Famous for an evolving menu that blends the traditional with the exotic, The Gamekeeper features a selection of perfectly prepared game plus a range of continental and American entrees.
Acclaimed chef and owner Ken Gordon brings tremendous warmth and skill to the table treating you more as friends than guests. You'll experience a meal to remember that includes fine wines, decadent desserts, and a generous serving of personal attention. You'll leave happy and impressed with a desire to return soon!
Safety precautions
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Common areas deep cleaned daily
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
Popular dishes
Bison
grilled bison hanging tenderloin* with horseradish green onion sour cream
33 reviews
Elk
grilled elk denver leg* with shiitake thyme jus
26 reviews
Emu
grilled emu fan filet* with sun-dried tomato thyme jus
24 reviews
Everything was wonderful. This was our 5th time at GameKeeper. It did not disappoint. Will definitely be back.
We all 10 enjoyed the experience and the food! Service was excellent the entire time! We will return.
Amazing food. Great service.
Great place. A little hard to find in the dark! We were late because we got lost but everyone there could not have been nicer. We were a little wound up from finding our way there but it didn’t take long before we were made to feel right at home. The evening was lovely and the food delicious and service outstanding!
The Gamekeeper definitely has game! Fantastic atmosphere, outstanding service and phenomenal food. The chef and staff went above and beyond to accommodate my dietary restrictions. The emu and elk were delicious and the Bison was my favorite. They have an awesome drink menu and a fabulous wine selection. This was the best meal we have had in a very long time. We will return when we go back to North Carolina for sure!
Anniversary
The Gamekeeper was fabulous. The food was inspired - we loved the mixed grill and the Osso Bucco. The wait staff are friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. Also, of all the restaurants we have been to recently, I was most impressed with how they have distanced everyone due to COVID. Creative and they are definitely keeping everyone safe. Couldn't give them a higher rating. We will be back!
We have been to the Gamekeeper multiple times and will continue to come here. Totally outstanding in every area. Best restraunt in this area by far.
This was a really great experience. All of the staff were exceptionally friendly and attentive. The food was amazing and the atmosphere was very laid back.
Food was fabulous and services was even better.
Fantastic atmosphere and staff! Definitely will return.
Very quick service, impeccable attention to every need. Considering pandemic, social distancing observed and patrons/staff safety was very obvious. The Emu was exceptional and the bourbon bread pudding was the most incredible dessert I’ve ever eaten!!!! Kudos to the Chef!!!!
We’ll be returning. What a lovely evening and the emu was fantastic!
Great service, and the atmosphere was a plus. Unfortunately, our appetizer was pretty poor, with the bison being well past well-done, almost completely burnt. Goat sausage was great, and wish it was offered as a separate dish. Wife got the Elk, which was great! While The Duck was average. May be worth the price if we both ordered the Elk, but it is slightly underwhelming with the dishes we chose (an app, two entrees, and a bottle of wine was 200).
Such a lovely little restaurant! Perfect place for a memorable evening! Definitely one to come back too!
We had a wonderful 20th anniversary dinner at The Gamekeeper. Their service is always exemplary and the food never disappoints. This will always be one of our regular restaurants in the high country.
Thanks for another great experience guys!
Food was perfect and atmosphere was great! Service was friendly and helpful with menu selections.
Great meal, great service, and a unique menu. We really enjoyed it!
Scenic, friendly, delicious drinks and food, romantic setting.
We were celebrating my husband’s birthday and as always it was AMAZING. I had Duck and it was cooked perfectly. We always enjoy Gamekeeper do all our special occasions.
Gamekeeper doesn’t disappoint! Food and service were outstanding. The noise level in the bar area was a little higher than I had expected, but only briefly overall.
It was an awesome dinner! The view and experience was unbelievable. The food is a bit on the expensive side considering the portion, but understandable given everything else. Overall I would give it a 5 out of 5.
Great food and service
Incredible!! Lizzie was greaf
Amazing food and a great way to try new things. Our server was awesome and offered recommendations.
Great menu great service. Cool place off the beaten path
Unique menu. Incredible tenderloin-prob best I’ve ever had.
Awesome Restaurant!!!! We will definitely be coming back.
The Gamekeeper is a fantastic restaurant for celebrating special occasions. They do a fantastic job of making you feel like royalty.
The food, as always, was delicious! I had emu for the 1st time, and my husband had elk. Both were fabulous, but it was the bread pudding for the real win!!
Great food- great atmosphere, and great service!!!
Wonderful as always!
Love this place. Worth driving 3 hrs for. Perfect service. Best Duck I've ever had and I'm in the biz. Hope yo being a lot of friends here.
Amazing atmosphere, built up by the drive up the mountain. Exquisite food and service from there
Wanted to enjoy an upscale dinner while visiting NC. The Gamekeeper was
the perfect choice.
From the moment we pulled up to the entrance we were greeted with kind,
friendly personnel. Upon entry the host performed temperature checks for
safety.
We were seated and prompted greeted by Jonathan. Jonathan was kind,
caring and efficient.
The Bleu Salad was amazing. It was obvious that only the freshest
ingredients were utilized. The glazed duck was delicious served with
mashed potatoes and vegetables.
The best meal I have ever had. Treat yourself to an exceptional dining
experience. The highest quality food accompanied by top notch
service by Jonathan.
Truly a gem tucked away in the mountains. If you are looking for something different and off the beaten path this is the place. The chef has assembled an interesting menu of primarily wild game and other unique meats paired with seasonal vegetables. The menu will change from time time but always offers a great variety. The bar offers unique signature cocktails. The ambiance is comfortably low key and quiet. The staff are friendly, professional and informative. Can’t wait to go back.
Have been going for years and just love this place! If you’re in the area this is a must go to venue!
GREAT atmosphere. Food and service were really exceptional. New fave spot!
The bison was to die for!!! Would def go back and soon!
As always, the experience at the Gamekeeper was excellent. From the atmosphere, service and then the food. They added two separate tent globes to handle a table of 4 outdoors. With snow in the background, i could have easily sat out there. Great idea. Filet and Trout were the entrees. Steak perfectly cooked, the trout was the best I had. Bleu salad and the chocolate flourless torte made the whole gourmet experience well rounded. The atmosphere was homey and charming. It’s nice that it is a nice mix of people. Never stuffy, or full of themselves. Worth every penny. It may seem pricey, but worth the splurge.
FAQs
The Gamekeeper is rated 4.9 stars by 2395 OpenTable diners.
Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable. Due to local restrictions, this restaurant may not be accepting reservations at the moment.