Carmel's Kitchen & Bar

We stopped in this evening for dessert and drinks. We had a wonderful time! The service was impeccable—Mary was attentive, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable. She answered all of our questions with ease and offered spot-on recommendations. We ordered the Popcorn Crème Brûlée, and wow—it was absolutely decadent. Truly unforgettable and something I’ll be dreaming about for a long time. Thank you, Mary, for making our rare night out feel so special and memorable. Also, thanks to the chef for creating a truly one-of-a kind dessert.

We came here in Friday, 12/26/25. I recommend making reservations, because even though we got there by 5:30p, they only had 2 tables available... Everything else had been reserved. My husband & I split the NY Strip, which was in special. It was seared to perfection & while I don't typically like any sauces other than butter in my steak, this was very good. I would definitely recommend! Next time we're in Asheville, I plan to come back here for dinner.

Had a nice lunch? The BLT was really good. People next to us had the corn bread and tomato soup they said was fantastic. Quick seating, but the server just seemed a bit off.

I visited on a Monday, dinner time. Overall dishes were very delicious and I loved the fact that they were not too salty. My toddler loved all the dishes. I don't have a photo of it but the Mac and Cheese was my toddlers favorite. The wait for the food was long, we waited more than 30 min for the food to come out. We got the tomato soup first, that came within 10 min but the rest of the food took pretty long. Cocktails are a little overpriced. I would come back to eat but will probably not drink here.

Wonderful staff, great food! We ate mid afternoon, so there were no crowds. The deviled eggs were so very good. I enjoyed the hangar steak and my wife had a pot roast/pot pie that just melted with flavor in your mouth. Yes, go there!

We came to Carmel’s Kitchen & Bar on a Saturday morning for brunch and had a memorable experience, not just because of the food but also due to the resilience of the staff. Many restaurants in Asheville are still recovering from the recent rare hurricane that swept through the area, and Carmel’s was no exception. We learned that much of the staff had to relocate or couldn’t return to work, leaving only five dedicated team members to keep part of the restaurant running. Despite these challenges, they delivered an excellent dining experience. Our waitress was super friendly and attentive, making us feel welcome even during a busy morning. We started with the tomato soup, which was warm and flavorful—just the comfort we needed. For the main course, we had the waffle chicken sandwich, a special not listed on the menu, and it was absolutely fantastic. Even though the menu was limited due to staffing shortages, the quality of the food was impressive, and the effort put into each dish was clear. The atmosphere, as always, was charming and inviting, with the beautiful outdoor patio and cozy interiors of the historic Grove Arcade adding to the overall experience. It’s clear that the remaining staff at Carmel’s are working hard to keep things running smoothly and provide great service despite the challenges. Carmel’s Kitchen & Bar is a shining example of dedication and resilience in Asheville’s dining scene. The food, service, and ambiance made for a wonderful brunch, and we look forward to returning to support this fantastic restaurant again.