



Experiment with something new, like the Bison Shortribs or the Emu with white rice. This is your opportunity to order something a little off-the-mainstream-radar while you are off-the-beaten-path. At Gamekeeper, you can order Elk, Boar, Mountain Trout, Duck, Emu, Bison, Venison, and more prepared to delightful perfection. This isn’t just the basic staples you can get anywhere. Gamekeeper retains the essence of its name by providing some real local meat. With a name like Gamekeeper, you may not suspect this restaurant was rated one of the top 100 most romantic restaurants in the country by OpenTable Diners in 2018. Below are three top-level restaurants in the area you have to see (and eat at!) to believe. While we wouldn’t want everyone to know, since you are here, we might as well let you in on three of our most treasured local restaurant secrets. While you can spend the majority of your time circling the area’s tourist hotspots, we recommend you head off-the-beaten-path, if only just a little, for some underappreciated local favorites. Between the gorgeous mountainside views from the Sugar Mountain rental homes to the streets of dreamy downtown Banner Elk, this North Carolina vacation destination tops the list every year.
