Artisanal Restaurant – Banner Elk NC
Artisanal, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
At the risk of using the word “experience”, which I feel is nearing overuse, the Artisanal restaurant in Banner Elk, NC really 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 normally don’t love frou-frou. Appreciate it? Yes, but love it? Nah, I’d much rather grab a burger and fries than ever 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.
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 in the entrance. Ya gotta love that!
Outdoor dining with amazing view
private dining room next to wine cellar
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 wife Anita. Bill grew up in Banner Elk, attended the CIA and was enjoying 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 ya through the front door!
But let’s get to the food at Artisanal, shall we? The creativity and innovation taken with each of the fresh and very unique ingredients will blow your mind and your taste buds. In a good way, of course.
The colors, flavors and textures surprise and delight, and 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 each and 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 very 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!
Visit the Artisanal website for menu and reservation details.
For more information on the Banner Elk area, visit www.bannerelk.com
Psst, keep an eye out for upcoming posts about my visit to Banner Elk!
Leanna says
This restaurant is stunning, especially for fall and winter. What a treat it would be to dine there.
Katie says
That place looks super fancy, I bet the food is incredible
Kathy Kenny Ngo says
I love the interiors. It catches my soul. I would love to eat here!
Kristin says
Interesting dishes. Looks like a lot of fun just getting ready to eat them, new experience for the palette.
Life as Mum says
Oh wow this place looks so beautiful! The dishes look gorgeous and so delicious too!
Marielle Altenor says
The Artisanal restaurant sure has some fancy looking dishes. I’ve love to go there with my SO on a date.
CATALINA NINI says
Oh, yes !! I was drolling since I saw the first picture !! The decor looks so cosy and the food….yammi !! http://stylishconfidence.com/
La Petite Californienne says
I like the food and the server! What a wonderful restaurant! I’ll have to make a pit stop ASAP.
Simona says
Omg, hope one day I will visit it! Restaurant and food looks amazing!!
Arlett ( Chasing Joy) says
The atmoshpere and food look wonderful. I’d certainly visist this restaurant if I were in NC.
Mary says
This place is incredibly stunning! You are so lucky that you had that opportunity!
jennifer L says
Love reading about culinary gems. And I just love the rustic feel of this restaurants. And the dessert shots were absolutely mouthwatering!
Alissa Apel says
I heart everything about this place. The decor though. I wish my kitchen had that table!
Rosie Romance says
Wow, the food looks great! The restaurant gives off a great vibe too – glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Chubskulit Rose says
Looks like a fine restaurant to dine in. LOve the octupos dish, looks so yummy!
Seyma Shabbir says
OMG These dishes look amazing!! I am obsessed with seafood and love Octopus. We live in NC so this is not far at all. Would make for a great family trip or an anniversary trip!
Rachael Phillips says
the place looks almost as good as the food! i always love your restaurant reviews, you’ve uncovered some fab places.
Lisa Rios says
The Artisanal Restaurant looks absolutely fabulous and the look & feel of hotel is just mind blowing. The recipes looks creative & delicious as well to make it the best to eat anytime!
Lizelle says
The ambiance is beautiful and the food looks really good!! I wanna eat there
Emily says
Wow looks beautiful! The food looks amazing, too!
Angela Saver says
The food looks fabulous! I would love to dine here with my hubby, but we are nowhere close by. They need to open up a restaurant in Missouri!
Dana Rodriguez says
Not only does the food look delicious but I love the decor!
Katy {ashadeofteal} says
Oh wow! Everything you got looks delicious! The decor of this restaurant is also amazing, I always enjoy when a restaurant has a particular style and sticks with it. Next time I’m in NC I need to visit.
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
What a pretty place – I love all the wood. All the food is so beautifully presented too!
Janell Poulette says
Yum! I was getting hungrier and hungrier as I scrolled through the images. It looks like an amazing place.
Vanessa says
oh wow – that place looks beautiful!!! Lucky girl!! the door handle especially 😉 haha! love the private room!
Azlin Bloor says
Sounds and looks like a really delicious place to eat. Love all the pictures of the food, the plate settings are beautiful!
Pamela Gurganus says
My…this restaurant looks fancy! I really enjoy going to an upscale restaurant every now and again. I really love their décor.
Rana Durham says
wow, liz what an elegant place to eat at . i love the desserts and the plating. thanks so much for the chance.
Cecilia Keinapel says
woow this place looks and sounds amazing! I love the idea of outdoor dining, what a splendid place xx
Tanya Brannan says
WOW!!! I thought the restaurant looked great… and then I saw that food! Those pictures literally made me salivate at my screen. I would love to try the food there x
Ana De- Jesus says
The presentation of the food is exceptional and so is that guy in your photo lol (wink, wink!)
Tiina A says
That place definitely looks fantastic nad you can call it an experience! Beautiful interior and food looks super delicious and beautiful as well. I like it when chef has paid extra attention on portion displaying.
Felicia says
I love the decor! The food looks delicious. It basically looks like art how its served!
Felicia
Dana says
The food looks delectable and the ambiance is amazing! I love the rustic look. One day we are going to get the family to NC and I’d love to try this restaurant out!
Nicole Escat says
I love the place! I wish we can dine there someday, I am so sure the ambience is perfect!
Cynthia C says
The atmosphere is beautiful and the food looks like art on a plate.
Subhadrika Sen says
This seems like a really nice place that I can drop by for a meal. I love the interiors of the restaurant and some of dishes looked quite tasty and amazing.
Борка Шаула says
Wow, I love this atmosphere! It looks so home like and cozy! Would love to have a romantic dinner here! I agree about the burger, haha, but this place make me wish it’s already winter so I could get cozy there while watching the snow fall!
Eileen Kelly says
The Artisanal looks like a lovely place to dine! I love the rustic look – it just makes me want to eat! I love the photos of the food..I travel with my hubs a bit more…going to try and get to Banner Elk soon.. You really made me hungry
Berlin says
Indeed a gem. Love the interiors, the food and the people around
Rosey says
I like that it’s nice but not snooty. What a great place to now have on my radar. Love these hands-on inside looks, they always introduce me to new places to go. 🙂
Ty says
Everything looks so yummy. And the restaurant looks laid back, rustic and so cool. I love it! 🙂
Natalie says
The decor looks so rustic and the food looks truly gourmet! I would love to take my family there to eat!
Heather Lawrence says
I love the whole rustic look! Reminds me of some of the places I have stayed at in the Rocky mountains.
The food looks elegant and nothing like I have seen here that’s for sure!
Melanie Edjourian says
The restaurant looks fantastic and the food looks delicious. I would love to go visit.
Lubka Henry says
What a lovely place! I’d love to pay a visit and taste their menu – it all looks great! 🙂
Sarah, Things Sarah Loves says
Food looks delicious and is presented so beautifully. I absolutely love the decor as well.
Mama to 6 blessings says
What a beautiful place to eat. The food looks amazing and like pieces of art!
Courtneylynne says
Omg what a cool restarant!!! I’m loving how they decorated the place! I love restarants that go over the top with there decore. Adds to the experience!
Kita Bryant says
Doing something fancy every once in a while is fun. I’m not much for the fancy either but this looked like fun!
Christie says
I love the rustic decor, so cozy and inviting. The food looks amazing too! Will have to look up when we’re in NC
Travel Pockets (Crystal) says
Totally want to go here! Love the decor and especially the food presentation. WOW!! Don’t think I’ve ever had food presented to me that nicely before. Looks like a food display that’s not to be touched 😉
anna nuttall says
Love the look of this! The food do look Delicious. xx
aziel morte says
What a delicious food! I want to try them all. I want to go there
Ave says
What an amazing restaurant! I really love Artisanal’s decor – it’s so inviting and warm. That octopus dish and the dessert look mouthwatering.
Hannah says
Wow – the food looks absolutely incredible! Yum yum!
Kendra says
The food looks so good! Is that squid? It looks delicious!
Karen Glatt says
This looks like a restaurant that is so cozy and rustic. I want to eat there and taste the delicious food. I would go with my sister. We love eating at fancy restaurants!
Ann Bacciaglia says
This looks like an amazing place. I love the decor and the food looks so delicious.
Gervin Khan says
What a wonderful resto! I love the whole concept and the foods look delicious!
Harriet from Toby & Roo says
Ohh it looks so yummy here! Delish!
Janet W. says
Wow I can see why this is so highly rated! The décor is amazing and the food looks so wonderful! I’d love to try some of those dishes!
Vera Sweeney says
I love the look of this restaurant it looks like a great way to spend an evening night out. The food looks amazing!
Tania Potter - Soul Sense Coaching says
This is soooo embarrassing, but when you said, are you drooling yet, my mouth was actually watering! Love the wooden decor and the food? Well my comment speaks for itself. Excellent photos, by the way.
Rose Pingol says
Such an awesome foods! All of these are really impressive.
Mary Edwards says
We go to Banner Elk every year to ski/snowboard/tube etc. I will definitely check this place out. Food looks amazing
Toni | BoulderLocavore.com says
Yes, I agree! The decors of this restaurant look fantastic! That’s actually one of the factors why I keep on coming back to my favorite restaurants! Amazing ambiance gives incredible experience!
Rebecca Swenor says
Artisanal restaurant in Banner Elk, NC. sounds and looks like a fantastic place to dine. It looks rustic but yet elegant to me and the food looks just gorgeous along with delicious. Thanks for sharing this amazing place.
Bites for Foodies says
This place looks so rustic and unique!! It reminds me of my friend’s restaurant here in Sardinia…it truly is a gem! Check it out: http://www.tenutapilastru.it/en/
Nikki Wayne says
Wow, this is a very beautiful place! I wish I can dine in there.
Nicole Etolen says
What a nice concept for a restaurant. I want to go there too!
Amanda Love says
This place is just so breathtaking. I love that country feel, it’s so relaxing and comforting. I wouldn’t mind staying here for an entire day while catching up with family or friends. The food looks fantastic and so does the wine. The way they designed the restaurant just adds to the whole awesome experience of being there!
Jemma says
Such an incredible looking restaurant and the food looks amazing too.
Pam says
I love rustic and this place fits that bill. The food looks simply amazing. Would love to have the opportunity to visit.
Annemarie LeBlanc says
I love the cozy ambiance of the place! It is so relaxing and it seems to be the perfect place for quiet, perfect evenings. The food looks fantastic too! I wish I could be there.
Jocelyn Cañasa Brown says
What a gorgeous restaurant. It’s beautiful. And the food looks so delicious. I need to visit this place.
Kelly Hutchinson says
Oh wow. What a gorgeous restaurant. And the food looks AMAZING. And your pictures are just lovely!
Tiffany VanSickle says
Um, wow!!! LOVE the decor and atmosphere and the food looks devine!
Brianne says
Wow every meal looks so delicious! I always get so excited when I find a new restaurant that I love!
Monica says
All of the food looks so delicious! I love the rustic decor too. I’ve always wanted a wooden table like that!
Rebecca Bryant says
What a gorgeous place to dine. I lvoe all the old wood look and the lightening just really makes for a nice dining experience. Not to mention the food looks divine.
Cynthia says
What a wonderful place to dine. The food looks so great. I am not too far from N.C. so I really should take a trip down there to dine. I love to try different restaurants and see what different chefs are creating.
Annemarie LeBlanc says
Same sentiment, Cynthia. I live too far from NC. I can assume a trip there to get to see and dine in this place would be a culinary experience like no other.
Melissa Llado says
What an outstanding experience. This place looks amazing! When I make it that way it will for sure be one of our stops.
Jenn @ EngineerMommy says
Wow, this is a beautiful restaurant. I love the ambience. The food looks so delicious, too! If I’m ever in this area, I’d love to check this place out.
valmg @ Mom Knows It All says
The lodge look is really nice and it looks like it would be comfortable. Those two desserts made me drool a little when I saw the pictures.
Rhian Westbury says
Wow the decor is pretty special and the food looks like great too x
Marcie W. says
Absolutely stunning! From the impeccable food to the amazing atmosphere and decor, this restaurant is now officially on my bucket list.
Nikki from Tikkido says
What an amazing place! I absolutely love the decor, and the food sounds fabulous.
Jeanine says
Look at all that food. Those photos are just gorgeous, and making me hungry! Looks like a lovely restaurant. Looks comfortable and warm too. Like a great place to relax and eat!
Terri Beavers says
I think it’s a great place, loving the decor, unlike anything around here. I would enjoy some of that food as well.
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy says
Not sure I like the decor. The food looks picture perfect though…and I’m sure tastes wonderful.
Cindy Ingalls says
I have a very good friend who owns a cabin in NC. Not sure if this place is near her, but I will definitely be passing along the info. The atmosphere and cuisine look like they are worth the trip.
lisa says
I love the wood decor of this restaurant. The food looks amazing and I love a place with a great selection of drinks as well!
Tabitha Blue / Fresh Mommy Blog says
Okay, this post realllly makes me want to go eat there!
Neely (@Neelykins) says
This looks like such a cute place to eat and the food looks amazing!
Claudia Krusch says
The decor looks so beautiful and relaxing!! I love the presentation of the food and that dessert looks amazing!!!
Jacqui - @TradesofJacqui says
I am absolutely in love with the rustic decor! Oh. My. Gah! I could eat here every day and still be in love!
Jolina says
I’m a burger and fries kind of girl too but appreciate frou frou once in a while 🙂 This place looks very nice, and the food looks delicious! Just look at the details on those dishes. Wow.
Jovanhanna says
Wow! That looks like an amazing dining experience. I’m also in Raleigh and love finding amazing places to explore and visit. I will have to head to the mountains soon for a great dinner.
Stephanie Manley says
The decor looks very cozy and relaxing, I think it’s very nice. I love the presentation of the food and that dessert looks absolutely delightful!
Brandy says
That looks like such a great place to eat! If I’m ever in North Carolina I will have to stop here for lunch!
Sarah Bailey says
Oh wow that food looks absolutely amazing -the desserts look divine – I would love to try them! x
Joanna says
The decor looks amazing! The food looks great too i certainly would love to sit and relax and enjoy a meal here. I love the rustic look.
Roxy says
The decor of this place is AMAZING! Half the time I’m just as worried about the atmosphere as I am the food. The food looks a little exotic which I’m A LITTLE put off by, BUT I’d totally be willing to try it!
Pam says
This looks like such a cool restaurant. The food looks great and I love the decor. That horse door handle is really neat.
Pier says
What a terrific restaurant review! I’m putting this on my list of restaurants to eat at – the photography you included is really beautiful, and the review sums up the whole experience. Can’t wait to try it out!
Paula Schuck says
I can just imagine having a romantic dinner with my husband at this place. It’s got such a wonderful ambiance.
dana vento says
Love the look of this artisanal restaurant. Now I love dressing up and going out and a multi-course meal. The eye-candy you found is not bad either (wink wink) Question what is the food with the tail, it looks like squid, yet it could be seahorse ..
Sarah says
I am loving the rustic appeal here and the food looks so beautiful. Almost too beautiful to eat. I certainly can see why you enjoyed this place so much!
Dhemz says
wow, the place looks very cozy and unique! The food look phenomenal. Thanks for sharing!
Jennifer says
I would love to try this restaurant. Those foods are all my type to try except the octopus one. Don’t know if I could make myself try that one!
Karen says
I’ve enjoyed many meals with you, and I know you speak truth when you say burgers and fries are fine. My big question — did you eat the beef that was less than hockey puck well done???? If you say yes, then I’m driving to Banner Elk TODAY! 😉
April Hammond says
Love the rustic decor! The plates look very decadent and tasty. If I ever get back to NC I will have to try this place, it looks like a great foodie event!
Melissa @ Married my sugar daddy says
This looks like a place that is a feast for your tastebuds! I love getting an opportunity to eat food that is created with such care it feels like gifting myself with the gift of self care.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
This looks less like a restaurant and more like a cabin in the woods owned by wealthy foody. I love it!
Alli Smith says
The food looks divine and I’m jumping for joy with the news that the chef is opening another restaurant in the Charlotte area. You’re right, the decor does not look snooty at all. And that door handle – wow! 🙂
HauteFrugalista says
Ill be visiting NYC in Nov, so putting this place on my list. Everything looked amazing!
Lex says
All of this food looks amazing! And what a wonderful atmosphere inside. Great post 🙂
Nellwyn says
Everything looks delicious! Especially the octopus. I’ll have to make a trip to NC!
Julie Syl Kalungi says
Awwww looks so rustic, and also edgy like a gentlemen’s club. The kind of place one would love spending an evening with dignified friends with…Hmmm Love it!
Rachel Mouton says
What a beautiful restaurant! I love the atmosphere and the food looks amazing 🙂
hannah says
This looks like a good restaurant. I like the whole look of the place too x
Carol Cassara says
You have me drooling with all the beautiful food pictures! Now I really have to try this place. Good to know that they know their ways with wine! I’m sure it’s a lovely experience to dine here!
Karlyn Cruz says
Wow, that is a great place! I want to go there and indulge that restaurant.
Elizabeth O. says
Sounds like the perfect place to satisfy your craving for good food and perfect wine pairings! The decor is amazing and it definitely adds to the experience! I really think dining here is going to be great!
LaaLaa says
The decor is breathtaking…lol the door handle yes I looked twice as it wasn’t the first thing lol. The food is presented beautifully and it looks like a good experience.
Rachael Yerkes says
Ok, wow! Now i just want to go there and eat and eat and eat! Everything looked perfect, and so well thought out. Thanks for sharing your dining experience.
Dawn Lopez says
The Artisanal restaurant looks amazing! I love the decor and your pictures of the food made me instantly hungry. I would definitely make time to try out this restaurant if I’m ever in the area.
Pam says
I know, right? This looks like an amazing place to eat if I am ever in the area.
Cynthia Nicoletti says
Looks like a fabulous place for dining.
tara pittman says
Now i am so hungry. This food looks so delicious
Jeanette says
WOW that place looks awesome! I would love to check it out! That food alone would hook me!
Robin Rue says
Banner Elk is such a beautiful place. My parents took me and my sister on a Spring Break vacation here once and I would love to go back.
Lisa Favre says
Everything looks so scrumptious at this restaurant. And the decor… wow! Took my breath away and I only saw photos! I can only imagine what the experience was like!
Sarah says
Wow, looks very classy. I’ve never been to such a nice place.
Olivia Douglass says
Wow- all of this looks amazing! I’ve been working to plan our 10 year anniversary trip and think this will be added to the list! How stunning!
Kathy says
That is such a beautiful restaurant. I just love the whole look of it. All the food and drinks look amazing as well. So nice!
Danielle says
The dishes truly look like art. I wouldn’t want to eat them. I’ll have to check this place out the next time I’m visiting family in NC.
William Sweeney says
This looks like a great place to grab a bite at!! I love finding new places to eat.
Mandie Stevens says
The food looks amazing and the ambiance is gorgeous. I’m getting ready to head to NC, I need to stop by.
Melanie Smith says
This looks so good!! I really want to there
Jenn says
This looks gorgeous, I love the comfortable atmosphere!! And the food looks amazing too, Id really enjoy that chocolate cake in the last food pic.
Amy Jones says
The place, the food, all that wood, everything looks on point!
Lisa Joy Thompson says
That food is absolutely gorgeous! And so is the decor! If I ever make it to Banner Elk, NC, I’ll plan on dinner at Artisinal!
Melissa Potvin says
What a gorgeous place! I love the warm , cozy , rustic feel.
candy says
What a beautiful to dine and I am sure the food is as great as the building.
Shauna says
Oh my goodness, I LOVE the whole rustic look! I could sit back and really enjoy a meal! And that food? It looks amazing! thanks so much for sharing