The Admiral is a West Asheville restaurant at 400 Haywood Road where dive-bar looks meet fine dining. The kitchen serves high-end takes on American food from a menu that changes often, plus cocktails.

Locals call it one of Asheville's best dinner spots hiding in plain sight. It's the kind of place where the outside doesn't prepare you for the food.

The Admiral

Asheville's food scene is mostly local, and this guide walks it neighborhood by neighborhood. For specials by day and happy hours, see the Dig Deeper guide to deals, specials and free things to do. Downtown, Posana on Biltmore Avenue builds its menu around local farms, The Rhu on South Lexington Avenue is known for its cruffin, Old Europe Pastries has made Hungarian pastries since 1994 and now sits on Broadway, and Capella on 9 serves tapas on the roof of the AC Hotel. On the South Slope, Tiger Bay Cafe cooks Latin and West Indian food inside Ben's Tune Up, and the Funkatorium on Coxe Avenue pours sour beer. Haywood Road in West Asheville has Biscuit Head, Thai Pearl, Finest and Westville Pub. Merrimon Avenue in North Asheville has plant, Mountain Madre, Mother Ocean Seafood Market and 828 Family Pizzeria. In East Asheville, RendezVous serves French bistro food on New Haw Creek Road. Rocky's Hot Chicken Shack fries Nashville-style hot chicken on Patton Avenue in West Asheville and on Sweeten Creek Road in South Asheville. For vegan kitchens and meat-free menus, see the Dig Deeper guide to vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Asheville.

Asheville Food and Drink: Restaurants, Specials and Happy Hours

Experience Asheville, NC, your gateway to the best live music, vibrant nightlife, premier shopping, and unforgettable things to do. Stroll through bustling markets and unique boutiques for one-of-a-kind finds, or browse Asheville’s eclectic shops for local art, fashion, wellness, and gifts. Savor Asheville’s dynamic food scene, from award-winning restaurants and cozy cafés to innovative food trucks and local favorites. 

Dive into the city’s thriving hemp, CBD, and THCA community with welcoming dispensaries and specialty wellness stores. Whether you’re looking for top bars, relaxing cocktail lounges, a memorable bite, or hidden gems off the beaten path, Asheville offers fresh adventures and experiences every season. Stay updated on the latest events, hotspots, and must-visit places, Asheville is your home for discovery.

The Admiral

What you need to know

Local's Tip

What the locals say

What you need to know

What the locals say