Every winter when the cold has set in, Asheville hosts a celebration of its iconic food scene that warms the hearts of locals and tourists alike. This year, Asheville Restaurant Week is offering double the deliciousness by running from January 21-27 and February 18-24 (talk about the perfect belated Valentine’s Day gift). Nearly 50 restaurants all over the city will be participating and many will be presenting special menus for the occasion. You might recognize quite a few of them from our 15 Must-Try Meals in Asheville blog.
If you happen to be visiting Asheville during these weeks, be sure to show your favorite restaurants some love, and find new favorites by trying somewhere you’ve never been before.
Aside from the uniquely delicious culinary creations from local restaurants, our favorite part of this time-honored event is the dining specials. With that in mind, we’ve outlined 8 can’t-miss restaurant week specials from our favorite spots around town:
Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse | $38 Prix Fixe Tasting Menu
This amazing culinary team has created a special menu that will be served family-style, to the center of the table, perfectly portioned for your group to share (just keep in mind that it’s priced at $38 per person.) Dishes include salmon sashimi with wasabi soy broth, crispy rock shrimp, and smoked Carolina pork shoulder with Kyoto-Carolina BBQ and yuzu pickles. If you’re still craving more, we recommend adding on the grilled shishito peppers or crispy rice with spicy tuna.
Cúrate | $22 (lunch); $48 (dinner)
Designed for parties of two or more, this bar de tapas is offering a lunch and dinner menu, both of which end on a sweet note with tarta de queso (aka basque-style cheesecake). The dinner menu includes two of our favorite items: lamb skewers marinated in Moorish spices from Spicewalla and piquillo peppers stuffed with Spanish goat cheese topped with parsley salsa verde.
Regina’s | $19 Lunch Special
Recently ranked second on USA Today’s list of Best New Restaurants in the Country, this female-owned diner clad in pink and dotted with charming MCM decor is serving up an intriguing lunch combo of kimchi & smoked gouda grilled cheese, creamy leek soup, and French custard cherry ice cream for dessert. Treat yourself to this variation on a classic comfort food and embrace all the rosy retro vibes.
Gemelli | $40 Three-Course Dinner
This authentic Italian spot is offering a three-course dinner with 3 choices per category. Our pick? Start with the arancini before moving onto the cacio e pepe for your main, and tiramisu as the grand finale. If you want to keep the pasta coming, its sister restaurant, Strada, has its own three-course menu with some different options (including burrata Tartufo, florentine ravioli, and gelato).
Pack’s Tavern | $32 Prix Fixe Dinner
This historic downtown hotspot in the heart of Pack Square Park is offering a special prix fixe menu that includes crowd favorites like the Prohibition pot roast and skillet brookie. Start with a house or Caesar salad, choose between 4 different entrees, and end with a dessert of skillet brookie or peanut butter pie.
While on this side of town, swing by French Broad Chocolate Lounge (also participating in Restaurant Week) for a glass of wine or a drinking chocolate. Even if you’re tapped out for the night, you can always get some truffles or caramels to go.
Cantina Louie) | $10.99 Lunch Special; $24.99 Three-Course Dinner
The “Louie Lunch” special includes any two tacos, rice & beans, and tea/soda. There are two dinner deals to choose from as well. The $19.99 special offers 1 appetizer and 1 entree, while the $24.99 option includes an appetizer, entree, and dessert. Our go-to dinner combo? The esquite (corn dip), chicken fajitas, and sopapilla.
Botiwalla | $23 Pick 3
This restaurant by Chai Pani founder Meherwan Irani is an homage to the lively Irani Cafes of India. This year, they’re serving up a sweet deal that includes a drink, chaat, and main dish. Our pick? Lime Ricky, matchstick okra fries, and desi salad with grilled paneer (though meat eaters can opt for chicken or lamb as their protein).
Salt Face Mule | $80 Three-Course Dinner for 2
Starting at 4 PM daily, this special menu from the beloved Woodfin brewery offers a French onion soup or house salad as a starter, the choice between 4 different entrees (veggie, beef, chicken, and fish all represented), and ends with your choice of seasonal pie or peppermint chocolate cake.
Bonus: Well-Played Board Game Cafe’s Night Out For Two ($60). Grab your significant other (or bestie) for a night of playfully competitive fun.
The price includes a shareable appetizer, 2 signature sandwiches, a brownie sundae, 2 game passes (unlimited play for the day), and a board game to take home.
Winter Lodging Specials
Hoping for a romantic getaway to the mountains this winter so you can enjoy long-range views, smaller crowds, and Restaurant Week? We’re offering several discounts that include 25% off 3+ night stays at Owl's Nest, Dogwood Treehouse, and Serendipity Treehaus in Cheshire Village along with 15% off 4+ night stays at 180+ vacation homes (including new homes like Laurel Creek Falls and The Overlook). Come see for yourself why Asheville was named one of the "52 Places to Go in 2025" by The New York Times.
Looking for some other winter activities to enjoy? We've created a list of Asheville Wellness Experiences to Help You Wind Down this Winter. From hot springs to aromatherapy and everything in between, these spa experiences are just the ticket for a romantic mountain getaway.