Our party of 4 spent a beautiful, leisurely evening on the back patio at Lakeside last Friday (June 12) evening. Enjoyed the geese swimming across the lake and the pink hues of sunset! The appetizers and fresh rolls were wonderful as was the wine selection. The entrees were delicious though the risotto with the halibut could have used a bit more seasoning. Our server, Jennifer, was delightful - funny and warm while making sure we had everything we needed. We'll be back! read more

WOW! Just Wow! Food and service was phenomenal! Had the oysters to start. Breading was so light and pillowy. Not greasy, one tiny bit. The drizzle was phenomenal. For my entree, I chose a special. It was a red snapper over a pureed squash. MMMM, MMMM, Good! Great cocktails and wine list. Don't sleep on this one folks. Best in town!!! read more

Lakeside Restaurant - Quilt - Seafood Near Me - Highlands, North Carolina

See all

So good! I don't even know where to start. Amazing service start to finish. The food was phenomenal. I was so excited for everything I never got to taking photos. Standouts were the grouper and the bread pudding. The restaurant is so cozy and I definitely will be back and recommend to everyone going that way. read more

Extraordinary food, great service. As world travelers we dine and some of the best restaurants in the world. Lakeside didn't disappoint. Pear salad, spinach, trout and steak were perfect. Great wine list and wine prices are very fair. The place reminded us of Mucky Duck on Sanibel Island. Nice ambiance. read more

Another wonderful dinner at Lakeside! Great food and great service. My husband thinks the lamb chops here are some of the best. read more

We came to the Highlands area for our anniversary and decided to choose Lakeside Restaurant as our place for dinner. We called a little late for reservations, but were able to still get booked! So I highly recommend calling as early as you can to get the time you want. Drinks - we started with the mordern mai tai and bada bing martini. Both were absolutely delicious! They know how to make a cocktail! Food: -Costini - topped with garlic spread, whipped avocado, tomatoes, almonds, and goat cheese. This was an appetizer special. If it is available - get it! Amazing! -Crab cakes and stuffed rainbow trout dishes - both of the main meals were amazing too, full of flavor. What's ironic, is the sides - broccoli, rice, and mac and cheese had absolutely no flavor, and were about as bland as could be. So, if they could get the sides to be as flavorful as the meals, they would get 5 stars for me for a perfect meal. Dessert - blueberry bread pudding. I'm not a big bread pudding fan, but this was actually pretty good. Definitely recommend Lakeside if you are in the Highlands area. We really enjoyed the service, meal, and ambiance at this restaurant! read more

See all

Had a wonderful meal at Lakeside tonight, highly recommend this Highlands classic. Service is excellent! I called for a reservation and they couldn't accommodate me until later than I hoped... they promised to call night of in case there were any cancellations. THEY DID CALL! Got me in at our preferred seating time. From the time we arrived until we left we encountered nothing but kind, efficient and welcoming service from the staff. Food was absolutely delicious. Highly recommend the goat cheese appetizer and the Black Bass special was perfection. The salad and bread pudding dessert were good... just not amazing. The dining room is intimate and charming but not romantic or private. Tables are tightly spaced and it's loud inside. This shouldn't keep you from going... it just makes it a four star experience instead of a five star. They also have a cute patio by the lake (really more of a pond) but it was too wet to enjoy. We will absolutely return to Lakeside on a future trip. Excellent food and service! read more

See all

Every dinner we've had at Lakeside has been outstanding, from the great service, food and wine list, you can't go wrong spending an evening at Lakeside Restaurant for dinner! The views of the lake are also nice! read more

Lakeside Restaurant - Mushroom Bruschetta. - Seafood Near Me - Highlands, North Carolina

Great service and atmosphere and the food is really good. Check this place out and you won't be disappointed.

My wife and I dined at Lakeside during a recent weekend getaway to Highlands and were so glad we did. It's clear this restaurant falls in the "local institution" category and it felt local and authentic in the best possible way. The walls are decked out with local art (most for sale) so that adds to unique character. The owner and staff were extremely welcoming and helpful from start to finish. Neither my wife nor I is big on seafood, but the menu is varied and we both found something we loved (her the ravioli and myself the chicken). The squash soup was also top shelf. Pro tip: you have to call for a reservation (old school!), but don't be put off if you have to leave a message; they will call you back on availability and confirmation. Highly recommend checking out Lakeside, even if your taste is more turf than surf. read more

Lakeside Restaurant - Chicken Cordon Bleu Schnitzel - Seafood Near Me - Highlands, North Carolina

See all

Great spot. Food was excellent--we enjoyed everything we had. Scallops and steak frites were both superb. Service was also excellent. Highly recommend it. read more

there was mold in the bread. but the service was nice. and the lighting is perfect. my family enjoyed it and i would go back again

Favorite restaurant in Highlands. Have been going to Lakeside for years and have never been disappointed.

I had decent meal here with my family but overall it was just average. My son found a small piece of mold on his bread so that didn't help his experience. Service was good. read more

Excellent service wonderful food!!!! Great area so beautiful l just love it would come back anytime!!!

Food was great. Sebastien was a great server. Owner or manager or whoever that was should not have intentionally embarrassed our 8 year old son right before we left the restaurant. Ruined an otherwise great dining experience for us and him. read more

This outdoor garden is so charming, and the view is so pretty it is worth a stop just for this. They have several fish items on the menu. We were told their small dining room of 12 tables was full until 9pm so we opted to eat out in the garden, even though it was a bit chilly. We asked them to turn on the outdoor gas burners for heat and only one of the 2 was working. A waitress went around and gave out blankets, so that was nice. We started off with the lobster bisque. I didn't detect any lobster in there, and the flavor was mildly salty but it was ok. My hubby got the NC Mountain Trout ($24). Our waiter said the trout comes from nearby in Brevard, NC. To me, the trout was tasteless. My husband liked it ok, but called it basic and bland. I got the seafood pomodoro ($32). It had good flavor. Our waiter was great and had a good personality. We also enjoyed watching a chickadee going in and out of a birdhouse right beside the dining guests. We got the chocolate flourless cake with butterscotch syrup on top for dessert. It was so rich, do not even try to get this to eat by yourself ! It was semisweet chocolate and very dense. I got a Dark and Stormy cocktail. It was heavy on the rum and didn't taste balanced. But overall, the view and service makes up for everything else. read more

See all

The service was excellent. Kelly the manager, and Merrill, our server were 5 stars! Lots of fresh seafood on the menu. It was a rainy evening so no outdoor dining, which made for a very noisy indoor environment. read more

It was a very good spot, a little small, but great food & service. Would definitely go back.

Absolutely outstanding. It's always a special occasion here, but when it's really something to celebrate, this is where you need to treat yourself. Make sure you call ahead for a reservation, especially during season. Also check to see if they have any brunches coming out because that is not to be missed. I joined my grandparents here for Easter and the whole time we felt like royalty. The 3 course menu lets you satisfy all of your taste buds and leave feeling full + happy. And in my case, ready for a nap. How can you leave leftovers when everything is SO GOOD?! We sat inside, the dining area is cozy and decorated with local artist. I'm personally a big fan of the mountain trout paintings, very fitting for that upscale mountain vibe. On a nice day the patio would be the place to be. It overlooks the lake, hence the name "Lakeside" and is great for checking out some of the local real estate. Now the food. I started with the roasted beet salad... I love beets and was extra please to see golden and purple ones... would love that salad as a larger portion with protein for a meal if they ever open for lunch. My main with the crab cake bennedict... holy smokes... one of the best if not the best benny I've ever had. The grilled bread was a nice change from read more

See all

Very loud inside , wonderful staff and service , the food is delicious. The scallops were very tasty

Lakeside charmed me all the way in the small town of Highlands, NC. Out with locals, we settled into a small table with a lakefront view. The cozy spot is known for their seafood. I got the crab cakes with a peach and corn relish and gruyere macaroni and cheese. The crab was well-seasoned and the meat had a little sweetness to it. The cakes were full of meat, and very little filler, which delighted my heart! Mac and cheese is tough to do well and this one could've used a little salt and pepper. But, the relish garnish was nice with fresh peaches. I was full after the excellent table rolls and my entree but I rarely, if ever, pass on dessert. This night was no different. Our waitress told us the options and everything sounded good. We decided to split the mile high pie and bread pudding. Both were so good! The ice cream pie was smooth with a thick layer of delicious vanilla ice cream and a small layer of coffee ice cream topped with fudge and whip cream. How can that not be good??? And this is coming from someone who doesn't like coffee or coffee-flavored anything. The bread pudding was equally as good, rich and cinnamony and firm enough that it held together with each bite. We really enjoyed the meal, the ambience, and the view of Harris lake. I only wish we'd gotten there earlier on a clear day to see the sunset. read more

First the hostess was very nice and friendly. The halibut and Trout which 3 of us got was the most tasteless fish and risotto I think I've ever had. And don't go for the ambiance inside because it's just a medium size dining room with crowded tables. Nothing special at all. Decor and art Very tired! I went and had apps on porch one time and it was better experience. But $42 awful entree was a shame. They did offer a free dessert which we declined. read more

Cute small restaurant in Highlands. We ordered to go, so didn't get the whole lakeside experience. Food was hot and delicious

We went to the restaurant based on recommendations from other visitors at the Highlands. The staff and environment is extremely welcoming and such a cute quaint atmosphere. There is local art on the walls that are for sale inside and also the view of the lake. I got the salmon, other members of the table got the scallops and the grouper. None of us were that impressed by the food we received, my salmon was uncooked in some parts of the fish, asparagus a bit over cooked. However, I would really recommend the sky high chocolate dessert. It was basically a layered ice cream cake that included chocolate, cookies and creams and coffee ice cream! I'm not sure if I would go again for the food but worth trying if in the area and looking for a nice place to eat. read more

Lakeside Restaurant - Salmon asparagus - Seafood Near Me - Highlands, North Carolina

My favorite restaurant in the Highlands area! I love the flavor of the shrimp and grits! Try the mud pie! It's fantastic!

Had a Great Birthday Party here and the kids went fishing in the lake too!! The food is excellent and there is a wide variety of choices.

Just had the greatest experience at Lakeside. The food was incredible. The ambience wonderful. The owner and the general manager stopped by several times to chat. I had the stuffed trout, and it was the best I've ever tasted. My wife got the tile fish, which was their daily special. I don't have enough nice things to say. My only regret is the don't have any openings tomorrow night, and already 12 people on the waiting list. If you go to Highlands and have not eaten at this restaurant, you have really missed the boat! read more

Great Lake view for your dining experience. Great burgers, sandwiches, pizza, and salads and fish along with all you can eat catfish and

Food is delicious here we always enjoy their selections and quality. Atmosphere is lovely especially if you sit outside.

One of the best meals we've ever had! The scallop appetizer with creamed corn was fantastic! The filet was perfect! The roasted brussel sprouts were amazing. Merril (SP?) treated us awesome and was very attentive to my wife's food allergies! Highly, highly recommended! read more

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 amazing 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! Definitely, our favorite, most memorable dining experience and definitely the best meal during our stay in Highlands! read more

Had another nice meal at Lakeside Restaurant this evening. The service was attentive and the food was pretty good. Shared an excellent calamari in sweet chili sauce for an appetizer. Dinner was crab cakes and gruyere mac and cheese. My wife had the scallops with lemon risotto. We were unpleasantly surprised that the restaurant had taken no precautions at all for Covid. Servers were unmasked. Windows and doors were not open and tables were crowded together. Very uncomfortable feeling. read more

My wife and I are out of towners but went here due to the incredible reviews. Packed house, even at 8pm on a Thursday night. Fun, loud, environment and an incredibly friendly staff. Shrimp Scampi appetizer, shrimp and grits, ravioli, and ice cream dessert were 5-star. Well done. read more

Lakeside has taken on new life with its new owner! Wonderfully inventive food, thoughtfully prepared with locally sourced ingredients. The owner and staff are warm and gracious, genuinely wanting to be sure that your experience is exceptional. Apps, entrees and wine selections are delicious. It was difficult to choose what to order, but I honestly think you can't go wrong.The cast iron seared scallops with lemon risotto are the best I've ever tasted and the steak frites is exceptional. read more

See all

I have never written a review until now, but I have never experienced this level of service anywhere until Lakeside. From the phone call to reserve to leaving for the night, the customer service, menu recommendations, food, wine, and attentiveness of our server and Kelly the manager were impeccable. The stuffed pork chop was unbelievable. My husband and I will be back again next year. Thank you all! read more

Wonderful restaurant! Great service, they make you feel special every time. The food is exquisite, tastes great and presentation is great. The owner is the sweetest, Thank you again Laura. read more

One of favorite places to dine in Highlands! If you can get a reservation, get it! Upscale with a wonderful menu.

Great food, service and ambiance. Cozy, little local gem. Grouper Maison was very good. My wife had the Pecan Encrusted Halibut, which was also very good. Highly recommended! read more

We really enjoyed our meal here. We came early and sat outside with our toddler. It was perfect for our family. Waiter was very attentive and all the food was absolutely delicious. We even saw a bear! Over all a wonderful meal and a great environment for kids. read more