The Best Cellar Reviews

Ate here for my wife's birthday and it did not disappoint. Their wine list was great which I've found hard to find locally, food was spectacular and the service was prompt and attentive.

Over priced food with the worst service I have ever had for "fine dining'.' The food was average at best, spoke to the manager explained the lack of service, she said thank you but did nothing more. Such a nice setting and with the high prices one expects more. Earlypro, Wheeler, Oregon

Wonderful atmosphere, great food, and amazing service. Always love coming here.

The setting is fittingly old Blowing Rock. The staff members are friendly, hospitable, and know their menu well. Great environment and nice to offer indoor and outdoor summer seating.

Very quaint, service was excellent and so was the food!

In the high country of North Carolina this is the time to eat at the local restaurants that serve supper. This charming restaurant is in a large old southern home that is now an Inn also. The service is attentive and excellent. The wine list is surprisingly large and there is a bar. The food is good, the portions large and the prices are reasonable. The vegetables could not have been better and were probably picked this morning.

The food was out of this world! We started out with cocktails and oysters. We could have eaten a couple dozen of them. My wife had the lamb and I had the Rib eye. The food was amazing!

Food was awesome. Atmosphere delightful. Greeting and hostess personnel..not so much. We were 7 minutes late for a 530 reservation and prior to the universal polite and professional greeting one would expect based on the website description of this premier location, we were told..."be aware the next reservation is at 730.."...meaning you need to be in and out...don't plan on.lingering. My 81 year old mother said...that was not hospitable at all.
When we visit Blowing Rock..and my family has been visiting this area for 60 years...we will select another location to dine.

Never disspoints...simply the Best In Blowing Rock!

Great service, my dish was so so, others in my party were very pleased..maybe next time I'll try something else...I wouldn't recommend doing dessert.

Great Service, Food well prepared and good variety on the menu. Some interesting sides.

Had a great experience here & I ate alone. They sat me in a pretty little room with a fireplace. It was perfect & the food was great. I had the Salmon With crabmeat on top.

Love it. I got the pork chop, mashed red potatoes with stuffed zucchini it was delicious. My wife got scallops.

Always fun, friendly and the place to have a fabulous time.

Excellent food, and outstanding atmosphere and service!!

Booked the room downstairs 10 months in advance for my post wedding dinner. Upon arrival was told that we had to be out by 7:30. We had only just arrived at 5:45. How unprofessional! Needless to say we did not rush! The food was mediocre at best and the service was meh. Won't go back.

Cool little spot, very friendly staff; the food was good, not amazing.

There was cheese on top of the meat which really took away from the flavor of the meat. Not a big fan of that.

The fish special was baked I believe and husband mentioned that it was okay . No pic available.

We had their famous dessert but it didn t set off any big Wow.

Would stop back but maybe try for something else this time.

Fabulous, great food and service in a beautiful setting.

Was a absolutely wonderful experience. Food was delicious, and service was impeccable and overall amazing time

Great atmosphere and food.try to sit in the actual cellar.

Amazing Birthday Dinner! My husband made reservations to surprise me for my birthday. This is our first visit here and we will definitely be returning. The food was exceptional! I ordered the scallops and my husband had the pork chop special! Flavor was exquisite. John, our waiter, was more than accommodating and very pleasant. We arrived when they opened so not many here. That was fine with us very quiet and elegant setting beautiful atmosphere. I even received a candle on my birthday dessert One of the best dinners ever for my birthday! Tour of the Wine Cellar to finish off our evening! Thank You! To all the staff & my Wonderfully Thoughtful Husband!

Not just bad service, rude service. Our waiter went out of his way to make it clear he did not like us.

One of those restaurants where you can come back again and again, just to work your way through the menu. I have had nothing bad there. Great wine selection. Great date restaurant.

The Scallops were spectacular.
Great service and food. It s a redo next time we are in town.

The old place had a better aesthetic appeal, but the new location is still pleasant. The food and desserts (especially the banana cream pie) are always top-notch and worth your most-special occasions with clients, family, and/or friends.

Great food. Great atmosphere. Some of the best food I've eaten in some time. Give this place a try, you'll be glad you did.

We like eating here because their is not many places in the mountains that know how to do it as good as these folks.

The food and atmosphere was amazing! So romantic. The scallops were so delicious!

Went there recently; have gone periodically since the mid-1980s (old location); several Xmas dinner traditions with 5 to 7 family members at the new location. The experience was always at least a B+, sometimes an A, and friendly.
This time the greeter with a sort of sergeant's smile barked out something like "We have a rule that we start only on time; we will notify you when it's time." "Polite" perhaps (or not) but it made me at least feel like I'd already done something wrong to show up ten minutes early (four of us). Not at all the previous experience over decades. Not too promising...
The server had an ugly little black thing dangling from her nostril (only when she approached the table from a different angle did I see it had an other-nostril twin as a loopy piercing). I don't want to be served by someone who believes that is a proper way to present herself or the restaurant to the public. The server was under-informed about basic table protocol alas (she was basically likable and she tried but was not up to the job). She would interrupt a food question in order to run out her memorized patter.
We ordered Cakebread chard. After 15 minutes I inquired after it. It was being cooled I was told. We should have been informed there was no cold bottle (it's an upscale wine); we'd have ordered another. It finally arrived not yet actually chilled (and we don't like overly-chilled Chardonay).
We ordered three kir royaux and they were improperly prepared. The oysters rockefeller were so over cooked as to be cheese-like and utterly tasteless (and didn't taste like oysters). The clams in sauce were so drenched in basil, fennel, etc. that there was zero clam taste left (just the sting of herbal overdose). The unfresh grouper special was tasteless and poorly cooked. The steak was excellent. The green beans were way overcooked, very chewy; the crunchy asparagus was very poorly cooked (close your eyes, pinch your nose, you couldn't tell what it was).
The desserts were very good. They had no sweet dessert wine (pushed liqueur instead). The price is quite high and the overall quality of the experience is way down from times past. If you're looking for "fine" dining this is not the place.

This place was amazing! The food was out of this world and our server, Gabe was awesome. Definitely will be back!!!

We have been to Blowing Rock a number of times, and like to sample the fare at a wide range of restaurants. In our opinion, the Best Cellar is the place to eat in Blowing Rock. The service (ask to be served by John) is outstanding and all of the dishes from appetizers to dessert to fantastic. Cant say enough about this place.

Food was great. Service very poor...very expensive place to be ingnored...not very happy for an anniversary experience..sad

Superb food & service. Our go to place for special occasions. You will need to make reservations because it is a very popular place.

The food was outstanding, the wait staff was amazing! The tenderloin practically melted in your mouth. Definitely will be coming back!

Excellant friendly very attentive.We chose Best Cellar to celebrate our 32 Anniversary.Bone in ribeye was cooked to perfection.John took fantastic care of us and they made it a special evening.Thankyou Mark & Lynda.

They are definitely catering to the retirement crowd. The menu is what you would expect at a high-end steak restaurant. The food that they prepare is done well and the service is good. The caveat I would add is that when I first went to this restaurant many years ago they were much more adventurous in their menu items, which is what made this establishment unique. It seems like they have decided to play it safe with their menu. If you're looking for a high-end basic steakhouse experience you will not be disappointed.

The food is always delicious. Service is superb. Trout is amazing. Can't go wrong here

Great atmosphere and lovely staff. We had our wedding night dinner hear. The bone in pork chop was out of this world.

Our group of 6 ate outside on the front porch of this lovely restaurant. It was maybe 35-degrees but we were paranoid about Covid19. They provided pre-heated blankets on the seats and we were under heaters. It turned into a great time as we drank wine and coffee drinks with our appetizer Caprese Pizza.

I could not imagine how great this restaurant would be in nicer weather, or in normal times; however, I can only imagine it would be even better. Despite Covid19, the restaurant was safe inside, it was our group sticking to a pre-planned agreement to eat outside.

Our server was so nice. 3 other staffers helped serve us splendidly. The inside had plenty of patrons as well spaced with at least one empty table between each couple or group eating.

Our group had each ordered different entrees. After we started eating, each of us was raving about our dishes, the lobster bisque soup, and even the salads which had at least two locally grown or restaurant created dressings options. My order, the Slow-Cooked Short Ribs, was perfectly cooked, melt-in-your-mouth, large portion goodness. Perfect for a cold night. There was so much on the plate, I was able to take 2/3rds back to our VRBO rental lodge for lunch the next day and a snack the next. And even heated back up, it was flavorful, moist, and tender.

I know I ll someday return to Blowing Rock, and I so hope this gem is still thriving. Please check out the Best Cellar on your way through town. It s 100% worth it!

Awesome service and food. Scallops were the best I've ever had!!!

Great service, really good food. We came here for my birthday and it did not disappoint. Highly recommend!

Very disappointing! My husband order the steak special medium rare and it was served well done and bland! They offered a free dessert to compensate us! That's it!
And still charged us for it! Not even a do over at that price! My filet was also over cooked and bland. The "roasted" acorn squash seemed to have been boiled or steamed and ruin the texture and flavor. That is the way entire meal went. The only bright spot of the evening was a great server! Don't throw your money away at this one!

Phenomenal food and service! I highly recommend this amazing restaurant and inn!

Absolutely amazing, it's definitely on the higher end of dinning but worth the price, I felt way under dressed and was probably the only guy there in a t shirt and shorts or wearing a hat lol, but the whole staff was super friendly and treated us like everyone else there! Dwayne "I hope I spelled that right XD" was an amazing server and was very helpful with the menu and all of our choices not to mention very friendly etc. Definitely the best server I've had in a long time :) the mussels are a must as they are the best I have ever had and that coming from a former chef;) my veal was amazing and my wife's lamb was incredible! Thier wine menu had some amazing offerings by the glass my wife Pino noir was very nice, and I loved the bourbon barrel aged cab that I had, it paired nicely with the amazing food, an absolute must visit when in the mood for a REALLY nice meal ;) but definitely wear at least a polo or button up if you want to feel like you aren't under dressed like me lmao! Ps the Mediterranean beet salad with the fried goat cheese is one of the best salds I've ever had! Thx again for everything dwane!

Service was great. Restuarant is located inside a beautiful inn. Valet parking is available. Food was adequate but not a flavorful as expected. Ordered trout picatta and was underwhelmed. Same for dessert of creme brulee. It was supposed to come with fruit but it did not.

The only reason I give the Best Cellar two stars is because I'm vegan and there was nothing on the menu I could eat without asking for it to be different than the menu listing. That said, if you eat meat and dairy, "the food is freaking great", the company I'm with always says!

As a local, we've eaten here many times, and it never disappoints. The service is very professional and the food is delicious with generous portions. The menu offers a wide selection of meats, seafood and poultry and all dinners come with a generous salad and a vegetable choice. My husband and I have come to believe that of all the higher-end restaurants in this area, Best Cellar is probably the best choice with good value for your dollar.

We had reservations for five thirty, and we arrived on time. The hostess led us to a sad looking table in a corner near the kitchen. There were plenty of other tables beautifully set with candles lit. I inquired about those tables, and she rudely told us that they were reserved.

Our waiter, came to greet us, and he asked if we were happy at the table. We said no. He moved us to a beautiful table that was set. He made our evening! The food was perfect. We left him a very generous tip, as he is a senior at Appalachian State University.

The hostess needs a lesson in manners. I told her that we were moved to another table, and no one was displaced. The sad table was still empty.

The Cellar is by far one of the best restaurants in the area. Outstanding duck tonight (cooked more than a Frenchman would like but extremely tender with crispy skin. very tasty). Knowledgeable and professional wait staff, they are clearly being trained under a management that knows what they re doing. Covid workaround includes a outdoor tent seating with a nice space heater going, twinkly white lights, eight tables all distanced, felt like being in a fairy garden. We were the last to leave tonight (Sunday) and never felt rushed. Well done everyone.

Service was outstanding and the food was. Great. Really enjoyed our NYE dinner.

The best restaurant in town! The food is amazing and Dwayne is the best server.

Love love loved the atmosphere. I had a supurb vodka tonic before dinner. I ordered the filet (medium), mashed potatos green beans and salad. This meal was perfectly prepared and came with bread that was out of this world. Banana cream pie for dessert. Yum!

High price for high quality amazing food with a beautiful relaxing atmosphere!

I personally have never experienced discrimination until this evening when my family (parents, spouse, child) and I went to eat at this restaurant.
The moment we walked in and the hostess saw us she had attitude and when asked if we had reservations (we didn't) she walked back and in a snarky tone said " I have 4 walk-ins", (there were five in our party), and then turned us away because in her words "there was no room" which oddly enough, every table was empty and it was an early dinner time when we arrived. One would think that if a restaurant only accepts reservations they'd make it known on their website.
My family and I have never been turned away from an establishment and we could more than afford anything on their "haute American fare" menu.
I can only speculate on the reason(s) why we we're discriminated against but I'll leave that up to the reader to decide.

This is definitely one of my favorite restaurants in Blowing Rock. The interior reminds me of a large country home. There are plenty of windows and fireplaces. The food is carefully prepared and on the higher end of cuisine. The duck is always delicious and the specials are a diversion from the regular menu. Their seafood dishes are always fresh and tasty. The dinner rolls are fantastic! Some diners dress up in jackets and dresses but a nice pair of jeans and a collared shirt are fine too.

Very beautiful facility, staff was helpful, and the wine was enjoyable, but the Veal dish was delicious!

Amazing dinner with awesome service. We make a reservation every year to eat in the wine cellar and this year did not disappoint. The food is so good will return every year

Fantastic place to eat. Food is fantastic and the atmosphere is very warm. If you want to take your spouse somewhere nice, this is a great place. You wouldn't bring family here unless for a celebration as it would be pricey and the atmosphere is very peaceful and not full of loud kids. Expect to spend about $100 for 2 adults but a GREAT meal. Also, you need to dress a little nicer than a trip to a buffet. Would highly recommend for couples or if you want to avoid the squealing of kids at other establishments.

Fantastic food in a cozy setting. Our waiter, Clayton, couldn't have been better. Went during the off season (between leaves and skiing) so had the entire room to ourselves. Great way to celebrate my 70th birthday with the woman I love.

Amazing staff, food was amazing! I loved the atmosphere. Perfect place for engagement

This restaurant is incredible and is a place where you must eat if you are in the Blowing Rock area. The food is excellent and they have the best restaurant staff out of any place I ve ever eaten, our waitress Savanah made our night special and helped us make many memories!

We had such a great time at The Best Cellar! My boyfriend and I came in without a reservation (we mistakenly booked one for another day) and they were able to find us a seat right away. We tried several of their creative craft cocktails and all were delicious! Their food was also very flavorful and tasty. The ambience was cozy and elegant and the staff was so nice! They did a great job of enforcing COVID protocols, even with guests who were trying to be difficult about it. Highly recommended to anyone!

First time. One of the best filets I have had in a while! Not crazy about sides but awesome steak!

Thoroughly enjoyed our evening there. Fresh local ingredients used innovatively. Perhaps the previous negative posters were already incubating a stomach bug.

The food was so good! We had the calamari for our starter and I had the beef short ribs followed by creme brulee for dessert! Service was amazing! Would definitely go again if we were in town.

Fantastic always!!! My wife and I have treated ourselves probably at least 20 times or more and each time the staff and food have both been outstanding. We highly recommend the Best Cellar if you are visiting the beautiful town of Blowing Rock.

A byob-friendly restaurant (a good wine list, too) with clever, fresh dishes - be sure to try the duck entree, magical. Plenty of parking, good service.

All around amazing experience! Highly recommend for an incredible culinary experience. The owner has left no stone unturned when it comes to meticulous decor, finest and freshest ingredients, great drink selection, and wait staff! Lisa, Ashley, Mark and others will make sure you have an unforgettable dining experience.

Oysters Rockefeller, the Alaskan hallibut, and banana pudding are stand outs on the menu. Great wine list including a delicious Italian Prosecco. Can t wait to return!

Love this place, not pretentious, but mountain elegance with excellent food and drink, highly recommend

Wonderful meal and excellent service. Enjoyed every recommendation made. Ask for Jo - he was a fantastic server! Will definitely be back next time we're in town.

This review applies only to Thanksgiving dinner at the Best Cellar. We have dined at this restaurant before and had very positive experiences and so looked forward to having Thanksgiving dinner there.

Before we were even seated we felt rushed and during the entire meal the waitress kept trying to remove our plates.She did not come over to ask if we needed anything, but constantly was looking our way as if trying to see if had finished yet. The turkey was salty and rubbery. The stuffing was too salty and tasted like "stove top" The mashed potatoes and gravy were likewise too salty.
We did not want to try dessert.

We had expected dinner at such a nice place to be expensive, which it was, but that would have been fine had the food and service merited a high price.

We have not written off the Best Cellar, but will certainly never go there for Thanksgiving again.

Great food and atmosphere. Very relaxing and romantic setting for a date.

My wife and I visited this lovely restaurant for my birthday. The ambience was unique and beautiful. Our server, John, was both kind and well studied on the menu. He literally made our experience at The Bestseller. I personally ordered the duck and it was very good; however, the acorn squash was insane (this is a good thing). I would go back to this restaurant just for this one side. I highly suggest it. Overall, this is a place we will visit again.

Absolutely top notch! Make a reservation though they are often booked up. We got lucky, and they had a cancelation we were able to grab the time slot. I had the Roasted Half Duck, and my wife had the Veal. Both were excellent.

Great atmosphere combined with the very flavorful entrees. Best meal I've ever had.

Always excellent. Great food, great staff and great time.

My husband treated me to dinner for my birthday. The staff were super. The host and the waiter named, Jon were top notch. Tuna and pairings were perfect. Banana pie dessert with toasted coconut was great.

We had the best dinner for my boyfriend s 31st birthday. They put us in the private wine cellar (I highly recommend requesting this for special events or romantic evenings) and everything from the service to the food was fantastic! We had an amazing beet and goat cheese salad and a the crab cakes and oyster rockefeller were also particularly noteworthy. I have been coming to this place since I was a kid and it sure does still stack up - it s honestly better than ever!

Go here for the cozy atmosphere (ask for a table by a fireplace during the winter months). The food is ~good~ for fine dining, but nothing mind-blowing winning. Wine selection is well curated. Overall, excellent experience dining with my family and will likely revisit in the future.

Never been disappointed.... food is excellent with a great variety of choices.