all of the restaurants on this list numerous times and highly recommend each!

1. Bryson City Outdoors

I’ve eaten at Bryson City Outdoors too many times to count and I can’t recommend it enough. They have bar seating only inside with a large, covered patio outside for eating some grub and drinking a cold drink.

Bryson City Outdoors doesn’t serve their own food. Usually, there’s a local food truck selling some incredible bites.

There are beverages galore inside for purchase as well as a spigot outside for your furry best friend. I am typically traveling with my cockapoo ollie so we love to sit out on the patio and take in the hubbub together.

The other amazing thing about Bryson City Outdoors is that it’s an outdoor store. You can peruse different outdoor gear while waiting for your food to be ready!

2. Everett Street Diner

Everett Street Diner is an iconic spot for local diner food. This place doesn’t take reservations and can get busy for breakfast/brunch so be prepared to wait if you’re there on the weekend!

If I’m traveling alone for work, I’ll eat at the bar because it’s easier to get a spot. Plus, you get to chat with the super nice waitresses!

I love the biscuits and gravy or the French toast combo, but you really can’t go wrong with anything here.

3. The Rice Wagon

You can’t visit Bryson City without eating at The Rice Wagon. I discovered this place on my first visit and I stop in every time I’m in town.

The Rice Wagon is a food truck situated behind Mountain Layers Brewing Company. They have a few spots to sit but it’s very easy to take on the go.

I’ve gotten numerous items on the menu and they’re all good, but my absolute favorites are the shoyu chicken and the garlic chicken.

If you’re in the mood for a view, I recommend getting this to go and eating it by the falls at Tom Branch Falls or Mountain View Rest Stop.

4. La Dolce Vita

La Dolce Vita is one of the best places to grab breakfast or lunch in Bryson City! I think they have a great selection and options for everyone.

I’m partial to a bagel or signature plate, but the cafe offers other options like bowls, wraps, sandwiches, salads, and soup. They also have a few kids options if the whole family is in tow.

I do love how extensive the menu is here and the plethora of choices. I think this the restaurant with the most versatility for lunch so if you have picky eaters in the group, go here!

5. Bryson Bakery

I love visiting Bryson Bakery because it’s a bakery inside a store! Plus, it’s dog-friendly inside making it great for those colder weather days when you have the pup along.

My two favorite items to order are the brunchable sandwich and the quiche of the day. Both are delicious and filling!

The pastries here are also to die for and if you have a sweet tooth, I recommend getting a cinnamon roll or a sticky bun.

The atmosphere here is so friendly and I always bring my book to really enjoy my time here.

6. High Test Deli

High Test Deli is the best high-quality, low-maintenance food option for lunch in Bryson City.

Everyone who works here is super kind and exceptionally helpful. I had my dog with me and they set us up outside with a water bowl!

This place has an incredible selection of sandwiches and salads as well as chili! You can get pairings to mix and match the options. Additionally, they have a decent kid’s menu.

If you like ice cream, you absolutely MUST get an ice cream sandwich. This rocked my world when I had it the first time. It’s rather large so definitely something you can split with someone else.

Where To Stay

FAQs: Restaurants in Bryson City North Carolina

What is the number one most popular restaurant?

Because Bryson City is so small, most of the restaurants are popular! Luckily, they’re all great options so you’ll likely have something you love.

What is Bryson City NC known for?

Bryson City is best known for the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. It operates all year and is most popular in the winter for the Polar Express.

What is the most popular food in North Carolina?

Barbeque and seafood are probably the two most popular food items in North Carolina. Western North Carolina is well known for fly fishing and freshwater fish like trout.

Wrap-Up: Restaurants in Bryson City North Carolina

There are a few fantastic restaurants in Bryson City North Carolina. Hopefully, you’ll get to try all of them while you’re there!

If you can only try a few, I would try to for sure eat breakfast/brunch at Everett Street Diner and grab some dinner from The Rice Wagon!

Read More:

Best Things to Do in Bryson City NC

Amazing Waterfalls in North Carolina

Ultimate List of Things to Do in Waynesville NC