10 Ways to Have a Seafood Centric Date Night in Asheville

Believe it or not, we have great seafood here in the mountains, you just have to know where to find it. That’s where we fit in. Hoping to plan a date night around your favorite dishes from the sea? Look no further than these 10 fresh ocean-centric dining spots.

Downtown

Jettie Rae’s

It didn’t take long for Asheville to fall in love with Jettie Rae’s Oyster House! It’s a must for any seafood or oyster connoisseur. Brought to you by the folks behind another local favorite, Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian, Jettie Rae’s is already receiving raving reviews for having the freshest seafood in the area!

CLAMS OREGANATA!

Lobster Trap

Calling all shellfish lovers! The Lobster Trap was one of Asheville’s first really noteworthy seafood destinations and they are still nailing it with the fresh ocean fare every time we dined there. Got a craving for lobster and crab legs? Two words. Lobster. Trap.

Importing Maine. Photo credit The Lobster Trap.

Chestnut

Another one of Asheville’s long-standing, true American cuisine dining spots is Chestnut — tucked away on Biltmore Ave. downtown, walking by, it’s easy to miss but do yourself a favor and book a table. Consistently delicious, you can enjoy everything from fresh salads with grilled tuna, to calamari and salmon. You won’t miss a beat at this easy-going dining establishment. If you find yourself in the Biltmore Village area, go check out their sister eatery, Corner Kitchen. We recommend the weekend brunch!

Pan-seared and beautifully plated. Photo credit: Chestnut

River Arts District

The Bull and Beggar 

Find yourself starving after a day of gallery strolling? Hop on over to The Bull and Beggar.  Another one of our favorite spots to chill and slurp down some oysters with a gin martini.

Fresh oysters. Photo credit: The Bull and Beggar

Vivian

Classic, perfectly executed french-inspired seafood dishes are what the chefs at Vivian consistently deliver. Winning Asheville’s “Best Restaurant” 2 years in a row at the AVL Food Fan Awards, it’s really all you need to know. Do yourself a favor and book your next reservation at Vivian. You’re welcome.

Beautiful flounder caught off the NC coast. Photo credit: Vivian

North Asheville

Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian

Jettie Rae’s sister restaurant, Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian is like tasting fine dining at the Italian Riveria. Only serving the freshest, traditional Italian dishes combined with coastal fare like you will not believe — look no further than Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian“Bellissimo!” — Just like Portofino, Capri, or Sicily.

Seafood Risotto at Vinnies! Photo credit: Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian

East Asheville

Little Pearl Oyster Bar

Hailing from the shores of Key West, Little Pearl Oyster Bar opened its doors in Asheville in January 2021 and never looked back. And, good for us — cause their guests are winning! When we dined at Little Pearl, it was love at first sight. Delicious, fresh seafood you would only expect from a well-established Florida restaurant.

We highly recommend Sushi Sunday! Photo credit: Little Pearl

Copper Crown

Copper Crown is Asheville’s eastside gathering spot! Since 2015, serving locally sourced, farm-to-table cuisine, it’s consistently delicious and cozy. We recommend the pan-seared scallops or the crispy shrimp. Devine!

BBQ gulf shrimp with cauliflower purée. Photo credit: Copper Crown

West Asheville

Oyster House Brewing

If weekend brunch and Bloody Mary’s are your thing, Oyster House Brewing in West Asheville nails it every time. And, great beer, too!

Where else can you get fresh Maryland crabs? Photo credit: Oyster House Brewing Company

Waynesville

The Chef’s Table Waynesville

A little secret west of Asheville is The Chef’s Table in downtown Waynesville. Worth the drive, any day, every course is well planned and made for wine lovers. Romantic, adorable, and brilliant. Get you’re GPS out and plug in Waynesville.

Grouper Piccata at The Chef’s Table. Photo credit: The Chef’s Table

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