Surprising Cuisine Twists

Forego traditional mountain fare and enjoy some surprising cuisine twists. Offerings range from ethnic to downright decadent.

• Local Flavor Cafe
The quiche and the Greek salad at Local Flavor Cafe, near the courthouse on South Main Street, top our list of lunchtime favorites. Deliciously filling, they still leave room for a slice of homemade cheesecake or baked fudge (yum!).

• Rogue’s Manor
For a romantic evening, dine in the atrium-like sunroom. Specialties include custom-cut steaks and fresh seafood. If you like oysters, order them as shooters or pan-fried, and don’t pass up the house-made bread pudding.

• Ermilio’s
Arrive early at this comfy Italian restaurant in a former private home. Diners often line up a half hour before the door opens at 5 p.m.

• Mount Victoria Bed & Breakfast Inn
Some of the best breakfasts in town come with your room, especially at the Mount Victoria. Chris McCants rules the kitchen, turning out such eye-openers as Poached Pears with Raspberry Sauce and signature Smoked Turkey Breakfast Pastry with Vidalia Sauce.

• Mud St. Cafe
This little underground cafe serves generous breakfast omelets (veggie, Mexican, Greek, or traditional ham-and-cheese) and garlic-cheese grits; it also claims to have the best coffee in town.