Rhubarb

I hardly ever leave a bad review, mostly because I’m not picky, but I did not enjoy my meal here. I had the duck, which consisted of 1 very gamey tasting leg with a not so great texture, topped with leafy Greens and a few thin slices of sweet potato. The dish is very small and not great quality for the price of 30 bucks. I ate it even though i thoight it was mediocore and was still very hungry afterwards.

Food was very good! But service was horrid! Out waitress ignored us and the manager was of no help… too many excellent places to eat in Asheville to put up with poor service!

Had a great time celebrating our friends 30^th birthday. We arrived roughly 30 minutes ahead of our reservation and they were still able to seat us, which immediately gave them a good review in my head.
We tried some REALLY knock out appetizers including the goat cheese burrata which spread like butter over some crostinis and topped with pickled strawberries and rhubarb jam. (lots of rhubarb on the menu, thus the name). Also enjoyed the fried hominy which had us asking all sorts of questions to our waiter about how they’re made (and he was happy to answer)
Main courses included the not-​to-​be-​missed Oso Buco which was so tender and delicious. I swear there was enough for two people and so I traded with the person to my left for some of the killer ricotta gnudi.
We decided we HAD to try the dessert with the pork ice cream because «when in Asheville,» but decided it just wasn’t our cup of tea and decided to head elsewhere for dessert.
Our waiter was friendly, we enjoyed out table tucked away by the window so we could people watch and would recommend it to vegetarians as well since our friend said her cauliflower steak was incredible and us meat-​eaters didn’t know what we were missing, even though I tried it and the Oso.

Food was good, not amazing but not terrible. Only have mimosas… no bellinis or other fruit puréed to use. Biscuits were divine!

Rhubarb is a must do for every visitor to Asheville. The seasonal menu is beautifully balanced. We had the goat burrata, hominy and a beautiful seasonal dish of baked sun chokes and ramp salsa verde. Entrées were the cauliflower steak and goat cheese gnudi. Great wine selection and, Asheville being the craft beer Mecca, had a great beer selection too. We were fortunate enough to sit at the Chef’s counter and this really made our night. We were lucky enough to have Pete answer all our questions — so a big shout out to how friendly and polite he was. He really made our night special. All the staff were very pleasant and really can’t talk highly enough of Rhubarb. Thanks for making our stay in Asheville extra special. Cheers.

Food was good, but not as flavorful as expected.
Service was below average in that our first course, second course, and main course were not served as expected. At least 15 min or more apart.

My friend put it best: «On paper, it sounds amazing…» The ellipsis is exactly how I felt about dinner. «That was it?»
We were all so excited to eat here; we eagerly strategized which of the small plates we were getting. The three of us decided on:
Berber Pie — a nice, fragrant savoriness. The pie is flat, so the dough was the weak point.
Fried Gnudi — felt like I paid $ 9 for glamorized mozzarella sticks
Mongolian Lamb Ribs — the meat was so tender, it fell off of the bone when I just picked it up. The collard greens kimchi was too sour, and not a good accompaniment (shocking admission from me, as I usually love kimchi/​anything sour).
Goat Cheese Burrata — highly recommend taking the time to pile a bit of each part of the dish (chutney, beet, apple slice, etc.) on the burrata and crostini. It makes all the difference.
Candied Shallot Crusted Sea Scallops — good, but overpriced for just three scallops. I know scallops are always expensive, but $ 19 is the most I’ve ever paid for so few. Celeriac remoulade was a good contrast to the salt of the scallops, but the pan-​fried country ham made it too salty, so I brushed those pieces off.
Our server took the time to talk us through the menu when we were having trouble deciding, and was honest about what was popular for the novelty (lobster corn dogs) when there are really better, more unique things to be had. Pacing between dishes was good. Rhubarb looks like a good date spot at first, but it will get pretty loud inside. Worth a try, but not the best restaurant in this genre in Asheville.

I was so disappointed. I’ve been waiting to go to Rhubarb since we moved back to town in January. When we finally had the chance, it was a big let down.
Reviews all over the internet and in «cool» magazines made Rhubarb seem like a can’t-miss. But, really, you should. There are so many great places to eat in Asheville. We are extremely lucky to live here and get to experience all of them. If you are just coming in to town for a few days, you should leave Rhubarb off your list.
We arrived a little early thinking we could have a drink at the bar. This was extremely awkward. There is no real place to be there. Other diners sit at the bar to eat — which is great — but it doesn’t allow for any spot to have a pre-​dinner cocktail. And it seemed that the bartender didn’t really want to deal with us. She was nice enough, but very stand-​offish. Any place we stood seemed to be right in everyone’s way — and in the path of cold wind coming in from outside.
When we finally got our table, our waiter continued the less-​than-​stellar service. There is just no warmth there. As others have stated, the tables are right on top of each other. It felt like our waiter was trying to make us feel bad for not ordering more and choosing more expensive wine. It was actually a little embarrassing thinking the folks next to us could hear all of it.
When helping us chose a wine, our waiter didn’t listen to our interests and even squished his nose up when we made a choice. I chose a $ 30 bottle of Reisling. He commented that it was pretty bad (why is it on the «selective» wine list?) and suggested a $ 50 bottle instead.
My husband’s chicken dish was actually awesome. That’s why I’m even giving this 3 stars. Our appetizers were awful. I almost spit the butternut squash soup back into the bowl.
Bottom line, don’t waste an evening here when there are much tastier options within a stone’s throw from their door — friendlier too.

I have been to Rhubarb twice and both times it has exceeded my expectations. The service is great, atmosphere is nice and cozy, and the food is awesome!
I had the local lyonnaise salad which I loved. It had a fried egg on top as well. Then as my entrée I had the tile fish. Both were so good and I can’t wait to go back soon.
This place is also underhyped so it’s not hard to get into. However, as a local I’ll say that Rhubarb is one of my top choices in Asheville. Definitely a must try!
My only complaint: the server recommended a half bottle of wine for my father and I to try. It was $ 35 a bottle (and does not come by the glass) which isn’t bad but this is a slightly over two glasses when the other white glasses we were interested in were around $ 10. We told him that we each only wanted a glass but he still pushed the half bottle. What we realized when we got the check was that we would have been better off doing two glasses than spending the $ 35 on the half bottle. It irritated me a bit. Other than that, a great experience.

Had a Monday evening reservation for 8. Came in at 7:30 to see if we could be seated early and they didn’t have a table ready aka they were pretty busy for a weekday evening so I recommend calling ahead.
We weren’t starving so decided to share a couple of smaller plates. Ordered the rabbit leek rillette (good, not great), berber pie (big fan of the flavors), local lettuce salad with spinach and roasted butternut squash (liked the goat cheese a lot), and a cheese plate: shakerag blue, tete a tete (brie-​like), and flamenco (manchego). Everything was fine, but not particularly memorable. Waiter was friendly and atmosphere/​décor were cozy.
What WAS memorable is that the couple at the table next to us was breaking up and using a lot of «whisper yelling» if you know what I mean. Also the guy live texted his kids about the break up to emotionally manipulate the situation? It was one of those can’t look away things, but also probably means that the tables are a little too close together.

After a wonderful Christmas Eve dinner, this easily just became my favorite restaurant in Asheville. I’m convinced these guys don’t know how to make a bad dish. It started off so well that with each new dish that came I was worried it would throw off the meal, but it never did. It just kept getting better and better.
For food we got the following:
Rabbit Leek Rillette
The House Cure
Mongolian Barbecued Lamb Ribs
Heritage Pork Meatballs
Local Cheese Plate
Heritage Pork Osso Bucco
I would highly recommend each dish. While all were delicious, the lamb ribs were likely my favorite. Their cocktails are solid and they have a good beer list too. Service was top notch and the atmosphere is very warm and inviting, while also being cool. They have both inside and outside seating along with a bar area sectioned off and another area with seating right in front of the kitchen. This is my kinda place all the way.
I stopped by the kitchen before leaving to thank the chefs for a delicious meal. What I loved was how humble and gracious they were about it. With their talent, it’d be easy to get/​be cocky or pretentious. I got none of that here which just makes me like them even more. This is now a must stop whenever in town!

I absolutely adored this place! Everything is fresh from nearby markets. Their menu constantly changes depending on what’s in season, including the deserts.
Definition of quality not quantity. Portions aren’t huge but just enough to fill you up.
The menu is quite interesting. This place is great for a change of style, us Americans are so used to constantly eating the same thing.
The service is outstanding, and prices weren’t too bad.
Sucks that I live about 900 miles away from here, because I would definitely be a regular here.

OM NOM NOM. I came here for dinner while visiting in Asheville and the quality of food and service was up to par with every snooty restaurant back home in Boston, without the arrogance of every elegant restaurant back in the Bean.
The four of us started our evening with a drink and the lobster corn dogs. Our super-​charming waiter let us know that the corn dogs come as 3, but he was happy to throw another in the order for us. These were pretty darn good — hot and flavorful. The breading didn’t overpower the delicate lobster and scallop flavor of the ‘dog’ and it paired really nicely with what seemed like Rhubarb’s take on a spicy mayo.
My boyfriend and I both ordered the duck confit for dinner. This was hands down the best duck we have both ever had in our combined 60 years on this planet. The meat was so tender and literally fell from the bone. If it weren’t for etiquette, I’d have picked up the bones and sucked ‘em dry. So friggen’ good. The garlic spinach was also delicious and I really enjoyed the sweet potato ‘pancake’ that was underneath too.
We finished the evening with the holiday dessert — chocolate mousse, gingerbread smear, eggnog ice cream and peppermint cotton candy. While I’m not a huge chocolate at the end of the meal fan, I was glad this was shared across 4 people so we didn’t leave feeling too overly indulged.
Overall, this place was awesome. Everyone should go. I’m not leaving Asheville for another 4 days and am already dreaming of the next time I’ll be back in town to visit Rhubarb again.

From beginning to end this was impeccable service, food, presentation and atmosphere. We came here after a recommendation from a friend. We’re from California and brussel sprouts connoisseurs, if you will, and we’re so pleased with the crispy cauliflower and Brussel leaves. Not only were they crisp to perfect, but the sauce was killer.
We also had the rock shrimp, good but not the best, and the mussels– loved this take beyond the typical Provençal and wine & butter. The sweet and sour collards really got us, so surprising and delightful. Lastly we ended with the decadent figgy toffy pudding and the Inigo Montoya. Not only was the name of this gin cocktail hilarious, but quite tasty as an after dinner drink.

Asheville restaurants are plentiful and amazing, and Rhubarb definitely didn’t disappoint. My husband and I walked around looking at menus of various places in downtown Asheville and this one piqued the most interest. We opted to sit on the patio because the weather is gorgeous, and it’s fun to people watch. We even got entertained with a group of hipster minstrels (including a spoon/​bell player that drove my hubby a little bonkers at first, haha). But on to the good stuff! We started with a glass of wine each, and I thoroughly enjoyed my rose’ — there were many cocktail, amazing craft beer, and wine selections available.
The menu itself is full of small plates, as well as full sized entrees. We chose the lobster corn dogs — which were the encased in the most amazing fluffy batter ever. Perfectly cooked with the combo of scallop and lobster «sausage» inside the breading. The comeback sauce was a little spicy and absolutely delicious.
We also got the goat cheese burratta «salad» which was the most delicious burratta I have ever had. Toast points, beets, sweet apple chutney, fried sage and sliced apples accompanied the toast points. It was perfect. Nothing I would change at all.
Hubby wanted the pickled shrimp with fried green tomato, so we got that too, and although very tasty, it was probably my least favorite of the three.
We also got the vegetarian gnudi entrée to split, which, once again, perfectly melded all the ingredients. Looking glass goat cheese gnudi (like gnocchi, but larger) were impeccably formed into creamy, potato-​ey dumplings. With that was roasted shallots, local mushrooms, grana padano cheese, radicchio, spinach, butter beans and toasted pumpkin seeds. My mouth is watering again just thinking about it all.
Service was friendly and knowledgable, with a good balance of attentive and not overbearing.
I will dream about this place, I’m sure.

I visited Rhubarb with friends over the weekend and really enjoyed having brunch here. I ordered the fried chicken biscuit with fries, and tried the sausage melt and the butternut squash soup. The sausage melt was my favorite dish, but everything was pretty good overall.
The meat for my chicken biscuit was mostly dark meat, but it went pretty well with the other toppings on the biscuit. The butternut squash soup has a bit of a sour taste to it and I’m more accustomed to sweeter versions, but it wasn’t bad for a side dish. We also ordered the pickle plate and cheese board for appetizers, which were both excellent. The cheeses are all local and the board comes with two types of bread and a couple of chutneys. The pickle plate was also good, and both plates were very appropriate for sharing with a table.
The interior seems like a cool blend of farmhouse and industrial styles, and the atmosphere would be perfect for dinner. It felt a little dark for brunch to me, but it’s still very cool and well done.

I’m truly impressed! Seriously.
I only ordered dessert, but I tell you what… dishes here create truly complex flavor combinations. Just layers and layers of flavor. The toasted almond butter cake is unlike anything I’ve had before. It has a grainy texture from pulsed almonds and just enough butter to keep it delicate and rich without being too heavy. And the surprise vanilla bean filling is incredible. The blueberries really round out the cake. Who knew that yuzu and sorbet and berries would be the perfect combination? Mmmmm… It’s sooo good served warm. Wow! What a great mix of flavors. The chef is top notch. I’m completely floored.
The rustic farmhousey feel here is just like home. And the attention to detail with quality linens and fresh flora is the reason why customers flock to this spot. Well, plus its on some prime real estate in Pack Square. I came in on a happenin’ Friday night and was seated outdoors next to their fabulous fern. Oh man, I’m seriously impressed with their happy fern? What a sick love affair. The street entertainers were great and the servers were very attentive despite the rush and distractions of a busy area.
I’m so darn impressed that um… now I’m completely going to name my first born son Rhubarb in honor of this fine establishment. Little Rhub, you gotta know how much Ma loves this spot.

We got so fortunate getting a seat in this crowded place. We were in town for one night only and wanted to try out multiple spots. Rhubarb was on the docket for course two — drinks & salad. When we walked in we were instantly asked if we had a reservation by a sweet young lady, which we did not. I was worried this was going to be an issue. But being the lucky ladies we are, there were only two seats left in the bar area. Score!
I love the rustic, industrial design of this place. It was cozy, but didn’t feel claustrophobic. The lighting was great and I just overall loved looking around at all the details of this place.
Our bartender was fun and friendly as well.
For my cocktail I ordered ‘The Yardbird’ which is Rittenhouse Rye, Fresh Lemon, Dry Vermouth, Fig & Five Spice Syrup. It was oh so good! A sipping pleasure for sho! Our salad was equally divine! My only regret was only have one night in this foodie town. I certainly could have spent an entire evening eating here! Looking forward to my next trip to Asheville!

We had brunch at Rhubarb on our anniversary weekend. It was serendipitous that it was our 7^th anniv and their address is #7 on the square so I was feeling some good vibes. The restaurant inside was very peaceful, low lighting, earth tones. We sat in the patio at 1030a; any other time I would have wanted to be inside. The night before we’d gone to Curaté nearby and walked by the square as it bustled with street performers. For the price we paid I would not wanted to be surrounded by noise and peddlers. All in all, it was quiet in the morning and the atmosphere was great.
Onto the food, we ordered the burger w/​fries, the French toast and the fried pie. I enjoyed my french toast, not sure why I needed a compote on top and a sauce on the side. No maple syrup to be seen here. The fried pie was the best part of our meal. I’m so glad I ordered it. It was pretty to look at and even better to eat. Coffee was strong and the waitress was nice enough to bring me a glass of milk to go with it since I asked for more than a reasonable amount of milk. The burger I would skip. If this was the only thing we’d each ordered this review would not be 4 star. The bun was stale and the whole thing tasted day old.
The restaurant has gotten a lot of press and that is what brought me here along with glowing reviews. Writing this review I ask myself if I’d return. I would, just maybe for dinner next time and I would sit inside. I won’t let my one bad plate stop me from giving them another chance considering everything else was delicious.

Fantastic. Came in a group of six and everyone loved their food and the nice outside atmosphere on the patio. Good drink list. I will concentrate on my food though:
You can order a full meal for somewhere between $ 25 – 30 OR you can get 2 – 3 appetizers for about the same price. I recommend that because there are some unique choices and they are delicious! I had:
–Brussel sprouts/​cauliflower appetizer: the dish was larger than I expected and had a great crunch and a decent spice to it.
–candied shallot encrusted scallops on a bed of vegetables: I’m obsessed with scallops and always find them amazing and these were no exception — melt-​in-​your-​mouth, heavenly and flavorful.
–lobster corn dogs: I was so excited about these! And they didn’t disappoint. I highly recommend getting these, and it felt like a very unique dish to me, not to mention cute-​looking.
When I love the food I always have a hard time articulating it and finding things to say other than «amazing!!» So I guess that is the end of my review. Loved it!