When you want to nosh on the finest flavors from Italy and the Mediterranean coast, you cannot go wrong with a visit to Bargello. Set in the Kimpton Hotel Arras in Downtown Asheville, this eatery proudly serves fine dining fare in a casual setting built for all to enjoy. Each day, they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And you can come by for brunch on the weekends. So, whether you’re in the mood for hand-rolled pasta, wood-fired pizza, or something altogether different, you can easily satisfy your cravings at this restaurant.
Every last dish at Bargello is made to perfection by Executive Chef Tyler Slade and his talented culinary team. Their approach starts with gathering fresh ingredients from trusted local sources and then building the menu around what’s in season. Beyond that, they aim to make everything from scratch using classic and reimagined recipes. Every last item gets plated up with flair, too, so you just know you’re in for a show as your order hits the table.
To sample all they have to offer, it’s really best to make a reservation well before your visit. It’s not required, of course, but their eatery fills up with diners early in the day and stays busy until close. You can easily make a reservation online, though, or just give them a call at your convenience. Either way, let them know whether you’d like indoor or outdoor seating so that they can save you a table.
Whether you sit indoors or out, you can expect to get treated to the highest quality of service. The décor at Bargello is second-to-none as well. Treating you to delightful upscale accents in every direction. Indoors, they have floor-to-ceiling windows offering fantastic views. Plus, you can see right into the kitchen to watch all the action happening. On their patio, they have raised tables set up if you’d like to enjoy a full meal, or you can sip your drinks in a cozy lounge area.
The most popular menu items at Bargello are:
Brioche French Toast
When you want to savor the sweetness of the world at breakfast time, go with the Brioche French Toast. To create this dish, the chef at Bargello creates a spiced whipped mascarpone and stuffs it in a thick slice of toast. After that, the toast goes for a swim in the batter before hitting the grill until golden brown. Bananas, foster sauce, and candied pecans go over top right at the end.
Short Rib Hash
You can always count on the Short Rib Hash to kick your day into high gear with the very first bite. This Bargello brunch favorite begins well before you arrive with braised short ribs cooked low and slow. Next, it’s fried up with chopped sweet potatoes, kale, and caramelized onion. Tomato gravy goes over it all along with a fried egg.
Duck Breast
For pure decadence at dinnertime, try the Duck Breast as your main entrée. The chef expertly prepares this dish by pan-roasting the duck breast until perfectly tender. Alongside, riced cauliflower, rainbow carrots, and glazed cipollini onions join the party right before sorghum just gets drizzled over it all.
Save room for dessert unless you are prepared to miss out on creations like Coffee Panna Cotta and Vanilla Bavarian. For an interesting spin on a classic, go with Bargello Lemon Olive Oil Cake at least once. If you’re not quite in the mood for a full dessert, end your meal on a sweet note with a tasty Affogato.
Insider Tips:
-If you don’t have time for a full sit-down meal, call for takeout. The team will have your order ready when you arrive.
-Holiday happenings land on the schedule all throughout the year, including a three-course prix fixe menu for Valentine’s Day. Check their website for the details.
-Need space for your next event? Ask Bargello what they might have available.