Everybody usually does top 5 or 10 lists, but we decided 6 was just as good a number! So what are our criteria? Mostly this list simply reflects where we like to eat ourselves. But, I’d say the scorecard starts with consistently outstanding food, warm and attentive service, room vibe and darned good cocktails or a worthy local craft beer selection. Just in case the links are not obvious, click on the restaurant’s name to go to their website.
- Asheville Proper – they age their own locally sourced beef and fish and cook over an open fire. And the owner’s are incredibly friendly. When we refer our guests to AVL Proper we are 100% confident they will be well looked after.
- Jettie Rae’s – outstanding oysters!
- Curate – probably the most elevated cuisine in Asheville, James Beard awarding winning chef Katie Button. We made the final decision to move to Asheville based on a meal at Curate. As long-time New Yorker’s and passionate foodies, we knew the city’s culinary scene could measure up after our first visit to Curate.
- Limones – a mash-up of Mexican haute cuisine and American flavors – why do I keep ordering the “Dilemma Margarita” at $55 a pop? Marketing PSYOP.
- 12 Bones – we think this is best BBQ in Asheville.
- Tall John’s – our neighborhood go to destination in the Montford Historic District.
Asheville Proper Owners Mindi and Owen McGlynn are exceptionally gracious hosts and deliver a fantastic dining experience every time we visit. Located in the historic Grove Arcade, the restaurant’s interior has contemporary design and decor while their extensive outdoor dining area is perfectly situated on a lovely downtown corner.
Bon appetite!