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Welcome to Lakeside Restaurant! We are a family-owned eatery that has been serving the heart of Highlands, NC since 1990. We are a unique, fine-dining restaurant: seafood is what we are known for, but our specialty is excellence. Here at Lakeside Restaurant, we strive to go above and beyond in every step of preparation, always with a goal in preparing the finest meal you’ve ever had. Our menu features fresh seafood, an extensive wine list and craft cocktails, and excellent service. We can also host for birthdays, anniversaries, rehearsal dinners, or any distinction that you want to make memorable. Visit us today for your next fine dining experience!
Compact & quaint cottage on Lake Harris offering upscale American fare with a seafood focus.
Hours
| Friday | 5:30–8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 5:30–8:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 5:30–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 5:30–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 5:30–8:30 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 531 Smallwood Ave, Highlands, NC 28741
Phone: (828) 526-9419
Website: http://www.lakesiderestaurant.info/
Menu Photos
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Lakeside Restaurant
Located on Harris Lake in Highlands, NC. Featuring fresh seafood, an extensive wine list, craft cocktails and excellent service.
Lakeside Restaurant (@lakesidehighlands) · Highlands, NC
Hidden Gem off Main • Casual Dine In/Outdoor/Carry out • Lake/Mountain Views • Upscale Food + Wine + Cocktails • Art Gallery • Open Tues-Sat 5:30 …
Lakeside Restaurant | Highlands NC – Facebook
Sprucing things up for our reopening!!! Thursday March 6th is the date, only 3 more sleeps and we can feed you again. Call for reservations 828.526.9419.
Reviews
Todd Bachman
Lakeside is hands down our favorite restaurant in Highlands. The food is incredible, the staff is incredible, and it truly feels like you’re having dinner at their home: it’s warm, welcoming, and special every single time. We’ve never had a bad meal, and we make a point to dine here at least once (usually twice) every visit to Highlands. Reservations can be tough to get, so book early but it’s absolutely worth it. You will not be disappointed.
… moreGrowingUpa Reck
We were in Highlands to celebrate our anniversary and the excellent reviews led us to Lakeside Restaurant… it did not disappoint!!! Definitely call ahead to make reservations and you’ll be greeted by the kindest/friendly person, Kelly! She and owner Laura took care of us and even helped us with some special accommodations! The food was excellent but the service was over the top! It’s a charming, quaint restaurant that sits on a lake, which also has outdoor seating when weather is permitting. Merrill was our friendly server and she was perfectly attentive and helpful with recommendations. We started off with the calamari appetizer and it was fresh, tender and perfectly fried. My wife had the wedge salad, which was large and perfectly balanced with blue cheese dressing, cherry tomatoes, radish and peppered bacon! They brought some fresh, baked bread and whipped butter that was a great to start to an amazing main course. My wife loves crab cakes these were perfectly cooked and loaded with crabmeat with a tasty remoulade blanc served with a creamy, cheesy Gruyère Mac & cheese, and a fresh corn relish to balance out the meal. I hard a difficult time selecting from the menu, but I opted for the stuffed NC trout… if you love fresh, local trout with crisp skin stuffed with crabmeat and wrapped in peppered bacon then you’ll be pleased with this wonderful dish! The fish was baked perfectly, so the skin was crispy along with bacon, but the fish was moist and balanced with the savory crabmeat stuffing. It was a large-sized serving, but I ate every bit of the fish! The side of rice pilaf was fluffy and balanced perfectly with the fresh trout along with fresh, sautéed broccoli. Although we were stuffed from the delicious meal, we opted to order dessert to go… We were glad we did, because the blueberry bread pudding with the rum sauce was excellent! Merrill was thoughtful enough to write a congratulatory note, instructions, and a candle! For great food and amazing service, then come to Lakeside! It was definitely our memorable dining experience and by far the best meal in Highlands!
… moreAngie Noya
We took a chance for our 25th anniversary and could not have been happier. The staff were welcoming and attentive. The inside of the dining room was quirky and nice. Each table was slightly different and a great size to hold the plates that were served( so frustrating when places put alot of tiny tables that can’t possibly hold all plates). The views of the lake were beautiful and there was outdoor seating. We each had an appetizer. I had the goat cheese with tomato chutney and my husband had an appetizer special of scallops in a corn sauce. Both had a unique plating and the flavors were spot on. The entrees were delicious. He had parrot fish with risotto which was also a special. I had the chicken cordon blue schnitzel over mashed potatoes and asparagus. This was seriously some of the best food we have had all year. We have two days of our vacation left and are thinking of eating here again. Sorry I didn’t take any photos. Within 40 minutes of opening every table was full-a good sign if you don’t believe me!!
… moreErin Phillips
Ashamed to say it took more than a dozen years of residency in Highlands for me to finally have a meal at this lovely establishment. It was worth the wait but also, don’t wait, because you’ll kick yourself. Our table shared several appetizers, all absolutely delicious and we enjoyed two of the menu offered entrees as well as one of the night’s specials. Seafood, beef and pork were all represented and all were cooked exceptionally with interesting but extremely complimentary sides. Each diner in my party also enjoyed a perfectly made cocktail as well as an excellent per glass pour from the well-appointed wine options.
Desert was a shared crème brûlée that was nearly transcendent in its perfect flavor with the texture of gossamer. If gossamer was made of creamy velvet.
Portion sizes were perfect and the staff was exemplary. I had the added bonus of dining with a friend of the owner, who made time to stop by our table twice to say hello and make sure we were pleased with everything. She even remembered one of my companion’s gluten allergy and was ready with a better appetizer option when we accidentally ordered a dish that would
have been problematic. The host was friendly and at one point, called the entirety of the small dining rooms attention for a brief acknowledgment of all the special occasions being hosted that night (turned out nearly every table had a birthday girl at it – including ours!) The vibe was supremely comfortable and lively, but not too loud to prevent decent conversation amongst our table. I have been informed that dining on the patio (once warm weather returns) is an enchanting experience – one I will certainly not wait another dozen years to enjoy!
Prices were comparable to all finer dining restaurants in the Highlands-Cashiers area though I believe Lakeside provides more value for the dollars spent than many others on the Plateau.
It has been a long time since a dinner out has left me completely content with the experience but Lakeside hit all the right notes for food, drink, service, and atmosphere. The little restaurant on the shore of Highland’s Lake Harris knows what they’re doing, and are an excellent representation of the best of Highland’s culinary offerings. Seamless professionalism, remarkable culinary execution, unpretentious charm.
… moreDesert was a shared crème brûlée that was nearly transcendent in its perfect flavor with the texture of gossamer. If gossamer was made of creamy velvet.
Portion sizes were perfect and the staff was exemplary. I had the added bonus of dining with a friend of the owner, who made time to stop by our table twice to say hello and make sure we were pleased with everything. She even remembered one of my companion’s gluten allergy and was ready with a better appetizer option when we accidentally ordered a dish that would
have been problematic. The host was friendly and at one point, called the entirety of the small dining rooms attention for a brief acknowledgment of all the special occasions being hosted that night (turned out nearly every table had a birthday girl at it – including ours!) The vibe was supremely comfortable and lively, but not too loud to prevent decent conversation amongst our table. I have been informed that dining on the patio (once warm weather returns) is an enchanting experience – one I will certainly not wait another dozen years to enjoy!
Prices were comparable to all finer dining restaurants in the Highlands-Cashiers area though I believe Lakeside provides more value for the dollars spent than many others on the Plateau.
It has been a long time since a dinner out has left me completely content with the experience but Lakeside hit all the right notes for food, drink, service, and atmosphere. The little restaurant on the shore of Highland’s Lake Harris knows what they’re doing, and are an excellent representation of the best of Highland’s culinary offerings. Seamless professionalism, remarkable culinary execution, unpretentious charm.
NancyWilliamHarry Rogers
We had dinner at Lakeside for my sister, Diane’s birthday. We had a party of 8. The food was delicious from appetizers to dessert! We tried several dishes, and each one was special and delicious! My lobster dinner tasted so fresh and the pasta with it was divine! Our server paid special attention to each of us. Our glasses were never empty and my dish was so hot. That is a difficult task with a table of 8! Thanks so much to all of the staff for making our evening such a treat! The Chef was fabulous, and creative, making each dish with every detail both beautiful and delicious. We can’t wait to go back!
… moreStephanie Lindeman
Please read this as 20 stars since all four of us want to give 5 stars! Buckle up bc we have endlessly great things to say:
– the food is clearly as fresh as you can get and is of the upmost quality
– the chef is a genius. The combo of flavors on this menu is unlike anything you will find, it’s total brilliance
– bless this kitchen and staff for navigating our dairy and gluten allergies. Everyone was knowledgeable, nonjudgmental, and accommodating. Please know this makes the world of a difference for those of us who must awkwardly navigate allergies in public spaces! Safety is conditional and you guys made this a safe place for us to eat and that is invaluable 🙂
– speaking of invaluable, the manager was just an utter gem of a person. She was hilarious, genuine, and attentive. She’s the kind of person you hope wins the lottery because good things should happen to people like her!
– the ambiance of this place is what we imagine the Lost Kitchen to be like. This is the Lost Kitchen of the South! Aka, they have cultivated a place that has its own precious balance of charm, peace, and beauty
I wish I took more pictures that I could share! No pictures were edited.
*We also ate outside (don’t want to share those pics since other folks were in them. You’ll need to go see for yourself!)
… more– the food is clearly as fresh as you can get and is of the upmost quality
– the chef is a genius. The combo of flavors on this menu is unlike anything you will find, it’s total brilliance
– bless this kitchen and staff for navigating our dairy and gluten allergies. Everyone was knowledgeable, nonjudgmental, and accommodating. Please know this makes the world of a difference for those of us who must awkwardly navigate allergies in public spaces! Safety is conditional and you guys made this a safe place for us to eat and that is invaluable 🙂
– speaking of invaluable, the manager was just an utter gem of a person. She was hilarious, genuine, and attentive. She’s the kind of person you hope wins the lottery because good things should happen to people like her!
– the ambiance of this place is what we imagine the Lost Kitchen to be like. This is the Lost Kitchen of the South! Aka, they have cultivated a place that has its own precious balance of charm, peace, and beauty
I wish I took more pictures that I could share! No pictures were edited.
*We also ate outside (don’t want to share those pics since other folks were in them. You’ll need to go see for yourself!)
Vikki Dibble
We celebrated a significant birthday this evening – 4 of us. All dishes- trout, chicken and seafood plus the bread pudding was exceptional. I am a huge Brussels sprouts fan and this often ordinary balsamic recipe was very tasty, not oily and perfectly prepared – flash fried. My husband loved the wine selection, too. The only comment I have is an offering of vegetarian options that were not cheesy. Please do not misunderstand, what is offered is stunning yet alot of dairy.
Because we really enjoyed the service; the host and wait staff, we think their incredible service would be even more appreciated if there was a way to control the noise in this lovely establishment. Anyone who knows restaurants is aware that if one table is loud, the rest of the tables get louder to enjoy a conversation . It is human nature – it would seem that the room could use some noise canceling features…. definitely worth the exploration!
Go and have a great meal….
… moreBecause we really enjoyed the service; the host and wait staff, we think their incredible service would be even more appreciated if there was a way to control the noise in this lovely establishment. Anyone who knows restaurants is aware that if one table is loud, the rest of the tables get louder to enjoy a conversation . It is human nature – it would seem that the room could use some noise canceling features…. definitely worth the exploration!
Go and have a great meal….
Deborah Hamilton
We were greeted very warmly and made to feel welcome. Our server was outstanding. All of the food was delightful except for the “lemon” risotto under the scallops, which tasted only of basil and needed acid.
… moreKeeley Moore
This restaurant would definitely be in my top three in the Highlands, Cashiers area. Your hostess is Kelly and she is amazing. She is funny and charming and makes you feel like you are part of the Lakeside family. She made sure we knew how long until our table was ready and offered to get us anything while we waited. The owner is Laura and she is involved in every aspect of the restaurant. She came over to our table when our appetizer was ready and found out it was our first time there. When we started to try the appetizers and the main course, we looked at each other and said the food was incredible. I told the owner that even employees seemed to enjoy the work schedule and it showed in their performance. It is a little off Main Street but certainly I can promise we will go back. The Halibut and the trout are two of the best fish dishes I have tried.
… moreCindy HouseMatters
A must for dinner in Highlands, NC!
From start to finish the experience was 5⭐️ the staff who answered our call for a reservation was friendly and helpful on Gluten-free options (she checked with the chef too), hostess upon arrival was welcoming, our server was excellent, and the meal was truly one of the best we’ve had.
The owner checked with us on how our dinner was and gave us a warm goodbye when leaving. Each dish was mouth watering, hot, and delicious! We highly recommend Lakeside Restaurant for dinner, cheers!
… moreFrom start to finish the experience was 5⭐️ the staff who answered our call for a reservation was friendly and helpful on Gluten-free options (she checked with the chef too), hostess upon arrival was welcoming, our server was excellent, and the meal was truly one of the best we’ve had.
The owner checked with us on how our dinner was and gave us a warm goodbye when leaving. Each dish was mouth watering, hot, and delicious! We highly recommend Lakeside Restaurant for dinner, cheers!