Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Asheville

OpenTable

Updated January 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Asheville? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Rocky Face Tavern - Springdale Resort

4.9

4.9 (366)

$30 and under

American

Canton

About the restaurant

The Rocky Face Tavern at Springdale Resort has become one of Western North Carolina's favorite destinations. In the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, under the shadow of Cold Mountain with sweeping views of the Rocky Face Mountain, our upscale casual dining experience will soon become your favorite choice for a night out! Under the direction of Page and Sid Truesdale, Haywood County natives, they have created a menu of Southern favorites and serve them in an ambiance that is both inviting and captivating. When you visit the Smoky Mountains, be sure to make your reservation!

The Tavern is a short walk from the parking area, if you need assistance getting into the restaurant, please call 828-220-4938.

Top review

Pat

Dined on Dec 29, 2024

The food was delicious as always. Service was great as well.

Posana

4.8

4.8 (2296)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Asheville

About the restaurant

Posana is a contemporary American restaurant in the heart of downtown Asheville on Historic Pack Square. With a focus on serving local, seasonal, and sustainable cuisine, Posana sources unprocessed, premium ingredients from nearly 65 different local purveyors and farmers each week and regularly changes the menu. The restaurant’s warm welcoming main dining room is ideal for a weeknight dinner, weekend get together, or a special occasion celebration. We can’t wait to serve you.

Top review

Marlie

Dined on Dec 28, 2024

From walking into the door the experience was AMAZING. The host was so sweet and then our waitress was so great and knew what to recommend for us. We would come back in a heartbeat

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Popular dish

Shrimp & Crab Hush Puppies

4.8

4.8 (1730)

$31 to $50

Asian

Asheville

About the restaurant

Welcome to Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse, where Japanese Soul Food meets American BBQ by James Beard Nominated Chef Michael Lewis. “Japanese Smokehouse” is defined as merging Japanese ingredients and flavors with American BBQ techniques, and everything in between.

Menu highlights include light and refreshing dishes such as Wagyu Tataki with house kimchee, yuzu kosho and savory soy or Tuna Takaki with fire roasted peppers + ponzu, to bolder flavors such as Smoked Pastrami Short Rib with toasted rye, fire roasted kimchi + yuzu pickles. We are currently open 5 days a week for Dinner as we navigate after Hurricane Helene.

Please note, our dining room consists of booths, regular tables and high-tops. We will try our best to accommodate you at your prefer location, but sometimes it is not possible due to party size. Our outdoor tables can be requested but not guaranteed when booking on open table.

Top review

JosephVIP

Dined 3 days ago

My family and I had a wonderful meal, the food and service were superb as usual. Apologies but my two year old son grabbed the fire alarm handle (his older brother was holding him and didn’t realize how close he was to the fire alarm). Please contact us once you receive a bill from the fire department. We were mortified to see all the fire trucks arrive!

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Popular dish

Coconut Cake

Popular dish

Pork + Shitake Mushroom Gyoza

Popular dish

Japanese Sweet Potato

Laila

4.8

4.8 (140)

$31 to $50

Indian

Asheville

About the restaurant

Step into the vibrant world of an modern Indian cuisine restaurant, where the aromas of spices and sizzling delicacies instantly transport you to India. The ambiance is lively and colorful, reflecting the spirit of modern Indian culture. The menu showcases an array of mouthwatering dishes, from tandoori kebabs to rich curries to buttery naan and aromatic biryanis. Each dish is meticulously prepared, blending a symphony of spices that leave your taste buds tingling with delight. The warmth and hospitality of the staff make you feel at home. Whether you're a fan of fiery flavors or milder options, Laila is an unforgettable gastronomic journey through the flavors of India.

Top review

Alicia

Dined 6 days ago

Last night , three neighbors and I had dinner at Laila’s. It was the first time for two of us. We ordered a variety of starters and entrees for sharing-and we loved everything. Absolutely delicious. The service and ambiance were great, too. We will be back.

Luminosa

4.8

4.8 (315)

$30 and under

Italian

Asheville

About the restaurant

Where modern-Appalachian meets Italian-inspiration, Luminosa is bringing a hyperlocal lens to Italian cuisine, utilizing regional purveyors and local team member expertise to shape and curate the ever-evolving, seasonally driven offerings. Nestled within The Flat Iron Hotel, a historic boutique hotel in Asheville, North Carolina, Luminosa's carefully designed space radiates a welcoming tavern ambiance. Our culinary heart is a wood-burning oven, infusing a "touch of fire" into handmade pizzas, house-made pastas, and locally sourced vegetables. In homage to Asheville's renowned brewery scene, Luminosa's beverage program features local brews, including an exclusive collaboration, alongside a diverse selection of cocktails and wines.

Top review

Ben

Dined 1 day ago

The food was excellent. We had the cheese board, caramelle and gnocchi. Our server was prompt and attentive. We recommend the restaurant.

Tupelo Honey - South Asheville

4.7

4.7 (3189)

$30 and under

Contemporary Southern

Asheville

About the restaurant

Tupelo Honey is a revival of Southern Comfort Food and traditions rooted in the Carolina Mountains we call home. We craft brunches, lunches and suppers that bring family and friends around the table and allow for conversations and cocktails to linger longer than usual. Always scratch-made, always responsibly-sourced, and always Southern.
Although our patio is available for dining year round, please note we do not have heaters.

**THIS IS OUR SOUTH ASHEVILLE LOCATION. TO MAKE A RESERVATION DOWNTOWN, PLEASE VISIT THAT LOCATION. THANK YOU.**

Top review

Jan

Dined on Jan 1, 2025

Thank you for a wonderful experience! The entire staff was friendly and helpful! The waiter was excellent! My food was delicious and my cocktail was wonderful Thank you to all

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Experience

Asheville Restaurant Week

Experience

Asheville Restaurant Week

Experience

Hoot & Holler Happy Hour

The Market Place Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (4055)

$31 to $50

American

Asheville

About the restaurant

Welcome to The Market Place, Asheville's culinary gem nestled in the heart of downtown! Led by Chef William Dissen, our restaurant celebrates the vibrant flavors of the region with a menu featuring locally sourced ingredients from within a 100-mile radius of Asheville. We're proud to have been named a semi-finalist for the prestigious James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant. Join us for dinner beginning at 5 pm where you can enjoy our delicious dishes alongside a local beer or a handmade cocktail.

Due to the unpredictable weather in the mountains, patio tables cannot be reserved.

Top review

Michael

Dined 7 days ago

Great cocktails! The menu is nice with the small plate offerings, and the mains range from a burger (yum!) to lamb shank (also yum).

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Popular dish

Shrimp & Grits

Bargello

4.6

4.6 (486)

$30 and under

Italian

Asheville

About the restaurant

Bargello®, located in the Hotel Arras, is named after the 17th century Florentine needlepoint style. The intricacy of this stitch embodies the restaurant weaving together their love for community, cuisine, and hospitality to create the ultimate casual fine dining experience.

Bargello's culinary team draws their inspiration from the flavors you experience when traveling along the Mediterranean coastline. Seasonal and locally sourced dishes include fresh hand-rolled pastas, house-made breads, and innovative cuisine from Executive Chef Tyler Slade. Bargello’s menu changes often to reflect the local produce available in Western North Carolina.

Complementary valet parking is available exclusively for Bargello during dinner service from Wednesday to Sunday, between 5:00 PM and 10:00 PM. A reservation is required, and the valet service is limited to a maximum of three hours. This offer is not valid on holidays, special events, or private events.

Top review

Rick

Dined on Jan 4, 2025

Great meal at Bargello last night. The soup was delicious as well as my fresh pasta and pork torchon ( pulled pork pressed into a disc).. fall apart fabulous. No question great meal.

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4.5

4.5 (4198)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Asheville

About the restaurant

**PLEASE NOTE THAT OUR THANKSGIVING MENU FOUND AT WWW.THEBLACKBIRDRESTAURANT.COM WILL BE THE ONLY MENU OFFERED ON THANKSGIVING DAY**

The Blackbird Restaurant is a Chef Owned Restaurant serving local, fresh ingredients. The Blackbird’s goal is to delight guests with cooking grounded in the traditions and ingredients of the Carolinas creating an unique and vibrant menu – New American with Southern Flares.

The menu features the seasonal best from local farmers, fresh catches from the coast of the Carolinas, incredible local micro-brews, specialty cocktails, and great wines from the around the world. Our menu changes seasonally to reflect the bounty of the area and the chef’s creativity. The Blackbird’s award-winning food, desserts and prompt service will impress you every time.

We are located in the heart of downtown Asheville, on Biltmore Ave. You can find us at the corner of The Aloft Hotel.

Parking Garage is located at the back on Lexington Ave. The first hour is free.

Top review

Dined 7 days ago

A small restaurant in Asheville's downtown area. A nice diverse menu and friendly staff.

Guy Fieri's Cherokee Kitchen + Bar

4.2

4.2 (2418)

$31 to $50

American

Cherokee

About the restaurant

Take a trip into Flavortown with Guy's Cherokee Kitchen & Bar! This casual dining experience features "Real Deal" Guy signature recipes from award winning burgers, championship BBQ, and serious Big Eat dishes. Guy's scratch made recipes extend out into the bar with "Off da Hook" hand crafted cocktails, craft beers, and Guy's very own Santo Tequila! Located in The Cherokee, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resorts newest hotel and convention center.

Top review

DanielVIP

Dined on Jan 3, 2025

Great experience Food was excellent Service Fantastic

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Popular dish

Chocolate Whiskey Cake

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