Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Asheville / Western North Carolina

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants in Asheville / Western North Carolina? 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!

Appalachia at The Lodge

5.0

5 (465)

$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

CrystalVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Wonderful experience. Each dish was phenomenal and the presentation beautifully served. So glad we found this gem while spending time in the Lake Lure area. Will definitely return when in the area again.

The Gamekeeper

4.9

4.9 (3468)

$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

Dave

Dined 2 days ago

We had an outstanding experience, literally one of the best restaurant experiences I’ve ever had. Our server was absolutely amazing. She added so much value to our evening.

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Red Stag Grill at Grand Bohemian Lodge Asheville

4.9

4.9 (5972)

$31 to $50

American

Asheville

About the restaurant

The undeniable aroma of comfort food is impossible to ignore, as is the warm rustic-modern lodge atmosphere at one of the most unique restaurants in Asheville. Red Stag Grill makes everything larger than life, especially the menu. A delicious culture clash of flavors blends into the remarkable-European comfort food with a Carolina twist. Later, unwind and abandon your after-dinner plans as you sip a signature cocktail in one of the more rustic bars in Biltmore Village. This is Bohemia. Stay awhile and discover an appetite for something you've never tasted before.

Complimentary valet parking is available.

Top review

MarciVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Restaurant was absolutely beautiful! Food delicious and the service excellent. We can’t wait to come back!

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4.9

4.9 (1781)

$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

nORMA

Dined 5 days ago

Fantastic experience. Good was delightful and service was fantastic.

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Popular dish

Yellowfin Tuna Tartare

Daingerfields Dining Room at Westglow

4.9

4.9 (23)

$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

KiranVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Fantastic dinner in the most beautiful setting. Wonderful service. Really special dining experience!

The BEACON Butcher Bar

4.8

4.8 (654)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Italian

Boone

About the restaurant

The Beacon Butcher Bar is a labor of love from Tina Houston, owner of Reid’s Café & Catering Co., established here in the High Country since 1999. The Beacon is located in the heart of Boone, NC adjacent to the iconic Water Wheel. Just as we value beautiful ingredients in our catering, The Beacon adheres to a similar message.

In the kitchen, we value the fashion from scratch details as small as the aiolis and dressings we use, to the housemade desserts and pastries, cured and smoked meats, and naturally fermented pickles. Behind the bar, we strive for innovation and discovery from our unique and inspiring cocktails. We work within the seasons of the Blue Ridge to present a deliberate and thoughtful menu. We love the intentional, the specific, the well-cared-for.

Respectively, our market offers a unique selection of local goods and treats. From our featured cloister honey to housemade single origin chocolates, we present the craft and exceptionality of local, artisanal talent.

Top review

Randy

Dined 3 days ago

First time and we loved it! Will be back often. Food was outstanding, reasonably priced. Service was great, nice ambiance as well. They had live music and it was awesome.

Verri's Italian Ristorante

4.8

4.8 (346)

$31 to $50

Italian

Hendersonville

About the restaurant

Come dine at Hendersonville's Premier authentic Italian Restaurant. New York Chef Tom Verri and his team prepare fantastic Italian food and desserts.

Top review

Kathy

Dined 2 days ago

We were seated promptly. Our server was friendly and efficient. The food was delicious. Would highly recommend this restaurant .

Ruth's Chris Steak House - Asheville

4.7

4.7 (3903)

$30 and under

American

Asheville

About the restaurant

Ruth's Chris Steak House is a premier dining establishment renowned for its specialty in serving USDA Prime steaks. Each steak is expertly prepared and served sizzling on a 500-degree plate, ensuring a delicious and unforgettable dining experience. Currently, we are offering a special dine-in menu that includes family-style meals available for both dine-in and takeout. For takeout orders, we have a variety of sliders available in individual and family sizes that can serve 4 people. You can place your order by calling us during business hours or online. Walk-ins are also welcome to either place an order at the restaurant or to dine in.

Top review

Danny

Dined 1 day ago

Outstanding yet again. A consistent quality experience.

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Casa Rustica Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (2242)

$30 and under

Italian

Boone

About the restaurant

Casa Rustica is Boone"s authentic Italian restaurant since 1981. We offer a wide selection of entrees including fresh pastas, chicken, veal, seafood and steaks. Our nightly specials complement our menu and our homemade desserts are not to be missed. Visit the La Bouca Lounge where the menu offers original sandwiches and flat-bread pizzas. Casa Rustica provides a cozy atmosphere in a log cabin setting. Come for romantic fireside dining or bring the whole family and enjoy our friendly and prompt service.

Top review

Donna

Dined 3 days ago

Eating at Casa Rustica since they first opened has always been a great experience. Over the years the staff has always been friendly and cheerful and needless to say the food excellent. I always take visiting family to eat there at least once during their visit.

The Stubborn Bull at Mill Creek

4.4

4.4 (490)

$31 to $50

Spanish

Highlands / Sapphire

About the restaurant

Don't see a time you're looking for?
Contact us directly at 828-200-0813
_____________________________________

Inspired by Mediterranean Spanish and South American influences, we are cooking up rustic tapas, or small savory dishes, in a modern environment.

Here at Stubborn Seeds, our menu is created in the spirit of gathering and sharing. We encourage everyone to try a variety of our small plates. Tapas come to the table as they are prepared, so relax and enjoy a social dining experience. Engage with all your senses and enjoy every bite!

Top review

RobertVIP

Dined on Jun 5, 2025

The food was as wonderful as every visit, and the people working here, are always great

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