Artisanal, Banner Elk’s contemporary American fine dining restaurant, is the definition of *a chef’s kiss*. Open seasonally (May – October.)
Read more: Things to Do in Banner Elk.
At the risk of using the word “experience,” which I feel is nearing overuse, the Artisanal restaurant in Banner Elk, NC, is a culinary experience. The food is explosively delicious, the service is impeccable, and the ambiance is rustic elegance at its most sensational.
Truly.
And for me to say that is a big dang deal because I usually don’t love frou-frou. Appreciate it? Yes, but love it? No, I’d much rather grab a burger and fries than get dressed up and sit through multiple dinner courses, no matter how good the food.
But Artisanal? I’d eat there again in a heartbeat. It remains one of my all-time favorite restaurants. Banner Elk restaurants are many, and I encourage you to try several, but don’t miss Artisanal!
Firstly, the decor is ooh-aah, y’all.
It manages to be modern and upscale while retaining a cozy warmth. Perhaps that’s why I liked it so much — it’s not snooty. Plus, it has a giant driftwood horse sculpture at the entrance. You have to love that!
Another perk to the decor — this guy. Not bad, huh? I’m talking about the door handle, of course. (wink, wink)
Artisanal is the foodie child of chef Bill Greene and his wife, Anita. Bill grew up in Banner Elk, attended the CIA, and enjoyed a robust chef career in Charlotte when family circumstances called him home to Banner Elk. He and his wife Anita opened Artisanal, and the culinary gem now shines brightly in the North Carolina mountains.
Psst, if you live anywhere near Charlotte, Chef Greene is opening another restaurant there, and I’ll race you through the front door!
But let’s get to the food at Artisanal, shall we? The creativity and innovation taken with fresh and unique ingredients will blow your mind and your taste buds. In a good way, of course.
The colors, flavors, and textures surprise and delight; since each bite is a little different than the one before, the culinary experience is never-ending.
Are you drooling yet? Seriously phenomenal food, and the sommelier expertly paired each dish with a perfect wine. Although I tend to favor whites, I loved every one of the white and red selections.
I hope you’ll take the opportunity to visit the Artisanal restaurant in Banner Elk, NC. Locals are proud of their culinary gem (an OpenTable Top 100 restaurant), but it’s a secret that begs to be shared with everyone who visits high country!
Artisanal – Banner Elk
1200 Dobbins Rd. Banner Elk, NC
Website – ArtisanalNC.com
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