Italian, SeasonalChef Kat Kearney and team$$$$$65-90 per head, à la carteriver-arts-districtWed-Sun 17:00-21:00; Mon-Tue closedBook 10 days ahead
Crusco in the River Arts District opened in summer 2025 from Kat Kearney and former Cucina 24 staff.
Order: Whatever pasta the kitchen is running, plus a glass off the food-friendly wine list.
Tip: Book on the restaurant's site. Dinner Wednesday through Sunday from 17:00. Bar walk-ins.
SeafoodChef Matt Dawes$$$$$60-85 per head, à la carteriver-arts-districtMon-Tue 17:00-21:00, Thu 17:00-21:00, Fri-Sat 17:00-22:00, Sun 17:00-21:00Book 3 weeks for Tuesday burger night ahead
The Bull and Beggar at Wedge Studios in the River Arts District has run French-American fine dining with raw bar plateau since 2013. The Tuesday burger night.
Order: The steak frites with bone-marrow butter, or the burger if you can land a Tuesday seat.
Tip: Tuesday burger night books out 3 weeks ahead. Raw bar walk-ins open at 17:00.
ItalianChef Graham House$$$$$75-110 per headdowntownSun-Thu 17:00-21:00; Fri-Sat 17:00-22:00Book 2 weeks ahead
Luminosa inside the Flat Iron Hotel earned both a Michelin Green Star and a Bib Gourmand in the first 2025 Michelin Guide American South for its Italian.
Order: The whole-fish of the day from the wood oven, plus a hand-cut pasta.
Tip: Book on OpenTable; the chef's counter at the open kitchen takes walk-ups from 17:00. Closed Mondays.
Modern Appalachian, Farm-to-tableChef William Dissen$$$$$85-110 per head, à la cartedowntownMon-Sat 17:00-21:00; Sun closedBook 3 weeks ahead
William Dissen's The Market Place on Wall Street moved here 1990 (founded 1979 by Mark Rosenstein). Dissen is a 2025 JBA Outstanding Chef semifinalist.
Order: The Sunburst Trout Farm trout from Canton, plus the seasonal foraged mushroom plate.
Tip: Book on the restaurant's reservation page. The walk-up bar pours small plates from the main menu.
Modern American, Wood-fired SouthernChef John Fleer$$$$$60-90 per head, à la cartedowntownThu-Mon 17:00-22:00; Tue-Wed closedBook 2 weeks ahead
John Fleer's Rhubarb on Pack Square in Asheville opened in 2013.
Order: Whatever the wood oven is running, plus the Sunday Supper family-style menu when offered.
Tip: Book on the restaurant's reservation page. Dinner runs Thursday through Monday from 17:00.
Spanish TapasChef Katie Button$$$$$95 chef's tasting per headdowntownTue-Thu 11:00-21:30; Fri-Sat 11:00-22:30; Sun 11:00-21:30; Mon closedBook 30 days ahead
Katie Button's Cúrate on Biltmore Avenue in Asheville won the 2022 James Beard Outstanding Hospitality award. The Pintxos tasting menu at the chef's counter.
Order: The chef's tasting at the counter, with sherry pairings.
Tip: Counter tasting menu at the long bar requires booking 30 days ahead on Resy. The dining room is à la carte.