Find the perfect fine dining experience in Asheville with this comprehensive guide.
Beyond Asheville’s beloved breweries and casual eateries lies a world of refined dining. This guide details our top recommendations for local restaurants known for their exceptional food, service, and atmosphere.
The restaurants on this list should be top of mind when you have something to celebrate, whether it’s a special birthday or anniversary, a life milestone like graduating from UNCA, a long-awaited promotion, or maybe you are overdue for a night on the town.
Hurricane Update: Following Hurricane Helene, this guide to Asheville’s fine dining has been revised. All restaurants listed are open for service. Please note that Andaaz, Vivian, Red Stag Grill, ELDR, Rhubarb, and Cucina24 (due to the chef/owner’s passing) are no longer included. Bouchon has also been removed, as it has transitioned into a creperie.
Map of Asheville’s Fine Dining Restaurants
FINE DINING RESTAURANTS IN ASHEVILLE, NC
Live-fire dining experience in downtown Asheville
Asheville Proper in downtown Asheville is a culinary gem, renowned for its fire-flamed steaks and diverse menu. Not only is the food noteworthy, but the space itself with high ceilings and marble floors adds to the experience.
While we think the ribeye is a must-try, guests can also enjoy delectable small plates, refreshing salads, and non-beef options like duck, fish, and tofu.
Each steak is customizable with a selection of sauces, and the à la carte sides are consistently excellent.
For a special treat, try the chef’s tasting menu. Be sure to make reservations!
French-inspired restaurant in the River Arts District
Trust us when we say that you’ll be delighted from the moment you enter The Bull and Beggar.
The interior is so unexpected and impressive– especially given the significant damage on the space from Hurricane Helene. We are happy to share that the restaurant has been meticulously revived, and once again offers a truly remarkable experience.
The Bull & Beggar’s menu features oysters, bread with charred onion butter, and steak frites. The 34oz bone-in ribeye is a highlight.
Elevated small plates at an award-winning spot
Cúrate, a James Beard Award-winning restaurant, stands as Asheville’s culinary crown jewel.
Helmed by the acclaimed Chef Katie Button, featured on Magnolia Network, Cúrate offers an exquisite selection of Spanish tapas, curated wines, and decadent desserts.
Our recommendation? Begin with the popular chistorra & chips, followed by the flavorful sautéed mushrooms and piquillo peppers stuffed with goat cheese. After that, explore away!
Due to its popularity, advance reservations are highly recommended.
Fine dining restaurant on the Biltmore Estate
Please note: Only overnight guests (year-round) and annual pass holders + day passes (Jan-Oct only) have the privilege to dine at The Dining Room.
Indulge in the epitome of fine dining at The Dining Room, Biltmore’s four-star restaurant. With its elegant white tablecloths, fine china, and sparkling crystal, the ambiance is truly luxurious.
The menu features seafood, handmade pasta, and seasonal delights like sage-crusted lamb rack and seared duck breast.
For dinner, resort elegant attire is required. Resort casual is recommended for breakfast, allowing for a more relaxed dining experience.
Be sure to make reservations in advance. All reservations for November 1 through January 7 can only be made by calling (828) 225-1699.
Fine dining with panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains
On the other side of town at an equally impressive luxury hotel in Asheville, you’ll find another exquisite dining experience. Sunset Terrace at the Omni Grove Park Inn offers a truly magical outdoor dining experience.
The locally-driven menu includes perfectly cooked steaks and fresh seafood to innovative vegetarian creations. Each plate is a masterpiece of flavor, presentation, and culinary craftsmanship.
Reservations at Sunset Terrace are recommended. The restaurant attire is resort casual. Be sure to dress for the weather.
Upscale gluten-free kitchen in downtown Asheville
Downtown Asheville’s Posana is an upscale restaurant known for its farm-to-table menu that is 100% gluten-free. Don’t let that scare you off, though! Posana is the perfect choice for fine dining for anyone seeking refined and thoughtfully crafted dishes, regardless of gluten sensitivity.
Their seasonal menu evolves to showcase the best flavors of the region, but we love to recommend trout or scallops when available.
Posana announced a second location coming soon to Biltmore Park in South Asheville.
Mediterranean and Italian fare in an elegant setting
Bargello, inside the Kimpton Hotel Arras, specializes in Mediterranean and Italian cuisine.
The menu includes housemade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and entrees like Moroccan duck and seared scallops. Appetizers include PEI mussels, grilled octopus and a Mediterranean board that is perfect for sharing.
One of the highlights of Bargello is the open kitchen view, allowing guests to enjoy the culinary artistry in action. The centerpiece of the space is the open-fire pizza hearth.
Vegan restaurant with ever-changing menu
Asheville’s favorite vegan restaurant Plant offers an exceptional dining experience with a focus on local, organic ingredients.
Their menu, which changes frequently, features standout dishes like mushroom ravioli and vegan cheese plates.
Most of the menu items at Plant are gluten-free, and they provide clear indications of which dishes can be prepared gluten-free
While the ambiance is a bit more casual compared to other restaurants on this fine dining list, the presentation and care put into the food have earned Plant a spot.
Reservations are highly recommended for their intimate indoor or seasonal patio seating.
Charming West Asheville gem
West Asheville’s Jargon offers a truly unique fine dining experience. Its intimate ambiance, charming décor, and ever-changing menu promise an unforgettable evening.
Highlights include the “Ice Breaker” cocktail and the immersive Chef’s Counter, where guests can observe the kitchen’s artistry.
Reservations are recommended (especially for the Chef’s Counter!)
Steak dinner in North Asheville
For a refined dining experience without the downtown crowds, Bone and Broth on Charlotte Street delivers.
Their Southern-inspired menu features exceptional dry-aged steaks, complemented by a choice of six sauces. For appetizers, try the Crispy Brussels and pimento cheese dip.
Bone and Broth puts an emphasis on local partnerships, so expect fresh baked goods from nearby bakeries and meats from Chop Shop and Joyce Farms.
Upscale Mexican spot with a delightful menu
Downtown Asheville’s Limones offers an exceptional fine dining experience. Their menu shines with shareable small plates, like the renowned lobster nachos and short ribs barbacoa gordita.
Make sure to end your meal with their signature churros and sipping hot chocolate. Reservations are recommended, though bar seating is also available.
