Best Mediterranean Restaurants in Asheville—A Local’s Perspective

I can see it now: the rocky beaches, the clear blue sky. I hear the seagulls chatter. I smell the salt on the siroccos; I taste the olive's flesh. This place I describe may lie several time zones away, but in Asheville—the dining capital of Appalachia—a lucky traveler can sample globe-spanning cuisine without crossing a single national border.

Mediterranean; it’s long been one of my favorite culinary traditions. I’m a sucker for spices, be they on lamb or baba ghanoush. So, without further sensory hallucinations, lets dive right in to the five best Mediterranean restaurants in Asheville.

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1: Apollo Flame

This Greek bistro has stood the test of time. With locations in Brevard and south Asheville, if you speak to any locals from those parts of town, you’re bound to hear that it's one of their go-to’s for Mediterranean in Asheville.

Why is this? Solid gyros, solid pita. And, like the Euboeans of Archaic Greece, Apollo Flame is not averse to a little foray into Italy, serving pizza, pasta, Italian subs.

Out of all of these excellent options, I personally prefer a white pie with fresh tomato. That’s just my two cents.

Mediterranean History Hour: In the 8th and 7th centuries BC, the ancient Greeks founded colonies in southern Italy, known then as “Magna Graecia.”

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2: Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian

Speaking of Italy, Vinnie’s new south Asheville location has swiftly become my first choice for Italian. I highly recommended reservations or take out. Their parking lot is full to the brim just about all night, every night. You should take that as a testament to local popularity.

At Vinnie’s you’ve got your usual pastas, your eggplant parmigiana, your pizza, lasagna, and so on. Everything you’d expect of a self-respecting neighborhood Italian place.

The stand outs to me are the linguini pescatore, the garlic knots, and the mozzarella sticks. Fried cheese; it's pure gold.

Mediterranean History Hour: The last Western Roman Emperor had the same name as the city’s founder: Romulus. It is unclear if everyone understood the irony at the time.

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3: Jerusalem Garden Café

While there’s no shortage of Mediterranean restaurants in downtown Asheville, Jerusalem Garden has long been my favorite. Hot mint tea and a vegetarian platter piled high with falafel, stuffed grape leaves, and warm pita. What more does a man need? How about lamb shawarma, lamb chops, roast lamb and baklava for dessert?

The ambience too is equally enticing. No better place to sit down to a warm and cozy meal after a cold or rainy day.

Mediterranean History Hour: In 1202 a bunch of knights and whatnot got together for the Fourth Crusade for Jerusalem. Much to the surprise of everyone, they ended up in Constantinople—modern day Istanbul—where they caused a myriad of problems (to the surprise of no-one).

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4: Zambra

Just down the street from Malaprop’s Bookstore, this semi-subterranean Mediterranean restaurant in Asheville specializes in Spanish tapas. That means patatas bravas, charred Spanish octopus, and my personal favorite: lavender-honey almonds.

If you ask me, tapas make for some of the most entertaining dinner nights. If everyone tries everything, there’s plenty of fertile ground for culinary opining, arguments, and/or appreciation. For the icing on the cake, Zambra’s wine menu has it all: chardonnays, cabernets, pinot noirs. It's practically a vineyard tour in paper.

Mediterranean History Hour: From 1580 until 1640, Spain and Portugal were both ruled by the same monarch, in what’s termed a “personal union.” I’ve proposed this political entity be called “Sportugal,” but the academic community isn’t ready for such ambitious endeavors.

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5: Baba Nahm

Last but not least on this roundup of Mediterranean restaurants in Asheville, Baba Nahm places an emphasis on quick counter service and authentic street-food.

I’m always on the hunt for a menu’s most unique and memorable entries. Here that’s Persian meatballs, Israeli fries, and a Sunday brunch featuring turmeric soft-boiled eggs and spanakopita.

Situated in the Grove Arcade, Baba Nahm’s a great place to pick up some shawarma for your walk about downtown, or to dine-in and simply watch the passers-by.

Mediterranean History Hour: The origin of falafel is controversial.

Business Mentioned

Apollo Flame Bistro - Hendersonville Road

(828)-274-3582

485 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville, NC 28803

Apollo Flame Bistro - Brevard Road

(828)-665-0080

1025 Brevard Rd, Asheville, NC 28806

Vinnie's Neighborhood Italian

(828)-253-1077

641 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804

Vinnie's Neighborhood Italian (South)

(828)-630-8100

1981 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville, NC 28803

Jerusalem Garden Café

(828)-254-0255

78 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC 28801

Zambra

(828)-232-1060

85 W Walnut St, Asheville, NC 28801

Baba Nahm

(828)-575-2075

1 Page Ave #139, Asheville, NC 28801