Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Asheville

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems 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!

Andaaz - Asheville

5.0

5 (1418)

$31 to $50

Indian

Asheville

About the restaurant

Reservations are for available for dinner. Lunch buffet is available 7 days a week on a walk in basis (no reservations needed for Lunch). Andaaz is a fine dining restaurant with a variety of vegetarian, non-vegetarian signature dishes and fresh breads. The ambience showcases glimpses of Indian culture. Located in Biltmore Village right across the entrance to the Historic Biltmore Estate.

Top review

Manisha

Dined on Sep 23, 2024

Everything we ordered was delicious. The spinach chat was crispy and so tasty.

Glass Onion - Weaverville, NC

4.9

4.9 (2625)

$31 to $50

Italian

Asheville

About the restaurant

Located in Quaint Downtown Weaverville, a Short Drive North of Asheville.
Glass Onion Serves Northern Italian Fare Simply Prepared Using Mostly Local, Organic & Sustainable Products From Area Farmers & Vendors.
Open for Dine-in Wed-Sun 5-8pm Last Seating is 8pm

Top review

Randy

Dined 2 days ago

We always love the food and Stanley is a fabulous waiter!

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Popular dish

Rigatoni w Braised Wild Boar Bolognese

Popular dish

Almond Cake

Little D's

4.9

4.9 (412)

$30 and under

American

Asheville

About the restaurant

Executive Chef Owen McGlynn
Chef de Cuisine Faith Hall

COOK WITH INTENTION
We’re all about cooking with intention and purposeful ingredients to deliver a depth of flavor. Slowing down to do something well makes the enjoyment of great food and good conversation that much better.
EAT WITH THE SEASONS
Our food is straightforward and authentic. Our sharable plates change seasonally as we celebrate locally‐sourced produce at its prime. Seasonal eating is a delicious and sustainable way to support your local food purveyors and enjoy both recognizable flavors, as well as the unexpected.
YOUR NECK OF THE WOODS
We hope to be that third place for you to gather and catch up over a delicious meal and craft cocktails.
Owned and operated by the friendly and energetic couple, Owen and Mindi McGlynn of Asheville Proper, they wanted to create an inviting and easygoing space just for locals, located in North Asheville, away from the hustle and bustle of downtown life.

Top review

Amanda

Dined 3 days ago

Food and service were amazing. The design is beautiful

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Pan Roasted Duck Breast

Rendezvous

4.9

4.9 (89)

$31 to $50

French

Asheville

About the restaurant

Dining at Rendezvous is a special experience. The quaint farmhouse feel, the upscale yet casual elegance, and the comfort of our thyme-honored French cuisine, are just a part of our appeal. You can find owner, Michel Baudouin, playing the age old game of Pétanque on our expansive outdoor courts, also available for your use if desired. And Chef Benjamin Anderson has perfected our famous Duck a L'Orange. Please join us for a warm and comfort-filled evening; choose Rendezvous for your next rendezvous!

Top review

SuzanneVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Rendevous is always outstanding. What I like about Rendevous first of all is the staff. Everyone is super friendly and very qualified at what they do. The ambience was absolutely beautiful with the Christmas season and the holidays approaching. But honestly, the very best thing is the food. It is spectacular every single time. The sauces are absolutely amazing and the meals are cooked to perfection. Thank you so much! We love it there! Our absolute favorite restaurant in Asheville.

Laila

4.8

4.8 (128)

$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

Becca

Dined 7 days ago

It was a little too loud, but the food was phenomenal

Twisted Laurel Downtown

4.6

4.6 (1085)

$30 and under

American

Asheville

About the restaurant

Twisted Laurel Downtown Asheville!

Top review

MollyVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Great drinks and excellent food. The Brussels sprouts appetizer was particularly good. Love the twisted fries too

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Crispy Brussel Sprouts

The Market Place Restaurant

4.5

4.5 (4049)

$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

Karise

Dined 3 days ago

I can see now why I was not able to get a table all the times I had tried when the restaurant was booked!

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Experience

New Years Eve Pre-Fixe Dinner

Birchwood Hall Southern Kitchen

4.5

4.5 (333)

$30 and under

Southern

Waynesville

About the restaurant

Elevated Southern cooking & cocktails presented in rustic surroundings.

We offer a humble selection of handcrafted creations from the finest locally and regionally sourced ingredients. Birchwood Hall passionately showcases a farm-to-table approach deeply rooted in Southern tradition. Each dish pays homage to the down-home warmth of Southern cuisine with an eclectic, modern twist. We’re honored that you’ve chosen our table and look forward to serving your meal with the utmost pride and care…

~ Nicolas Peek / Executive Chef

Top review

Joe

Dined 1 day ago

Conner was an amazing server. Food was amazing as always. Still wishing they would bottle the green goddess ranch dressing.

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Popular dish

Fried Chicken

Popular dish

Birchwood Fried Chicken Sandwich

Popular dish

Dad's Tomato Pie

The Blackbird

4.4

4.4 (4166)

$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

DAVID

Dined 1 day ago

Fantastic meal! Goat cheese omelet…stuffed full of really good things! The only thing better than the good was the service. Happy, helpful , and attentive. Blackbird aims to please…and they do!

Isa's Bistro

3.6

3.6 (2017)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Asheville

About the restaurant

Enjoy Complimentary Valet Parking provided by Haywood Park Hotel, conveniently located next door.
Internationally Inspired. Asheville Perfected. Welcome to Isa's Bistro, an award-winning farm-to-table restaurant. Located in downtown Asheville, Isa's is renowned for its charming street-level patio – the perfect spot for a leisurely weekend brunch or a romantic dinner, ensuring a truly exceptional dining experience. Isa's is your destination for exceptional cuisine, superb service, and a comfortable atmosphere, appealing to both locals and visitors alike. Expect an eclectic menu, craft cocktails, and decadent desserts.

Isa's Bistro is situated in the heart of downtown Asheville, at One Battery Park Avenue, just steps away from the Harrah's Cherokee Center, the Grove Arcade, and a wealth of attractions, shops, and galleries. Our 90-seat dining room is complemented by a wine cellar event space, capable of accommodating anywhere from 4 to 120 guests.

Top review

Chrissy

Dined on Sep 19, 2024

Definitely visit this amazing eatery! Loved everything we ordered. Highly recommend the tuna lime nachos and the chicken and waffles. Goes great with a bottle of Pinot Grigio! Best meal I’ve hade in a long time. Service was amazing, too. Great location in the heart of town.

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