The 5 Best Date Night Restaurants in Asheville

Are you searching for the ideal spot for a date night to remember? Asheville has many excellent locations to consider. French-inspired bistros, fine-dining steakhouses, and lively tapa bars are all within reach at this culinary haven. Since choosing just one is so difficult, we’ve narrowed the list considerably with this guide. Explore these five Asheville eateries to find the winner for your upcoming date night.

Bouchon

62 N Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 350-1140

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Would you like to nosh on comfort food with a unique twist? Set your sights on Bouchon for your upcoming date. This eclectic eatery specializes in French cuisine made in true farm-to-table tradition by Chef Michel Baudouin. This talented chef began his culinary journey near Lyon, France, learning all the tricks of the trade before coming to Asheville.

Chef Baudouin doesn’t hesitate to pull all the stops to craft a luxurious and heartwarming dining experience. By blending French cooking methods with fresh local ingredients, he easily creates meals that will have you singing his praises all around town. His regular dinner menu has all the fan favorites, too, such as Boeuf Bourguignon, Poulet Rote au Thym, and Portobello Tatin.

However, the daily specials are where it’s at, especially if you want to try something new with your date. Depending on when you come in, you’ll find dishes like Poisson du Marche, which features pan-seared swordfish, roasted veggies, and crab rice. The seasonal desserts are also incredible, especially if you come by when they’re serving their fabulous pumpkin spice cake.

Posana Restaurant

1 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 505-3969

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If you’ve always wanted to treat your date to an exquisite fine dining experience, let Posana Restaurant take the wheel. You’ll find this upscale restaurant in the heart of downtown Asheville, ready to take you on an unforgettable culinary journey. They only work from a seasonal menu centered around whatever local produce is in season at that time.

Executive Chef Peter Pollay works tirelessly alongside Chief Creative Officer Martha Pollay to dream up their iconic menu items. Together, they develop dishes ranging from Mushroom Pho to Sunburst Trout Almondine. Be sure to take full advantage of their onsite wine cellar by asking for pairing recommendations when you order. Your server will help you select the drinks that promise to elevate the flavors in your entrée.

To take your dining experience to the next level, plan to visit this restaurant on a special holiday like New Year’s Eve. The team works together on those holidays to curate, cook, and serve a four-course prix fixe meal. There’s no telling what items will land on that menu ahead of time, but you can bet it’ll be good.

Zambra

85 W Walnut St, Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 232-1060

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Do you want to sweep your date to the Mediterranean without leaving Asheville? Zambra can make that happen. This full-service tapas bar has all the right flavors and atmosphere to transport you and your date to a different world. And it occurs precisely when you walk through the front doors.

As you enter the dining room, you’ll feel romance in the air, elevated by the red-tinged mood lighting. The soft chatter of other diners combines with the background music to create a genuinely intimate ambiance. It’s a place where time slows down, allowing you to leisurely nosh on your meal and chat the night away.

The tapas menu allows you to explore what makes each other tick. With only small bite plates available, you can order your meal bit by bit and share all your favorite flavors. You don’t have to worry about not finding something you like, either.

With more than two dozen options on the menu, there’s a little something for everyone. Their most popular items include Spicy Marinated Spanish Olives, Grilled Chicken Kabobs, and Beet Cured Salmon. They also have a full wine menu with plenty of options that pair perfectly with whatever you order.

Red Stag Grill

Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville, 11 Boston Way, Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 398-5600

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For traditional southern cuisine served in an upscale setting, head over to the Red Stag Grill. Located in the Grand Bohemian Hotel, this eatery is a sure bet when you want to enjoy a sophisticated dining experience. But you can rest assured that they don’t forget their mountainside roots, offering a menu filled with the comforting flavors of the Appalachians.

The mountain lodge aesthetics give a nod to their location, making you feel right at home in their posh dining room. Wood-paneled walls, antler chandeliers, and game trophies all around create an alluring balance between rustic and refined. Their exceptional quality of service completes this picture of perfection, ensuring you and your date enjoy pure Southern hospitality throughout your meal.

As you dig into their menu, you’ll find wild game at every corner. Elk Loin, Red Stag Chop, and Kangaroo Strip Loin are all available if you dare. They also have traditional cuts of meat, like the Filet Mignon, if you’re not ready for a bold culinary adventure. If you’re feeling extra fancy, go for their Waygu Ribeye, for sure, but be prepared to pay a premium for pure decadence.

Curate

13 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801

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Curate might look like a basic café from the outside, but it’s actually an acclaimed eatery specializing in Spanish cuisine. This eatery operates on one important principle: exploring a world of flavors brings people together. So, it’s definitely the ideal spot for a romantic date night.

The welcoming atmosphere sets the stage for a memorable meal as soon as you walk through the doors. Let the staff know you’d like a private table to get a cozy spot in the corner. Then, cuddle up together while browsing the menu. There are so many tasty small-bite dishes, all served with sharing in mind.

Do yourself a favor and begin with one of their award-winning charcuterie boards. Then, gradually move through whatever other dishes speak to you both, like their Setas al Jerez (various mushrooms sauteed in sherry). At the end of your meal, make some room for dessert to avoid missing out on the warm chocolate mousse dish, the Espuma de Chocolate.

Choosing any of these spots is the way to go if you want to leave your date feeling wholly impressed. These restaurants offer fantastic food and a romantic atmosphere that turns a simple dinner into a truly delightful experience. So, go ahead and make your reservation with confidence that you will have a wonderful time.