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Ruka's Table Reviews List
Ruka's Table
Ruka's Table embodies the spirit of Highlands with a casual but elegant atmosphere, excellent food and service, and a commitment to quality that we believe is unequaled. Our Chef Justin Burdett has been voted into Best Chef's America by his peers and been nominated by Food & Wine Magazine for Top 10 Best New Chef in America. He also competed and won on Food Networks Chopped in 2011. Ruka's menu is an array of specials, salads, soups, appetizers, entrees, and desserts that are 100% house made from the finest quality ingredients that we can purchase. Our steaks are local, dry aged, hormone free meats of the highest grade. Our menu has a variety of seafood and poultry dishes and includes daily specials and our take on southern specialties. Ruka's features a beautiful, copper topped, full service bar that offers a huge assortment of craft beer, specialty cocktails, and a fantastic wine list. The bar is flanked by a large stone fireplace that also has adjacent seating.
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21 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 21 reviews
5 stars
(10)
4 stars
(10)
3 stars
(1)
2 stars
(0)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(17)
- neighborhood gem(13)
- special occasion(12)
- romantic(11)
- notable wine list(5)
- good for groups(4)
Ruka's Table Reviews List
Review 1 for Ruka's Table
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
our new favorite!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We discovered Ruka's a little over a year ago, and now it's a must hit restaurant when we are up in Highlands! Fresh, creative and delicious cuisine. Great atmosphere, lively bar, and friendly service!"
Dined on 3/30/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot
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Review 2 for Ruka's Table
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Still Hoping!
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The things Ruka's does right they do well; Charcuterie, Pickles, Seasonal Ingredients. Unfortunately, the menu could still use a little something. After the aforementioned Starters, the 4 of us had different entrees to see a variety of offerings and they tend to be a little confusing. Too many ingredients competing for attention and not enough focus on the item that was ordered. Will keep our fingers crossed that the future brings a little more of the talent we know awaits us."
Dined on 5/11/2013
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Review 3 for Ruka's Table
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Addition to Highlands
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Gives you another alternative to Madison's for special dining."
Dined on 5/06/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 4 for Ruka's Table
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Pricey but delicious. Very slow night when we were there - the service was excellent, not sure how they do "in season" when things are hopping more. Would definitely recommend it, though."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 5 for Ruka's Table
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We have a house in Highlands
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We have a house in Highlands Falls CC but this was our first time for dinner at Ruka's. We thoroughly enjoyed it and will be back again. Enjoyed the music and our server Elizabeth was terrific."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2013
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Review 6 for Ruka's Table
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had a wonderful dinner at Rukas Table. The food was all prepared extremely well, with perfectly seared scallops and venison that hit the mark. The pork belly was fantastic as well. We needed a dash of salt here or there, and wish we'd skipped dessert since dinner ended on a flat note there, but it did not change our opinion of a chef who obviously loves food and loves working with excellent product. Everything was beautifully presented (except for dessert that was extremely uninspired), and our server was very friendly and did a very nice job. We'll definitely be back!"
Dined on 04/27/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 7 for Ruka's Table
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We always have an enjoyable
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We always have an enjoyable meal at Ruka's Table. The new chef is doing an amazing job preparing seasonal meals using local farms. The wine list is very good with a mixed price range for all those enjoying wine.
We started with a cheese plate - a good selection but the sauces, chili olives and almond butter pairings with the cheese were outstanding and really made it special. I also had the "killed lettuces" salad which was delicious with the warm bacon vinegarette. The venison is always amazing.
Highly recommended for those looking for a wonderful dining experience in Highlands."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 8 for Ruka's Table
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My wife and I decided to fine
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My wife and I decided to fine at Ruka's table after seeing that the chef was nominated for food and wine magazine's top 10 best new chef in America. Our experience more than lived up to expectations. The staff was knowledgable and friendly. We sat in a nice leather booth by the fire. But the food was what was most impressive. The charcuterie board was te best I have ever had and the flounder with hominy was excellent. My was had the crispy pork sausage and the pork loin. All were over the top. We cannot wait to come back on our next trip to highlands!"
Dined on 04/07/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 9 for Ruka's Table
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Our first time and we enjoyed
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Our first time and we enjoyed it very much. The food was excellent. Compares well with the best in Highlands, which has several very fine restaurants. We will certainly be back."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2010
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Review 10 for Ruka's Table
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Had a great time out with
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Had a great time out with my wife. Food was great beer selection was unreal."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 11 for Ruka's Table
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
two lonely diners
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This previously casual lunch and dinner establishment has been transformed into an elegant atmosphere of fine dining, yet still a warm “casual” environment. Chef Burdett, winner of a “Chopped” episode on the Food Network, steps out of the box on preparation and flavor. The chicken was prepared with faro amongst other fabulous ingredients and spices and cooked to perfection. The Niman Ranch Pork Loin also done perfectly. In January, Highlands NC is not exactly a metropolis and we are often one of a couple tables. That said, the service and food prep is wonderful!"
Dined on 02/21/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 12 for Ruka's Table
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Niman Ranch Pork Loin over
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Niman Ranch Pork Loin over Kale is delicious! Two people ordered it during this meal and both thought it was terrific! Try for a table by the fireplace if you can get one - especially in low season (like Feb)."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 13 for Ruka's Table
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Treat Yourself in Highlands
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Exquisite evening with my wife
Fireside table - intense service
Provacative menu- excellent food
And a delightful visit from Executive
Chef Justin Burdett
Provacative menu- excellent food
And a delightful visit from Executive
Chef Justin Burdett
Looking forward to our return
To try some additional gourmet selections
To try some additional gourmet selections
Note. TRY THE NORTH CAROLINA FLOUNDER
CHEERS
Max Carey"
Dined on 02/24/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 14 for Ruka's Table
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Wonderful relaxed, casual
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Wonderful relaxed, casual atmosphere. The food is absolutely outstanding! Teh flounder dish is the best I have ever had. Justin, the Chef is really an artist and Elizabeth is such a wonderful waitress. Truly a gem!"
Dined on 02/01/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 15 for Ruka's Table
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Excellent now that Justin
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent now that Justin is the Chef."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Ruka's Table
Based on the average of (6) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.7
/
5
1 out of 1 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.8
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate