Diners' Choice: American restaurants in Asheville / Western North Carolina

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall American cuisine in Asheville / Western North Carolina? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Appalachia at The Lodge

5.0

5 (471)

$31 to $50

American

Lake Lure

About the restaurant

Appalachia Restaurant brings an upscale-casual experience to an intimate setting. With stunning views and a cuisine that offers an Appalachian flair, you will be immersed with the true spirit of Lake Lure.
Dinner at the restaurant begins at 4:30pm.
We bring the Appalachian heritage from the outdoors in while dining in front of the stunning 525 million year old mountains. Inside, outside, or bar room dining, you will have a gorgeous view of Lake Lure and the Appalachian mountains. Boats Slips are first come, first serve. Due to the small volume of tables, we cannot accept preferred table/view requests.
Dress Code: No swimwear or coverups, must have shoes.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 1 day ago

Excellent menu combined with a great view and cocktails.

The Gamekeeper

4.9

4.9 (3473)

$50 and over

American

Boone

About the restaurant

You haven't fully experienced the Blowing Rock, NC region until you've dined at The Gamekeeper. It's a true gourmet restaurant with an engaging blend of upscale elegance and mountain charm.

Famous for an evolving menu that blends the traditional with the exotic, The Gamekeeper features a selection of perfectly prepared game plus a range of continental and American entrees.

Acclaimed chef and owner Ken Gordon brings tremendous warmth and skill to the table treating you more as friends than guests. You'll experience a meal to remember that includes fine wines, decadent desserts, and a generous serving of personal attention. You'll leave happy and impressed with a desire to return soon!

Top review

becky

Dined 5 days ago

Very nice meal and Tonya was great. We will go back!

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Daingerfields Dining Room at Westglow

4.9

4.9 (38)

$50 and over

American

Blowing Rock

About the restaurant

The elegant dining experience in the Manor at Westglow. Our dining room features original paintings by Elliott Daingerfield and a spectacular view of Grandfather Mountain. Enjoy a drink before your reservation in Elliott’s Bar, a fun piano lounge experience featuring our ever-growing wine collection.

Top review

Dan

Dined 5 days ago

A well-cooked and presented meal, a well-stocked bar and attentive service made for a special evening.

The Restaurant at the Embers

4.8

4.8 (235)

$31 to $50

American

Blowing Rock

About the restaurant

Executive Chef Matthew Betlach inspired menu. Locally sourced farm to table experience keeping in mind seasonal options when at all possible. Served in the heart of the "Embers Hotel" fireside. Outdoor Terrace dining available seasonally.

Top review

Michael

Dined 2 days ago

Incredible restaurant, had dinner there twice and never disappointed. Everything was top notch and cordial. Awesome restaurant. I love it

Artisanal Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (1800)

$50 and over

American

Banner Elk

About the restaurant

Artisanal Restaurant is open seasonally from May-October end. Contemporary American Fine Dining in a rustic yet elegant environment. Innovative and progressive thinking in a farm to table approach, only working with the highest quality ingredients. This warm environment offers the best food and wine with excellent service. Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Private dining room adjacent to the wine cellar available for events. The only available menu is a pre-fix style, with 5-6 choices per course, $105/ guest plus a service fee. We do not offer a kids menu however kids prepared to order off our pre-fix menu are welcome. Our Dress Code is Business Casual. Collared shirts are required, jackets are preferred but not required for men. No shorts, distressed jeans, hoodies, hats, or sandals/flip flops. Please dress comfortably for the weather for outside seating. For our Allergy policy and menu choices, please go to artisanalnc.com

Top review

Beth

Dined 5 days ago

Expert service and superb meal! Red Grouper and Halibut entrees were both amazing!

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Popular dish

Yellowfin Tuna Tartare

4.8

4.8 (3846)

$31 to $50

American

Hendersonville

About the restaurant

Fine food, wine & drinks, delivered with uncommon hospitality. Broad base of classic French Culinary Technique is the cornerstone for New American Cuisine, which is a true melting pot of cultures, ingredients, & techniques. We love the idea of applying modern day sensibilities to traditional recipes.

We have 2 levels at our restaurant, please indicate in the notes section if you are not able to navigate the stairs & need to be seated downstairs. (Lunch is downstairs only). Please note any dietary restrictions or let your server know upon arrival.

Parties of 7+, a credit card is required to hold the table & cancellation policy will be discussed when you make your reservation.

We do not offer a private dining area/outside seating/catering. We are happy to make suggestions if that is what you are looking for!

Corkage Fee is $20/bottle & Non-Postero Food Fee is $4/person

Top review

BrianVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Excellent high quality dining and service every time! Great music.

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Popular dish

The Steak

Popular dish

Shrimp "Scampi" Cacio e Pepe

Popular dish

Scallops

The Speckled Trout Restaurant and Bottle Shop

4.8

4.8 (932)

$30 and under

American

Blowing Rock

About the restaurant

In the 1950s, The Speckled Trout was a place to stop and fill up your gas tank. Now, you can fill up on fresh mountain trout, soup beans, and hoecakes and wash it down with local farm beer or fresh rosé. We explore the roots of Appalachian food and beverage culture and re-create it in our kitchen by preserving and reviving ingredients of our local heritage.

Join us at The Speckled Trout for a taste of locally sourced regional fare by Chef Michael Foreman and warm hospitality that will keep y'all coming back!

Top review

Jeannette

Dined 3 days ago

Always food that satisfy s and surprises Excellent qualities and amount . Cocktails well done with well rounded spirits selection

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4.8

4.8 (513)

$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

HildyVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Delicious, creative dishes using remarkably fresh ingredients. Wonderful cocktails and NA drinks. Attentive yet relaxed service. Very nice ambience. We love everything about this restaurant and are so glad it’s in our neighborhood!

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Pan Roasted Duck Breast

Reid's Cafe and Catering

4.7

4.7 (637)

$31 to $50

American

Banner Elk

About the restaurant

Reid’s Cafe is located in beautiful Sugar Mountain, NC. We love the intentional, the specific, and the well-cared-for. We work closely with our local farms and purveyors to curate fresh, seasonal menus that feature regionally sourced meats, a rotation of fresh oysters and select seafood. All of our breads, pastas, and pastries are prepared in-house daily. Our Bar offers local beers, seasonal craft cocktails, and a well chosen wine selection. We are currently operating under all Covid-19 restrictions and following all CDC and local guidelines. The health and safety of our guests and our staff is our #1 priority. Outdoor reservations are by phone only. We look forward to seeing you.

Top review

Allison

Dined 6 days ago

I had the Amberjack special. It was one of the most delicious dishes I’ve ever eaten!

The Purple Onion

4.8

4.8 (438)

$30 and under

American

Flat Rock

About the restaurant

**To purchase tickets, reserve one of our experiences, please see the options listed below.** Established in 1998 by Susan and her husband Stoney Lamar, The Purple Onion was conceived as a 'third place' in Saluda, a neutral spot for friends and family to enjoy great food, engaging conversation, and live music. This vision flourished with a dedicated staff and supportive community. In 2020 the legacy was passed to Chambli Stuber and Emily Lamar, who continue to honor its tradition and role in the community, celebrating over two decades of service. Situated in historic Saluda, The Purple Onion boasts outdoor dining and live music on Thursday and Saturday nights. The Purple Onion features a variety of ethnically inspired dishes with an emphasis on the Mediterranean’s simple and healthy cuisine. We offer a selection of pizzas, pastas, seafood, vegetarian and meat dishes. Specialties include locally sourced trout and organic produce, along with antibiotic and hormone-free meats and poultry.

Top review

Pam

Dined 2 days ago

Always love it there!! The Rachel is my fav!!! Ribeye with blue cheese was delicious 💕 Girls that work there always so sweet !!

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Experience

Brian Ashley Jones & Melanie Jean

Experience

Admiral Radio

Experience

Angela Easterling & Brandon Turner

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