The Foodie’s Guide to Exploring Black Mountain, NC
Are you a foodie looking for your next culinary adventure? Look no further than the charming town of Black Mountain, NC! Nestled in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, this town may be small, but it is bursting with delicious cuisine and unique flavors. Did you know you can travel over 56,000 culinary miles without leaving Black Mountain?
In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the must-visit spots that will tantalize your taste buds.
Cousins Cuban Café
Cuban heritage in flavorful dishes with a North Carolina flair, with the best Cuban coffees we have had, we favorite the white coffee and the cortadito. These cousins grew up in Miami, Florida, and are now bringing their family recipes to WNC. Open for breakfast and lunch, Cousins Cuban Cafe has something for everyone. Indulge in their signature Cuban sandwiches, plantains, and drinks that feature traditional ingredients like agrio and guarapo.
The Bush Farmhouse
This restaurant offers a unique and authentic taste of South African cuisine in the charming and rustic atmosphere of a South African farmhouse. For breakfast, find anything from lox, Amarula French toast, egg and meat platters, and sardines to cheese plates. For later in the day, you can’t go wrong with the peri-peri chicken wings, which are marinated in a spicy sauce and grilled to perfection. Another standout dish is the bobotie, which is a savory meat dish with a sweet and savory topping made of egg custard and dried fruit. The restaurant also offers a nice list of South African wines from some of the best vineyards in the country
La Guinguette
One of our favorites for Sunday Brunch with French-style crepes that can transport you to Paris in no time. This charming cafe offers freshly prepared French and Argentinian food. We recommend the Almost Heaven and the Crepe with Dulce de Leche. They are not just for brunch, they also serve an amazing lunch and dinner with amazing entrees like empanadas, tamales, and savory crepes too.
La Tapa
Looking for a spot to satisfy your craving for yummy Spanish tapas? La Tapa has got you covered, whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner. Their small plates are packed with mouth-watering flavors – think Patatas Bravas, Chorizo Crostini, and Calamari. But that’s not all – they’ve also got some incredible entrees on the menu, like avocado veggie tacos, mahi mahi tacos, and seared salmon. So come on down and treat your taste buds!
Berliner Kindl
Offers a wide variety of German dishes. You can find classics like Wiener Schnitzel and Jägerschnitzel, as well as lesser-known but equally delicious options like Konigsberg Klopse (meatballs in a creamy caper sauce). Vegetarians have plenty to choose from too, with dishes like Spätzle (soft egg noodles) and Kaesespaetzle (cheesy noodles) on the menu. You will also find a great selection of German beers on tap, and a wine list featuring both German and international vintages.
Thai Basil
Everything from classic Pad Thai to unique options like the Drunken noodle, you won’t be disappointed. Great appetizers include the curry puffs & crab ragoons, plus, they offer vegetarian and gluten-free options like Tom Kha with tofu or spice eggplant, for those with dietary restrictions. Be sure to have the pineapple fried rice is always a crowd pleaser.
The Pure and Proper
Get your Belgium street waffles and expresso in the morning at this all-day eatery that also features an eclectic lunch and dinner menu as well. Personally, we recommend the fried chicken, served atop a fluffy waffle and drizzled with delicious maple syrup … yum! Another favorite is bibb salad creatively crafted with ingredients like pickled currants and candied peanuts creating a mix of sweet and tangy flavors that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. There is something for everyone on their menu and the vintage atmosphere is worth the visit alone.
Ole Guacamole
First up, the guacamole itself is definitely a standout dish. It’s super fresh and chunky, with just the right amount of lime and salt to make it taste amazing. Moving onto entrees, one of my personal favorites is the carne asada. The steak is perfectly cooked and seasoned, and it pairs perfectly with the rice and beans on the side. And if you’re in the mood for tacos (who isn’t?), you can’t go wrong with the al pastor or carnitas options.
Black Bear Tavern
Where British and Southern American collide. Our must-try items include the Twisted Meatloaf with Yorkshire pudding, the Chicken Cordon Blue sandwich, and the homemade pineapple coleslaw. If you’re craving a more traditional Southern bite, they’ve got you covered too. Black Bear Tavern also offers a variety of classic burgers, sandwiches, and dinner entrees that are sure to satisfy any craving. They also serve breakfast and have the best pancakes in town, with the perfect crispy edge.
Que Sera & Tayloe’s Oyster Bar
If you’re looking for some awesome seafood dishes, Que Sera & Tayloe’s Oyster Bar in Black Mountain, NC should definitely be on your radar. If you’re a fan of oysters, you won’t be disappointed. The oysters are fresh, briny, and delightfully plump. Now if oysters aren’t your thing, don’t worry. The menu is incredibly diverse, with options ranging from classic coastal dishes like fish and chips and shrimp po’ boys to more elevated fare like scallops and lobster bisque.
Saki Sushi
If you’re looking for some Asian flavor, don’t miss the best sushi rolls in town. Their fresh fish and creative blends will leave you craving for more. From the succulent slices of tuna to the buttery pieces of salmon, every bite is bursting with flavor. And with an array of creative blends on the menu and hibachi-style options, you’re sure to find something that suits your taste buds.
Open Oven & The Belltower
During the day they offer everything from fluffy pancakes and delicious avocado toast, to the standard breakfast all made with the freshest ingredients possible and locally sourced where possible. Their bakery section is fantastic too. They have everything from freshly-baked croissants to decadent pastries and desserts. In the evenings come prepared to try the specials and a rotating menu, may trust us you won’t be disappointed.
Louise’s Kitchen
For Breakfast, start your day off right with their fluffy buttermilk biscuits, crispy bacon, and farm-fresh eggs any way you like them. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, their cinnamon French toast is a must-try. For lunch, their famous pimento cheese sandwich is a crowd favorite, or the Black Mountain Cheese Steak is another top choice.
Loott House
Not your average burger, wings and beer place. The chef here has taken classic offerings to the next level. For starters our must haves are the brussels sprouts, perfectly crispy, with a few surprising ingredients and delicious glaze or the mango habanero wings. For entrees the catfish hoagie with roasted red pepper remoulade, the pear grilled cheese, and the Loott burger with the secret chili crisp sauce are hard to decide between. No matter what you choose you will leave glad you stopped in.
Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply looking for some delicious food to enjoy during your travels, Black Mountain, NC has everything you could want, from locally grown, farm-to-table deliciousness to mouth-watering international flavors.
So come hungry and get ready to discover a culinary wonderland!
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