Chestnut

“Chestnut was an excellent dining experience. The atmosphere of the restaurant is comfortable and trendy. From start to finish, the customer service went above and beyond our expectations (something that is often lacking in many upscale restaurants). The drinks were strong and tasteful, I would recommend the Porch Swing. For an appetizer, we had the lobster bisque. As far as I am concerned, you haven’t had the full Chestnut experience if you don’t try the lobster bisque. It was spectacular. For entrées, I got the delta chicken, and my wife got the bacon Caesar salad. The chicken was juicy, the mash potatoes were fluffy and light, but there was a surprise highlight of the evening: the collard greens. As an Alabama guy, I am hesitant to get collard greens at restaurants that aren’t southern comfort kind of places. These greens, however, were perfectly tender, and had a delicious Carolina BBQ flavor. Some of the best greens I have ever had. I would definitely recommend Chestnut for your next visit to Asheville.”

“A Gem in Downtown Asheville If you’re looking for a spot that perfectly captures the spirit of the Asheville food scene, Chestnut is it. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere strikes that ideal balance between upscale elegance and mountain town comfort. The menu is a masterclass in seasonal, Southern-influenced cuisine. Every dish feels intentional and incredibly fresh. The flavors were perfectly balanced and prepared—truly delicious from the first bite to the last. We had the calamari salad, shrimp n grits and flounder. You can tell the kitchen team has a deep respect for local ingredients. What really elevates the experience, however, is the service. Stewart was attentive without being overbearing, knowledgeable about the menu, and genuinely warm and charismatic making the entire meal feel like a special occasion, which it was, an anniversary! Between the top-tier service and the exceptional food selections, it’s a must-visit for locals and visitors alike.”

“I thoroughly enjoyed my dining experience at Chestnut! The dimmer, more intimate setting was perfect for a nice night out with my partner. Their menu offers something for everyone! The short ribs were amazing and it was a bonus that this restaurant participated in Restaurant Week so we were able to dine at a discount.”

“Prior to visiting Asheville, I did some research on places near the hotel I was staying. I came across Chestnut and I’m so happy I did. It’s absolutely beautiful inside and I had a reservation and was seated quickly. It wasn’t loud, beautiful atmosphere, and the most amazing service! My waitress, Che…what can I say? She has the most beautiful spirit, absolutely amazing, and gave the most honest answers when I asked what was popular and good. Everything she digested I tried and OMG!!! She didn’t steer me wrong. I’ve never had dessert after brunch and I’m on vacation, I’m going to dive in! She recommended the Maple Blondie and informed they ran out of the maple ice cream but the vanilla was soooooo amazing! I had an amazing experience, Shrimp and Grits had a “kick” to it but it was so good I ate it anyway. The lobster bisque was beyond great, and she also recommended adding pineapple juice to my mimosa and I could have ordered another one! I’ll recommend Chestnut to anyone and ask for Che! She definitely gives the best experience and great suggestions for you to enjoy! 10/10”

“We visited Asheville to tour the Biltmore Estate, and to celebrate a special birthday, we decided to dine at Chestnut. From the moment we walked in to the very last bite of dessert, the entire evening felt like a true Michelin Star experience. I can honestly say it was the best meal I have ever had. We started with cocktails, and I ordered the "Sweater Weather" — a dark-chocolate, slightly spicy Old Fashioned that was unlike anything I’ve ever tasted. Perfectly balanced, rich, and creative. My boyfriend had a gin and ginger beer cocktail that was crisp, refreshing, and equally impressive. To begin our meal, we shared a cup of the scratch-made lobster bisque, and it was heavenly — velvety, deeply flavored, and full of gorgeous lobster richness. We both looked at each other immediately and said, “Wow.” For entrées, we chose the Butter Poached Lobster Tail served over a cheesy risotto, and the Shrimp & Grits. Both dishes were absolute perfection. Dessert continued the magic with the incredibly delicious Chocolate Caramel Tart with homemade ice cream and Bananas Foster's Bundt Cake. The tart was decadent, smooth, and expertly prepared, while the Bananas Foster was warm, nostalgic, and full of buttery caramel flavor. Every single bite throughout the evening was fabulous. Beyond the food, the service provided by Jessica was outstanding — warm, polished, and attentive without ever feeling rushed. The entire evening felt special, elevated, and celebratory, which is exactly what we were hoping for. If you're in Asheville — whether you’re visiting the Biltmore or just exploring the city — do NOT miss Chestnut. This is a restaurant that exceeds expectations on every level. We will plan to return next year simply to experience this restaurant again - that's how stellar it was! A Big Thank You to the chefs and great staff that made this birthday experience truly memorable!”