Benne on Eagle

Another wonderful evening at Benne! Inventive, delicious cocktails. Hanan's fish cake and the Akora fritters were quite good, the catfish & waffles superb. Peaches & tomato salad different and refreshing. Oxtail with cream peas, rice and onions to die for. Pork chop was flavorful and juicy though the meat was not as tender as we'd hoped. The accompanying collards were possible the best we've ever had. On this trip, we skipped dessert, though we've had the hummingbird cake before which is out of this world. Our server was young and eager, needs a little more experience, but he was knowledgeable and answered all our questions confidently, and he was pleasant and polite. Manager came over and we had a nice chat about the restaurant overall and we offered our compliments to Chef Ashley Shanti. We keep telling everyone what a gem this place is and hope more and more people will patronize it as time goes on - this is one establishment we do not want to lose!

This is an exceptional restaurant, one of the best new places I've eaten in in years. We were in Asheville a little over a week. There is no shortage of very good restaurants here, but we liked Benne on Eagle so much that we ate here twice. Standout dishes were the Chanterelle mushrooms, the cabbage cake, and the vegetarian cassoulet. The dishes were well thought out and executed. The chef and the kitchen definitely know what they're about. Service was excellent both nights (Alexis the first time, Nehemiah the second). The room is comfortable, attractive, a nice buzz (even on a Monday night) without overwhelming noise. Highly recommended.

The food is very overpriced... nothing special and not worth the money. The liver pate appetizer is actually not good at all and be prepared to pay $10 for 4 small chicken wings with little flavor.
The decor is very well done and our waiter was nice but the food and drinks are not quality.

One of the most satisfying meals I have ever had. After reading about this place when planning my bachelor party from Nashville I was so excited to visit and they didn’t disappoint!!!!! The rabbit and collard greens were my favorite

We stopped in for our anniversary dinner and had an excellent meal. Have a great bartender, Ty, and some amazing cocktails.

Great food! On vacation from Albuquerque,NM and ate there on our last night in Asheville and we were not disappointed. The oxtail was awesome!

Benne on Eagle has benefited from plenty of positive hype. But, honestly, the hype doesn't even come close to describing the superb experience that is Benne on Eagle. The food is unique and outstanding. Service is impeccable. Cannot wait to go back.

Not enough ways to say how fabulous this place is. The food is sublime. So is the decor, and everyone who works there. Even the bathrooms are just lovely. Go!!!

Overall a terrible and disappointing experience. “Careless” is the word we all used to describe the evening. Front of the house pretended we didn’t have a reso. Tried to seat us outside in the hot, dead courtyard. Accepted a seat at the bar. Bolster that my wife sat against wasn’t anchored properly and kept giving her whiplash every time the kid next to us moved.
Waiter didn’t have a handle on the food or drink. Food was fair at best. Dropped a scallop dish on the table that my wife and I immediately identified as undercook as it quivered like it was completely raw. Had to send it back. On the upside it did come back perfectly cooked.
In any event, this place needs some serious management help. Nobody has any idea of what they’re doing and no sense of direction or purpose. Not the front of the house, not the wait staff, and not the kitchen. I almost never write a bad review, but whoever owns this place needs a head’s up that this is a rudderless ship.

The outdoor garden dining area is sublime. The drinks and cuisine--fabulous! Our server was lovely, however, service was quite slow, perhaps due to the newness of the restaurant. We definitely will recommend Benne to our friends, and visit next time we are in town.

We ordered 5 items from the appetizer menu for dinner. Enjoyed the sampler experience. Each item was seasoned just right -- to enhance the food not overpower it. Relaxed, warm energy in the decor of the restaurant. Nice wait staff and great service.

Food was absolutely mind blowing. Hummingbird cake and catfish and waffles indescribable the flavors that came together. Sooo good

I had the ox tail over rice, which was delicious, but I asked to have the peas substituted for sweet potatoes, and both items were brought to me, plus I was charged an extra 6.50 for them, which I'm sure the sweet potato cost about 64 cents. My husband said his rabbit was awesome. Bread basket was good, butter was delicious. Our server was very friendly and funny, but it took her a long time to bring requested items to the table. I wasn't disappointed, but for the money, I'd rather spend my money elsewhere.

Good southern flavors with African roots. Bar tender made amazing drinks out of local amaro and gin!

Just bought a house

I read the Garden and Gun article. I visit Asheville twice a year so wanted to give this place a try. I love the concept. The menu is a great historical reflection of Southern cuisine. The deviled egg spread was a little to salty. For me to say that is funny because I love me some salt. Southern food is is all about it. The trout was outstanding. As I ate it it reminded me of fishing with my dad and just being home. The collards were superb. A just right texture that’s modern but that thin ham brings it back to a time in southern mothers kitchens. This is a special treat.

We shared the deviled egg dip which was lacking in flavor, but was beautifully presented. The salad was interestingly bitter with sweet dressing. We liked the addition of pepidas & mulberries to balance out the flavors on the salad. The ribs were fantastic as was the cornbread and pepper butter. They were out of hummingbird cake, but were quick to offer a free dessert to makeup for it. The sweet potato pie was delicious, and the service was spot on! We loved this little gem of a restaurant in downtown Asheville.

The staff was welcoming, particularly Nehemiah, the wine list was extensive, and the cocktails were creative and delicious. I’ll visit again.

TodY we stumbled upon a place to go after church.on entrance the place was upscale and inviting. The staff was friendly and informative. We ordered the fried chicken (available ion Sunday’s) it’s unanimous this chicken is the best in Western North Carolina. The sides were also stellar, the collards with their house made hot sauce and the chow-chow was fresh and flavorful!. Upon our return we’ve been told to try the ox tail!. A Soulful find!

Brunch was fantastic!

Everything was outstanding! The server was attentive, taught us a little Asheville history and the food is Southern true and true, but with a gourmet twist. Lovely ambience incorporates old and new. I can see this being my new favorite go-to restaurant!

Wonderful experience, staff and chefs were very welcoming. Food and cocktails on point, can't wait to get back!

Loved the food at Benne on Eagle. Wonderful flavors and preparation was creative yet approachable. Delicious! I wish I could have tried the whole menu. We will be back!!

Loved the place. Not too crowded. Noise level just right for special occasion. Food was best I’ve had in long time. Steak in gravy just right. Good specialty cocktails. Wait staff all friendly. Not overbearing.

Amazing service with very knowledgeable staff, and delicious food that combines the peoples and cultures that have inhabited this area.

Top 3 restaurant in Asheville! Can’t wait to go back!

I was disappointed by my recent visit to Benne on Eagle.
The wait staff was outstanding especially our waiter - knowledgeable, attentive, willing to offer suggestions
The restaurant is attractive, seating very comfortable and noise level was average. It was comfortable and easy for my friend and Me to relax, talk and linger over dinner
The menu is a short list of entrees but the were interesting and varied and seemed to be on target ‘Appalachian soul food’
Sorry to say that the entrees just didn’t meet our expectations. I ordered rabbit and while it was well presented, it was exceeding dry. My friend ordered a gumbo and felt it was just okay - nothing more than average
We both live in ASHEVILLE and know we could have had a better meal in many other downtown restaurants. Benne on Eagle really needs to step up their game if they want to be a player

Wonderful meal and wonderful service. Jackie was so friendly and helpful - a very pleasant dining experience!

Absolutely Fabulous!!! A must for dining in Asheville! Dodd, Ambience and Service!!! Cocktails, salads, appetizers, entrees and desserts! We will be back soon!!!

Benne on Eagle is a wonderful experience in fine dining and cultural exploration. The creative menu introduced me to fascinating ingredients and amazing tastes pulled from a part of the Southern experience that is not often available especially in a high end restaurant. The mixed drinks were interesting as well. Everything was delicious and I look forward to returning to try other items on the menu. The dining room, and the adjacent hotel, is a beautiful conversion of historic buildings, accentuating the cool old features while creating a comfortable welcoming space. I could not recommend it more highly!

I decided to try this place for my birthday after seeing it advertised on open table and read a couple of “good reviews” about it. The place it’s very nice, well designed but for some reason there is a feeling of some wasted space on the layout.
The staff is super friendly I think that’s the best element of the business. The FOOD was a total disappointment , starting with first impression on the appetizer (pork ribs) being cold (not even at a room temperature) and had to sent it back to the kitchen, the bread basket was the only food on point, the main entrees were TASTELESS, pork chops were probably the most flavorless dish that I ever had, and the eggplant with cauliflower mmm just another veggie dish. We know is a “rhubarb’ s restaurant family and our expectations were so high for this reason but unfortunately this was a BIG disappointment for the Asheville food scene.

a very nice addition to the Asheville food scene. exciting menu and tasty - yummmm

Benne is hands down one of the best restaurants we have eaten at in Asheville. We sat in the bar area and enjoyed a leisurely cocktail followed by dinner. The bartender is exceptionally experienced and crafted excellent cocktails. Great personality! Her recommendations from the menu were spot on after spending time to get to know our tastes. Both the short ribs and oxtail dishes are absolutely fabulous. Very well prepared - generous portions. The chef came out to chat with us and was truly interested in having a conversation. From ambiance, service and food, the Benne has the entire package!! I highly recommend this restaurant. My husband and I will definitely return.

Delicious, interesting food. West African flavors. Tasty cocktails. Beautiful venue.

Benne on Eagle is my favorite new Asheville restaurant for both personal and business dinners. The service i exceptional. The delicious food and drink menu feels fresh, exciting, inclusive, and changes enough to keep a local coming back for more!

I am a local and have become very particular about restaurants because Asheville has so many delicious options. This new place was unbelievable in every aspect. Service was excellent, food tasted great and the ambiance was fantastic. This is my new recommendation for a memorable evening on the town

I emailed the restaurant prior to my visit to insure my dietary needs could be accommodated (gluten, soy, and canola oil free). I received a prompt response stating that everything would be well accommodated for me and my party. When we arrived, we loved the space. The waitress was a little unfamiliar with allergies, but she did ok with some discussion. She did recommend a drink to start with and it was wonderful! Once the food came (pork chops), we both enjoyed the meal very much. The portions were great and we loved the focus on local sustainable foods.

Great food and service- corked wine was replaced in a second

Server was very knowledgeable about dishes offered. Food was excellent, well spiced. Can recommend the cabbage pancake, catfish & waffle and oxtails. Perhaps the bread should be provided free of charge.

Some good dishes...enjoyed the crab cake and grilled asparagus. Cornbread was dry...didn’t seem fresh. Found the 2 pork dishes we ate on the dry side also. Staff was very pleasant and accommodating. Nice ambiance. Had to return a very dirty spoon. This place is a definite maybe.