Two North Carolina restaurants rank among the best in US. What’s on the menu?
Two North Carolina restaurants rank among the nation’s best — and they aren’t far from each other.
Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian and Jettie Rae’s Oyster House — both in the mountain town of Asheville — made it onto Tripadvisor’s list of top places for casual dining, according to results published Tuesday, Sept. 24.
“These restaurants might be casual, but there’s nothing casual about how much travelers love them,” the travel website wrote in its report. “Because really good food and really good vibes are a winning combo.”
To determine the top casual restaurants, Tripadvisor said it studied dining spots across the country. It focused on comments that visitors left from June 1, 2023 to May 31, 2024.
“The Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best title celebrates the highest level of excellence in travel,” the website wrote. “It’s awarded to those who receive a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period. Out of our 8 million listings, fewer than 1% achieve this milestone.”
Why are the NC restaurants fan favorites?
Of the two award-winning North Carolina restaurants, Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian ranked the highest at No. 6. The business earned the nod after customers went online to rave about the food, including the fan-favorite eggplant parmigiana and garlic knots.
“Friendly staff, large portions, delicious pasta, charming decor — Vinnie’s is everything you want in an Italian restaurant,” Tripadvisor wrote. “Reasonable prices and top-notch service make this a great spot for families.”
Though Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian has two restaurants in the popular tourist spot of Asheville, the honor went to its South location on Hendersonville Road. The business started after owner and chef Eric Scheffer noticed a gap in the city’s food scene.
“I wanted to bring an affordable, comforting, neighborhood Italian restaurant to Asheville,” Scheffer wrote on the business’ website. “At Vinnie’s, folks can begin new traditions with their families and friends, all while evoking memories of good times past.”
Also in Asheville, Jettie Rae’s Oyster House landed at No. 8 on the list. The restaurant, which Tripadvisor called a “must-visit for seafood lovers,” has received online praise for its customer service and welcoming atmosphere.
“Whether you’re ordering a dozen oysters or digging into the catch of the day, pair your meal with one of their delicious cocktails and the fresh, warm bread,” Tripadvisor wrote in its report. “Snag a seat in the cute outdoor area if the weather is nice.”
The restaurant is known for serving shrimp po’boys, crab cakes and other seafood dishes. The latest honor comes after it also received a nod from Tripadvisor last year, McClatchy News reported.
“Jettie Rae’s Oyster House is a place to celebrate life, to toast with family and friends and to enjoy the finest oysters and freshest seafood available,” the restaurant wrote on its website. “Our menu is a celebration of coastal cultures inspired by the Gullah Geechee, French, Native American and Spanish culinary traditions.”
Overall, the nation’s top-ranked casual restaurant was That’s Amore in Miami Beach, Florida. Though two North Carolina destinations ranked among the best for casual dining, restaurants in the state missed out on other Tripadvisor categories. Those include the top 10 U.S. eateries for fine dining, date nights and under-the-radar experiences.
