The Absolute Best Restaurant in Highland

There’s a quiet argument happening in Highland right now over where to get the best slice, and honestly, the contenders are making a strong case. This town runs on local loyalties, and you can taste that in everything from the sourdough crust at The Dutch Crown to the Detroit-style squares at Hudson & Packard that come with a proper crispy cheese edge.

But not every kitchen here gets a pass; the burnt pancakes at Gateway Diner made me question my own patience, while Bagels & Bites nailed the exact chew on a rye bagel. I’ve eaten my way across the spectrum, from farm-stand peach pizza to a dependable gastropub burger.

Pull up a chair.

Vigneto Cafe

Highlights
Attentive, accommodating service
Cozy, welcoming interior
Generous portions, fair prices
Tender mussels, tasty calamari
Comfortable background music

Vigneto Cafe gets the basics right, which is harder than it sounds. The staff actually pays attention, and they refilled my coffee without me asking, which earns my loyalty instantly. I ordered the mussels and calamari, both cooked tender and seasoned well, not the rubbery or bland versions you often find. Portions are generous for the price, so you leave full without feeling robbed. The room is cozy in an unpretentious way, and the background music stays at a level where you can actually talk. This is a dependable spot for a relaxed meal, and I mean that as a compliment.

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Restaurant At Apple Greens

Highlights
Scenic golf course views
Great outdoor seating
Comfortable, clean indoors
Solid lunch recommendation

The Restaurant at Apple Greens is about the view first, and the food does not disappoint as a supporting act. Sitting on the patio, you get a wide look at the golf course, which is calm and green even if you never swing a club. The indoor dining room is clean and comfortable, with big windows that bring the outside in. Lunch is the smart move here. I had a sandwich that was solid, not fancy, but fresh and well-made. The service was friendly and unhurried. You come for the scenery and stay for the easy pace. It is a good choice for a quiet afternoon meal.

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Bagels & Bites

Highlights
Fresh coffee, excellent flavored choices
Superb food at unbeatable prices
Friendly staff, mom-and-pop feel
Rye and egg bagels impress
Cozy seating with easy parking

Bagels & Bites is the classic morning stop that gets it right. The coffee is fresh and hot, and they offer a wide range of flavors that are actually distinct, not just sweet syrups. I ordered an egg and cheese on a rye bagel, and the bagel had that slight chew and crust that tells you it was made properly. The staff is friendly and fast, even when the line builds up. Prices are low, which is surprising given how good the food is. There is a small seating area that is cramped but fine for a quick bite. Parking is easy, which is a rarity around here. This is a dependable place to start the day.

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Gateway Diner

Highlights
Burnt pancakes served twice
Owner hostile to feedback
Unauthorized ingredient substitutions
Staff polite despite chaos
Skip this diner

Gateway Diner is a letdown, and I say that because I wanted to like it. The service was polite, but the kitchen is sloppy. I ordered pancakes, and they came out burnt on the bottom and raw in the middle. When I sent them back, the replacement was the same. I mentioned it to the owner, who told me that is how they cook them. He was not interested in feedback. The menu has a lot of options, but if the basics are wrong, that does not matter. The dining room is dated but clean. The staff working the floor seemed embarrassed by the situation. I would skip this one.

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DuBois Farms

Highlights
Family-friendly pick-your-own farm
Tractor rides to fields
Peach pizza worth trying
Best apple cider donuts
Adult drinks available

DuBois Farms is a working farm that doubles as a great day out. You can pick your own apples or berries depending on the season, and the tractor ride out to the fields is a charming touch for kids and adults alike. The real surprise is the peach pizza, which sounds odd but works. Sweet peaches, a bit of cheese, and a thin crust that holds up. It is a strange but welcome twist. The apple cider donuts are the best I have had in the area, warm and spiced just right. They also sell hard cider and other drinks for the adults. It gets busy on weekends, so go early.

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The Dutch Crown

Highlights
Exceptional sourdough pizza crust
Hot honey Brussels sprouts standout
Warm Hudson Valley tavern vibe
Friendly, hardworking owner service
Reasonable prices for quality

The Dutch Crown is a tavern with a modern touch, and the pizza here is something special. The sourdough crust has a tang and a chew that you do not find often. It holds its own against the toppings. The hot honey Brussels sprouts are the dish to order. They come blistered, slightly sweet, with a kick of heat that makes you keep going back. The owner was working the floor when I visited, and he took the time to check in on every table. The room has a warm, rustic feel that fits the Hudson Valley. Prices are reasonable for what you get. This place deserves your attention.

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Cosimo's Trattoria & Bar

Highlights
Amazing food, big portions
Great service, friendly staff
Worth a return visit

Cosimo's Trattoria & Bar serves Italian food in generous portions, and the staff treats you like a regular from the moment you walk in. I had the chicken parmigiana, which was large enough to feed two people. The sauce tasted like it simmered for hours, and the cheese was properly melted and golden. The service was quick and friendly, with a server who actually laughed at my bad jokes. The dining room is simple and a bit loud, but that adds to the energy. You leave full and happy. For a reliable Italian meal that does not break the bank, this is a solid pick. I would come back.

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Andy's

Highlights
Warm and friendly people
Delicious club sandwich and omelets
Honest, authentic local atmosphere
Hefty, generous portions
Simple breakfast done perfectly

Andy's is the kind of place where everyone seems to know your name after a second visit. The people are warm, and the vibe is honest and unpretentious. I came for breakfast and ordered the club sandwich, which was stacked high with fresh turkey, bacon, and lettuce. The omelets also looked great, fluffy and stuffed with fillings. Portions are hefty, so come hungry. The coffee is unlimited and always hot. It is a classic American diner feel without the diner chaos. Service is attentive but not rushed. If you want a simple, well-made meal in a friendly room, Andy's delivers. Just be ready to chat with your neighbor.

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Inn at Twaalfskill

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The Inn at Twaalfskill is the place to stay if you want a bed and a meal under one roof. The rooms are beautifully furnished, with comfortable bedding and a calm, homey feel. The staff is genuinely helpful and knowledgeable about the area, offering suggestions for hikes and other restaurants. Breakfast is included and simple but done well, with fresh eggs and good coffee. The location is quiet and close to the main roads, making it easy to explore Highland. It is not a luxury resort, but it is comfortable and welcoming. I slept well and left refreshed. That is a good recommendation in my book.

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Farmers and Chefs

Highlights
Exceptional service
Consistently great food
Calming, classy atmosphere

Farmers and Chefs is a tidy spot that focuses on solid, consistent cooking. The service is exceptional, with a server who remembered my order from the last visit, which impressed me more than it should have. The food is consistently great, not flashy. I had the roast chicken, which was moist and seasoned simply but perfectly. A side of roasted vegetables came out crisp and not soggy. The atmosphere is calm and classy without feeling stuffy. You can actually have a conversation here. Prices are a touch high, but the quality justifies it. This is a good place for a quiet dinner or a business lunch. I left satisfied.

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Hudson & Packard

Highlights
Flavorful Detroit-style pizza masterpieces
Crispy, juicy wings worth ordering
Hot honey elevates the Ford Funghi
Fresh ingredients and amazing crusts
Customizable pizzas with many options

Hudson & Packard has carved out a niche with Detroit-style pizza, and they execute it with real skill. The crust is the star: thick, airy, with that crispy cheese edge that makes you want to eat every last corner. I tried the Funghi, and the mushrooms were earthy and rich, balanced by a sharp cheese blend. The wings are worth ordering on their own. They come crispy with a sticky, spicy glaze that has actual heat, not just sugar. You can customize your pizza with a long list of toppings, which is nice if you are picky. Prices feel fair for the quality. This place knows what it is doing.

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Garvan's Gastropub

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Garvan's Gastropub has a warm, wood-heavy interior that feels like a proper neighborhood bar. The kitchen sends out food that is more ambitious than typical pub fare, and it mostly lands. I had a burger that was juicy and cooked to the requested temperature, with fries that were properly salted and crisp. The service was attentive without hovering. The drink list is solid, with a few local brews on tap. It is the kind of place where you can sit for an hour, watch a game, and have a satisfying meal. Not groundbreaking, but reliable in all the ways that matter.

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