Best European Restaurants in Asheville—A Local’s Perspective
- Ian W.
- Sep 24, 2023
- 4 min read
The other day I was comparing notes with a fellow world-traveler, and as often happens, I turned the conversion towards food. Portuguese, Spanish, French, and so on. Half a dozen countries later, and we had still only scratched the surface of Europe, let alone the other continents. Some people may disagree, but I even have to give some credit to the UK. I do love a good shepherd's pie.
Now imagine that you didn’t have to take a twelve-hour flight to access such cuisine. A wonderful fantasy, sure, but it’s more likely than you think. Yes, with just a short journey on down to Asheville, NC, you too can enjoy the fruits of the Continent, in some of my hometown's chicest and most delicious restaurants.
They don’t call it the Paris of the South for nothing. Read on, and discover five of the best European restaurants in Asheville.
One of my favorite downtown restaurants, Curate specializes in the art of the tapa, a small plate filled with delicate flavors, meant to be shared with friends and family. This kind of dining is a dream come true for the indecisive and the curious, and a dazzling gateway into Spanish cuisine for those yet unacquainted with the delights of manchego cheese and jamon Iberico.
Larger plates include whole grilled trout, lamb skewers seasoned in Moorish spices, and butifarra a la plancha. Paired with one of their dazzling wines or vermouths, a meal here will be one to remember. But, as with all of Asheville’s best European restaurants, reservations are recommended.
Hours: 11am to 9:30pm. Open until 10:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Long have I yearned for this north Asheville staple to open a second location closer to my southerly stopping grounds. And lo and behold, my prayers were answered, nearly two years ago to the day of my writing. It was a match made in heaven, and together Vinnie's and I have shared many a garlic roll.
The joys of Italian food are not something I have to explain. Most people know it, most people love it; it’s a crowd pleaser. As such, this local favorite is bustling many nights of the week, both at its north and south locations. But if you don’t mind a short wait, I’m telling you it's well worthwhile for some of the best cannolis and twice-baked lasagnas you’ll find anywhere in town.
Hours: 4:30pm to 9pm. Open until 9:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Yet another local institution when it comes to European restaurants in Asheville, Apollo Flame’s signature Italo-Greco-American fusion is one of my top picks for casual, consistently delightful dining. I’ve been coming here for as long as I can remember, brought back again and again by their white pies and lamb gyros.
As a side note I’ve noticed that any restaurant that prides itself on its pasta—Apollo Flame included, rightfully so—tends to make a land-office business. There’s a lesson here for the budding restaurateur.
Anyways, I’ve never had trouble finding a table here, which is a testament to their efficient service. Add on top of that two strategically placed location—one near the Biltmore Estate, one near the NC Arboretum—and you have yourself a restaurant that's easily incorporated into a visit to two of Asheville’s most beautiful destinations.
Hours: 11am to 10pm. The one near the NC Arboretum stays open on Sundays; the other does not.
I try to cast a wide net with these reviews, bringing in not only the best European restaurants, but one for every occasion. We've got Curate for a fancy night out. Vinnie's for a nice family dinner, Apollo Flame for a casual family lunch.
And now, we've got Shamrock Irons, one of downtown Asheville's finest pubs, delivering fish & chips, bangers & mash, cottage pies, and of course, more Guinness than you can shake a shillelagh at.
They're centrally located, right off Patton Avenue, making this pub an equal contender for a laid-back dinner and brew, drinks after visiting one of this iconic Asheville street's famous restaurants, or simple refreshment amidst a day of exploring downtown.
Stay tuned on their website for plenty of live music events, including jazz on Thursday nights.
Hours: 3pm to 10pm on Wednesdays. 11am to midnight on Thursdays. 11am to 2am on Fridays and Saturdays. 11am to 8pm on Sundays. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
And finally, to wrap up our tour of the Continent, we head up to the north end of downtown, just down the street from Dobra Tea, to visit the very finest in local dining. What else would you expect from the French?
At le Parisien, they endeavor to provide a refined experience worthy of their namesake. The ambiance: sophisticated. The plating: precise. And the menu itself: decadent. We're talking tartiflettes, scallops on the shell, and foie gras, just to get started. For the main event, you've got duck confit risotto, steak au poivre, filet mignon with black truffle jus, and even a Chilean sea bass wellington.
Finally, it wouldn't be a proper French place without a killer drinks list, and le Parisien delivers, featuring some especially memorable cocktails and dessert wines.
The price point is a little steep, but if it wasn't obvious already, this is a place for truly special occasions. Bon appetit.
Hours: 5pm to 9:30pm, Wednesday through Sunday. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
If you're truly looking to travel in style (tapping into that European way of life), then all that's left is to find a place to stay that's up to the task.
A stay at Asheville Cottages isn't just your typical hotel room, no siree. Our luxury cabins offer top-of-the-line private accommodations, featuring full kitchens, hot tubs, grilles, and even heated bathroom floors, all while lying just a short drive away from all the activities mentioned in this article.
Book a stay yourself and see just why Asheville Cottages is rated number one on trip advisor, with plenty of five-star reviews.
Businesses Mentioned
Curate
(828)-239-2946
13 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Vinnie's Neighborhood Italian (North)
(828)-253-1077
641 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804
Vinnie's Neighborhood Italian (South)
(828)-630-8100
1981 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville, NC 28803
Apollo Flame Bistro (Brevard)
(828)-665-0080
1025 Brevard Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
Apollo Flame Bistro (Hendersonville)
(828)-274-3582
485 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville, NC 28803
Shamrock Irons
(828)-424-7272
4 College St, Asheville, NC 28801
Le Parisien
(828)-417-7033
62 N Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
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