Chestnut

I was highly impressed with Chestnut. They had great drinks, fast service and I highly recommend the Apple Glazed Sunburst Trout Fillet.

First time at Chesnut today. We will definitely go back. We had the turkey, bacon, bleu cheese sliders. They were extremely moist and tasty. One of us had the lobster bisque the other the mushroom soup. Both were creamy and rich. The server did an excellent job and brought our main courses out shortly after the soup. The beer list was typical for Asheville but nice. They also had a cider on tap. We’d like to go here for Sunday brunch once.
If your planning on dinner between today and Valentines Day plan to go somewhere else, they told us they were booked solid.

DELICIOUS! We had dinner here last night and our server Hannah was a doll. We had the bread and cheese/​meat plate– which we would recommend to anyone in a heartbeat. That’s saying a lot because we aren’t usually ones to order those things.
In addition we had the fried green tomatoes, green curry mussels, and rabbit pot pie. It was SO much food– we probably could have done without one of the plates, but they were all so delicious that I don’t know which one we would have not ordered.
Although we are adventurous eaters, I definitely think all the things we ordered would be good for anyone willing to try something new.
The best thing about this place? THE PRICES. It’s phenomenal how affordable and delicious everything was !

My daughter and I stopped in for a quick dinner before a play — we explained to the server we were running a bit late and he timed everything perfectly so that we had plenty of time without being in a rush to finish. My drink was the the Fig Sidecar and it was just so good; dinner was the petite filet small plate with meat so tender I really could cut it with my fork. I couldn’t have been more satisfied with the total experience.

Really fantastic restaurant with exceptional service. My man and I went to eat here on a Friday night and it was packed. It would be 5 stars however we weren’t fans of the lobster bisque. It was overwhelmingly creamy that masked much of the lobster flavour we were hoping for. Everything else we tried was delicious though. The next thing we had was the Chestnut Seasonal salad which was tasty as far as salads go. The star of the night was the green curry mussels. It was bowl-​licking yummy. I could eat that every night. The seafood bouillabaisse was also very tasty and brimming with seafood. As we had a late lunch that day we were too stuffed for dessert but definitely look forward to returning in the future to try them.

Walking by, drawn in by the atmosphere, hoping against hope that we could obtain a table without a reservation…
We were graciously greeted and told that seating us at that time may not be possible; but, offered us the opportunity to have a seat and a cocktail in a very comfortable waiting area while waiting for an opening.
Sitting there, sipping excellently made cocktails, we observed the very friendly and professional staff moving about the dining room, carrying plates of delicious looking meals.
Much sooner than anticipated, we were seated in a very comfortable booth and introduced to Colleen, our server for the evening. We were soon to decide that Colleen may possibly be the finest waitress (that title does not do her justice) we have ever been exposed to in all our years of dining out. There are not enough superlatives to really explain how good she was!
Oh, yes, the food…
As stated earlier, the cocktails were magnificent. A rarity, we three all ordered Old Fashioneds and found them to be exquisite and eminently sippable.
Amazingly, we all also enjoyed bowls of lobster bisque and found them to be wonderfully delicate and intensely lobster flavored.
For an entrée, I thought I’d be judicious and just order something from the «Medium Plate» section of the menu. Ordering Prince Edward Island mussels, I was amazed that the «Medium Plate» was, in actuality, a heaping pile of mussels that required two bowls for the empty shells. Not only was the quantity enormous, the mussels were soaked in a spicy green Thai curry sauce which was just a subtle addition of flavor, not overpowering the mussels.
Duck and pasta dishes were also excellent — well prepared, sauced nicely and nicely sized portions.
Pie ala mode, regular and Irish coffee rounded out the meal.
I cannot possibly speak too highly of Colleen and the food that we shared that night for probably close to three hours, lingering, nibbling, sipping and enjoying the atmosphere of this wonderful restaurant.
Thanks for making room for us and thanks, especially, to Colleen for making this night so special.
Oh, one more thing, the next morning I happened to park in front of Chestnut as we planned on roaming the town, doing a bit of shopping. After a bit, I was designated to return to the car to store the mornings purchases and who, but Colleen, was seen in the window of the restaurant, prepping for opening. Glancing up, recognizing me from the night before; she lit up with a radiant smile and a happy wave. So lucky is Chestnut to have her on staff!

Arriving @ 6PM on a Saturday, we were able to sit immediately at a café table, but it filled up quickly. Beautiful, subdued ambiance. The calamari-​kale-​almond-​preserved lemon salad was such a change of pace, and so flavorful! The fried fontina– stuffed risotto with lobster ragout and tomato sauce was more subtle, and very filling. I was coveting the sirloin steak across from me, though!

wow this place was awesome, First you walk it and its just a warm and inviting place to be. We sat down for lunch. The menu was brunch so it was not expansive like some restaurants but it was very well appointed with really solid items. Our table order ranged from salads and burgers to a rueben. I went with that rueben on a journey, I am a New Yorker Born in the city raised in the country and cut my teeth on the city growing up. I know a good sandwich and if you want to disagree we can take it outside. This rueben was artfully crafted did i mention I am also classically trained in culinary. So i can use artfully and not sound like a stuck up foodie. Though i would let a stuck up foodie use artfully when describing Chestnut. The first thing i noticed the bread looked perfectly griddled and toasted up well. Next thing i requested was extra 1000 Island dressing, it was house made so that usually means its good. This was a really good 1000 island dressing not that bright orange color of the bottled stuff. This was a pale hue of pink and orange and it was simply delicious. You can tell when fresh ingredients are used and people take the time to put in the work. I tried out the dressing with a quick dip of a french fry Hot and crunchy cut by the tangy sweetness of the dressing. NOW we move onto the sandwich THICK I mean THICK slices of corned beef. it was really tender and juicy i could sit there and eat a bucket of that stuff with that dressing. The sauerkraut again HOUSEMADE as well, tangy and delicious. I took the time after all this sandwich heaven to wash this thing down with Pisgah-​Nitro Stout American Stout from right in Asheville, NC. The creamy texture of the beer cut the fatty, tangy, deliciousness like a Ninja with a sword taking down an evil warlord. The world was right the day that sandwich was enjoyed. This combination of all this wonderful skill and time to make these ingredients was what reminds you of what a good sandwich should be and how these people are good americans and the terrorist will never win if they keep making such a sandwich.

We came back a year later and it was just as terrific! I thought about charcuterie platter for the last year and could not wait to have it again. I seriously believe it is the best priced charcuterie in all of Asheville as well as the best. It was just as good with the Monks mustard and apple butter that is out of this world. Same with the beet salad with golden and red beets. I also had the lobster bisque which was so rich and delicious. It was like liquid croissant to me! We will eat here everytime we come to Asheville!
We first sat at bar and met a very nice couple. The bar area has a great vibe for drinks and meals as well.

Nice meal! I ordered the rack of lamb which was served with potatoes and spinach, it was so flavorful and delicious. Since we went for New Year’s Eve the place was a bit crowded so we practically sat with the two tables next to us, meaning we could hear every word of the conversations of others. Also, there was a strange rumbling noise that seemed to be coming from upstairs but I’m not sure. It sounded like cart being pulled or someone running… Who knows but dinner was good

Just love the cocktails and flavorful bites. The lobster bisque is a must as well. We got the I between lunch and dinner — limited apps me ur — just perfect.

My wife and I decided to visit Chestnut during our stay in Asheville and it did not disappoint! We started with a couple of cocktails, the bread basket and two bowls of lobster bisque. I’ve had one too many not so great old fashions, but I ordered their «Chestnut Old Fashion» anyways. To say it was delicious would be an understatement. It was one of the best I’ve had. The bread was hot and fresh and delicious, of course. And the lobster bisque was divine. Hot, amazingly creamy but not overly sweet with just a hint of spice. Yum!
For our entrees my wife ordered the petite filet and I the bone in pork chop. Both we delicious. The filet was served with fresh green beans and mashed potatoes. The pork chop with cheddar scalloped potatoes and «southern style green beans». Those green beans though. Wow. I need more of those in my life. Cooked with bacon, onion and some mixture of sweet and spicy, they were great!
The service was quick and friendly! Everyone seemed happy to be there and willing to help make the evening. I recommend a reservation. We ate on a Monday night at 8 and it was packed. It is Christmas week though… I will definitely return to Chestnut!

This place defines what Asheville is, was, and is going to be: extremely wonderful service, up-​and-​coming food, and modern takes on some southern classics. This place was spot on, and knowing that it was co-​owned by the same guy who runs the Corner Kitchen (which I got to experience the day before), I knew my family and I were going to be in for a treat. This place had a great open atmosphere, and our server was extremely polite and formal. I really appreciated her professionalism in this type of setting, where you probably wouldn’t want some overly nice and flamboyant waiter.
To start off we got a great Cabernet Sauvignon and were treated with a complimentary amuse-​bouche of a crostini topped with black bean hummus. Anytime I get a little unexpected treat I am always excited, and this one was not a letdown. We all started out with the lobster bisque which was decadent, and also comprised of the most actual lobster I have ever tasted in a lobster bisque, which was extremely exciting given that I love lobster. I got the risotto cakes on lobster ragout for my main meal (did I mention I love lobster), and was extremely impressed with it. The risotto cakes were creamy, while not being overly greasy for being fried. My sisters both got the ham and swiss stuffed chicken breast, which was amazing. Anytime you have chicken on the menu, it needs to be executed perfectly and this one was. My dad got their special which was a tempura fried fish, with some Asian sides. The fish was extremely moist, and the tempura batter was just enough that it didn’t leave the fish being greasy. For dessert we got the Kahlua crème brulee, which honestly wasn’t that great. The consistency of the custard was not right although the flavor was nice. We also got their pie of the day, which was a hundred times better than their crème brulee.
I can’t even take off a star for the crème brulee miss at this place, because everything else was so spot on. This is the perfect example of moderately priced restaurant that I was happy to support given the great execution of their food and their impeccable service. If all restaurants could model this place, I think the world would be a better place. Take note other restaurants and use this place as a shining example. I will be back, and I will be spreading the word in the meantime to all those visiting Asheville to come to this establishment, along with The Corner Kitchen!

Ordered the lobster pot pie. Taste was good, not outstanding. And the carrots must have been an afterthought, as they were hardly cooked at all. I like raw carrots, but I expected them to be cooked in the pot pie.
So they have me a free slice of blueberry pie as compensation. And the manager came by to apologize.

This may be my new breakfast place!!!
My husband and I had a quiet lunch date. Such an interesting experience.
We were seated immediately upon arrival. Super friendly staff.
I’m not usually one to make a special request. On this day I was in the mood for something specific. For some reason I wanted a traditional breakfast ie eggs/​bacon but i was also in the mood for biscuits and gravy. I wasn’t so sure on the gravy. Lately everyone in Asheville is a regular chef boyardee and goes crazy with sage and other unnecessary herbs and spices. It’s breakfast people… Can we stop reinventing the wheel? The server was able to alter my breakfast with a side and make it exactly what i wanted. Gravy was superb, crisis averted! Our server was excellent about answering questions and extremely expedient. I can’t wait to return. See ya soon Chestnut!

By far the highlight of my trip to Asheville, Chestnut is an upscale casual café with a focus on highlighting the best of what North Carolina has to offer. We dined here for Saturday brunch.
I ordered the catfish with grits and collard greens, and I was thoroughly surprised at how neutral the fish tasted — a fantastic thing, since I’ve had some pretty muddy catfish before. The grits and greens were a perfect complement with the catfish, and the topping of fried sweet potato shavings were fun to munch on, too.
I think what made our experience so special was our server, Kyle — and I rarely remember servers’ names. It truly felt like he *really* appreciated us being there, and he even gave us great recommendations on where to hike on our way back to Raleigh-​Durham (we decided on Mount Mitchell, which is beautiful, by the way).
Also, of note: my friend ordered the burger, which you can ask for bacon and avocado for free. FREE! Where else on earth can you get free bacon and avocado???
Chestnut was such an overall fantastic experience, from service to the food; I can’t recommend it enough.

BY FAR the BEST breakfast (NO FUSS) in AVL… HANDS DOWN!!!
We arrived at Noon for brunch and were greeted with a warm AVL smile and immediately sat for our small party of two. Our waiter was at our table in less than 2 min after seating and announced the daily specials and took our drink orders. Within another minute or two we had coffee and water and was asked if we had any questions about the menu and/​or questions pertaining to the local food served.
We knew we wanted a traditional eggs/​potatoes/​bread/​meat type breakfast and to my surprise the menu items we ordered were exceptional in price. The quality and quantity of food you get for the price are by far the best deal in AVL for traditional egg breakfast.
My eggs were cooked to perfection, local sausage was perfect, and the potatoes were a delight which had a mixture of regular and Sweet potatoes!!!
I will be visiting this place many times over as this is my new favorite local spot for breakfast/​brunch. I now need to venture there for a lunch and dinner for comparisons.
The local décor of the restaurant is awesome and gives me ideas for the authentic/​rustic but hip & industrial style that I would like to use in my house. Absolutely beautifully laid out and with a nice bar I might add!!!

Really enjoyed the time at Chestnut.
Had the lobster risotto, which was tender, spicy & tasty.
Fried Green Tomatoes which were savory and super-​comfort food (loved the vinegary, pickled sauce)
Provided a few complimentary tapas — exploded in the mouth w/​to die for flavors.
A few glasses of Pinot Grigio.
Sara, bartender/​server, was superb — amiable, well-​versed in the menu, and outstanding.

A car load of us took a roadtrip to Asheville to visit Biltmore Estates and we sought a place to grab lunch and stumbled on Chestnut via Unilocal and decided to give it a try. Street parking was limited but we found an obscure parking garage a few blocks away for $ 5. Chestnut is on a main street with a dessert truck across the street, a hotel nearby and you can also see touristy bike peddlers go by while eating.
I ordered a beet salad and the waitress was kind enough to split it for me and my mom. With the salad split, the portions were very generous and the beets were delicious. For lunch I had the lobster roll was just ok and not as meaty as I’d hoped but my moms mushroom sandwich was divine. My friends also ordered the special of the day which was pasta and some type of fish. They wouldnt stop praising it. Service was on point. Bathrooms have funky flushing buttons (you have to wave your palm over it but even then it wouldnt flush) that left many stalls un-​flushed and foul. After a good meal experience the bathroom visit ended it badly.

We settled on Chestnut for breakfast, as it was right across the street from our hotel and reservations were easy to come by via OpenTable. Its also a sister restaurant to another restaurant we wanted to try so thought it would be a great way to experience the other restaurant.
We were a bit early for our reservation and were graciously greeted and immediately seated. We ordered the breakfast granola to start and some tea, which I was pleased to see came in a cute, hallowed out library book. Chestnut offers the Tazo tea line — yum! The granola is housemade and delicious; super crunchy! I enjoyed the yogurt as well. The fresh fruit offered, especially the pineapple and strawberries, were really delicious and fresh.
The Sunday breakfast menu looks amazing and it was actually difficult to settle on just one item. I asked our waitress what her fave dish was and without skipping a beat, she said the Central American breakfast, so that made my choice simple.
OMG, yes. A housemade fresh taco shell, filled with fresh lettuce, delicious black beans, fresh avocado, grilled chorizo, and cheesy scrambled eggs. OMG, yum. It was so fresh and delicious and exactly what I wanted. I wound up crumbling the chorizo into my eggs, which made them so delicious. What a great breakfast idea!
One friend ordered the omelette, which can be made with anything they have in their kitchen. She got mushrooms and beef brisket along with goat cheese. She proclaimed it one of the best omelettes she’s ever ever had.
Everyone else ordered the standard breakfast with eggs, breakfast meat, and hash brown potatoes or grits. I love the hash brown potatoes — a mix of cubed red potatoes and sweet potatoes — savory and delicious!
Service was outstanding — friendly, quick with coffee and water refills, and everything provided under the sun.