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  3. Asheville / Western North Carolina
  4. Highlands
  5. Highlands / Sapphire
Stubborn Seeds at Mill Creek, Highlands, NC

Stubborn Seeds at Mill Creek

4.7
4.7
159 Reviews
$30 and under
Spanish
Inspired by Mediterranean Spanish and South American influences, we are cooking up rustic tapas, or small savory dishes, in a modern environment.

Here at Stubborn Seeds, our menu is created in the spirit of gathering and sharing. We encourage everyone to try a variety of our small plates. Tapas come to the table as they are prepared, so relax and enjoy a social dining experience. Engage with all your senses and enjoy every bite!

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 17 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Spanish, South American, Mediterranean
  • Hours of operation
    Tue, Wed 3:00 pm–10:00 pm Thu 12:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 12:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 11:30 am–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (864) 635-1932
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Neighborhood
    Highlands / Sapphire
  • Parking details
    Private Lot
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Wheelchair Access

What 159 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Asheville / Western North Carolina

    Innovative

  • Asheville / Western North Carolina

    Hot spot

  • Asheville / Western North Carolina

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Asheville / Western North Carolina

    Lively

159 Reviews
  1. KenM

    Charleston

    12 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Nice to have a Spanish restaurant in Highlands. Great humus, meatballs and olives. We had the paella for 2 that was very tasty. Service was friendly and efficient. Highly recommend

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  2. AnneC

    New Orleans

    45 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    45 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food and always a fun night out. We will be back!

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  3. katherinem

    Atlanta Metro

    33 reviews

    5.0

    33 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Food was amazing! Our waiter, Nick, was super helpful. We will definitely go back.

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  4. JarrodN

    Nashville

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing food, service and ambiance. Highly recommend for any occasion!

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  5. JackH

    Western NC

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our server was terrific and our dinners were also terrific. Three of us had something different and we all really enjoyed our dinner. This was our second visit and we will be back.

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  6. JeffT

    Atlanta Metro

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Excellent food and service every time, even on a holiday weekend

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  7. HighlandsMike

    Western NC

    30 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on November 22, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Another great meal at Stubborn Seeds! We’ve tried just about every tapa and entree item and everything is excellent! We particularly like the Lotus Buns, Calamari, and the Truffle Ravioli’s. The waitstaff is always exceptional! This visit, we were taken care of by Carter. Thanks for the hospitality! Buena Comida!!

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  8. AndrewC

    Western NC

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 22, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Another superb evening at SS. Our server Nate was attentive but not intrusive and knew the menu cold. Bravo! Each small plate was extraordinary, with our only regret being how quickly they were delivered to the table, nearly all at the same time so we barely had time to start one before the next and next arrived, quickly filling our table (we ordered a lot!). But, all amazingly prepared so we’ll be back again soon, and often in the future.

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  9. Lorenzo

    Orlando

    33 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on November 21, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Enjoyed tapas and dinner. Food and service by Zach were excellent

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  10. EarlM

    New Orleans

    34 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on November 21, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great Spanish flavored restaurant with interesting takes on many different dishes.

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  11. Jack

    Tampa

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 21, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everyone on the staff was super nice and totally competent... such a great experience. And the food was also tasty!!

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  12. Abbey

    Western NC

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on November 20, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This was our first time having dinner. Food and service were excellent. Portion sizes were very nice. Paella was very flavorful. Chocolate layer cake was amazing. Will definitely be back. Michael and Nate are excellent servers

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  13. Roland

    Jacksonville

    23 reviews

    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great service and selections. Wine list offers varieties of regions worldwide.

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  14. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Food was amazing and service was great. Food actually came out rather quickly, but we didn’t feel like they were rushing us. If you go, you must try the caramel cookie cheesecake! AMAZING!

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  15. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    The food was great. The service was really good, but I would say you see more waiters just hanging out in groups than you do see them working tables. This could be to no having a full restaurant. The ambience was nice, but the background music I would say didn’t fit the decor and feel of the restaurant. Everything we ate tasted fresh and well prepared. The scallops were our favorite of the night.

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  16. Gary

    Alabama

    76 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    76 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    A relaxing evening on a rainy fall Friday evening. The miso glazed salmon with forbidden rice was excellent. Also started with the beet salad which is always great.

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  17. LauraB

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great place. Super addition to the food scene in Highlands! Great food and drinks, service, and wonderful owners.

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  18. BrandyG

    Charlotte

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I cannot say enough good things about stubborn seed. The ambiance was nice, service was attentive and the food and drink was delicious. Highly recommend you check this place out if you’re in Highlands!

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  19. LisaB

    Atlanta Metro

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent service, quick delivery of food, interesting dishes

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  20. OpenTable Diner

    Alabama

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 2
    It was fine but not sure I’ll go back. The service was friendly but not helpful at all when it came to menu items and only recommended the most expensive item on the menu. We had a terrible table right by the kitchen so it was really loud and the lighting was so bad we could barely read the poorly printed menu. I think they were also having some kind of plumbing issue that evening because it also smelled terrible where we were seated. We ended up only getting a few tapas and left to go eat somewhere else. Maybe we just had the wrong table on the wrong day.

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  21. Brian9672

    Atlanta Metro

    176 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    176 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Great experience. Food is fabulous. Service is just a bit slow, but very friendly.

    Is this helpful?

  22. OpenTable Diner

    Hawaii

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a wonderful experience at Stubborn Seeds! The food was absolutely delicious and the wait staff was extremely knowledgeable and nice. Would highly recommend!

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  23. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was absolutely amazing and so was the service!!! Already looking forward to going back next time.

    Is this helpful?

  24. lotsoffood

    Western NC

    91 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    91 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    We decided to try this new iteration of Mill Creek restaurant. Very pleasantly surprised. Food was delicious and flavorful.

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  25. Aurelie

    Tampa

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on November 8, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Now we don't have to travel to Asheville to get delicious tapas! Our meal at Stubborn Seeds was perfect in every way and we appreciated the nice array of vegetarian options. We loved the cool vibe and music too. Can't wait to return!

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  26. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 6, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Overall the food is good but do not recommend ordering the bread it was not warm and was stale, I have a bit of an issue with that . I felt like it was gouging when all the restaurants I have been in bring fresh warm bread,To me it was over the top and a definite turn off

    Is this helpful?

  27. CWooten

    Western NC

    38 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    38 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Another great dining experience with friends. My go too restaurant when entertaining family & friends.

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  28. MJL828

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Every dish was unique and superb! Great date night place

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  29. CarterB

    Atlanta Metro

    2 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 30, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Great food and great service from our waiter. Unfortunately, the waiter at the table next to ours was downright rude. Very unfortunate given we had a great meal and great service from our waiter.

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  30. TomU

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Was a little disappointed that the menu did not match that shown on their web site as there were several dishes I specifically wanted to try. But that said, food and service were outstanding and a nice change from the typical Highlands restaurant. We will be back.

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  31. Cady

    Atlanta Metro

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent food and dessert. The curry chicken, Spanish shrimp and short ribs were excellent. The calamari was delicious as well. We highly recommend this place. Sit outside for quieter meal with nice big heaters.

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  32. CharlestonDiner

    Charleston

    46 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    46 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Great food, service. Excellent addition to Highlands food scene.

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  33. RudolphJ

    Charleston

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    The food was excellent and well presented. It is a bit noisy but unfortunately it seem most restaurants are.

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  34. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    61 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    61 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    It never disappoints. There are a wide variety of tapas to match any preference.

    Is this helpful?

  35. Alpharettagirl

    Atlanta Metro

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on October 26, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Interesting menu and delicious food! Good tapas style to try different items but save room for a main. We will be back

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  36. LucyC

    Tampa

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 24, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    I had the brussel sprouts and they were very good . I also had the Spanish shrimp which were slightly tough and very average in taste . Just nothing special about the “ four” shrimp! I had a margarita and it was good but again nothing special. For the price I thought this was a very average meal and not worth the price .

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  37. TheFrequentDiner

    Naples

    33 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A great restaurant addition for Highlands. Both the service and the small and large plates are excellent. We have been three times in the last 30 days and we shall return!

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  38. LisaM

    Atlanta Metro

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on October 19, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a lovely anniversary dinner. The food was delicious and everyone attended to us with kindness and care. We will definitely continue to dine at Stubborn Seeds!

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  39. AndreaP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 19, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent experience! This was our first visit. The place has a nice ambience with a huge bar in the middle. The outdoor area is very nice too overlooking a creek. Our server was amazing - very prompt, personable, and informative. The food was also incredible. They have the best beet salad I have ever had!! We also had the truffle fries, meatballs, short rib, and sea bass. All amazing !! We will definitely be back when we visit the Highlands again.

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  40. Kcp1963

    Denver

    150 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    150 reviews

    Dined on October 18, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    So excited that the owners of midpoint have relocated. I hope they incorporate some of of our favorites from midpoint into this new restaurant . Sat in bar area - the bartenders do a great job of multitasking!! Have always loved the atmosphere at The Bridge but not the staff. The new staff were so friendly and welcoming!! The buzz around town so far is great so I think they will do well. Only complaint of food was the calamari wasn’t good. The breading was off. Everything else was fabulous. Loved the salmon cakes.

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FAQs

Stubborn Seeds at Mill Creek is rated 4.7 stars by 159 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 17 times today
Google Map for Stubborn Seeds at Mill Creek

445 N 4th St, Highlands, NC 28741

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Highlands / Sapphire
  • Hours of operation
    Tue, Wed 3:00 pm–10:00 pm Thu 12:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 12:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 11:30 am–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Spanish, South American, Mediterranean
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Private Lot
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Wheelchair Access
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