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GROVE PARK INN. If you're looking for an impressive place to dine, the Grove Park Inn is one of the area's finest establishments. Sophisticated diners appreciate the elegant affair, which is set against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. A wall of windows lets you take in the scenery as you enjoy crab-stuffed trout, grilled rack of lamb, a hearty Blue Ridge meatloaf, and blackened salmon with cilantro-peach chutney. The restaurant is also known for its Saturday night seafood buffet, Sunday evening prime rib buffet, and an exceptional Sunday brunch.
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2. The Dining Room
1 Approach Rd, Inn on Biltmore Estate, Asheville, NC 28803 · 828-225-1333
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BILTMORE AREA. Intricate carpets play off an ivory-painted room with coffered ceilings, a dry-stacked stone fireplace, and luminous chandeliers in this elegant establishment. You'll dine Vanderbilt-style, graced by able servers, stunning views, estate wines, and all the appropriate accoutrements. The Biltmore restaurant plies diners with a bevy of fantastic dishes and ingredients. For example, start with a caviar service, and then shift to pastrami crusted bison carpaccio. With such richness, you'll be hard-pressed to choose an entree, but let yourself be swayed by roasted breast of pheasant with thyme jus, wild Tasmanian steelhead salmon with tarragon aioli, or a Black Angus filet mignon. The entire memorable experience is certain to be second to none.
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DOWNTOWN. It may run against intuition to order seafood in the mountains, unless of course it's trout. Experts say, after all, that it's best to fit the cuisine to the geography. However, thanks to quick shipping, folks in the Appalachians can enjoy the bounty of the sea with great regularity. And what a bounty it is at The Lobster Trap. Patrons can munch on raw oysters, broiled scallops, or steamed clams – and that's just to start! Main course options include lobster Thermidor, cioppino, Greek lobster pasta, a pound of Alaskan king crab legs, or grilled Canadian salmon. Add in a side of roasted pumpkin or lobster mac 'n cheese, and you'll be more than pleased. A good supply of wines is available by the bottle or glass, and live local music every night (no cover!) is an added perk.
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4. Horizons
290 Macon Ave, Grove Park Inn Resort, Asheville, NC 28804 · 828-252-2711
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$$$$$50+
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| Reservations: |
Required |
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None |
GROVE PARK INN. This wood-paneled hotel restaurant, with its leather-clad chairs and patterned carpets, ranks as one of only seven North Carolina restaurants to receive four diamonds from AAA. With this recognition and other praise, Horizons stands as one of Asheville's premier fine dining spots. Its American fare includes sauteed Muscovy duck breast, veal tenderloin with foie gras and artichoke hearts, wild striped bass with grilled asparagus and roasted lemon butter, and a Kobe beef filet mignon. Reservations and formal attire are required for this elegant, spendy dining room.
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$$$16 - $30
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| Reservations: |
Recommended |
| Outdoor Dining: |
None |
DOWNTOWN. This long-lived establishment has been an Asheville fixture for decades, and it still takes to heart its mission of serving superb cuisine using local ingredients and supplementing with the best foodstuffs from around the globe. Seasonal menus feature dishes like roasted pork tenderloin and braised bacon with collard greens and black-eyed pea risotto, roasted young chicken with brussels sprouts and walnuts, and wild striped bass with clams, bacon, and Meyer lemon. Wine pairings are suggested, and the restaurant also presents a casual dining option: Bar 100.
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6. Savoy
641 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804 · 828-253-1077
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Exquisite seafood dishes, prepared with cutting edge techniques, woo diners to this chic spot. Muted yellow walls and wrought iron decor accent the crowded interior, which rarely has an empty table. A variety of international flavors are incorporated into the menu, which features delicacies such as the grilled Tasmanian salmon with quinoa, pumpkin seeds, crimini mushrooms and sweet onion marmalade. In addition to the marvelous fish, intriguing dishes include pork tenderloin with peach and pancetta grits, summer squash and mustard rosemary demi. After dinner, wind down with a signature espressotini, a delightful concoction of Stoli vanil, Bailey's, and frangelico. Weekend reservations required.
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DOWNTOWN. Located in the basement of the Frog Bar and Sidewalk Café, this captivating dining room serves fine cuisine touched by German, Continental and Indian influences. For example, there's the delightful Southern quail with peach glaze served on goat cheese grits. Start with the Flying Frog legs with spicy Creole rémoulade served on a fresh watercress and grape tomato salad. Follow with tenderloin of organic North Carolina pork rubbed with espresso, orange and Belgian dark chocolate. A diverse selection of cocktails, single malt scotches and wines add to the restaurant's sophistication.
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As well-suited to a romantic occasion as to a delightful meal away from your own kitchen, Greenery sets the scene beautifully with candles, flowers, an excellent selection of wines, and an eminently appealing menu. Using the freshest ingredients, the restaurant prepares dishes that feature local trout, crab cakes, prime choice steaks, veal, and duck. Terrific service only adds to the quality of the experience.
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Occupying a quaint, rolled-roof cottage that once housed the Homespun Shops of Biltmore Industries, Grovewood Cafe is a delightful place to enjoy lovingly crafted and carefully updated Southern fare. The menu revels in juxtaposing textures and flavors to great effect, as seen in sauteed crabcakes with pickled squash remoulade and grilled cole slaw, grilled pork tenderloin with Yukon Gold mashed potatoes and chow chow (a cold, pickled vegetable relish), and herb- and garlic-encrusted rack of lamb with zinfandel butter and roasted ratatouille.
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DOWNTOWN. Located on the west side of downtown, Vincenzo's is a comfortable, accommodating restaurant known for its well-prepared Italian fare. Personal service is a welcome amenity, and the food is very good. Pastas include wild boar ragout over tagliatelle, gnocchi in a gorgonzola cream sauce, and linguini with white clam sauce. Main course options include a grilled veal chop, osso bucco, grilled salmon, cioppino, and beef medallions with a mushroom marsala sauce. Downstairs in the bistro, live music is a much-anticipated nightly event.
Looking for a restaurant? We've explored the options, checked with critics, and pounded the pavement to offer only the best. Recommendations come complete with contact information and a brief description highlighting the important features of the restaurant. Fit our choices to your mood, or let us guide your tastes. You'll likely find a few places that not even locals know about.
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