The Ultimate Guide To Asheville and the Western North Carolina Mountains

The Online Version of the Best-selling Regional Guidebook
 

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Western North Carolina Cities & Towns
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Pricing Guide: $ under $10, $$ $10-20, $$$ $20-30, $$$$ over $30
 

Bavarian Restaurant & Biergarten ($$ North Asheville): Authentic German Bavarian restaurant in the mountains with over 30 Bavarian specialties prepared by our certified German Master Chef for over 50 years. Inside and outside seating. 332 Weaverville Highway, Asheville NC 28804, 828-645-8383. Tuesday through Friday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Bistro 1896 ($$ Downtown): Innovative American cuisine with a decidedly chic twist, all in a great setting on historic Pack Square. Patio setting outside in the summer. 7 Pack Square, Asheville NC 28801, 828-251-1300. Lunch: Monday-Saturday 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; Dinner: Monday-Saturday 5-10 p.m.

Biltmore Estate Restaurants:  Biltmore Estate has a number of superb restaurants on their premises: the historic Deerpark Restaurant, the Stable Cafe and Arbor Grill for casual dining, The Bistro  for continental cuisine, and The Dining Room for elegant dining at the Inn on Biltmore Estate. To access these fine restaurants, however, one must purchase a pass to the Estate. Plan to eat at one of these restaurants during the course of your visit.

Black Forest Restaurant ($$ South Asheville): Authentic German and Northern Italian cuisine, steaks, and seafood. All Fireside lounge with all permits and seven distinctive dining rooms. 2155 Hendersonville Rd., Arden NC 28704, 828-687-7980. Reservations suggested, Dinner: Monday-Saturday 5-10 p.m.; Lunch: Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m.

Blue Ridge Dining Room at the Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa ($$$ Grove Park Inn): Southern Heritage cuisine including shrimp and grits and other southern classics. Enclosed terrace dining with a wonderful sunset view. Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa, 290 Macon Ave., Asheville NC 28804, 828-252-2711. Reservations recommended. Breakfast: 6:30-11 a.m.; Sunday Brunch: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dinner: 3-9:30 pm.

Bouchon French Bistro ($$ Downtown): Superb restaurant offering authentic French "comfort food" (honest ingredients, in season, simply prepared, unpretentiously presented). Wonderful ambiance. 62 North Lexington Avenue, Asheville NC 28801, 828-350-1140. Dinner starting at 5 p.m. Seven days a week; Street Food, Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-7 p.m., 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday.

Carmel's Restaurant and Bar: ($$$ Downtown): AAA 3-Diamond restaurant located next to the historic Grove Arcade Public Market. Alfresco Dining, Romantic and Intimate Dining Room and Jazzy-chic Bar in addition to outside seating in season. 1 Page Avenue, Suite 129, Asheville NC 28801, 828-252-8730. Open 7 days a week, Lunch: 11:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m.; Dinner 5:30- 9 p.m. weeknights and 10 p.m. weekends. Sunday brunch: 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Chef In Motion ($$ Hospital District):  Small intimate restaurant offering simple breakfast sandwiches, killer burritos, homemade Oreos and great vegetarian items. The lunch menu offers homemade soups, sandwiches, salads.  57 Victoria Road, Asheville NC 28803, 828-350-8999.    Monday to Friday, Breakfast: 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.; Lunch: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Dinner: Monday to Saturday by reservation only.

Chop House ($$ Downtown): The Chop House serves high quality steaks, chops and accompaniments. Fine wine by the glass in our wine bar along with an extensive beer selection. Seafood, pasta entrees, a wide array of appetizers and salads also available. 22 Woodfin Street, Asheville NC 28801, 828-253-1851. Breakfast from 6:30 to 11 a.m.; Dinner from 5 to 10 p.m.: Bar open from 4 to 11 p.m.

Corner Kitchen  ($$S Biltmore Village): Bistro offering Southern dishes with an urban twist. 3 Boston Way, Asheville NC 28805, 828-274-2439. Breakfast and Lunch: Monday-Saturday 7:30 -11 a.m., 11:30- 3 p.m.; Dinner 5:00 p.m., Sunday Brunch 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.

Fig Bistro  ($$ Biltmore Village):  Fig is a cozy bistro serving Chef William Klein’s modern interpretation of classic, pure, and market-driven French cuisine. Menu changes regularly so they can offer fresh and local ingredients.  18 Brook St., Asheville NC  28803, 828-277-0889. Lunch: Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dinner: Monday-Saturday 5-10 p.m.., Sunday 5-10 p.m.

Fiore's Ristorante Toscana ($$$ Downtown): Tuscan-inspired Italian cuisine served in a great Old World atmosphere. Like a trip to Italy. 122 College Street, Asheville NC 28801, 828-281-0710, Lunch: Monday-Friday 11 a.m -3:30 p.m.; Dinner: Monday-Thursday 4:30 -9:30 p.m., Friday - Saturday 4:30-10:00 p.m.

Grove Park Inn’s Sunset Terrace ($$$ Grove Park Inn): One of the most beautiful places for dining anywhere in Asheville is the Sunset Terrace at the historic Grove Park Inn. Here you can enjoy the outdoors (weather permitting), have an elegant dinner and experience a magnificent view of the lights of Asheville as darkness falls. Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa, 290 Macon Ave., Asheville NC 28804, 828-252-2711. Dinner: 6-9 p.m.

Grovewood Cafe ($$$ Grove Park Inn area): Features regional and classic cuisine with a Southern flare. Located in a cozy cottage setting within walking distance to the Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa. 111 Grovewood Rd., Asheville NC 28804, 828-258-8956. Open Monday-Sunday for lunch and dinner. Lunch: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Dinner: 5-8:30 p.m.

Limone's ($$$ Downtown): Mexican and Californian cuisine along with inventive bar selections. Traditional dishes enlivened with a modern sensibility. 13 Eagle Street, Asheville NC 28801, 828-252-2327. Monday through Saturday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

131 Main Restaurant ($$ Biltmore Park): Cuisine that combines the modern with the elegant. Main offers its patrons the freshest ingredients possible. 308 Thetford Street, Asheville NC 28803, 828-651-0131. Monday -Thursday 11 a.m. -  10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m. - 11 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. -9 p.m.

New French Bar Courtyard Cafe  ($$ Downtown):  Casual dinning, live entertainment and a wide range of tapas-style entrees, hearty sandwiches and hand-crafted deserts. 12 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville NC 28801, 828-225-6445. Tuesday-Friday  3 p.m-2 a.m.,  Saturday 11 a.m-2 p.m.,  Sunday  10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., Dinner until 10 p.m.

Horizons ($$$$ Grove Park Inn):  One of the few area restaurants to be awarded the prestigious DiRoNA Award given by members of the Distinguished Restaurants of North America.  Known for its innovative, classic cuisine and extensive wine list. Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa, 290 Macon Ave., Asheville NC 28804, 828-252-2711; reservations required, jacket and tie. Dinner: 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Nova ($$ Downtown): American fusion cuisine, and menus that feature small and large plate options, made with attention to seasonal availability of ingredients. 109 Broadway, Asheville NC 28801, 828-505-2152. Monday-Saturday, Lunch: 11 a.m. -3 p.m., Dinner 5:30 -10 p.m., Sunday Brunch 9 a.m. -3 p.m.

O'Charley's ($$ Tunnel Road Area): Specializing in fresh meats and seafood, large portions and a fun family atmosphere. 2 Kennilworth Knoll, Asheville NC 28805, 828-281-0540.

Ophelia's Restaurant ($$ Downtown): Ophelia's offers casual fine dining focusing on local and organic meats, natural ingredients and fresh, local produce. The menu offerings change seasonally to coincide with our farmers' growing seasons. 15 Eagle Street, Asheville NC 28801, 828-255-8154.  Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Orchards ($$ Downtown):  Casual, upscale, pleasant country cuisine. Signature dish is Fried Green Tomatoes with goat cheese and two sauces (black bean or red). Located in the Renaissance Asheville Hotel. One Thomas Wolfe Plaza, Asheville NC 28801, 828-252-8211. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Dinner: Sunday-Thursday 5-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 5-11 p.m.

Outback Steakhouse ($$ Tunnel Road Area): Australian on the wild side. World famous steakhouse that is not only great food but fun for the whole family. 30 Tunnel Road, Asheville NC 28805, 828-252-4510.

Pomodoros Greek & Italian Cafe ($$ East Asheville & South Asheville): Offering three separate menus of diverse and innovative dishes, drawing inspiration from the Mediterranean region of Greece and Italy. Pomodoros East: 1070 Tunnel Road, Asheville NC 28801, 828-299-3032; Pomodoros South: 75 Long Shoals Road, Asheville NC 28704, 828-687-3884. Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Posana Cafe   (Downtown): Located on Pack Square, Posana Cafe offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, with all dishes prepared from scratch. Their focus is on using local, organic produce. 1 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville NC 28801, 828-505-3969. Sunday-Wednesday 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., Thursday-Saturday 7:30 a.m. -11 p.m.

Provence 620 Restaurant ($$ South Asheville): Unique, upscale casual dining restaurant offering more than 100 menu selections including appetizers, pasta, seafood, steaks, salads, sandwiches and more.  620 Hendersonville Road, Asheville NC 28802, 828-277-0355. Open daily 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Red Stag Grill ($$ Biltmore Village): Old-world ambience in Grand Bohemian Hotel, traditional favorites , chops and game. Grand Bohemian Hotel, 11 Boston Way, Asheville NC 28803; 828-717-8756. Open 7 days a week. Breakfast 6:30-10:30 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Dinner 5-10 p.m.

Rezaz Restaurant ($$ Biltmore Village): Eclectic Mediterranean cuisine in sleek, contemporary setting. Located in historic building, modern minimalist setting. 28 Hendersonville Rd., Asheville NC 28803, 828-277-1510. Lunch: Monday-Saturday: 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Dinner: Monday-Friday 5:30 -9 p.m., Saturday 5- 10 p.m.

Steak and Wine ($$$ Downtown): Located in the historic S&W Cafeteria Building, Steak and Wine has a mezzanine bar offers a casual, classy atmosphere which overlooks their elegant, one-of-a-kind dining room. 56 Patton Avenue, Asheville NC 28801, 828-505-3362.  Monday - Saturday: Bar opens at 4:30 p.m., Dinner from 5:30 p.m. until...

Stoney Knob Cafe ($$ North Asheville):  Unique restaurant offering cuisine from near and far, with an eclectic menu including American contemporary, Greek, Asian and European dishes with fantastic hors d'oeuvres and southern comfort foods. 337 Merrimon Avenue, Asheville NC 28787, 828-645-3309. Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Sunday brunch 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Table ($$ Downtown): American cuisine with focus toward seasonal, organic and local ingredients, and an obsession with freshness. 48 College Street, Asheville NC 28801, 828-254-8980, Lunch: 11:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Dinner: 5:30 -10:00 p.m. Monday-Saturday and Sunday brunch: 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Closed Tuesdays.

The Flying Frog Cafe ($$ Downtown): Fine Continental, German and Urban Indian cuisine with boutique wines from around the world. Elegant, unique dining atmosphere. 76 Haywood St., Asheville NC 28801, 828-254-9411. Sunday-Thursday 5:30-9:30 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 5:30-10:30 p.m. Closed Tuesday.

The Laughing Seed ($$ Downtown): Great vegetarian restaurant. Casual atmosphere and sumptuous vegetarian delicacies! 40 Wall St., Asheville NC 28801, 828-252-3445. Monday-Saturday 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

The Marketplace ($$ Downtown): Contemporary, American menu based on local, seasonal and organic ingredients found within 100 miles of Asheville. A local favorite for many years, located on charming Wall Street downtown. 20 Wall St., Asheville NC 28801, 828-252-4162. Reservations suggested. Dinner: 5:30-9 p.m. Tuesday -Saturday.

Tupelo Honey Café ($$): Elegant southern cuisine with an uptown twist. The Tupelo Honey Cafe has an upscale, yet casual environment with touches of an authentic Charleston/New Orleans style. Two locations: 2 College St., Asheville NC 28801, 828-255-4863 and 1829 Hendersonville Road, Asheville NC 28704, 828-505-7676. Breakfast & Lunch: Tuesday-Sunday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Dinner" Tuesday-Thursday 5:30 -10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 5:30 -11:00 p.m.

Usual Suspects ($$ North Asheville): Casual, fun restaurant located on the north side of town offering an eclectic and exotic selection of seasonal dishes. Full bar, laid back atmosphere. 791 Merrimon Ave., Asheville NC 28804, 828-350-8181. 5:30 p.m.-2 a.m., 7 days a week.

Vincenzo’s Ristorante & Bistro ($$): Chic and trendy restaurant, yet warm and friendly. Offering the finest in Northern Italian and continental cuisine. 10 North Market St., Asheville NC 28801, 828-254-4698. Reservations suggested. Dinner: Monday-Thursday 5:30-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 5:30- 11 p.m., Sunday 5:30-9 p.m.

Zambra ($$): Spanish, Portuguese and Moroccan cuisine served in an exotic European setting. Like taking a trip to Spain for dinner. Tapas bar and restaurant. Not to be missed. 85 Walnut St., Asheville NC, 828-232-1060. Dinner: Monday-Thursday 5:30-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 5:00-until.; Sun 5:30-9 p.m. Lounge service menu starts an hour earlier.