Downtown Asheville is a vibrant and eclectic city that is known for its thriving food scene. With a plethora of restaurants to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to try. In this article, we will explore the best restaurant in downtown Asheville, taking into account factors such as food quality, ambiance, and overall dining experience.
Why Choose the Best Restaurant in Downtown Asheville?
Choosing the best restaurant in downtown Asheville is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures that you get to experience the best of what the city has to offer in terms of cuisine and dining atmosphere. Secondly, it helps to support local businesses and contribute to the city’s economy. Finally, it provides a unique and memorable dining experience that you can cherish for a long time.
What Makes a Restaurant Stand Out?
A restaurant stands out from the rest by offering a combination of factors, including:
- High-quality ingredients and expertly prepared dishes
- A unique and inviting atmosphere that sets it apart from other restaurants
- Exceptional service that makes you feel valued and cared for
- A commitment to sustainability and locally sourced ingredients
In the following sections, we will explore the best restaurant in downtown Asheville, highlighting its strengths and what sets it apart from the rest.
Best Restaurant In Downtown Asheville
Asheville, North Carolina is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and thriving food scene. Downtown Asheville is the heart of the city, with a plethora of restaurants, cafes, and bars to suit every taste and budget. Among the many excellent eateries in downtown Asheville, one stands out as a must-visit destination: The Nightbell.
About The Nightbell
Located on the corner of Patton Avenue and Spruce Street, The Nightbell is a modern American bistro that offers an innovative and eclectic menu, expertly crafted cocktails, and a lively atmosphere. The restaurant is owned by Chef Katie Button, a James Beard Award semifinalist, and her husband, Felix Mehl, a seasoned restaurateur. Together, they have created a dining experience that is both unique and unforgettable.
Menu Highlights
The Nightbell’s menu is designed to be shared, with a focus on small plates, snacks, and larger dishes that are perfect for a night out with friends or a romantic evening. Some of the standout menu items include: (See Also: Best Restaurant In Duluth)
* Roasted Bone Marrow: A rich and decadent dish featuring roasted bone marrow served with toasted bread and pickled vegetables.
* Wild King Salmon: A fresh and flavorful dish featuring grilled wild king salmon served with a citrus-herb sauce and roasted vegetables.
* Heirloom Tomato Salad: A colorful and refreshing salad featuring heirloom tomatoes, burrata cheese, and a balsamic glaze.
* Wagyu Beef Sliders: Tender and juicy Wagyu beef sliders served with caramelized onions and a side of truffle aioli.
Cocktails
The Nightbell’s cocktail menu is just as impressive as its food menu, with a focus on creative and expertly crafted drinks. Some of the standout cocktails include:
* The Nightbell: A classic cocktail featuring gin, lemon, and honey, served in a coupe glass.
* The Sazerac: A New Orleans-inspired cocktail featuring rye whiskey, absinthe, and Peychaud’s Bitters, served in a rocks glass.
* The Paper Plane: A modern cocktail featuring bourbon, Aperol, and Amaro Nonino, served in a coupe glass.
Atmosphere
The Nightbell’s atmosphere is lively and sophisticated, with a focus on comfort and elegance. The restaurant features a spacious dining room with high ceilings, exposed brick walls, and large windows that let in plenty of natural light. The bar area is cozy and intimate, with a fireplace and comfortable seating. The restaurant also has a private dining room that can be reserved for special occasions.
Reviews and Awards
The Nightbell has received rave reviews from critics and diners alike, with a 4.5-star rating on Yelp and a 4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor. The restaurant has also received several awards and accolades, including:
* James Beard Award Semifinalist: Chef Katie Button was a semifinalist for the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southeast in 2018.
* Asheville Magazine’s Best Restaurant: The Nightbell was named Asheville Magazine’s Best Restaurant in 2019.
* Mountain Xpress’s Best New Restaurant: The Nightbell was named Mountain Xpress’s Best New Restaurant in 2018. (See Also: Best Restaurant In Paris France)
Conclusion
The Nightbell is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a unique and unforgettable dining experience in downtown Asheville. With its innovative and eclectic menu, expertly crafted cocktails, and lively atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot for a night out with friends or a romantic evening. Whether you’re a foodie, a cocktail enthusiast, or just looking for a great meal, The Nightbell is sure to impress.
Key Points
* The Nightbell is a modern American bistro located in downtown Asheville, North Carolina.
* The restaurant offers an innovative and eclectic menu, expertly crafted cocktails, and a lively atmosphere.
* Some of the standout menu items include roasted bone marrow, wild king salmon, heirloom tomato salad, and Wagyu beef sliders.
* The cocktail menu features creative and expertly crafted drinks, including The Nightbell, The Sazerac, and The Paper Plane.
* The restaurant has received rave reviews from critics and diners alike, with a 4.5-star rating on Yelp and a 4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor.
* The Nightbell has received several awards and accolades, including a James Beard Award semifinalist and Asheville Magazine’s Best Restaurant.
Recap
In conclusion, The Nightbell is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a unique and unforgettable dining experience in downtown Asheville. With its innovative and eclectic menu, expertly crafted cocktails, and lively atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot for a night out with friends or a romantic evening. Whether you’re a foodie, a cocktail enthusiast, or just looking for a great meal, The Nightbell is sure to impress.
Here are five FAQs related to the “Best Restaurant In Downtown Asheville”:
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of cuisine does the Best Restaurant In Downtown Asheville serve?
The Best Restaurant In Downtown Asheville offers a diverse menu featuring a fusion of Southern comfort food, farm-to-table ingredients, and international flavors. Our chefs take inspiration from local farmers’ markets and incorporate seasonal ingredients into our dishes, ensuring that every meal is a reflection of the region’s rich culinary heritage.
Is the Best Restaurant In Downtown Asheville suitable for special occasions?
Yes, the Best Restaurant In Downtown Asheville is an excellent choice for special occasions such as anniversaries, birthdays, and romantic dinners. We offer private dining rooms and personalized service to make your celebration unforgettable. Our menu features a range of options to suit every taste and dietary requirement, ensuring that everyone has a memorable dining experience. (See Also: The Best Restaurant In Bristol)
Do you have gluten-free and vegetarian options?
Yes, we understand the importance of accommodating dietary restrictions and preferences. Our menu features a variety of gluten-free and vegetarian options, including dishes that are both gluten-free and vegetarian. Our chefs are happy to modify dishes to suit your needs, and we also offer a separate gluten-free menu for your convenience.
Can I make a reservation at the Best Restaurant In Downtown Asheville?
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends and during peak dining hours. You can make a reservation by calling us or using our online booking system. We also accept walk-ins, but please be aware that wait times may be longer during busy periods.
Is the Best Restaurant In Downtown Asheville wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the Best Restaurant In Downtown Asheville is fully wheelchair accessible. Our restaurant has a ramp entrance, elevators, and wheelchair-accessible restrooms. We also have a seating area with wheelchair-accessible tables and chairs. If you have any specific needs or requirements, please let us know in advance so we can ensure a comfortable and enjoyable dining experience for you.