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 20-26 and February 17-23 (talk about the perfect belated Valentine’s Day gift). Over 50 restaurants all over the city will be participating, and many will be offering 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 | $40 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 $40 per person). Dishes include crispy rice, salmon + citrus grilled shishito peppers, and smoked Carolina pork shoulder with Kyoto-Carolina BBQ + yuzu pickles. If you’re still craving more, we recommend adding on the beech mushroom tempura or fresh oysters.
Cúrate | $22 (lunch); $48 (dinner)
Designed for parties of two or more, this bar de tapas is offering two special menus: one for lunch and one for dinner, both of which end on a sweet note with tarta de queso (aka basque-style cheesecake). If you're going for lunch, you'll love the pan con tomate and fideua de la semana paella-style noodles. 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 | Free Appetizer Dinner 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 a free appetizer with the purchase of two entrees or two sandwiches. Treat yourself to a smoked salmon rangoon, miso mac & cheese, or delicious brussels sprouts topped with hot honey, crispy shallot, and shaved pecorino while embracing all the rosy retro vibes.
Gemelli | $40 Three-Course Dinner
This authentic Italian spot is offering a three-course dinner with 1 choice per category. Our pick? Start with the warm cannellini bean dip before moving on to the Gemelli pasta 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 arancini, truffle ravioli, and gelato).
Pack’s Tavern | $35 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 bison meatloaf and skillet brookie. Start with a house or Caesar salad, choose between 4 different entrees, and end with a decadent dessert.
While on this side of town, swing by French Broad Chocolate (also participating in Restaurant Week) for a $12 dessert flight at their downtown Chocolate Lounge with an optional $12 wine pairing. Even if you’re tapped out for the night, you can always get some truffles or caramels to go!
Cantina Louie | $11.99 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), sizzling chicken fajitas, and chocolate-drizzled sopapilla.
Botiwalla | $18 Deal
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 of bhel puri + any roll for just $18.00. We love their chicken or paneer tikka roll alongside a refreshing lime ricky or a comforting mug of chai. If you want even more to share, we recommend the matchstick okra fries, sev potato dahi puri, malai chicken skewers, and gulab jamun for dessert.
Salt Face Mule | Burger + Beer Special
This beloved Woodfin brewery is offering up one of the most beloved combos imaginable: beer and burgers. Choose between their two bison burgers and pair with a house beer or seltzer. You'll also get a choice of BBQ-seasoned fried or house-made chips. For $5 more, you can opt for a free pass for a round of mini-golf to use the same day or save for later.
Bonus: Speaking of games, Well-Played Board Game Cafe’s Night Out For Two ($60) is perfect for a night of playfully competitive fun with your significant other (or bestie). The price includes a shareable appetizer, 2 signature sandwiches or flatbreads, a big brownie sundae, 2 game passes for unlimited play all day, and a board game to take home. Winner gets bragging rights and the last bite of brownie.
Winter Lodging Specials
Hoping for a romantic getaway to the mountains this winter so you can enjoy long-range views, warm interiors, smaller crowds, and Restaurant Week? We’re offering several discounts at over 132 vacation homes (including new homes like Hygge Hideaway and Catawba Falls Manor). 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? Find larger-than-life trolls at the Thomas Dambo exhibit at the NC Arboretum or wind down with Asheville Wellness Experiences. From hot springs to aromatherapy and everything in between, these spa experiences are just the ticket for a romantic mountain getaway. Your cozy mountain getaway awaits in Asheville!