3 NC spots ranked among Southern Living’s picks of best new restaurants

As western North Carolina continues to navigate the impacts of Hurricane Helene, some restaurants in one of the hardest hit areas are in the spotlight for being the best in the South.

Southern Living recently released a roundup of the hottest new dining spots across the region — with three from the Tar Heel state, which all happen to be in Asheville.

Hit with what’s been declared one of the deadliest U.S. storms of the 21st century, multiple businesses and restaurants in the area were forced to close their doors, while others had to scale back operations just to stay afloat.

But with ongoing recovery efforts and power and potable water restored, many Asheville food and drink spots aren’t just surviving, but thriving months later, including three who were among the Southern Living team’s “most memorable meals.”

Good Hot Fish

Location: 10 Buxton Ave, Asheville, NC 28801

“Opened in early 2024 in the South Slope Brewing District of Asheville, Good Hot Fish is a neighborhood seafood counter brimming with light and cheer. Order a Capri-Sun, perch on a stool, and swivel between watching the world go by and chef Ashleigh Shanti at the helm,” editor Catherine Jessee said.

“Every detail is considered, down to the most straightforward dish on the menu and its namesake. Shanti’s fish sticks are generously cut into thick strips. Dredged in benne seed, a landrace sesame native to West Africa and a nutty-sweet staple of Southern Lowcountry cuisine, they are golden, flaky, and fall-apart tender with mouthwatering flavor. Ask for extra refrigerator pickles on the side, which are crisp, refreshing, and singularly spicy.”

Designed to “deliver nostalgia through classic recipes and warm hospitality,” the fish fry’s menu also includes sweet potato cabbage pancakes, shrimp burgers, seafood dip, fried fish sandwiches and more.

Luminosa

Location: 20 Battery Park Ave Floor 1, Asheville, NC 28801

“Serving up a unique blend of Modern Appalachian and Italian fare and located in the new Flat Iron Hotel, Luminosa is twinkly, warm, and inviting to locals and travelers. The menu effortlessly balances family favorites like wood-fired pizza and pasta with creatively fused influences, like traditional agnolotti with ham hock and cornbread crumbs,” Jessee said.

“The menu changes frequently based on the seasons and local offerings, like Waynesville’s Sunburst Trout, which is served on a bed of fregola and creme fraiche. If you are lucky enough to visit in April, you might find your dish dotted with bright pink redbud, a sign of the changing season in Appalachia.”

The Italian eatery also boasts a zero-waste kitchen to craft up its handmade pizzas, pastas and locally sourced vegetables from area farmers’ markets.

Potential New Boyfriend

Location: 647 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806

“Equal parts a dessert restaurant, wine bar, and Hi-FI listening lounge, Potential New Boyfriend is the coziest — and definitely the coolest — place in West Asheville to enjoy a sweet treat. Named for the lead hit single from Dolly Parton’s 1984 album ‘Burlap & Satin’, Potential New Boyfriend shirks strict labels to create a concept of its own,” Jessee said.

“The establishment’s owner, Disco, spins records that match the mood of the dining room, and pastry chef Dana Amromin serves up a dessert menu that’s seamlessly integrated into the wine and spirit offerings. I was surprised and delighted to discover that the coconut tres leches cake, a rich chocolate cake soaked in coconut cream and topped with pastry cream and flaky toasted coconut, was entirely vegan. Paired with a modest glass of deep, bittersweet cognac, it was one of the best bites I’ve had all year.”

The 21+ only listening bar, which has a weekly “bring your own vinyl” night for community record recommendations, also serves small plates, wines, coffee and a curated selection of nonalcoholic drinks too.

You can find the full list of the Southern Living team’s picks of the best new restaurants in the South online at southernliving.com.

Chyna Blackmon

The Charlotte Observer

Chyna Blackmon was a service journalism reporter for The Charlotte Observer. A native of the Carolinas, she grew up in Columbia, SC, and graduated from Queens University of Charlotte. She’s also worked in local television news in Charlotte, NC, and Richmond, VA. Support my work with a digital subscription