Rhubarb is a modern american restaurant in Downtown, Asheville.
John Fleer's Rhubarb on Pack Square has served wood-fired modern Southern since 2013. Fleer is a multi-time James Beard Best Chef Southeast nominee.
Signature dishes: Wood-fired flatbreads, Whole roasted fish, Sunday Supper
Must 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.
Address: 7 SW Pack Sq, Asheville, NC 28801
Ashleigh Shanti's Good Hot Fish opened January 2024 upstairs at Burial Beer's South Slope campus (Buxton at Collier) as a Black Appalachian fish fry counter.
Signature: Fried catfish basket, Hush puppies, Slaw dog
Order: The fried catfish sandwich on white bread with tartar, or the fish plate with hush puppies and sides.
Tip: Order at the counter; take your basket downstairs to Burial's beer garden. Limited indoor seating upstairs.
Little Chango on Coxe Avenue in Asheville earned a 2025 Michelin Bib Gourmand for its Pan-Latin small plates. Empanadas, arepas, and a tight wine list.
Signature: Empanadas, Arepas, Mojo grilled chicken
Order: The empanada flight and the arepas con carne mechada (shredded beef).
Tip: Walk-up only at the bar, reservations on Resy for tables. Small room, arrive at opening for best chance.
Heidi Bass's Mother on Short Coxe Avenue in Asheville earned a 2025 Michelin Bib Gourmand. Editor pick on TableJourney with hours, address and what to order.
Signature: Sourdough sandwiches, Country loaf, Seasonal salads
Order: Whatever sandwich is on rotation, plus a take-home loaf of country sourdough.
Tip: Sourdough loaves sell out by lunch on weekends; arrive at opening for bread. Wine bar opens later.
Crusco in the River Arts District opened in summer 2025 from Kat Kearney and former Cucina 24 staff. Editor pick on TableJourney with hours, address and what.
Signature: Hand-rolled pastas, Wood-grilled meats, Seasonal antipasti
Order: Whatever pasta the kitchen is running, plus a glass off the food-friendly wine list.
Tip: Book on the restaurant's site. Dinner runs Wednesday through Sunday from 17:00. Bar walk-ins for cocktails.
The Bull and Beggar at Wedge Studios in the River Arts District has run a French-American kitchen with raw bar since 2013. Tuesday burger night is the local.
Signature: Steak frites, Raw bar plateau, Burger Tuesday
Order: The steak frites with bone-marrow butter, or the burger if you can land a Tuesday seat.
Tip: Book Tuesday burger night three weeks ahead on the operator site. Walk-in raw bar seats open at 17:00.
Hugo Ramirez's Limones on Eagle Street in Asheville opened in 2004 as a Mexican and Californian-inflected room. Editor pick on TableJourney with hours.
Signature: Mole poblano, Esquites, Carnitas
Order: The mole poblano served over chicken, plus an order of esquites for the table.
Tip: Book on OpenTable; bar seats first-come from 17:00. Closed Mondays.
