Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Asheville

OpenTable

Updated October 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!

Rendezvous

5.0

5 (21)

$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

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Sep 25, 2024

Excellent service of excellent French food. Main dining room is a bit noisy but tables well spaced. Nice outdoor dining.

Little D's

4.9

4.9 (391)

$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

Greg

Dined on Sep 20, 2024

Best restaurant in Asheville from a 30 year local.

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Pan Roasted Duck Breast

Glass Onion - Weaverville, NC

4.8

4.8 (2563)

$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

Ricky

Dined on Sep 25, 2024

Great restaurant and experience. Remains one of our favorites to enjoy with friends and family.

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Popular dish

Rigatoni w Braised Wild Boar Bolognese

Popular dish

Almond Cake

Mela Indian Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (230)

$31 to $50

Indian

Asheville

About the restaurant

Mela Indian Restaurant in Asheville, North Carolina offers authentic Indian food made fresh daily from local and organic ingredients. It has been voted the Best Indian Restaurant every year since 2007 by the Mountain Xpress Readers� Poll and even received a very favorable review in the New York Times. If you like Indian breads, you�ll appreciate the many options available at Mela. There is naan, garlic naan, peshwari naan, pudine naan, poori and paratha available. While Mela offers many traditional vegetarian menu items, there are plenty with meat in them, too. You can order the tandoori chicken salad, Mela chicken curry or the chicken pakoras, just to name a few.

Top review

Annvip

Dined on Sep 21, 2024

The squash soup was delicious. The shrimp vindaloo was outstanding as always.

Laila

4.6

4.6 (117)

$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

Gary

Dined on Sep 11, 2024

Broad selection of diverse dishes. Very attentive service. Nice bar with excellent bartender. Quick service.

Carmel's Kitchen & Bar

4.5

4.5 (35)

$31 to $50

American

Asheville

About the restaurant

Dine under the umbrellas in Asheville’s Historic Grove Arcade! Featuring downtown Asheville’s largest outdoor dining patio, the iconic Carmel’s Kitchen & Bar has something for everyone with fresh, seasonal menus, curated wine list, local craft brews, and full bar with signature cocktails and drink specials.

Top review

Bill

Dined on Sep 25, 2024

Everything was very good and the service was outstanding

Little Pearl Asheville

4.4

4.4 (225)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Asheville

About the restaurant

We are a proud family owned and operated establishment with a special focus on our raw-bar and seafood, killer burgers/buns and an impressive selection of craft beers, domestics and imported beers! Our wine list has offerings of whites, reds and bubbles that perfectly pair with your favorite East and/or West coast oysters or our divine Surf & Turf burger! The mountains of Asheville and the surrounding areas provide an abundance of incredible resources that we are thrilled to have at our fingertips and our rockstar staff will make sure you have an incredible experience from start to finish!

Top review

Christopher

Dined on Sep 14, 2024

One of Asheville’s true pearls. Great people, place and amazing food. Fresh oysters, seafood with a professional chef touch every time.

Bold Rock – Downtown Asheville

4.4

4.4 (88)

$30 and under

American

Asheville

About the restaurant

Explore what Bold Rock has to offer at our Downtown Asheville taproom. Join us for world-class cider, cocktails, beer, and a from-scratch food menu perfect for lunch, dinner, or happy hour! Plus, we offer a southern-style brunch every Saturday and Sunday.

Top review

Darlenevip

Dined on Sep 10, 2024

Excellent good and service!!! Fried Pickles were terrific!!!

Rye Knot

4.1

4.1 (60)

$30 and under

American

Asheville

About the restaurant

Rye Knot is the first restaurant in North Carolina to brew its own beer and distill its own spirits. We serve outstanding plated pub fare. Our top sellers are Dry Aged steaks, fish and chips, burgers, smoked meatloaf, Reubens and Shaved Ribeye Sammies. Chef Ben Dunbar is a master cook whom delivers exquisite cuisine in both variety and presentation. Our bar has a dozen large screen televisions. We have plenty of outdoor seating. We also offer several gluten free and vegetarian options. Rye Knot is a neighborhood joint. Come join us...Rye Knot?

Top review

Penni

Dined on Sep 20, 2024

We had the Mussels, fried artichokes, side salad, shaved ribeye sandwich, buffalo shrimp, and fish and chips. Everyone really enjoyed everything. My husband still talks about the buffalo shrimp because they are gluten free. Friendly, prompt service. Nice solo guitarist played in the background.

Isa's Bistro

3.6

3.6 (2018)

$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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