Bistro Roca

Blowing Rock, United States

4.2

Open now

20 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards
Free Wi-Fi

Contacts

QR code, vCard

Telephone:
+1 828-295-4008
Website:
www.bistroroca.com
Address:
143 Wonderland Trl, Blowing Rock, NC, 28605
Categories:
QR code
Download QR Image Download vCard

Map

Streetview

Activate map

Bussiness info

Takes Reservations
Yes
Delivery
No
Take-out
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Good For
Dinner
Parking
Private Lot
Bike Parking
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes
Good for Kids
Yes
Good for Groups
Yes
Attire
Casual
Ambience
Intimate
Noise Level
Average
Alcohol
Full Bar
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Wi-Fi
Free
Has TV
No
Dogs Allowed
No
Waiter Service
Yes
Caters
No

Today

Today 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Open now
Local time (Blowing Rock) 14:50 Wednesday, 28 May 2025

Business hours

Monday 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Tuesday –
Wednesday 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Thursday 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Friday 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Saturday 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Sunday 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Description

Specialties

One of Blowing Rock’s most popular restaurants, Bistro Roca serves inventive American Bistro cuisine from Chef Michael Foreman in a rustic yet elegant setting. Bistro Roca’s superb staff combines efficient service with gracious hospitality and will delight you with a great selection of wines and mixed drinks from Antlers Bar.

History

Established in 1932.

The oldest continuously serving bar in the state of North Carolina, Antlers bar was established in 1932, and has been serving (more or less legally) since then. There is an abandoned speak easy in the basement and a floor vault where liquor was stashed when the authorities arrived. The restaurnat was completely renovated in 2005 as Bistro Roca & Antlers Bar. Be sure to see the wall of dogs in the bar.

Meet the Business Owner

Cobb M.

Business Owner

With wife Cindy, opened Bistro Roca Antlers Bar in 2005 after a 3 month total renovation. We also own Gideon Ridge Inn in Blowing Rock, a 10 room Boutique Hotel with a wonderful restaurant.

Education: Engineering and MBA in Finance. Previous life in Corporate Finance and mergers and acquisitions.

Interests: Biking, Running raising 3 kids.

Related places

You might also consider:
910
ft
Kojay’s Eatery & Coffeehouse
1132 Main St
1
mi
Blowing Rock Brewing Co.
152 Sunset Dr
1
mi
Foggy Rock
8180 Valley Blvd
1
mi
The New Public House & Hotel
239 Sunset Dr
1
mi
Twigs
7956 Valley Blvd
1
mi
Rustique
349 Sunset Dr

Nearby

Near this location:
650
ft
Robert M Hess, CPA
306 Wallingford St
910
ft
Kojay’s Eatery & Coffeehouse
1132 Main St
940
ft
Pandora’s Mailbox
1098 Main St
940
ft
High Country Candles
1098 Main St
940
ft
My Favorite Kitchen Things
1098 Main St
940
ft
High Country Apparel
1098 Main St

20 reviews of Bistro Roca

No registration required
Place rating: 4
Boone, NC
I actually love Bistro Roca. The service, food and ambiance of this fine dining establishment is wonderful. It’s really hard to complain about this typical 5-​star restaurant. Everyone local and visiting should go to Bistro Roca. It has been a traditional landmark of great food. As much as they aim to capture freshness, the taste of their food is high in quality, but the essence lacks a bit of the natural freshness I am looking for. Sometimes, their food does sit a little heavy, even for small portions at high prices. Overall, everything is great. Many dishes are healthier than others. It depends on your pick of the menu.
Place rating: 4
Huntersville, NC
The food here is very good, so my experience might not be wholly accurate as to to what to expect.
I visited with my parents, and my father must have had a flashback and ordered for me as if I were 10. This was a very detailed order, and it was embarrassing. My wife and son were probably in shock.
My father meant well, so no big deal, but the waiter looked at me as if I was pathetic. This carried on the entire meal, and who knows what he could have done with my food. I couldn’t say anything to the waiter because my family was being treated to dinner.
It was very odd. If the waiter didn’t judge me (his judgment was incorrect) then it would have been a five-​star experience. But service plays a role.
Place rating: 5
Miami, FL
Awesome in every way. Cancel whatever other reservation you have in Blowing Rock and go to Bistro Roca instead.
Place rating: 5
Vero Beach, FL
My wife stopped in on 01−16−16 and we were told they would not be able to get us a table that night but let us make reservations for 01−17−16. We came back and we were greeted and seated promptly. We started the night off with cocktails my wife had the persephone and I had a dirty gin martini. We both loved our drinks and they were made perfectly (mine was made with the house gin and it still came out smooth). My wife ordered the Gougers appetizer special. It was served with a beet mustard that was perfect. We both loved it. My wife ordered the lobster Mac and cheese and I ordered the black and blue steak. My wife changed drinks to a New Zealand white wine which she said was wonderful. Our meals came out timely and were perfectly crafted. The lobster Mac and cheese was delicious and the bread crumbs were crunchy throughout the dish. My steak was perfectly cooked and the sauce served with it was amazing. The atmosphere was perfect for date night; of you are local or just visiting the area I recommend this wonderful hidden gem.
Place rating: 5
Holly Springs, NC
Wonderful, would come back to Blowing Rock just to come here. Great atmosphere, delicious food. So cozy.
Place rating: 2
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Stopped in for a late dinner with some friends, sat in bar area which was very cozy. Checked specials and ordered wine and dinners. Here is where problem started, the food was very disappointing, flank steak was extremely chewy, short rib manicotti also very disappointing, left half of it uneaten, the tenderloin I had was nothing special and the sides with it, eggplant chunks left me questioning the chef’s abilities, the salad was definitely sad and waitress said it was family style but seemed extremely small for sharing. When manager called, she was not very gracious and like the food left us with a bad taste in our mouth, she said something about new chef. We paid and left and will unfortunately not grace this spot again.
Place rating: 5
Clayton, NC
Enjoyed a super dinner at Bistro Roca last night. The overall experience was quite positive. I ordered the Mahi special and ir was delicious. The fish was cooked perfectly and everything on the plate was delicious and also pretty!
The accompanying salad sampler was a great idea but I’m thinking they forgot the dressing as it was a bit dry. Not a big deal.
I had the buttermilk pie and it was delicious, not too sweet and I devoured it.
The service was prompt, friendly and all around pretty darn good!
I enjoyed the entire experience and will definitely return next time we’re in the area.
If you’re reading this and considering dining options, look no further, head to the Bistro & enjoy!
Place rating: 2
Miami, FL
I had really high hopes for this place, as it came well recommended by a fellow foodie whose taste I swear by. I think Bistro Roca was probably excellent when my friend frequented it over 5 years ago, but my experience this New Year’s Eve was incredibly underwhelming.
As a starter, we ordered the prosciutto wrapped figs, we each ate one and could not eat another. The sauce was completely overpowering, not letting us enjoy the natural juxtaposition of the prosciutto and the fig. We were also disappointed because the menu made it sound like the figs were hot and stuffed with manchego cheese but, instead they were cold and the cheese was sliced and on the side.
As a main plate, I ordered the Scallops, which came on a mushroom polenta cake (think poundcake texture), and was topped off with several different sauces and flavor profiles that were so contrary, they distracted my taste buds from every component of the plate. With a dish as delicate as scallops, less is more. The scallops were also unevenly cooked, some were stringy and charred while others were softer and white.
My boyfriend’s plate was equally over the top. He got canneloni stuffed with short rib and mashed potatoes which were oddly accompanied by pickled grapes scattered through the plate, and topped with a combination of bland sauces and cheese.
I really want to think that they were just busy on NYE, given all the amazing reviews, but I just felt like the plates needed less ingredients and more flavor pairing.
Place rating: 5
Blowing Rock, NC
Favorite place in town! Prices vary on the menu so it is great for many occasions.
Place rating: 2
Winston-Salem, NC
Food quality was mediocre. Came for brunch. Biscuits tasted literally identical to Bojangles biscuits. Coffee was bad but strong. Lovely ambiance and service though!
Place rating: 5
Ashland, OR
Just revisited after 2 years. Traveling through the area from Oregon and dining at the Bistro was at the top of my list. Like arriving to a favorite friend — still amazing food, service and atmosphere. Wondering now when I can come back.
Place rating: 3
Salisbury, NC
Mixed reviews: Woodfired Trout was delicious almost to perfection. Black & Blue made me blue. … great taste. … presentation but a very poor cut of Ribeye. A lot of fat and gristle. … tough in places. I have to admit that it was really really good tasting but disappointing for $ 30.00. Salads were delightful.
Place rating: 5
Kennesaw, GA
One of the best meals of my life
During the skiing trip, we visited Bistro Roca for my Birthday celebration. It was one of the best meals of my life, starting from the absolutely delicious salad with a heavenly dressing and ending with a perfect desert. It was not crowded (only due to February snow blizzard and icy roads) and I think it was the only reason why it didn’t require a reservation at that time. Dishes were so flavorful and the presentation was impeccable. Our waitress heard us talking about my birthday, and surprised us with a Birthday desert that included a candle. I can not even stress more how tasty the food was. The restaurant’s ambiance is so nice and cozy and tastefully decorated. One of the room/​bar location is fully decorated with masterful black and white photography of dogs and their owners. Awesome place. Definitely will be back while visiting Blowing Rock, NC again.
Place rating: 5
Landis, NC
Always a must for us when we are in Boone and Blowing Rock. They are always friendly with intimate dining, an excellent bar, and much more room than you would think from outside. Everything on the menu is good. You must try the Mac and cheese even if just as an app. Nice enclosed patio with a heater in case it’s cold. Try the specials no matter what they are. The chef is very good! If you’re looking for a drink they have a great cocktail menu and excellent beer selection! Enjoy!
Place rating: 5
Spartanburg, SC
It was delicious. Place was packed and we weren’t able to get a table in the dining room so we got in right at 5:00pm and sat at table in the bar area. The fig appetizer was perfect, the trout was very good and dessert was lovely. I suggest you try to get a reservation because the dining room looked pretty. Enjoyed this meal and look forward to getting back soon!
Place rating: 5
Baltimore, MD
I second Lucy’s review below, one of the best restaurant meals my family has had in a long time! We are pretty picky eaters and prefer to eat at home, and it takes a lot to impress my Mom, but Bistro Roca managed to do it!
My family got the soup of the day (pork cheek with white beans) and eggplant frites for appetizers. I highly recommended the eggplant fries — it’s perfectly seasoned and the sauce is awesome! For our main meals, we got the Cuban Crêpe, LBLT, Farmhouse Mac and Antler Flatbread — all excellent! I really liked my Farmhouse Mac, it was full of fresh yummy veggies :)! The LBLT came with a side of steak fries which were great! (This place definitely knows how to make real fries)
The best part of Bistro Roca was the atmosphere — sitting on the patio on a cool summer day with the windows open and the mountain air coming in — it’s so peaceful and the perfect environment to enjoy a great meal and spend time with family (or any good company!) Everything was wonderful about my visit here and if I’m ever in the area again, I’ll definitely visit again!
Place rating: 5
Apex, NC
One the best meals my family has had in a long time. The whole experience from beginning to end was wonderful. Thank you!
I explained to the hostess that my friend had recommended Bistro Roca as sensory friendly. The hostess asked what my child would prefer I asked for a quiet cool corner. She gave us the perfect spot. My normally horrible eater loved her meal especially her salad with bacon.
Our meals so yummy & our drinks were never empty. Thank you Bistro Roca for the perfect end to our family getaway.
Place rating: 4
Baltimore, MD
My roommate’s aunt and uncle own a second home in Blowing Rock. While we were staying at their home, they took us to this restaurant for dinner. The restaurant has an awesome rustic ambiance. They said that they usually prefer to be seated in the sunroom-​like back room with large windows. We were seated just inside from that room in the main dining room — I think because we had a larger party.
I started with a specialty cocktail — the Blowing Rock Lemonade. You could tell they were handcrafted and were mixed great. With each entrée that you order, your family is served salad family style. They what I would call a house salad and Caesar salad. This was fine, but kind of annoying. I would rather you just give me my own salad and we don’t have to serve it all up at the table.
I got the black and bleu. It is a Blackened Beef Ribeye, Mashed Potatoes, Crispy Onions, Steak Sauce, Bleu Cheese «Butter». It was HUGE!!! The meat was cooked perfectly and just melted in your mouth. All of the flavors together were delicious. Highly recommend this dish if you’re a meat and potatoes kind of person. The menu also had brick oven pizzas that all sounded delicious — wish we had gotten one to share as an appetizer for the table (food for thought for next time!).
Place rating: 5
Nashville, TN
I was referred to this restaurant by a local, the only reservations the four of us could swing so last minute was for a 9pm slot which we happily accepted. After kayaking and a long hike earlier, we were famished. To be honest, I was torn between the lobster mac & cheese, the lamb bacon pizza, the Colorado lamb chops, and blackened salmon. The place was absolutely packed, granted it was a Saturday night and we barely got in. We had quite a long wait for service, but they were quick to bring us drinks. I had the Earthly Creature with rye since I love all things ginger, and then a Moscow mule. My friend had the black & blue, and the other two had the crab cakes. One said it was too spicy, the other said it was perfect. We all split prosciutto wrapped figs as an appetizer which was divine and in a basil-​honey sauce.
I liked the way they presented the trio salads, almost as though it was a small plate itself.
Place rating: 3
Charleston, SC
I regret only being able to give this place only 3 stars because I love the place and it holds a special memory for me and my wife. However, our recent visit was a big disappoint and I think I know why.
First, it was the week of Thanksgiving. Maybe the chef had the day off; maybe they were busy working on a holiday menu. I don’t know what the problem was, but the food was not up to par. The roasted fig appetizer, a regular menu item, tasted burned, and had the texture of jerky. It was not edible.
Second, I order the daily special which was sautéed halibut. My bad. Only later did I recall the advice I read once to never order the fish special on a Monday since that’s what the kitchen was getting rid of from the weekend. My end piece could not have been more than 3 inches long and was overcooked. How could you not overcook a piece so small and thin? It was served over something the waitress called a quinoa fritter. It was seared and dry. The only thing good about the dish was it was only $ 12. I have eaten better fish at Captain D’s many times.
My wife ordered a flatbread which was good and my daughter ate a burger which was fine.
They have a good wine selection and we enjoyed a delicious bottle of J Pinot Gris.
I’ll go back but I hope the experience is better because I really love this place.