$$$American Contemporary
The Admiral leads the charge with a vintage diner meets modern bistro vibe. Their American cuisine displays playful, creative twists on a menu that mixes small and medium plates with a few classic steak and sauce options, as well as rotating “blue plate” specials like fried chicken, schnitzel and fish and chips. Noteworthy orders include blanched snap peas atop a creamy, charred spring onion pesto with pickled turnips. Tossed in a yuzu vinaigrette and finished with sesame seeds, it's a bright opener. Then, tuck into rack of lamb over a lemony couscous with sauteed leeks and asparagus. The whip
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.2/5 · 80 reviews
The Admiral in Asheville offers American Contemporary cuisine with a TripAdvisor average of 4.2/5. Food quality is generally praised for items like lamb, mussels, and local ingredients, though some diners criticized fatty steaks and small portions. Service is noted for being knowledgeable and welcoming, yet occasionally lacks attentiveness or suffers from pacing issues. The ambiance is described as understated and elegant, with indoor seating preferred over the courtyard. Value perceptions vary; while some find it reasonable, others cite high prices and unexpected service charges. Reservations are recommended due to popularity.
Suitable for diners seeking refined American cuisine and an elegant atmosphere; reservations are advised.
$Seafood, American
Good Hot Fish, found in the South Slope District among a bevy of craft breweries, stands out with its dark exterior and a whimsical neon fish over the door. The small setting is mostly all business, but there are a number of seats along dining counters inside and out, and the team is a pleasant bunch.Chef Ashleigh Shanti's enticing vision of a traditional fish fry features product like North Carolina catfish and dayboat shrimp. The fish sandwich is a must — dredged in coarsely ground, locally milled cornmeal for an enticing crunch, tucked between slices of white bread and drizzled with spiced
$$$Japanese, Barbecue
Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse is located in downtown Asheville, with a white stucco exterior, ample outdoor seating and an exterior stone fireplace. Inside, the room has a rustic look and boasts an open kitchen. Headed by Chef Michael Lewis, the menu offers an array of small plates such as fried items, grilled skewers, sashimi, dumplings and buns, as well as smoked meats. The large bar at the center of the room is a convivial meeting place pouring creative cocktails (the Ukiah Oldie is fittingly infused with smoke) and local craft brews are on draft. Those unsure of what to order or without family
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.4/5 · 80 reviews
Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse blends Japanese and barbecue styles, holding a 4.4/5 rating. Food quality is generally praised, with shareable plates like tiger prawns, wagyu, and desserts highlighted, though some found soups overly sweet or the cuisine inconsistent with Japanese traditions. Service is polarizing; many appreciate knowledgeable staff, while others report slow responses. The atmosphere is pleasant, suitable for outdoor dining. Regarding value, portions are small and pacing can be sporadic, leading to mixed opinions on cost-effectiveness.
Ideal for diners seeking unique fusion cuisine and a shareable, social dining experience.
$$$American
Located at the Radical hotel in Asheville's River Arts District, this red brick structure was originally built in 1923 and was previously a breakfast cereal factory. The space is done up in dark painted exposed brick walls decorated with murals, large windows with views of the French Broad river, tall ceilings, exposed air ducts and an open kitchen.Wood-fired is the dominant feature of this kitchen. Small plates include smoked fish dip accompanied by crunchy seasonal vegetables and house-made matzo; North Carolina crab beignets with Old Bay-seasoned powdered sugar for dusting, or a "Girl's Din
$American
Serving up heaps of comforting breakfast fare since 2003, Sunny Point Café is indeed a warm and genial spot. Located in West Asheville, the café offers plenty of outdoor seating, as well as a covered patio and interior tables, and its sister spot, Rabbit Hole bakery, is just across the way. Come for the made-from-scratch, farm-to-table breakfast/brunch comfort fare, served from morning to afternoon. Must orders include the signature roasted tomato and cheddar omelet with maple-black pepper bacon served in a croissant; biscuits and gravy; or the chicken and waffle with pimento cheese and jalape
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.3/5 · 80 reviews
Sunny Point Café in Asheville holds a 4.3/5 average rating. Reviewers frequently praise food quality and atmosphere, highlighting dishes like avocado toast on house-made bread, stuffed French toast, shrimp and grits, and the Philly steak and eggs. Service is generally positive, with specific mentions of attentive staff. However, criticisms focus on slow meal pacing and inconsistent food temperatures, such as cold pancakes or undercooked vegetables. While portions are noted as generous, some find the value questionable relative to price. Parking difficulties are a common complaint. Despite these issues, the garden setting and adjacent bakery offer appeal. It suits travelers seeking fresh, creative breakfast options who can tolerate potential wait times and parking challenges.
Ideal for visitors willing to allocate extra time for fresh, creative breakfasts and garden ambiance.
$$Spanish
This Spanish-inspired tapas bar lives inside a renovated 1920s bus depot and serves up a menu rooted in tradition—think charcuterie, croquettes, patatas bravas and shareable large plates like mussels and grilled meats. They also have a "jamonarea" with around six different types of cured meats available. Cozy yet refined. this spot in downtown Asheville makes you want to order a bottle of wine and settle in while snacking on a tabla de quesos, a board with a selection of Spanish cheeses, and curate sobrasada, a pimenton-spiced, spreadable, cured sausage sided by goat cheese and honey with a ba
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.6/5 · 80 reviews
Cúrate Bar de Tapas in Asheville holds a 4.6-star rating, praised for high-quality Spanish tapas and a unique atmosphere. Diners highlight standout dishes like baby back ribs, garlic shrimp, beet salad, and fried eggplant with rosemary ice cream. The bar area offers a lively setting where guests can watch chefs work. However, reviews note inconsistent service, including long waits, unhelpful staff, and pacing issues. While some criticize hygiene or attitude, the overall consensus remains positive. Reservations are recommended due to high demand.
Ideal for diners seeking authentic Spanish flavors who can tolerate occasional service inconsistencies; reservations are essential.
$Ethiopian
This cozy neighborhood spot welcomes diners with open arms, and if you're a newcomer, the friendly staff will happily guide you through their menu of traditional Ethiopian fare. Meat eaters and vegetarians alike will find something to savor here, where they cover all of the classics, including doro wat, a rich and spicy chicken stew, and tibs, or sautéed cuts of meat, as well as chickpea-based shiro w’at and ater kik w’at with yellow split peas. Everything comes family style on injera, the tangy flatbread that’s the heart of Ethiopian dining.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.4/5 · 80 reviews
Located in downtown Asheville, Addissae Ethiopian Restaurant receives generally positive feedback. Food quality is frequently praised for its rich flavors, beautiful presentation, and diverse options, particularly for vegetarian and meat platters, with some noting its authenticity. However, a minority of reviews criticize specific dishes or portion sizes. Service is consistently described as friendly, attentive, and helpful, especially regarding dietary needs like gluten-free options. The atmosphere reflects a family-run establishment, though some guests mention poor ventilation and lingering cooking odors. While most diners enjoy the experience, individual perceptions of taste and comfort vary. It remains a notable local spot for traditional Ethiopian cuisine.
Suitable for diners seeking authentic Ethiopian cuisine who are not sensitive to cooking odors.
$$$american
Husband-and-wife duo Jacob and Alicia Sessoms are behind this simple, seasonal and thoughtful restaurant in downtown Asheville. Table looks and feels welcoming, with plenty of places to sit both indoors and out, and a staff that exudes Southern charm. The New American menu is well-edited, with small plates like roasted vegetables, steak tartare and fresh bread, and larger mains like chicken, steak and house-made pasta (ricotta cavatelli in a rabbit sugo is spot on). The “easy” section includes bar snack standbys like wings, a fried chicken sandwich, and a messy-delicious burger with house-made
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.0/5 · 80 reviews
Table in Asheville holds a 4.0/5 average rating. Positive reviews highlight food quality, service, and atmosphere, praising fresh ingredients, accommodation for allergies (e.g., gluten-free options), and attentive staff. Dishes like rainbow trout and pork schnitzel received acclaim. Negative feedback focuses on inconsistent food quality, slow pacing, and poor value. Critics cite small portions, high prices, under-seasoned or lukewarm meals, and a pretentious ambiance. While service is consistently commended, culinary execution varies significantly among guests.
Suitable for diners prioritizing service over consistent culinary execution and budget constraints.
$$Pizza, Italian
Soprana may be located on the seventh floor of the Embassy Suites hotel, but this is no workhorse hotel dining room. Instead, it has its own distinct character. The large rooftop space is done up with glazed white ceramic tile, dark green accent walls and a glassed-in kitchen. There’s a wrap-around terrace and the hotel’s location commands a great view of the expanse of the Blue Ridge mountains beyond.Pizza is the main event here; prepared in a brick oven and topped with an array of house-made and artisanal embellishments. The Asheville, for instance, has a light, tender and chewy crust and is
$American
This eatery in historic Montford is a quintessential neighborhood gathering place. Packed with colorful chairs and tables, it's a casual, come-as-you-are spot that's just right for picking up to-go orders as it is for settling in for a meal with friends. Chef Jacob Sessoms leans into the cozy, market-focused vibe with a menu built around breakfast and lunch favorites. It all begins with “The Wake Up” section full of egg sandwiches, frittatas and shakshuka, before transitioning to “Open and Closed” with picks like burgers, biscuit fried chicken sandwiches and avocado toast. Sides include everyt
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.5/5 · 73 reviews
All Day Darling in Asheville offers American cuisine with a generally positive reception. The eclectic menu features items like Buddha bowls, the Hardy Salad, and breakfast classics. While many praise the flavorful and well-cooked food, some reviewers found dishes greasy or unmemorable. Service operates on a semi-casual model: customers queue to order, self-serve water and utensils, and wait for food delivery. Staff are described as friendly, though the process can be confusing for first-timers. The atmosphere is vibrant and colorful, with abundant outdoor seating creating a local, social vibe. Negative feedback primarily targets value for money and the lack of full table service, with some visitors feeling the experience did not meet expectations despite the appealing setting.
Suitable for travelers seeking a relaxed, social atmosphere and diverse brunch or light meal options who do not mind self-service.
$$American Contemporary
Tall John's is the quintessential neighborhood spot with a classic American menu and an ambience that makes it just right for everyone on any given night. It may be welcoming and laidback, but there is a clear emphasis on quality ingredients here, where house-made sauces are just one hint at the kitchen's skill.The menu leans into the name, with small and medium plates like olives, salads and tartare, and tall plates offerings hearty mains like steak, chicken and duck. Of course, nothing beats a classic order of Caesar salad with house-made croutons and a cheeseburger slathered with house-made
$American Contemporary
Leo's House of Thirst is the sort of place we all want in our neighborhoods. This wine bar feels like your coolest friend's living room, livened up with books, wine bottles and plants. Inside, there’s a small bar with seating, plus a patio outside with tables and umbrellas.Stop in during the day for a cup of coffee and a breakfast sandwich or swing by at night for a glass of wine and a meal. Mornings are met with the likes of avocado toast and a beef short rib hash, while come evening, it's oysters, crudos and tartares, along with heartier options like chicken and pasta.