The Admiral

The 18 Essential Restaurants in Asheville, North Carolina

"Since it started delivering boundary-pushing American fare in a plain cinder block building on the west side of town in 2007, the Admiral has remained one of Asheville’s flagship upscale dining experiences. Innovative, skillfully executed dishes and the dining room’s rough, eclectic charm make it a go-to spot for a memorable date night. The charcuterie boards loaded with housemade sausages, terrines, and ferments are a must for meat lovers. Full-service dining is available indoors or on the heated patio by reservation only." - Gina Smith

Asheville Restaurants Urge Tourists to Return - Eater Carolinas

"A beloved neighborhood spot in West Asheville that has reopened, symbolizing the community's resilience." - Kay West

The 17 Best Restaurants In Asheville, North Carolina 2024

"This dive bar-meets-fine-dining establishment feels like it’s run by a pirate who's seen every episode of Bar Rescue. Located in a cinderblock building in West Asheville, The Admiral’s space has a surprising blend of nautical decor, antique tin ceilings, and polished mahogany furniture. The menu toes the line between one you might find at a white tablecloth steakhouse and a New American spot. They nail classics like beef tartare and seared scallops, but it’s the dishes like the banana pepper dip, chicken liver mousse with blueberry shortbread, and off-the-wall salads that really make the restaurant fun. Stop by The Double Crown dive bar after dinner for the full West Asheville experience. " - laura hackett

The Admiral Review - West Asheville - Asheville - The Infatuation

"This dive bar-meets-fine-dining establishment feels like it’s run by a pirate who's seen every episode of Bar Rescue . Located in a cinderblock building in West Asheville, The Admiral’s space has a surprising blend of nautical decor, antique tin ceilings, and polished mahogany furniture. The menu toes the line between one you might find at a white tablecloth steakhouse and a New American spot. They nail classics like beef tartare and seared scallops, but it’s the dishes like the pork belly funnel cake, bonito sake mussels, and off-the-wall salads that really make the restaurant fun. Over the last decade, despite going through some leadership changes, The Admiral still has plenty of charm, and it’s hard to not feel cool when you’re eating here. Stop by dive bar after dinner for the full West Asheville experience. " - Laura Hackett

The 22 Restaurants That Turned Us Into Dedicated Regulars in 2018 | Bon Appétit

@bonappetit

"The cinder block building’s vibe is part dive bar, part destination-worthy dance party, and part chef-driven restaurant." - ByThe Bon Appétit Staff

Agata Lamb

Google

My beef tartare looked nothing like on the photos. Pale beef with a yolk and pile of crusty bread. No pickles or any sauce. Was well seasoned, but I guess the chef forgot most of the ingredients on the plate! I was looking for this one encouraged by the photos . Artichoke dip I think was lovely, filet mignon cooked nicely, but overpriced a bit considering not too attractive plate. Martini espresso ok . Service was good but not great - my beef tartare came after all the dishes arrived and it was the only cold dish we’ve ordered. I wish I have my tartare picture captured so you could compare ! All the photos of this European dish were so yummy looking - mine was not. I

Jo Dee

Google

It is one of the greats in Asheville. The rib eye was a perfect 'crispy on the outside / juicy on the inside'. Beautiful service, and one of the most delicious desserts I've had. Will come back to try more on the menu.

Lacey Squier

Google

My spouse said this was the best ribeye of his life! We also loved the mussels, beef tartar, chicken entree, and our cocktails. The service and hospitality were equally excellent.

The Kersh

Google

The Admiral is our favorite place. The food was so good I tipped the line cooks in addition to the wait staff. I can't say enough good things about the entire staff.... it was a magical evening. I told the hosts I was planning on getting engaged during desert. I handed her the ring and asked her if they would make it look nice.... they came out with a fresh cut dahlia flower with our flourless chocolate cake with the ring place in the middle of the flower... she said yes and it was amazing.

Stephyca Geffrard

Google

My friend and I went out for dinner on a Monday night, so the ambiance was nice and relaxed. The staff was incredible—they immediately brought water to the table as soon as we were seated (huge +). Our server was outstanding, providing detailed information about the food and drinks, which made the experience even better. I ordered the oysters and a Caesar salad, both of which were fantastic. My friend had the burger, and she said it was the best burger she’s ever had. The fries were so delicious that we ended up ordering some to take home. 10/10 would highly recommend this place

hannah kandl

Google

Went for my half-birthday and The Admiral’s attention to detail and hospitality DID NOT disappoint! Thank you to our maître d' who greeted us right away and accommodating my mobile accessibility needs when it came to sitting accommodations, she placed us next to the cozy fireplace a nice touch to the ambience. Our highly knowledgeable server, Cameron, along with team behind the scenes. I’m use to a very basic and boring diet (my partner laughs because it’s macaroni and cheese and chicken nuggets), so when I got to the restaurant the menu was foreign to me. I was a bit embarrassed that I couldn’t read it, but not to worry! Cameron took his time and help breakdown the menu with ALL the questions I had. I put all my trust and his recommendations in him and WOW!!! Culinary Team the cut of steak with seasoned fries and house made sauces I savored every bite and have graduated my taste pellet. To the mixologist at the bar my Hurricane Cocktail beautifully and tropically garnished with dehydrated fruits and yes an umbrella took me out of the cold from outside. And lastly to the dessert of chocolate cake and fresh vanilla ice cream this is where Cameron went above and beyond with attention to detail that made my already 5 star experience go beyond to infinity…I mentioned out of excitement that we are celebrating my half-birthday and he brought dessert out with a half a birthday candle! It’s the smallest attention to detail that he picked up on that made this day so memorable! Highly recommend the food and beverage, atmosphere (they play great music too), and overall hospitality so welcoming. Thank you all again!

Matt Briggs

Google

One of the best nice meals I’ve had out in a while. We started with an appetizer of hush puppies with goat cheese and they were some of the best I’ve ever had. I had the gnocchi and my wife had the pork chop. Both were so flavorful and great portion sizes. For dessert we had panna cotta and it was a perfect way to finish the meal. Service and atmosphere were nearly perfect. I couldn’t recommend this place more.

Krissy McCulloch

Google

Everything was absolutely exquisite. My mom and I shared the mussels which were in the most delicious sauce I’ve ever had. We also shared the caesar salad which was crisp and fresh and delightful. I had the steak and the had the halibut, and we didn’t leave a morsel. The entire staff was so friendly and knowledgeable and we really enjoyed their service. We will be back as soon as we are able. 💯

The 18 Essential Restaurants in Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville Restaurants Urge Tourists to Return - Eater Carolinas

"A beloved neighborhood spot in West Asheville that has reopened, symbolizing the community's resilience." - Kay West

The 17 Best Restaurants In Asheville, North Carolina 2024

The Admiral Review - West Asheville - Asheville - The Infatuation

"This dive bar-meets-fine-dining establishment feels like it’s run by a pirate who's seen every episode of Bar Rescue . Located in a cinderblock building in West Asheville, The Admiral’s space has a surprising blend of nautical decor, antique tin ceilings, and polished mahogany furniture. The menu toes the line between one you might find at a white tablecloth steakhouse and a New American spot. They nail classics like beef tartare and seared scallops, but it’s the dishes like the pork belly funnel cake, bonito sake mussels, and off-the-wall salads that really make the restaurant fun. Over the last decade, despite going through some leadership changes, The Admiral still has plenty of charm, and it’s hard to not feel cool when you’re eating here. Stop by dive bar after dinner for the full West Asheville experience. " - Laura Hackett

The 22 Restaurants That Turned Us Into Dedicated Regulars in 2018 | Bon Appétit

@bonappetit

"The cinder block building’s vibe is part dive bar, part destination-worthy dance party, and part chef-driven restaurant." - ByThe Bon Appétit Staff