17 Best Restaurants In Cherokee, NC – Best Places to Eat
Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, Cherokee, North Carolina, is a destination of breathtaking beauty and cultural richness.
While the region’s natural beauty and historic charm draw many visitors each year, the culinary landscape offers an equally exciting journey for food lovers. The best restaurants in Cherokee, NC, serve a variety of cuisines, from sumptuous seafood and authentic Mexican dishes to mouth-watering Italian recipes and exotic Chinese flavours.
And for those with an adventurous palate, Cherokee also boasts a selection of African restaurants that promise a gastronomic journey across the African continent.
17 Best Restaurants In Cherokee, NC (2024)
1. Granny’s Kitchen
Established in 1984, Granny’s Kitchen has been the local’s favourite. The family-owned and family-run restaurant is one of the best places to eat in Cherokee, NC.
The restaurant offers buffet services, and its menu is rich with Southern dishes. You can sample fried chicken, roast beef, stewed red potatoes, and homemade vegetable soup. If you’re visiting for dinner, then try out pork chops, kernel corn, and fried okra.
Address | 1098 Paint Town Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719
Telephone | (828) 497-5010
2. Peter’s Pancakes & Waffles
Peter’s Pancakes & Waffles is one of the best places to eat in Cherokee, NC. Located along the Oconaluftee River, the family-owned restaurant earned popularity for its extensive selection of breakfast specialties.
Their menu is comprised of breakfast items such as eggs, waffles, and pancakes. Whether you crave classic buttermilk pancakes or innovative creations, this charming spot has you covered.
Address | 1384 Tsali Blvd, Cherokee, NC 28719
Telephone | (828) 497-5116
3. All Fried Up
Looking for where to have a taste of authentic, fresh seafood and home-cooked chicken? Then head to All Fried Up restaurant. Established in 2021, this seafood restaurant serves some of the most delicious seafood meals in Cherokee, NC.
Their meals are freshly prepared with the best ingredients, with an occasional menu that explores the history of southern kitchens. The restaurant also serves crafted, draft, and bottled beer alongside wines.
Address | 22 Nickeh Dr, Cherokee, NC 28719
Telephone | (828) 554-5716
4. Brio Italian Grille
Brio Italian Grille is one of the best Italian restaurants in Cherokee, NC. The restaurant is authentic and made from scratch Italian dishes.
The Tuscan-inspired restaurant serves Northern Italian cuisine, luxury wines and cocktails. Their specialties include premium quality steaks, chops, seafood, made-to-order pasta and flatbreads prepared in an authentic Italian wood-burning oven.
The restaurant offers a variety of options, including pasta brio, pasta alla vodka, strawberry balsamic chicken salad, and fried salmon fresca. So if you’re looking for where to eat Italian food in Cherokee, then head to Brio Italian Grille.
Address | 777 Casino Dr, Cherokee, NC 28719
Telephone | (828) 497-8233
5. Native Brews Tap & Grill
Located off the Smoky Mountains, Native Brew Tap & Grill is one of the best places to eat in Cherokee, NC. The restaurant serves authentic and delicious dishes along with great brew.
The restaurant also offers a great ambience and dining atmosphere. Their menu is rich with a variety of options. To satisfy your cravings, have a taste of their meals with shrimp jammers alone with sweet chilli sauce.
Address | 1897 Tsali Blvd, Cherokee, NC 2871
Telephone | (828) 497-2739
6. El Cajelito Mexican Restaurant and Bar
El Cajelito Mexican Restaurant and Bar is one of the best places to eat Mexican dishes in Cherokee, North Carolina. This food establishment serves authentic and homemade Mexican cuisines prepared with the best ingredients.
This family-owned Mexican restaurant offers a variety of options, including chicken and steak nachos, tacos al pastor, beef and bean burrito etc. So if you’re craving Mexican food, then head to El Cajelito to satisfy your cravings.
Address | 1681 Acquoni Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719
Telephone | (828) 506-1888
7. Wize Guyz Grille
Established in 2012, Wize Guys Grille is famous for its high-quality food, guest service, and comfortable atmosphere. The food establishment is also popular for serving amazing wings and pizza.
Their menu is comprised of pizza, stromboli, pasta, BBQ chicken, black Angus burgers and other options. So visit this American restaurant and treat yourself to your favourite.
Address | 68 Big Cove Rd Suite 8, Cherokee, NC 28719
Telephone | (828) 497-2838
8. Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Ruth’s Chris Steak House is one of the best restaurants in Cherokee, NC. With over 100 steakhouses across the United States, Canada and Mexico, the food establishment stands out as an elegant restaurant that appeals to steak lovers.
Located at Harrah’s Casino, the restaurant offers a variety of options, including Grilled Shrimp, Lobster Tail, Crab Cakes and Petite Filets. As part of the fun things to do in Cherokee, NC, visit this restaurant to have a taste of what the city has to offer.
Address | 777 Casino Dr Cherokee, NC 28719
Telephone | (828) 497-8577
9. Frontier Pancake House
One of the best places to eat in Cherokee is Frontier Pancake House. Their foods are delicious and freshly prepared, with great pricing.
The food establishment has a small buffet, and its menu is comprised of many options, which include pancakes, bacon, sausage, grits, biscuits, gravy, eggs, home fries, and french toast sticks.
Address | 352 Paint Town Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719
Telephone | (828) 497-1542
10. Kobe Express
With a sunny and inviting ambience, Kobe Express is one of the best places to eat Japanese food in Cherokee, NC. The food establishment serves authentic and delicious Japanese dishes prepared with fresh and favourable ingredients.
The Japanese restaurant offers several options, including Sushi Rolls, Tempura, Hibachi Steak Fried Rice, Fried Oysters, Edamame, Teriyaki Salmon etc. Drive in here and treat yourself to some of the best Asian dishes.
Address | 441 US-19, Cherokee, NC 28719
Telephone | (828) 497-9779
11. BJ’s Diner
This food establishment is one of the best places to grab a bite in Cherokee, NC. With outdoor picnic tables serving burgers, fries, onion rings and soft-serve ice cream, BJ’s Diner is an ideal place to unwind and enjoy a leisurely lunch.
Address | 840 Tsali Blvd, Cherokee, NC 28719
Telephone | (828) 497-4303
12. Rancho Viejo Mexican Restaurant
Rancho Viejo is one of the best Mexican restaurants near Cherokee, NC. The restaurant specialises in serving authentic and delicious Mexican dishes prepared with traditional recipes.
The family-owned restaurant offers different options to locals and tourists alike. Its menu includes Nachos, Dips, Taco, Salads, Quesadillas, Especialidades, Enchiladas etc.
Address | 16 Cherokee Crossing Rd Suite 5, Whittier, NC 28789
Telephone | (828) 497-0343
13. Front Porch Cakery & Deli
This native-owned restaurant is one of the best places to eat in Cherokee, NC, especially if you’re looking for pastries. The restaurant also offers numerous intriguing sandwich options.
As a visitor looking to grab a sandwich bite, then head to Front Porch and Deli.
Address | 908 Tsalagi Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719
Telephone | (828) 497-1776
14. Earl of Sandwich
Located inside Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, Earl of Sandwich is one of the best restaurants in Cherokee, NC. Their menu consists of a wide variety of sandwiches on fresh-baked artisan bread, hand-tossed salads, wraps, soups and more.
If you’re looking for a great atmosphere in which to dine while in Cherokee, Earl of Sandwich is the perfect place to serve you.
Address | 777 Casino Dr, Cherokee, NC 28719
Telephone | (828) 497-7777
15. Firehouse Subs Saunooke Village
This food establishment is a counter-serve sandwich chain offering made-to-order hot & cold subs, plus a variety of hot sauces.
Their menu consists of a variety of hot gourmet submarine sandwiches made with premium meats & cheeses, steamed hot and piled high on a toasted sub roll. Their mouthwatering cakes, sandwiches, and salads are a must-try.
Address | 17 Big Cove Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719
Telephone | (828) 554-5617
16. Mabel’s Kitchen
Start your day on a scrumptious note with a visit to Mabel’s Kitchen. Known for its fluffy buttermilk pancakes, savoury omelettes, and steaming hot coffee, this family-friendly eatery promises a delightful breakfast experience.
Address | 1609 Acquoni Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719
Telephone | (828) 497-7134
17. Mini Donut Place
Established in 2019, Mini Donut Place has been serving Cherokee with incredible pastries. This food establishment offers a handful of different sandwiches and L.A. Street Dogs for breakfast and lunch, as well as a few coffee drinks, milkshakes, ice creams, and Italian ice.
Address | 964 Tsali Blvd, Cherokee, NC 28719
Telephone | (828) 795-1001
Conclusion
Cherokee, North Carolina, is a treasure trove of culinary delights, boasting an array of restaurants that celebrate both local traditions and global flavours. From family-owned eateries serving time-honoured recipes to upscale dining establishments pushing culinary boundaries, Cherokee’s culinary scene is as diverse as its mountain landscape.
