Restaurants near North Carolina Arboretum

The hostess/host of the restaurant were completely overwhelmed. The line to check in for reservations was long and it was unclear if guests should go to front of line to let the restaurant know the party was there for their reservation, as the time for the allotted reservation was past due to the long wait. we were sat for dinner 30 min late which created a problem to make our biltmore house tour . We had made adequate time between dinner and tour time, (90 minutes) but the late seating made dinner a rush instead of a pleasure. The host looked anxious and did not greet us or take the initiative to explain everyone was being seated late and they were running behind. Instead he avoided eye contact and customers were left standing in line worrying their reservation was not being honored or unsure if they should go to the front of the line try to check in to let them know their party was there. Bad first impression. Despite that .. our server, Carmen , was calm, relaxed and very pleasant. She was efficient, yet friendly and our food came out quickly and was delicious. She saved the day .

Both my wife and I said yum, yum, yum. This was the best meal we had in a long time.She had pan seared salmon with succotash and I had the trout with scallops and Risotto. Truly a wonderful experience

Excellent first experience at Luminosa. David was attentive and knew the menu inside and out. Only hiccup--and we didn't really care that much--was that the first course came out well before our first round of drinks arrived. But those bone marrow tots were piping hot and delicious, and we'd rather have tots hot and ready than lingering on the line... Lemon pizza second course was quite good--plenty for 4 to share. Entrees were really well prepared: the half chicken was as good as advertised by David, the coppa steaks were **outstanding**, and the skirt was perfectly cooked. We also had gnocchi, fusilli, polenta, kohlrabi and spinach--all plentiful to share and well executed. Everything was hot when it hit the table, which is vital for a great meal. The staff was on point, and there was good support on service. Desserts have to be next level to really stand out during a great meal, but the honeycomb concoction with the semi-freddo was inventive and delicious. This particular meal was one of just a handful I can recall here in Asheville where the $130/person/all-in was *really* worth it. But it was, and we'll be back.

I wish I could give more than 5 stars on “service”, because our server, Lindsey, was *phenomenal*!! At first I was kind of internally laughing at how often she called us “friends” in her initial greeting… but by the time we left, we truly felt like friends! Lindsey is genuine & efficient. Two of the leading qualities you want in your team members!

Very nice evening. We were seated immediately, staff was very welcoming and service was excellent. Our food was excellent, particularly the Beef Pot Roast, the corn bread, and the sides with the Beef Pot Roast. Very pleasant environment and it was quiet...we were able to talk easily.