BLACK MOUNTAIN BISTRO

203 E State Street, Black Mountain 

A favorite among locals for birthday or graduation celebrations, Black Mountain Bistro has a beautiful covered patio in nice weather. The menu is diverse, and the service is consistently reliable. Among the highlights are the crab cakes, served over roasted potatoes with corn and black bean relish, and the blackberry pork chops, which come with an apple potato hash and a side of garlic green beans. 

THE BULL & BEGGAR 

37 Paynes Way, River Arts District 

Opened in 2013 by local restaurateur Drew Wallace and chef Matt Dawes, The Bull & Beggar delivers food that is easily described as superb in a setting that is both refined and relaxed. The menu changes weekly, but the oysters are a regular homerun and are served with a pink peppercorn mignonette, while the ribeye and filet mignon are always cooked nicely. Look also for the chef’s unique skills in options like pheasant, octopus, snails and venison that win praise from diners. 

JARGON

715 Haywood Road, West Asheville 

Often described as a “hidden gem,” Jargon is an artsy space for upscale New American cuisine, creative cocktails, and a wine list for all celebrations. Located in a historic building that underwent an award-winning renovation just a few years ago, Jargon has a seasonal menu that scores high marks for its creativity. The pork belly and scallops is a crowd favorite and was served recently with smoked cauliflower grits, crispy okra, Kimchi, sorghum glaze and beet endive relish. 

MODESTO 

1 Page Avenue #138, Downtown Asheville 

Located in the Historic Grove Arcade, Modesto has a cool and intimate vibe that is the perfect setting for a special day. Top-rated service is matched by award-winning food by chef and owner Hector Diaz, reflecting the rustic cuisines of Italy. The menu is seasonal, sometimes changing daily, and standouts include the ribeye, served with seafood risotto, cauliflower sofrito and gorgonzola crema, and the crab-encrusted red snapper, which comes with a mushroom risotto, sauteed spinach, and green olive gremolata. 

POSTERO

401 N Main Street, Hendersonville 

Postero has a classic New American menu, with steak, pork and seafood options that are reliable favorites. Appetizers also win praise, including the pimento cheese and a charcuterie plate with a dry cured bresaola. The restaurant is housed in a former bank on a bustling corner of Hendersonville’s Main Street, and guests often drive from out of town just to dine here. 

RHUBARB

7 SW, North Pack Square, Downtown Asheville 

Owned by award-winning chef John Fleer, Rhubarb is a popular restaurant with a dynamic menu that offers a lot of local meats, cheese and produce— and never fails to disappoint. With an impressive resume, including multiple nominations for a James Beard Award, Fleer moves easily between rugged and refined, and diners will be treated to dishes they have never had before. Few other restaurants offer the same type of authentic local flavors as Rhubarb. 

SUNSET TERRACE

290 Macon Avenue, Asheville 

When it comes to ambiance, it’s nearly impossible to beat Sunset Terrace. Located off the main lobby of the Omni Grove Park Inn, the restaurant occupies an outdoor patio and offers some of the best views of Asheville and surrounding mountains without the uphill hike. The menu is upscale and accessible, with something for everyone, and the scenery itself gives you a reason to make a toast—if you don’t already have one.

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