Restaurant at Gideon Ridge — Restaurant in Blowing Rock

[Update] My wife did make reservations for us to stay in October, and we again had dinner at the Restaurant. Our memories of the experience were 100% validated - once again, the meal was amazing. We each had the Scallop for the first course, and it was so perfect, it’s hard to describe. What’s really remarkable about that (for me), is that I normally don’t like scallops! We skipped the soup/salad course and went straight to entrees. My wife’s 6oz Wagyu Filet Mignon was superb, and my Wagyu Shortribs were amazing, too. Coffee Creme Brûlée? Yes please! The crispy caramelized top was so sweet, and the coffee flavor so rich, it was fabulous.

[Original] It’s odd to have visited The Blowing Rock Park here as many times as I have over my decades in NC, but to have somehow completely missed this hidden gem of a restaurant (or the Inn!) so close by. Now that we know about it though, we’ll be sure to return. The Cheese Plate was easily enough to serve as a starter for 4 people; the 3 of us had to take some to go, so as to avoid killing our appetite for the main course. We skipped the soup/salad for the same reason and are glad we did. My wife and daughter shared the 8oz Wagyu Tenderloin with a fresh Basil Pesto (quite sharp and amazing), while I had the Venison Tenderloin. Both were cooked to perfection, and the accompanying vegetables & potatoes were wonderfully seasoned. Oh, and that Guava Crème Brûlée? TO DIE FOR! I’ve had crème brûlée in 2-star Michelin restaurants that were no better (and they were amazing, obviously!) Sooooo creamy and light, exploding with flavor, the crisped top wasn’t too thick/crunchy, but a perfect thin...

I actually found this place because of a Google suggested article on top dining places in the US and this one came in at number 2. In order to make a reservation, they open 2 weeks prior at noon, and you must be immediate because all the time slots were filled online within a minute! We were only able to get in for a late seating, but arrived early to watch the sunset. The views are unmatched, especially in late October when we visited. They have a lovely outdoor area and indoor lounge area looking out to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Breathtaking. Our meals were excellent. The artisan cheese plate was filled with so much goodness and tied us over until dinner as we watched the sunset. Once we were seated we enjoyed the farmers salad to start. Since there was not a vegetarian main meal option listed on the menu, our waitress said the chef loves making custom dishes and to just let them know what I would like in it. I gave them complete liberty and the result was fabulous. My husband's scallops were excellent as well. Finished off our meal with the pecan bar. Everything was top notch and really made for an...

Three stars based on inconsistent overall experience, especially food.

Amazing million dollar views. Beautiful comfortable space/non stuffy staff. Server Andrew was very pleasant, wine knowledgeable, engaging but not overbearing. He missed silver service on 2 of our 3 courses (did not replace flatware after each course) Food was beautifully presented but lacked flavor, and odd flavors…pork belly dry and under seasoned, octopuses chewy/under seasoned and burned black on tips, chicken liver pate grainy and under seasoned (common chef it’s chopped liver, put some salt in it) salads had some degraded lettuce, duck breast nicely rendered and crisp skin but still boring on flavor. Escargot tender but flavors confusing with savory mushrooms but a sweet glaze (balsamic or red wine reduction?) not appetizing. Lastly why put Spring pea tendrils and baby/plum tomatoes on Fall menu even just as...