We tried Curate based on a recommendation from someone who previously lived in Asheville. We did not have a reservation but expressed our willingness to sit at the bar if two spaces came open. The hostess said it would be about an hour and offered to text message us as two spots opened. We walked down to Wicked Weed for drinks & walked back as soon as we got our text message notification. I love that option... Allowing customers to roam elsewhere until the table is ready... Not being tied to the restaurant. Caitlyn was our server behind the bar. She has a fantastic personality and was very prompt in service and quick with recommendations. Two advantages to eating at the bar are that you see the food being prepared and you can make friends if you choose. We did both and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.
(4)
Angeline T.
Came to Aseville for a cousin's wedding and wanted to give this place a try since we visited Spain earlier this year. I wanted to compare the tapas and it's was pretty good. The jamon didn't taste exactly like the one we had in Madrid, was a bit on the smaller slice side, but was decent. You can't go wrong with any of the tapas here if you haven't been to Spain.
(4)
Susan E.
We went for brunch on a Saturday with a group of four. We enjoyed chorizo wrapped in a potato chips, the lamb skewer with moorish spices, spinach, a tuna sandwich thing, pistachio desert, various cocktails, and tomato bread with manchego cheese. Everything was good. Everything was done well. Service was phenomenal. I have no complaints, but I wasn't blown away by anything. (Full disclosure- we're from Charleston and spoiled.) I'd go back- but It's not on my must-eat-here list for Asheville.
(4)
Karen K.
The Iberico Ham charcuterie was the reason we came, and if you go this is a must, but the service and overall attitudes are the reason we won't be back. I have eaten in a thousand restaurants in my life and have never been given a last call for food.
(2)
Apollo A.
Excellent tapas. The Iberico pork and squid fideo are our favorites but you can order anything and it will be good. Highly recommended.
(4)
Claudette M.
We finally found a Spanish restaurant that has the real deal. The recipes and ingredients follow the real recipes prepared in Spain at a Spain home by a Spanish mom. Their wine list is pretty impressive. You have to try "Sea Feixes". Will definetily come back!!!!
(5)
Toto M.
I can tell that they use the best ingredients. All the dishes were plated nice and clean---actually beautiful. The thing is....everything was so salty. I don't know if it was just tonight (it was a late night so chefs were all tired and craving salts?) or it's their norm, but I wish they go easy on salt especially when they are using top quality ingredients. I'm visiting so obviously I won't be a regular, but if I were local, I wouldn't go back for a whole dinner...I might go back for a nice cocktail and maybe one plate, but that's it. I rather would like to spend $50 at one of many other choices in the town.
(3)
Mark M.
First of all, let me say, the fact that some of you yelpers would give this place anything less than 4 stars is proof to me that some folks just can't be pleased. I once had an employee like that. No matter how hard I tried to bend over backwards to help him and make things better for him, he was always angry. Except for a very few times when the planets aligned just right and everything worked out in his favor, he'd actually be happy. But you could tell, it was very uncomfortable for him, and within a few hours or, at the most, by the next morning, he was back to his old grumpy self again. Then I finally realized something. Some people just aren't happy unless they're mad or angry. Some people just aren't satisfied unless they have something to be dissatisfied about. And if you're one of those people on yelp, why don't you just go eat at at McDonald's and quit bringing the rest of us down? Trying to bring the rest of us down to your level of misery is not going to make you less miserable. Oh well, on to my review.... Cúrate has become my favorite Asheville eatery. I've been here multiple times and it just keeps getting better and better (not that I thought there was much room for improvement the first time!). The service is top notch and the flavors are indescribable. You just have to go. And get the ham. I know, I know... Ham right? I mean really, how good can a piece of ham be? I always thought of ham as something I only ate because there was nothing else left in the fridge to put on a sandwich. But this ham is different. This is the ham of the Gods. If pigs could fly, this would be the ham from a flying pig. It's that unbelievable. You won't believe it. Believe me. When I think about how good our meal at Cúrate was this past weekend, and when I anticipate my next visit, I understand why my Golden Retriever, Teddie, drools while watching me eat. It makes me salivate. TMI? Sorry. Just keeping it real on yelp y'all.
(5)
Amanda S.
Nice ambiance, great oxtail, unique dishes (we just shared a few tapas), and friendly service from the bartenders. I wasn't blown away, but would definitely return. It is kind of small, so go early &/or make a reservation :)
(4)
Barrett W.
wow , wow , wow best tapas we have had. sit at the bar and watch them prepare the food. a well managed , and entertaining event. Sangria is the way to go here,
(5)
Adam G.
Ahh.. So good, and it met my high expectations. Definitely order the berenjena (eggplant) dish, the brussel sprout dish, and the red peppers stuffed with goat cheese. Was with pescatarians so didn't order meat, but the Asturian clams (almejas) were also wonderful. The cocktails looked wonderful as well but I stuck with a nice albariño. Wish I lived closer.
(5)
Robert K.
Must make reservations at least a week in advance. Food was very good. Butternut squash soup was divine. Didn't like the last table in the far left back against the wall. It needed a wall mirror to make it feel opened up. Good place and would return.
(4)
Brady P.
I love sitting at the counter at Curate. You get to watch the action of the kitchen and talk to the cooks and learn about lots of different plates. It's a good place to be.
(5)
Leslie J.
Extremely fabulous tapas. Sit at the bar and watch food being prepared or a table for a larger group. The place is small and seating is cramped. I heard they are expanding soon. Perhaps that will alleviate the uncomfortable compact feeling. If you are going to be there for several hours experiencing all the menu has to offer you are very aware of the hard small chairs, tables that barely accommodate the many plays and glasses. But aside from the lack of comfort the food more than makes up for it. The decor is tasteful. In the spirit of Asheville's buy local, farm to table, gluten free available, vegan choices, etc this restaurant fits right in. I will go back and look forward to the expansion that hopefully make it a more comfortable dining experience.
(5)
Jessica V.
Great food, drinks and atmosphere. The servers are wonderful... friendly, helpful, engaging. We sat at the bar and watched the food being prepared- which was quite educational and entertaining- and talked with those sitting around us. I will definitely be back. Be sure to make reservations well in advance. It's packed!
(4)
Sanjay P.
LOVED Curate! It was very crowded - in fact Angie and I had to sit at the bar but we thought that made it more fun because we got to see the cooking! The dishes were all excellent - we got the shrimp, the cured ham, lamb skewer, the sausage dish, the chorizo dish, the potatoes, and the stuffed peppers... they were all good! My favorites were the lamb skewer and the cured ham. We followed this up by two desserts (the [pistachio sponge cake with the lemon thyme ice cream and the crème-bruleish dish (forget the name). I loved the sponge cake - I think the lemon thyme ice cream is what really made it. It was excellent! The second one was also good but the first one was more unique. The wine they suggested went very well with my dishes; the wait staff, while being extremely busy, was very friendly. If you are seated at the bar (which is a lot of fun) be prepared for the odd splash of water with the waiters working; doesn't happen too much and its not dirty water, just some of the melted ice...overall a wonderful experience! Will definitely go back and recommend it to everyone! An example of a place that despite being so hyped up, lives up to expectations!
(5)
Chris L.
This tapas place is the real deal! As other reviews have stated, it's a little small and seating can be hard. We came on a normally busy night, but were seated right away due to a cancelled reservation. Other tapas places may phone it in by giving you an imitation of a small Spanish dish, but the chef and sous chefs really seem to aim for something special. I recommend trying a variety of dishes you may not usually get, and complete with an alcoholic beverage. You may also want to aim for bar seating as I hear service can be more attentive there. I had the sidracar asturian cider, which is Grand Marnier with apple "air," and it can only be described as an experience. This is an expensive place and you can easily leave spending around $80+. A great Asheville addition.
(5)
Amy P.
This is really a 3.5 star review, but we are rounding up. We came in with high expectations, which turned out to be a mistake. Our waitress was really friendly and helpful and offered suggestions about how to order at a tapas restaurant. We chose 8 dishes (one from each section of the menu). The first plate was the best (pan con tomate). After that, everything was pretty underwhelming. The nice thing about most of the meal was that the plates were evenly spaced out, so you could enjoy each dish without feeling rushed. Unfortunately, our last dish before dessert (the lamb skewers) didn't arrive until we asked for it (after 20 minutes of waiting) and it appeared a minute before our dessert dish did. We had to rush through the skewers in order to keep the ice cream on the pistachio cake from melting. Overall, service was great (until it tripped over itself at the end) and food was just okay.
(4)
Hannah S.
Wonderful, energetic atmosphere. Unique cuisine and great customer service. It's a MUST!!
(5)
Marc S.
Very good Spanish food. My first time eating ramps, and they don't skimp like the other restaurants do. Very creative, they give you a huge grilled ramp with a romesco sauce (kind of a play on the Catalan/Basque grilled leeks but all Appalachian and stuff). The rest of the food is delicioso. Lots of nice tapas, everything fresh, no nonsense, straight up Spanish food.
(5)
Wen H.
Good experience. Octuples, eggplant, Brussels, squid ink noodle. Friendly service, decent food. But could be more flavorful.
(4)
Rafael M.
I love this place! Some of the best eats in Asheville is not all of NC! The flavors a so subtle that they transport you across the world!
(5)
Carol F.
Curate was amazing! Very busy on a Tuesday night but well worth the wait. Michelle, our server, was very informative and helpful. We sampled a wide variety of tapas and each one was better than the next. Top notch experience.
(5)
Trish O.
Love most everything! The garlic shrimp and sauteed mushrooms are a must every time.
(5)
Mike O.
We had a terrific meal at curate last night. Too many dishes to name them all, but the overall quality was phenomenal. My sole criticism is that the potatoes brava would be better with less paprika and sauce. Having said that, this was our best meal in Asheville.
(5)
Ana D.
Yes, you get what you pay for. This place is a bit pricey but well worth it. We ordered the octopus, shrimp with garlic, canelones and lamb skewers. Everything was great but my absolute favorite was the octopus. The seasoning was perfect and it just melted in your mouth. They have an excellent wine selection and our server guided us quite well through the wine list as well as offered excellent service. The atmosphere is excellent for intimate conversation.
(5)
Caitlin C.
Did you know cúrate is pronounced like Karate with a U...so kinda like Cuer-rot-eee or something like that, the internetz told me this thing. The place isn't mind blowing. I'm not saying it was bad or something I just wish I had spent $50 elsewhere. If I lived in the area I may come back for a drink and one small plate but since I don't I'm not planning a return visit. And I certainly will not come back for whole meal again. The best thing I ordered were the lamb skewers which were cooked perfectly and not gamey at all. The worst thing I ordered was the asparagus, the texture was not appealing and there were so few of them that they easily became submerged and lost in the ocean of mayonnaise. I liked the fried eggplant but it could have used more rosemary and sea salt, and the sauteed spinach and gazpacho were just okay, nothing special. Service was excellent. That is all.
(3)
Kate J.
The octopus at this restaurant might be the best thing I have ever eaten in my life. The food here is exceptional. It is creative, interesting, and always cooked perfectly with the perfect amount of seasoning. Be prepared to invest a little bit in this meal though; each time we've gone (2 people) we've walked out with a bill around $70 for around 4 dishes and one drink each. It is difficult to make reservations (unless you do so a little bit in advance), but I have walked in a couple times and there has been room at the bar, and one time we got lucky and got a table. The greeters have always been pleasant, and the staff always punctual and friendly. The atmosphere is a little more busy and impersonal than at the other tapas place in town, Zambra. Though it is still nice inside, and sitting at the bar is fun because you can watch as the chefs cook up the food. If you are visiting Asheville, you need to go here. And get the octopus.
(5)
Mika V.
Amazeballs. The lamb is godly and I don't even like lamb. My aunt said we should only get one order of it for the table (7 of us). Needless to say, one bite and she was ordering 2 more plates of it. Make sure you eat it with the pickles on the side. One little pickle per bite. Don't forget!!! It raises it from fantastic to amazeballs. ;-) The rest is great too.
(5)
Rick T.
First stop on a food adventure and pub crawl! Tried the chicken fritters and rosemary icecream. That damn ice cream was delicious and just hit the spot! Need to hit this place up for more items to try on their menu next time I'm in Asheville,NC.
(5)
George Y.
I had such high expectations about this place... And it met all of them. I mean a pig that fattens up on black acorns? When looking at the menu, give it the respect it deserves and order in sequence that it is set up.. (left to right) It is the way a meal should be... Plentiful, being able to share and sample many things along with a great wine list. My favorite? I am not embarrassed to say.. the olives.
(5)
Lan S.
We took out-of-town family to Cúrate on a Saturday night and generally enjoyed our dinner, but, sad to say, we were less enthralled than we've been on previous visits. Perhaps it's nitpicking, but this is not an inexpensive spot (our dinner for six with tax and tip was around $280) and it is one that aspires to the highest standards. Here were a few minuses to dinner tonight: * The kitchen was out of both trout and one of the Spanish hams. Since these are specialties of the restaurant, being out of these items was surprising. * The bar didn't have rye -- huh, what's a hip bar doing without rye these days? * Several of the tapas dishes seemed ordinary -- most notably the croquetas de pollo (chicken fritters), potatas bravas and chocolate mousse. The fried squid was greasy. * Our waiter was the biggest disappointment. I didn't pay that much attention to him, but several in our party were VERY put off. He slammed down water and dishes, leaned on our chairs, reached across us to place items on the table, and most distressingly, occasionally seemed to slur his words. The waiter seemed more interested in upselling us on the wine and getting us to order more than the very knowledgeable waitstaff we've had on previous visits. On the plus side, the atmosphere was great and many of the tapas were excellent. Overall we enjoyed the evening, but frankly a recent meal at Zambra (a long-established Spanish tapas restaurant in Asheville) was a better experience with better food. I hope that the owners of Cúrate are not spending too much time collecting accolades rather than running their restaurant. I hate to see local restaurateurs let early success go to their heads.
(4)
Scott B.
Oh My GOD - insane. Sat at the bar during the afternoon since we couldn't get a reservation. Mind blowing flavors, great service, great wines. The mushrooms in sherry was incredible, the lamb skewers in moorish spices were amazing, and the sauteed spinach was to die for. Funny thing is that the only thing that didn't blow us away...the sauteed shrimp in sliced garlic, is "the number one tapa in Asheville". I nice dish, but not on par with the others. Had a really great Priorat.
(5)
Jeff B.
Hard to add to what others have already written: some of the best tapas you'll ever have. If you're a foodie (and even if you're not!) be sure to sit at the bar and watch the staff prepare the dishes. It's an art form.
(4)
Mark Anthony C.
Great food. Love every bite. Highly recommended. Want to have more of each dish. Love the shrimp gambas and the black paella with thin noodles. I'm not familiar with Spanish wines but whatever we ordered was a great.
(4)
Jodi M.
I was a little intimidated at first. I'm not a fancy food person and I've read such high reviews for this place. The server was great and made wonderful suggestions. The sangria was incredible and loaded with fresh fruits. The food was to die for! Try the ox tail if it's still on the menu.
(4)
Sidney T.
My husband insisted on trying this place because it had all of these high reviews and accolades. I'm not too fond of believing "the hype" of some of these reviews. Nonetheless, we tried them out for lunch on a Saturday. We made reservations because it was recommended that we did, but it was not even necessary because they weren't crowded when we got there. When we first entered, we were greeted with a very friendly, welcoming hostess; however, our waitress was quite the opposite...unfortunately. The ambiance was nice, and everything was clean and crisp. I was not crazy about the food...at all. Nothing blew me away, and the portions were VERY small for the price. I have been to many better restaurants. A note to those who are vegans or don't eat pork, this is not the place for you to eat because most of the dishes include pork. We had the pan con tomato...it was flavorless...basically it's cold, toasted bread with crushed, cold tomatoes. I didn't like it, but I did give it a chance. We also had the gambas al ajillo, and I must say that they were not the best, not the worse either. The shrimp was cooked perfectly, but the whole dish lacked flavor, and again, the portion size was laughable for it to cost $11 ( I think it came with like four shrimp). The tortilla espanola was okay. The patatas bravas were good but a little too salty. The croquetas de pollo were okay; nothing mind blowing. Based on the dishes I tried, I cannot recommend anything to you. All in all, I do like to try new restaurants, and I am glad that I got to experience Curate, even if it did not live up to my expectations. Unfortunately, I will not be returning to this restaurant because my taste buds just don't agree with this place.
(2)
Mark C.
Unbelievable flavor and presentation. Service was amazing. Our waitress has been there since the opening! Must try eggplant! The chocolate mousse dessert was one of the best things I have ever tried. Will return again and again!
(5)
Daniel L.
This is probably the best restaurant I have ever had the opportunity to dine at! I'm from Florida and I would drive here to have dinner! The service and food are outstanding.
(5)
Raymond H.
Very good...still a fan of Zambra, but stil enjoy Curate as well.
(4)
Mark S.
Great dinner tonight! Our table was ready early, very nice ambiance and our server Natasha was exceptional! Best tapas since Madrid! My daughter loved the croquettes, the ham plate took me back to Barcellona. All plates good- shrimp and garlic, pork tenderloin, mushroom soup, frittata and more. Table was kept manicured by all servers. A great time had by all. Highly recommend if you are in Asheville!
(4)
Corey A.
With an El Bulli veteran at the helm, it's probably safe to bet that they can cook Spanish cuisine. I didn't notice a lot of modernist technique save for the very heavy use of siphon canisters (espumas, aerated sponge cakes, etc.), but that would be very out of place here anyway. The bacalao was a superb example; the grilled iberico "skirt steak" was one of the best pieces of meat I've ever tasted. My friend and I split a friend calamari sandwich and it was great as well. Bring friends so that you can order more food...great, great place.
(4)
Lori S.
This might be one of the best meals I've ever had in my life. It was so good that I'm daydreaming ways I can get back to Asheville (I live in Ohio and visited on a road trip) just so I can eat here again. I had intended to eat somewhere else but they were booked up, so Yelp directed me here (thank you, Yelp!) and boy am I glad. Even on a Wednesday night the restaurant was nearly full, but the hostess kindly sat me (I was on my own) at the end of a long table where another smaller group was seated at the other end. My waiter was great. I had a delicious cocktail and three dishes: a daily special of a pureed mushroom soup with goat cheese foam, the ensalade de tomate y atun (a salad of kumato tomatoes, olives and tuna with sherry vinegar dressing) and the moroccan lamb skewers. The food was so good I just wanted to die, it was that good. The tomato and tuna salad was tart and perfect, the lamb was tender and spiced and the housemade pickles on the side were delicious. I have never been so sorry for a meal to be over. I can't recommend this restaurant more highly. In addition, they have a great cocktail and wine menu, and the decor is stylish and welcoming.
(5)
Paula B.
I am sad to say that this restaurant was a let-down. I am a bit of a tapas snob, but was really excited to see the authentic menu. I lived in Barcelona and will say that the offerings were quite authentic, as listed. Unfortunately, most of the dishes were just so-so. The pan con tomate was cold and not grilled/toasted enough. The pulpo was a lovely texture but a bit bland. The tortilla espanola was literally the worst I have ever had -- in the states or in Spain. The patatas bravas were not spicy enough for my palate, but they were tasty. On the other hand, the dried cod/potato puree was delicious, and the Brussels sprouts were one of the tastiest dishes on the planet. Also, the service was very good and te wine list was terrific. The atmosphere is really nice -- sadly, this was just not the foodie experience I was anticipating.
(2)
Richard F.
One my best culinary experiences. Pictured is the rosemary ice cream, almond sponge and candied oranges desert. Wine was great, tried a white with out selection of mushrooms, ham, eggplant(fantastic as others have said), lamb skewer and rounded off with the desert and cortado espresso. Katie, the owner and also renowned chef was great and Brian our waiter was very informative and efficient. Sit at the bar if just the two or three of you. Much better experience than at a table.
(5)
Bryan S.
Wow, wow, wow, wow this is an awesome place. Had heard great things about this place and it did not disappoint. Only reservation I could get was for 9:30, but had to try it, so snapped it up (quick side note, for us the late reservation was awesome, after a day of site seeing, gave us a chance to go to our hotel and relax, then pub crawl all the way to Curate). This is a tapas place with a decent size menu - so I would highly recommend asking the waiter for suggestions. We did that, and basically ordered his suggestions verbatim and they were awesome. Interior is a little crowded up front, was happy to get a good table in the back. Service was on point. Overall, I would recommend this to anyone! Oh and PS - the place is not pronounced like it looks. think Karate, but pronounced like Ross from Friends... Childrens of the 80's unite!
(5)
Kellie K.
One of the best dining experiences I've ever had! The fella and I went with another couple for a birthday celebration, and we had to book a few weeks out, and even then, we could still only get an 8:45 time slot. We were immediately greeted and seated upon entering. Our incredibly helpful and funny waitress said that if we were planning to share, she recommended about two plates per person, so eight total for our table. She also said it was best to order as many as we knew at once so the kitchen could prep accordingly (as opposed to some restaurants where we order one or two as we go). We worked from left to right on the menu to start light and finish heavy: Olives - I'm no fan of olives, but the fellas RAVED about these all night. Who knew? Pan Con Tomate - Good, but basically just tomato paste and a slice of non-melted manchego cheese on bread Patatas Bravas - Again, good, but basically crispy fried, home fry-ish potatoes with a sauce drizzled on top that was supposed to be slightly spicy, but sorta tasted like ketchup. Butifarra Con Mongetes - The sausage was pretty much your basic brat-type sausage, but the white beans it came with tasted fried and crunchy but tender on the inside. Who knew we would've fought over beans when meat was right there? Pincho Moruno - Lamb skewers that were to die for! The meat was tender and delicious and words don't do it justice. Cerdo Iberico a Las Finas Hierbas - Our waitress told us this was known as "the life changer," and I thought she might want to reel in her adjectives since she realllly set up us to be underwhelmed. I should've known better. This was, hands down, the best pork I've ever had. It came out on a wooden board and look inconspicuous enough, but once we all tried a slice, the knives came out. Literally. We're all usually very proper people, but some jousting matches were happening over this meat. Get it. It's $20, but sometimes you really do pay for what you get. The ladies split the pitcher of $30 sangria. It seemed a little steep, but it contained an entire bottle of wine and the table-side preparation was pretty cool. We got four glasses out of, so I can't complain. We had also mentioned that we had a birthday in the group, and our waitress brought out the surprise "cake" that was a huge shell of chocolate, fruit, nuts... I honestly don't know what else was in it, but we kept breaking off pieces saying it was our last, and then it was gone. I was a little nervous when the bill came, but I was pleasantly surprised. We split the food down the middle, and I took the pitcher of sangria, and my bill was still less than $100. I thought that was pretty super fantastic for the amazing meal and experience we got. A couple of tips - 1) Make a reservation. I really doubt you could walk-in and get a seat unless it's an off night and/or an off time. 2) We sometimes like to go to a restaurant early and have a drink at the bar. You can't do that here. The space is tight, and I think even the seats at the bar are reservation only. 3) We didn't need the eight plates the waitress suggested (six plates worked out for the four of us), so try to pace yourself a little.
(5)
Lee Ann D.
I was so glad that we got to come here!! The food was amazing!! We came in with no reservation on a Saturday Night and waited maybe 20minutes and we were sat at the counter, Perfect!! We were able to watch all the chefs preparing everything it was really cool to watch! We also got a pitcher of Red Sangria and the server walked us through the menu! He was really great and I only wish I could remember his name!! He had glasses... We started with the Pan Con Tomate- with Manchego Cheese- This was absolutely my Favorite!! So Simple but so good!! We also had the Tabla De Embutidos- Spanish Charcuterie- All of the meats were great my favorite being the Jamon Serrano!! We then moved onto our next course we had the Esparragos Blancos- White Asparagus Salad with a lemon Vinaigrette - it was really airy and light great flavors!! Then we had the Chistorra & Chips Joses Way- These were good They were Chorizo with Fried Potato Chips around them - a play on pigs in a blanket! Next up the Seta Al Jerez- Sauteed Mushrooms- These were incredible, like seriously incredible!! The next was the Gambas Al Ajillo- Sauteed Shrimp with Garlic- these were ok nothing great but ok! And to our last Course next up was the Rossejat- Which is like Paella but with noodles is really good!! The flavors in that dish was really great!! We also had the Butifarra Con Mongetes- Pork Sausage with white beans- This was also Ok kinda dry but the flavors were all there. Now that we ate everything on the menu he still wanted desserts!! I was stuffed but got just a scoop of Raspberry Sorbet and he had the Crema Catalana Con Frutas Del Bosque- Cream with Berries and it was really good!!
(5)
Mali C.
Xoxo.. Great place to eat in downtown Asheville, good service even when they are busy especially in comparison to most of the waitstaff you encounter if you live/eat in Asheville long enough. We didn't have a reservation so we sat at the bar which is crowded but cozy. The food was the best of both worlds in quality and flavor. My absolute favorite dish they offered that night was this noodly dish with squid ink they likend to paella. Will be going there again.
(5)
Patty D.
Favorite splurge dinner in Asheville. Loved sitting at the bar and watching the cooks and food preps. Service was excellent. Drinks were solid. Food was tasty and unique.
(5)
Devyn G.
A foodie heaven! The shrimp is a must-have. We have been to Asheville three times and we always make sure to get a meal in here.
(5)
Mackenzie C.
Believe the hype... GO!! Tips: Their menu (and prices) are the same for lunch and dinner... Getting reservations for dinner are tough. However, if you go at lunch, you usually don't need a reservation... You have the same food selections without the crowd. The white sangria is super tasty (and are enough for two people to split). Order the three different hams and the four cheese plates - to die for! The octopus isn't great - just average. The shrimp is just shrimp - until you dip the bread into the broth - Ah-Mazing! ENJOY!!
(4)
Em D.
Really a 3 1/2.... Kudos for an allergen labelled menu and apparent attentiveness to cross-contamination. My other half "really, really" enjoyed the meatballs and potato salad with tuna. Unfortunately, the goat cheese stuffed peppers were good until whatever the green stuff under it incorporated itself. It was like moth balls. I'm still confused. Shrimp were ok, almost too flavorful and greasy...would be good mixed with a pasta perhaps? Maybe we'd be back to try other things... :/
This is probably the best restaurant I have been to in the country. And i have been to ALOT! i eat out at least twice a week if not more and I have never eaten such great tapas. Fabulous wine list and the restaurant has a fun, young vibe. We ordered the whole menu pretty much and everything was better than the other. Keep up the good work Curate!
(5)
Cat F.
Wow. What a gem in this town. Food was outstanding. Wine outstanding. And great staff. Had the peppers/goat cheese.....delish. Iberico steak OK. Shrimp OK. Tasted my neighbors squid ink noodles which were pretty dam good too! Def worth a visit in Asheville!
(5)
Dan O.
My wife and I had dinner here last weekend and were largely pleased with the food. The of the five appetizers we ordered, the goat cheese stuffed peppers were the best. We were the least impressed with the mussels, which were large in size but served cold with an unimpressive sauce for taste. The octopus was very good but not great, as was the shrimp dish we ordered. Finally the chorizo sausage that we ordered, while it had decent flavor, looked like little vienna sausages that made them look pretty unappetizing. We enjoyed the ambiance though, and still give it 4 out of 5.
(4)
Nicole V.
Amazing dishes and great atmosphere. The waitress was super helpful with explaining dishes and giving recommendations. We sat at the bar so it was fun to watch them cook! Everything we had was so good, we wanted to order more just to keep eating, but were too full!
(5)
Jessica V.
I am not a huge Tapas fan, but my boyfriend's mother was excited about going because she heard it was pretty good. The food was okay, but there was nothing really spectacular that we had that screamed "we have to come back next time we are in Asheville." Our waiter was rude and did not have much of a personality. He kept reaching over my boyfriend, which would be fine if he said "excuse me" or give any sort of heads up. We will not being going back there.
(2)
Roger H.
I really like this place a lot. A famous chef and my friends from Spain (like Alberto and Lori) say that this is the most authentic tapas they have had here or many places in the US. Very casual atmosphere...but also nice enough for a nice dinner too. Bocadillos are fantastic...sausages and Jamon...wow....local beers...local breads...local ingredients when possible. Gets a four star because my expectations were raised to the point that i thought it would be great for any anniversary for parents. Not if you are expected upscale fine dinning atmosphere. But if you are looking for very nice, chill, and a place that fits Asheville perfectly....this is it!!! PS see picture here of menu place mats, and silverware wrapped in a paper folder...to get a sense of what I mean by casual nice...not fine dining....and again, that is a PLUS.
(4)
Lindsay H.
The Iberico pork is to die for.
(5)
Jen A.
Went there Sat night with my girls. Loved the server he had! He was attentive and not overbearing! The croquetas de pollo, tortilla española and the camarones de ajo were my personal favorites. Everything we had was delicious! Wish it were closer to Charleston but when I go back to Asheville I would definitely go back again!!
(5)
Daisy Y.
Another outstanding meal at Curate. This was a spur of the moment trip and I didn't make a dinner reservation. I had had breakfast at Sunny Point and skipped lunch but by about 3:00 I was famished, hangry as they say, and knew I couldn't wait until dinner time to eat. I've never been there at dinner time when it wasn't packed and I knew I couldn't wait until 9 or 10 so thought I'd just get some of my favorites to go. But luck was with me, not busy, plenty of tables. I had a very fine salad, those wonderful chorizos wrapped in potato slices (which I do often get to go and then walk around town eating them), the lamb skewers, always the lamb skewers, ham/cheese/tomato on a baquette, and dessert. I forget which dessert but it doesn't matter, they're all excellent. As always, outstanding food, outstanding service. Next trip is in November, maybe I should make a reservation now?
(5)
Kellie H.
Not only is the food amazing, but they were playing the best music!
(5)
Jay H.
This place really hit the nail on the head when we ate there. I was really impressed with everything.
(5)
David E.
Ok this place was absolutely amazing. It's not cheap - my wife and I got out of there for $82 for lunch including drinks/tip. HOWEVER - the food is soo good. The tabla de jamon ( cured pork ) was very tasty. We went with a ceviche like fish of local trout that was some of the best I've eaten. You simply can't go wrong. Buen provecho!
(5)
Ali S.
Overall: This was a great restaurant. We actually went back the next day. I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because Cambridge tapas restaurants have spoiled me. You should definitely go. The tapas are perfect for sharing between 2 people. Service: Unfortunately, we had the same terrible waiter both times even though we actually moved from the open bar area to a table (he was at the bar both times). I want a server to guide me at a tapas place, but he failed miserably. In his defense, I didn't ask right out for his suggestions. Nevertheless, he was prompt and courteous. Atmosphere: It was definitely a casual restaurant. I enjoyed sitting at the kitchen bar, but it was pretty warm at times. We went at off hours (late afternoon), so that we wouldn't have to deal with a wait. Coffee: Cortado: Delicious Coffee: Great Beer: Green Man Porter: Delicious! My bf said that this is one of his favorite porters. Highland Gaelic Ale: Very good! A lot of flavor and very smooth. Tapas: Croquetas de pollo: These were good. The creamy inside contrasted nicely with the fried crust. I'm not sure I would get these again when there are better items on the menu. Berenjenas la taberna: These were "fine." The eggplant was eggplant and merely a vehicle for very good honey. The salt provided a nice contrast to the honey. Again, I'm not sure I would get this again. Bocadillo serrano: It was an excellent sandwich. The serrano is superb, the manchego is delicious, and the tomato spread was a nice complement. The sandwich would be enough to fill me up for lunch. Setas al jerez: ***You must get this!*** These mushrooms were INCREDIBLE. This was my favorite dish by far. The mushroom medley was sauteed and seasoned perfectly! The sherry and garlic make the dish superb. Canelones de carne: I really enjoyed this dish. The meat was very flavorful, but in an interesting turn of events, my bf thought that it was too flavorful. He wanted the pasta to have more "presence." He has a fair point. This dish is also pretty heavy, so be expecting that if you do order it. Gambas al ajillo: Delicious! The sauce is outstanding. When I go to tapas places, I usually want something interesting. This is not it, but it is a simple dish done very well. Pimientos de piquillo con queso de cabra: My boyfriend ordered this twice! He absolutely loved it. The flavors melded nicely together. The goat cheese was very mellow and worked great with the peppers. He advises you to order it! I don't like goat cheese (I hope that disclosure doesn't discredit my entire review), so I'm not as big of a fan. Pincho moruno: The lamb is very flavorful and perfectly tender. You get two little skewers, so it is perfect to share between two people. Although, I preferred the dish I discuss below. Secreto iberico a las finas herbas: This was outstanding! The herbs were very nice and my bf thought the pork was very high quality. I do not know how to measure that, so I will refrain. If you want to stick to a cheaper meal, I'm not sure it's worth the $20. But if you're going all out, you should try it.
(4)
Holly H.
We ate at the tapas table, the bar in front of the open kitchen and it certainly enhanced the experience. If you are a party of two and able to comfortably sit in bar stools, I highly recommend. Everyone in that kitchen is working hard but still managed to answer any questions we had. The cocktails were great and they have a nice selection of local beers on draught. We enjoyed the cornucopia of tapas we ordered but we were only wowed by a few. The meatballs, artichoke chips, and special "candy napkin" were the most exceptional. Overall it was a fun dinning experience!
this place was recommended by the locals and it was def worth it. The wait was a little long, but it was Saturday night so as expected. However, highly recommend it - everything on the menu was great. The staff was very nice, the food came out quick and everything was so yummy.
(5)
Michele P.
Our first meal in Asheville and it was spectacular! We love tapas! My only question was how the garlic shrimp was rated the best tapas in town. We thoroughly enjoyed the mussels, octopus, lamb, chorizo, eggplant (not me), and the shrimp. The tapas were perfectly sized and the service was good. The wine list was impossible to read, but our waiter helped out!
(4)
TASTY T.
Well what can I say, another one of those restaurants that scream "hey peeps I swear I'm trendy and cool!" The food on the other hand is mediocre at best. Not a good sign when you tell the head chef for the evening to make me something that will blow my mind with price not being an issue. So what does he makes me? A sauteed spinach salad. Come on guys either the chef is really full of himself or that's the caliber of this restaurant.
(2)
M B.
Loved Cúrate! We are visiting my parents and decided to venture into Asheville for a nice meal. Great beer and wine selection and I started with Estrella on draft for 4.50. We started with the cheese plate and almonds and I recommend both. Then we moved on to the peppers, lamb skewers and fried potatoes. All were excellent. We ended with the chocolate mousse. I don't even like mousse and found it to be pretty good. This is definitely a place to try when visiting Asheville.
(5)
Carla S.
This is an amazing restaurant. I love sitting at the bar. I can never remember to get a reservation first. I would recommend the shrimp and spinach. I go here every time I am in Asheville.
(5)
Penny M.
I loved this place. I went with a group of 6 and we told the chef to just surprise us. He did. Brought lots of dishes I would have never ordered and I'm so glad we let him pick. Everything was delicious and fresh. Tried to go a second time but the wait was very long. I know why.
(5)
Virginia E.
I would give this a 4.5 if possible! Wonderful presentation. So happy we made reservations. We left n at 10:30 and people were still being seated. Good cocktails and a wonderful rose. The piquillo peppers with goat cheese were great, and so was the grilled chorizo and butternut squash bisque. The raspberry sorbet (house made) was excellent!! I would give them a 5 if we'd had better service. 15 minutes went by before we could order another cocktail and that was tacked on to another 10 to actually receive the drink. I expected more.
(4)
Laura R.
Very nice Manhattan. Interesting and tasty chilled almond and frozen grape soup. The bartender suggested I might add crab to the soup but did not mention the up charge. I assumed there would be one, and it wasn't too bad. Just should have mentioned it. Very nice bartender, gave lots of information when asked. The jamon sandwich was larger than I expected and very tasty. Will return.
(4)
Julie R.
Absolutely amazing place in Asheville!! Tapas are definitely as good as the local Spanish ones in San Sebastián or Madrid, the octopus and filled red peppers were the best! Great selection of wine too! Luckily, we got a table by the window without booking ahead and it was a great spot for a romantic dinner.
(5)
Lisa N.
Good, well-made tapas. The butternut squash soup was the best butternut squash soup I have ever had. And the dessert creme/mousse dish was excellent. Expect a big bill at the end of dinner but you pay for what you get. The staff was very nice.
(5)
Trey K.
My wife and I tried this place based on the rave reviews here on Yelp as well as TripAdvisor...and we were NOT disappointed. We were seated immediately for our 7 pm reservations. Our server was incredibly knowledgeable and patient in explaining the many different dishes. She also suggested an order for us to try them. My wife and I had 7 dishes between the two of us and there was MORE than enough food. We both left absolutely stuffed. Our favorite dishes were either the "berenjenas le taberna" (fried eggplant) or the "pincho moruno" (lamb skewers). But trust me, EVERYTHING was fantastic. This place was fantastic...try it today.
(5)
Manolo E.
There's really not much i can add to the already great comments on Curate. It is definitely the place to eat in Asheville with great atmosphere and food.
(5)
Greg H.
Lived up to everyone's recommendations. After a totally democratic color coordinated voting process, we had nine plates for 4 of us, which was just right. The 'pan con tomate manchego', 'jamon fermin', 'crema de calabaza' soup, 'pincho murano', chorizo con patatas, pulpo gallega, bocata de calamares, tarta pistachio and crema catalan. Not a bad dish in the bunch with the lamb (pincho murano), jamon and crema catalan as standouts. Only caveats are: it's busy/crowded, the decor/ambience was OK and the Sangria, while very good, was a bit pricey.. To counter that was one of the best servers I've had in ages; joy & enthusiasm are under appreciated virtues - thanks Jade.
(4)
Erin B.
I had the pleasure of eating at Curate a few months ago for a food writer conference. Admittedly, they were preparing for our arrival... however, that being said, the place was absolutely packed for Sunday lunch, everyone looked thrilled with their food, and I did not taste one thing that I wouldn't eat again. Curate is a Spanish tapas-style restaurant co-owned by Katie Button, executive chef (recently named a semi-finalist for a James Beard Rising Star Chef of the Year award!!) and her husband, mother, and father. While I was there, I met them all! What an amazing group of people working really hard to produce some truly excellent and unique tastes. We were essentially served a Chef's Tasting Menu and I was thrilled to see every menu item marked GF or LF or V - gluten free, lactose free, or vegetarian. I thought that was done especially for our group but that is standard on their lunch and dinner menu. Fantastic. As someone who eats GF, it was so nice to not have to ask over and over, is this gluten free? I am not sure if everything that we ate is available all the time, but I certainly enjoyed the patatas bravas, the white eggplant, the olives, the garlic shrimp, the charcuterie, the fried eggplant drizzled in honey... I know that I am forgetting many, many things, but truly everything we tried was good. If you find yourself in Asheville, definitely make a point to check out Curate for lunch or dinner.
(5)
Jefferson S.
We were a big group that was hungry and needed to get out of the rain. Luckily we stumbled into Curate - and came away pleased. Like most tapas joints, we feared we would order 75 dishes and before we knew it, lunch would cost a fortune. But after a solid 90 minute get-out-of-the-rain lunch of Spanish tortillas, calamari, Serrano ham, and Gambas (shrimp), we were satisfied and not broke for our efforts. Located amongst some of the giants on Broadway, Curate probably gets less recognition than some of the other haunts, although it deserves better. I would return, rain or shine. 4 stars.
(4)
Milly H.
Curate did not disappoint! Service was fantastic and there wasn't a plate that went back to the kitchen with food on it (we had a LOT of plates). Some of the highlights: Ultimate Gin & Tonic Asparagus Cod Spread with Garlic Toast Being stuffed at the end of the meal and only paying $44 (before tip) per person with alcohol
(5)
J E.
Wonderful meal. Whatever was said in the previous reviews is true and doesn't need to repeated. I just want to highlight one aspect that I haven't seen mentioned. Curate is not overly expensive. 4 of us had drinks, dessert and 3 or 4 plates each. We were stuffed. Before tip the bill was $160. Wine would certainly add 50 to 100, but that is still reasonable for such a great meal. Go and enjoy.
(5)
Farnoosh B.
Spanish tapas rocks and I am crazy about Curate's food. This place was spectacular. Every bite, every dish so well prepared, so perfectly designed and presented, and everything we ordered from about 10-12 different options was delicious, and WILD! I loved Curate, the vibe, the service, the staff. It was booked 2 evenings in a row so we went during lunch hour one day before rush hour and got great seats and attention. Thank you. I can't wait to be back.
(5)
Katie F.
My boyfriend and I went to Curate for Sunday brunch and sat at the bar. This is the best seat in the house, I think, because you can watch the chefs at work, slicing and dicing, stirring and tasting and plating. They were all very involved in their work and barely spoke to each other. They all worked well together, too, stirring someone's sauce as they went down the counter to retrieve a garnish, or making friendly suggestions for plating, etc. We started off with drinks: I got the grapefruit mimosa and my bf got the bloody mary. My mimosa was grapefruity and not too sweet, with a great sparkle from the cava. His bloody mary was a little spicy, with a delicious tomatoey, V8-style zip. We ordered three items: esparragos verdes con romesco (asparagus), berenjenas con taberna (fried eggplant with honey), and tortilla espanola de chorizo (a potato, chorizo, and onion omelet). The asparagus was very nicely grilled and seasoned and was placed on a generous smear of romesco sauce, which was good, but could have used a little acid to balance the nutty, oily flavor and consistency. The eggplant was also good, but could have used a little more savory flavor to balance the sweet honey and fried taste. The rosemary was a very nice complement. The omelet takes 15 minutes to cook and is runny in the middle, but otherwise, it wasn't too bad. It was a little bland and could have used some fresh herbs and seasonings, but otherwise a good bite. The plating of everything was gorgeous. This was probably my favorite part, thus my photos of each plate. So while the food was delicious with room for improvement, I highly recommend this place.
Excellent choice for our Christmas Eve meal. Atmosphere and food both we're excellent.
(5)
C J.
I took a friend of mine for lunch at Curate. She went to school in Madrid, so I figured her feedback would be insightful. It's all she talked about the rest of her visit! We had an excellent wine with the following: cheese plate, white asparagus, their delicious olive selection, patatas bravas, pulpo a la gallega and the tortilla espanola. Everything was prepared to perfection. I cannot wait to visit again, this time for dinner.
(5)
Jerry T.
Finally, a restaurant that lives up to it's yelp hype. I went to Cúrate with the family last weekend at the recommendation of one of my favorite yelpers, Richard R. I don't typically write reviews after one visit, but the 6 of us put away 18 tapas so I feel good about it. Everything about this place was exactly what I wanted it to be. We had reservations and were seated right away. We started out with a pitcher of Sangria and a round of other drinks. They prepare the Sangria table-side and serve it in stemless wine glasses with two big melty ice cubes. Delicious. The timing was perfect in between plates, and our server was excellent. It's also nice to be able to watch the masters at work in the big open kitchen. I'll list some of the items I would not miss in order of how much I enjoyed them. Pluma Iberica - 5/5 Grilled Iberian pork loin with herbs. Perfect temperature and seasoning, without being over-seasoned or salty. They really let the quality pork shine in this dish. Setas al Jerez - 5/5 Seasonal mushrooms in sherry and olive oil. A simple dish executed perfectly. A little salty, but I could not stop eating them. Delicious when paired with the pork. Jamon plate - 5/5 This place truly cares about their pork, and the ham is delicious here. I especially liked the acorn fattened ham (de bellota) Chistorra & Chips - 4.5/5 Soft chorizo wrapped in thinly sliced potatoes and fried. Peppery, crunchy, unctuous. Gambas al Ajillo - 4.5/5 Butterflied shrimp sauteed with thinly sliced garlic. Simply prepared, but perfectly sweet and succulent. Another great example of letting a quality ingredient shine. Butifarra con mongetes - 4.5/5 Mild sausage with grilled white beans and all i oli. I've never had beans this crunchy, but they were a great contrast to the heavy sauce and fattiness of the sausage. I wouldn't order bocadillos again, as they are basically sandwiches made with ingredients from the other tapas. The bread did not add anything IMO and I would just stick to the original dishes. The green asparagus was better than the white. The bread, croquettes and potatas were good but not outstanding. I think that they would serve well as a less expensive way to fill up, but did not outshine the main courses at all. There's plenty of parking in the immediate vicinity. The service was excellent. In terms of tapas restaurants, Cúrate was a 5 star experience at every turn. If you find yourself in Asheville, I absolutely would not miss it.
(5)
Ryan F.
Cúrate (and tapas places in general) are great for groups and sharing plates. Unfortunately, I came by myself. Fortunately, they had counter seating at the kitchen which I always enjoy, especially when dining solo. I had a fairly simple meal - a ham & cheese (bocadillo serrano) and some fried potatoes (patatas bravas). The food was basic and simple and not particularly elevated. But it tasted good. I'd skip the patatas bravas in the future only because it's so simple - more or less fried potatoes with mayo/paprika sauce and something that looked like ketchup. Service was very friendly and the environment was welcoming. It was interesting that the bar had a much more modern feel than the rest of the more traditional restaurant.
(4)
Bobbin W.
My husband and I dined at Cúrate during our honeymoon. After we...worked up an appetite at the hotel, we walked to Cúrate and began our meal with cocktails. The sidracar (basically apple cider with Grand Marnier) perfectly complemented the crisp fall air. Because I am obsessed with beets right now, we ordered the ensalada de otoño, a bright and beautiful salad containing the aforementioned lovely bleeding vegetable, almonds, pickled orange and mahon cheese. We sat at the bar and watched one chef put it--along with seven more of the same order--together, and I nearly threw my fork at him, whipping it back with a lasso made of my own drool. The esquiexada de montaña also nearly caused me to engage in an impatient act of violence against the chef. The thin-sliced raw trout topped with lemon, fresh tomato, sweet onion and olives reminded me of the time I attempted to prepare ceviche at home, and the low-quality tilapia rotted in the bowl of lime juice I left it in. Thank goodness I can get my raw sea life fix at restaurants! Our other tapas came out really slowly. The pincho moruno (lamb skewers) melted as expected in my mouth. However, I found the canelones de carne disgusting. (My husband picked it out -- basically a bunch of ground up meat smothered in bowel regularity-destructing cheese.) For dessert we gorged on the helado de romero almendras (rosemary ice cream with almond sponge cake and candied orange) and espuma de chocolate (chocolate mousse cake with raspberry sorbet and hazelnut praline). Everything was exquisite except for the ground meat thing. Bring your girlfriend or ball and chain to Cúrate, and you'll surely get laid.
(5)
Kathy W.
Just ate at Curate this weekend on a girls trip to Asheville and it was awesome....this is a must try if you are in Asheville, so make a reservation ahead of time! We called two weeks in advance and could only get a Thursday at 5:30pm reservation....but it was totally worth it! There were five of us and we tried about 15 things on the menu.....and we just split the bill five ways. This is the way to do it if you have a large group. We would order 2-3 things at a time and everyone would get a bite or two and then we would order the next round....it was a nice relaxing meal. The menu is a bit overwhelming, so just ask your server what they recommend and you will be good to go!
Preeminent tapas bar operated by former El Bulli chefs. Crowded.
(5)
Lee L.
This place is a treat to have in Asheville. Could easily compete with the best restaurants in a major city. It's rare that a place can be dress-up-special-occasion-expensive-tab OR drop-in-casual-less-expensive-that-you'd-think-it-Âshould-be. The menu is amazing - with what's delivered tasting even better than expected from very well written descriptions. Great cocktails and wine list (2006 Beronia "Reserva"- oh my!). Some favorite dishes: espárragos blancos, espinacas a la catalans, canelones de carne, gambas al ajillo, pimientos de piquillo con queso de cabra, pincho moruno, and maybe the best desert I've ever had: helado de romero con almendaras. We've been a half dozen times since it opened and (good and bad) the menu hasn't changed that much. It's nice to know your favorites will be on the menu when you go, but it would be great for some change to experience it again for the first time. Still though, run don't walk. Often.
(5)
Jessica C.
My husband and I wanted to try something different, and this restaurant definitely it the spot. Low lighting, great organic and earth friendly feel, this restaurant is definitely one of a kind. The food is amazing and all plates are meant to be shared. My husband and I ordered quite a few different plates, all of which were great! The next time we are in the area, we definitely plan to come back. The restaurant does feel a bit jammed pack and our waitress did disappear a bit, especially when we wanted refills. But when she was at our table, she was spot on. Only one bathroom for a fairly large restaurant and the lighting needs to be brightened up just a bit, almost felt too dark for a restaurant serving brunch.
(4)
Brittany D.
Every time is an experience. The ambiance, the food, the service, it speaks for itself. As we sit here, a sous chef is talking to us about how she loves working here and eats here on the regular which speaks a lot for the product!
(5)
Travis L.
Curate serves up a fairly authentic Spanish tapas experience, although it differs from the typical Spanish tapas restaurant by offering excellent service and steep prices. Branching out from the typical hard meats, garlic, bread, and wine might do them a bit of good. More creative seasonal tapas with a fuller range of flavors for your money can be found at Zambra and the Admiral, but if you are really into perfectly executed salted meats, then this is your place. I understand the executive chef hails from the famed El Bulli, but that creativity is lacking here. It is pretty standard Spanish cafe fare at close to El Bulli prices.
(3)
David R.
This was ok... but very expensive for what you received. The reality is that it got 4 stars because of the friends we were with :) I really don't appreciate waiters that are condescending and act like " You didn't know that" ?? I will give a little grace because they were busy, however I felt the portions (even for Tapas) were small... Usually you can get enough for 4 people to share! And I guess if you were a "Run Way Model" it was a feast... you just really have to put it in to the proper perspective lol!
We have eaten here many times. The food and service are always great. It's hard to get a reservation here so I'd recommend booking in advance. It can be rather noisy, but its still very enjoyable. I wouldn't recommend dinner here for children.
(5)
Meredith B.
Impressive menu if you have traveled or lived in Spain with impeccable presentation; however, taste was slightly amiss. For example, the patatas bravas were extremely bland, so much is I had to ask for salt. Service was nothing to rave about but the wine was delicious. It was nice to have a taste of Spain but would have appreciated some Spanish hospitality.
(3)
Deborah M.
This is the best restaurant I've been to this weekend in Asheville! In brief: food is great, waitstaff is friendly and knowledgeable, it's a bit noisy. I'll start with the only downsides: on a weekend, it gets very busy and loud. Probably ok during the week, but expect a wait, and to sit at the bar on Friday/Saturday. Fortunately they take your cell number and actually call you when they have available seats. The counter is no hardship, since you get to watch the tapas being made, but it is not usually my preferred spot. The cocktail selection is decent, ditto wines and beer. The food however is where it is at. We had patatas bravas (standby at tapas joints for me; excellent here), asparagus, Iberico ham lardons, gazpacho, pork sausage (the white beans were the star of the show here) and garlic shrimp. It's hard to pick a favorite, because everything was superlative. Beautifully plated, and delicious. Worth the wait, and then some!
(5)
ChaCha C.
Curate was, far and away, the best restaurant I visited in Asheville. I would also say it is the best tapas I have ever had. Did you know the chef owner is from elBulli? Since I never made it to the famous Catalonia restaurant of Ferran Adria... I feel happy that I have been to Curate. The food, wine, service, and decor was wonderful. If you read my reviews, you will know just how picky I am (very). This place was top notch, in all respects. The only thing I will note in attempts to make this review More useful: some of server's recommendations seemed to be dumbed down - as in, the most boring dishes on the menu. Steamed shrimp? I am from a port city, I am not going to order them in a mountain town, sister! Eggplant? OK, we tried it. It was good... but, it was fried food - not really exciting or unique. I will admit that I will be drizzling honey next time I make some at home though. However, I was very pleased with her wine recs. The dishes I will recommend? The trout salad. The ham sampler! The feathered pork loin. Pane con tomate (seems pedestrian, but the best I have ever had - and I make/order this a lot). I am so glad I went to Curate & will be looking forward to returning on my next trip.
(5)
Steve G.
My wife and I have talked about eating at Curate for quite some time but it was always booked up when we would try to drop in for a meal. We finally made a reservation for an early Sunday evening and it was so worth the small effort to go online and book a table. At 4:30 the restaurant was already half filled when we arrived. We were quickly seated and greeted by a very pleasant server. We love the tapas menu, the portions are perfect for us. Each item comes out in no particular order so don't be surprised if your asparagus comes after your lamb. We loved the lamb skewers and thought the mushrooms were best we ever had. One of our orders was not out when we had finished the others and we decided we were fine without it. Our server was happy to cancel it and move on to the desserts. We had Curate's version of a chocolate mousse and a creame burele. Both were light and airy and the perfect finish to a great meal. Our server also recommended a blended red wine to accompany our meal and it was excellent also. There is of course many other items on the menu we need to try and we will be returning soon to do so.
(5)
Andrew A.
One of the best meals and experiences I have had in a long time. Everything about Curate - a spanish tapas restaurant - was fresh and delicious. We started our meal with a sparkling sangria which was made at our table and included an entire bottle of cava. I was amazed how easily my wife and I finished the entire thing without any problems. Our appetizers of the roasted almonds and olives were simple and full of flavor. Those were followed by the patatas brava which was quite good, but paled in comparison to the watermelon and heirloom tomato salad which was nothing like I have ever tasted. We ended our meal with the noodle paella, the lamb skewers and the asparagus. All of those dishes were terrific but the lamb was outstanding. The wonderful thing about tapas was it allowed us to try many different things while feeling very satisfied but not overly-stuffed. If you are in the Asheville area Curate is a must go to restaurant. But truth be told, it warrants a trip to Asheville all by itself.
(5)
Gary J.
Very well presented, very tasty, very loud and very expensive, which is why I wouldn't give it more than 3 stars. The entire time eating I'm racking up the cost in my head. Perhaps it was because I sat at the bar and felt like I was eating in a kitchen (the food, smoke, smells and prep is all done out in the open...nice touch, diners have used it for years... I always love seeing my patty melt being prepared by the line cook). Tapas menu includes a couple slices of pig on a plate for "under $20" or some specialty ham that is $15 or a lump of something for $12....etc....you can easily rack up a bill of $100pp with drinks to make a meal of the tapas, and that's sharing. The atmosphere includes a pig leg on the wall, sort of like a trophy. If this is $$$ than I am really not making enough money. It's $$$$$ easily in my book. ( I see there is only $1 separating $$$ from $$$$ on Yelp...). I have dined often at anniversaries and special occasions and was able to do the "money is no object" block - to a point. In a situation like this, however, where the experience is nothing special, it is hard for me to separate taste and dining from cost. (It's also hard for me to consider $150K as middle income). So, I can totally understand how some people can do that, but I can't. A meal needs to be incredibly special to justify the cost when it is stratospheric. (PS For example, the three photos I was asked if they were helpful, would cost you about $50.) And as some of the reviewers state, it is modest, bustling, no atmosphere....and it costs $20 for a taste of something. Sorry.
(3)
M D.
LOVE this place! I've lived in Spain and this place is pretty authentic. If you go - definitely get the patatas bravas, the tortilla espanola, and try the cold chorizo (plato butido). Yum yum yum! Great atmosphere and energy. Will be back again for sure!!!!
(5)
Chris C.
If you're looking for excellent food and terrific service in an interesting atmosphere and aren't worried about the price, then Curate might fit the bill. We began with the esparragos blancos (white asparagas with a light mayonaise) then tried the canelones de carne (meat canelones with bechamel sauce), the bocata de calamares (fried calamare sandwich), and the berenjenas la taberna (eggplant in honey w/rosemay). The esparragos was ho-hum, but everything else was terrific. I'd recommend sitting at the tapas bar so you can watch the chefs do their work. I doubt I'll eat there very often, but a couple of times a year, I plan to belly back up to the tapas bar and order some more stuff I can't pronounce.
(4)
Stephanie F.
Recently had my birthday dinner here and it was a great choice. The food definitely lives up to the hype. We started with the pitcher of Sangria which was delicious. They add Hennessy to it which I think makes the drink. We ordered... berenjenas la taberna (fried eggplant - my favorite dish - this is a must order) bocata de calamares (squid sandwich, sooo good but order early - very filling) pincho moruno (lamb skewers - my husband's favorite dish ) canelones de carne (just okay, I would skip this one) pimentos de piquillo (stuffed peppers, were great) espuma de chocolate (this dessert was just okay - would have liked more options) They were also nice enough to bring me this awesome sugar sculpture for my birthday. Great service, great food, and great prices. Home run!
(5)
Rob B.
Being from upstate NY I never got to experience a tapas bar. Heck, when I first heard the word I thought someone was saying "topless bar." It came to the Food Network and Travel Channel to show my first glimpses of the tapas bar, and man did I want in. When we saw there were several tapas bars to choose from in Asheville we opted for Curate, and we were not disappointed. We went in at about 12:00pm for a Saturday lunch, and the place had quite a few open tables. It looks expensive as you walk in, from the tasteful interior to the open kitchen. The menu doubles as a placemat, so you can make a mess on it and then opt to order more dishes if you are still hungry. Now from what I had gathered, tapas bars offered small tastings of culinary delights. With this in mind, one would think to order at least three dishes per person. Do not make this mistake at Curate, as the dishes are actually quite big (for tapas), and I think that ordering two plates per person should be more than enough. Not only would more be quite a bit of food, but the menu is pretty pricey, so the bill can quickly add up. They also have a nice beer and wine menu, with a lot of Spanish beers, and also some interesting cocktails of their own. My wife and I ordered four dishes, two which we shared and one for each of us. We shared the pan con tomate ($7) and the Chistorra con Puree. The pan con tomate was crazy good...far better than it should have been. It literally translates to "bread with tomato" but it is actually like a Spanish version of bruschetta. Now I don't like tomato chunks, so I don't like bruschetta, but this was more like a crushed tomato spread. The spread was so fresh, and the bread it was served on was straight from the local bakery. What really did it was the manchego (sp) cheese on top, which was a thick, hearty slice of this creamy, tasty cheese. This dish may have only been four pieces of toasted bread with tomato spread and a slice of cheese, but I'll be darned if it wasn't one of the tastiest things I've ever had. So simple, fresh and pure, I highly recommend getting it. Plus it's one of the cheaper things on the menu! The Chistorra con Puree ($8) consisted of six chorizo links on a bed of pureed potato. The chorizo was excellent...just the right bit of heat, and you could feel and taste those little fatty cubes that belong in real homemade sausage. The potato puree was very rich and creamy, and a pool of olive oil was sitting on top just waiting to be swirled into the potato. It was a pretty nice dish and we both enjoyed it. For myself I ordered the Canelones de Carne ($9), which were two cheesy, beefy pasta shells. When I say cheesy I mean uber cheesy...Monty from the Rescue Rangers would have had a heart attack right there if he saw this dish. It was stuffed with this creamy bechamel sauce and then topped with a thick layer of cheese that went through the salamander to give it that burnt cheese look, texture and taste. It was like eating a pizza as each bite resulted in strings of cheese running from the dish to your mouth. While I liked the cheese, I wasn't as big a fan of the beef filling. It kind of reminded me of potsticker fillings from the Chinese restaurant back in New York, where it tasted like a pasty, spicy mush rather than real beef. Also, while all the cheese and creamy sauce tasted great, it was quite rich, and filled me up to the point where I couldn't finish. The miss' ordered the Gambas al Ajillo ($11) which were six shrimp sitting in this seafood broth. The shrimp were top notch qualtiy...they were HUGE and the heads were frilled and looked like they were exploding (if you've had shrimp like this you know what I'm talking about.) They had that wonderful firmness to them when you bit down, and the broth accompanying them was great. The miss' had a blast dipping the crusted bread that came with it into this spicy garlicy peppery broth, and it was by far her favorite dish. All good things come to an end, and we were quite stuffed after four dishes. The food quality and service at Curate are amazing, and it's an indulgence you simply have to experience, especially if you are not used to tapas. With the prices the way they are I would be more apt to return for dinner, as spending over $20 a person on food and drink for lunch is a bit out of our usual price range. Just remember, start out small and if you are still hungry order more...don't go crazy and order more than you can handle from the get-go.
(5)
Lisa E.
I'm giving Curate 4 stars instead of 5 only because the menu offerings aren't my favorite choices. With that said, we had a very good lunch at Curate. The beet salad and butternut squash soup were delicious. Our white wine and iced tea were solid. Service was really strong and our server brought the cheese on a side plate once she understood we were concerned we wouldn't like it. We were happy to squeeze in at lunch and would likely come back again on a future trip to Asheville.
(4)
L G.
A little pricey but the food is of good quality. Certainly not the best restaurant in Asheville, but definitely good food. The only thing I found a little upsetting was we sat at the bar, which was probably a mistake because you could see all of the staff preparing the food and one of the girls was cutting raw vegetables, cutting tomatoes and then went and swept the floor, without gloves on. She was handling food without any protection on her hands. That was pretty unsanitary. We brought it to their attention and they apologized and agreed with us. Hopefully the person wasn't trained properly and just didn't know any better and it won't happen again. But that was pretty disgusting. I've never written a negative comment about a restaurant but that was a bit nasty.
(3)
H W.
Love!! Cool experience with all the different tapas. And Sangria made table-side... Yum! Recommend: tabla de jamon (sample of 3 cured hams), berenjenas la taberna (fried eggplant with honey), ensalada de invierno (endive n stuff), setas al jerez (mushrooms to go w pork!), gambas al ajillo (shrimp), pluma iberica (freakin awesome pork!). All absolutely awesome! My personal fav is the salad! It was THAT good!! But the pork and mushrooms are a must! Wonderful service. BTW, the Sangria is loaded! Tipsy!!!! Ha!
(5)
Ashley L.
The most amazing restaurant I've ever eaten at in 30 years. I've never tasted so much amazingness in my life!!!! I've never had a bad plate. Just taste your way through & you'll never be disappointed. P.s. it's very fast! You won't wAit around for food to come out.
(5)
Jon F.
This is as good as a tapas place gets in the U.S. Almost everything was excellent. Also, the restaurant has a great atmosphere - lively without being loud. It's a great place to go big, or just stop by for a couple of snacks. When we visited Asheville, we went there two nights in a row. This is real Spanish food - better than almost anything else I've had outside of Spain.
Most fantastic. We enjoyed every single thing that we ordered. Top favorites would be lamb skewers, cheese board, shrimp, and potatoes bravas. Yum!!! The food here was to die for. Seriously, I have thought about it since we ate there and wish I could go back. Too bad the 800 mile drive gets in the way. Service was great and the atmosphere was fun. I highly recommend Curate! Side note - they have "real" toilet paper in the bathroom. Thank you. I HATE crappy toilet paper.
(5)
Hailey H.
Our last minute trip to Asheville didn't allow us to get us a reservation for a Saturday night dinner - but Sunday brunch was all sorts of open, and luckily they still serve their full menu. If you're there for brunch, I recommend their bloody mary, with the horseradish foam. A nice twist on a staple. Our server was fantastic and very knowledgeable, (Krista?) went over lots of the menu options and steered us in great directions. Out of our series of dishes, well I love them all, but the rossejat, clams, and bellota were probably my favorites. (Yes, the bellota goes for $20, but that nutty goodness is worth it in my book) I could live in that broth the clams came in - the pine nuts, the ham - just give me that and a few hunks of bread and I'm done! The rossejat had a really nice flavor and crunch, and I loved the table-side plating. Great execution, awesome taste bud explosions, it made me really miss being in Spain. My only wish... a squid plate besides the sandwich. We ended up ordering the sandwich sans bread (pretty good as far a "calamari" standards, but not amazing) but I think a non-fried option would really serve them well. Maybe next time... And our table was nice, but I definitely think I'll go for the bar next time so I can see everyone work.
(5)
Matt B.
One of my favorite places in Asheville, NC -- I've been to Spain several times over the past two years and this places is the real deal!
(5)
Karen B.
Food was absolutely delicious - the trout was a standout. Great vibe, terrific service. Go!
(5)
Julianna M.
Incredible. Not to mention you can explore all the "greatest hits" of their menu for 2 people for about $60 not including drinks. As good if not better than any other traditional tapas restaurants I've been to around the country. The menu is seasonal and changes frequently and they also do a very good job of being very clear on their menus about what to order if you are a vegan, can't eat gluten, etc.
(5)
Karen B.
Husband lived in Spain, so we hit up any Spanish restaurant we can get our grubby hands on and who would have thought the best tapas we have ever eaten was in Asheville? The table side sangria with a whole bottle of red wine is a steal. Great atmosphere, friendly service (albeit slow, but we weren't in a hurry). Do not miss the Pluma Iberica! I know it is the priciest thing on the menu, but it is heavenly. Wonderful place for a special dinner.
(5)
Douglas C.
Recently made my third (fourth?) visit to Curate, for my girlfriend's birthday. She seemed hesitant to try it when I initially told her about the place, but she absolutely loved it. The service was fantastic, the food was even better than I remember. When we first sat down we noticed a couple with a chocolate monstrosity in between them (no really, about a foot high!). We asked our server what it was as we could not find it on the dessert section of the rather expansive menu. We were told that it was something special they did for birthdays, but that they would need to have advance notice to create one, so we were out of luck... or so we thought! Our awesome server surprised us with one of our own just before we were ready to leave. That made the evening hands down. Everyone, just get to Curate as soon as you can, the place is fantastic.
(5)
Erin F.
We ate here on the recommendation of a couple friends, one of whom is a food critic, and it was well worth the hype. Even though we had late (10 p.m.) reservations, we never felt rushed. The food was interesting, thoughtfully prepared and plated, and delicious. The shrimp was the best I've ever had. The tortilla espanola was incredible - crispy on the outside, with perfectly caramelized onions and deliciously runny egg yolk on the inside. The wine list is varied and interesting, with plenty to choose from, and the staff is well-versed in it. When selecting my second glass, our waiter made a spot-on recommendation. One of the best meals I've ever had - well done, Curate.
(5)
Anthony S.
Good but a little overrated. Creative tapas that tended to be "one note flavor". There were a few greats in there but if you can't get a reservation, it isn't the end of the world. Worth the visit if it's convenient.
(4)
Josh S.
Woohoo! As good as it gets! That's right - waiting 30 minutes for a seat at the suave, refined bar of Cúrate is worth it. This seat overlooks the kitchen, it's all prepared and flamed right there for you to see. Prepare yourself for a tapa's coma. I had the pleasure of Jessica at my disposal. Not only did she over offer up great drink suggestions (sangria! *by the pitcher only), she brought small plates of delicious food. She started me with a delicious pot of garlicky shrimp, followed by the famous jamon iberico de bellota fermin. Pigs fed only acorns?? Yep. That good. The lamb skewer was next, lost in the middle of all the complex dishes. But good. The final plate of almond sponge cake made me ask what kind of chemicals were used to create this amazing dish! My experience at Cúrate leaves me planning my next visit to Asheville and this wonderful restaurant. The service and ambiance here is absolutely excellent. If this is how they eat in Spain, I'm moving.
(5)
Alex C.
Amazing food, excellent service! One of the classiest joints in town. Serves up very authentic Spanish cuisine. The Iberico ham is not to be missed. You will pay to play so bring some cash.
(5)
Selena P.
If you are looking for something different and top chef, this place is wonderful! Delicious food, great atmosphere.
(5)
Chris C.
Look at my reviews and you will hardly find a 5-star review. They do exist and this one exists in Asheville, NC - a town that has a pretty high culinary bar. You will notice that one of my favorite restaurants is Amada in Philadelphia - which happens to be a Spanish Tapas restaurant. Well, Cúrate is an amazing restaurant that uses (seemingly) the finest ingredients (doesnt mean expensive) and is expertly prepared. Tapas is supposed to be casual and communal at times and is not supposed to have pretense. Well, the vibe in Asheville fit's quite well for Cúrate. Drinks were excellent, the grilled (sateed) mushrooms were very tasty, the garlic shrimp were incredibly moist and in no way tough. Try their Manhattan.... they use a special cherry that is almost liquid but sits at the bottom of the drink just about to burst.... when you finish the drink you let the cherry slide on your tounge and it explodes. Interesting sensation. All of this molecular gastronomy is evidentally because the owner used to work at the world famous El Bulli in Spain that was lauded as one of the top 10 restaurants in the world. The owner/chef - as I'm told married an Asheville girl (also a chef/owner) and opened this restaurant to very closely mirror an authentic Spanish Tapas restaurant. The chef told me that their products are either locally sourced or sourced directly from Spain. This restaurant is in my top 3 favorite anywhere - New York, San Francisco, Boulder, Aspen, Atlanta.... etc....I will return to this restaurant on every trip to Asheville....
(5)
Peter K.
Was our 4th or 5th time visiting Curate. As always, it was fantastic, from the service to the drinks to the amazing variety of food. We love it!
(5)
Margaret M.
Truly enjoyed this place... my first experience with Tapas, so I wasn't sure what to expect. It's a pretty expensive way to eat, but as I learn more, I'll learn better how to order. There were two of us, and we shared the dishes equally. We began with Pan Con Tomate with Manchego Cheese (translation: crusty bread with fresh crushed tomatoes like bruschetta) - $7. It was truly divine. With all of our dishes, I think we both thought this was our favorite. It would be worth it to go back just for this. Next course was Ensalada de tomate y atun (translation: tuna over greens with tomato) - $7. This was a light, refreshing salad with some EVOO drizzled overtop. Good, but skippable for another more interesting salad (like the beet salad, IMO). Our third dish was Patatas Bravas (translation: cubed hash-browned potatoes with a garlicky, spicy aioli) - $5. This would have been my favorite, but the garlic stayed with me all day :-( which wasn't pleasant (read: heartburn). The fourth course was Bocata de Calamares (translation: fried squid with an olive oil mayo) - $6. It was good, but it was not memorable... in fact, I had to look at the menu to see if that was what I ordered. Our final plate was Rossejat (similar to paella but with Rice-a-Roni type of pasta) - $15. This one was disappointing, and we felt no need to finish the dish... partly because we were full, and partly because it wasn't impressive (overpriced for what you get, too). Service was really good. They timed the different dishes perfectly, and kept our water filled. The only down part is that it's a little pretentious. We went in for lunch and they wanted to know if I had a reservation (on a Thursday). When I said no, the host informed me that we could eat at the bar or back in the way back in another area (forgot what he called it). It was a great little area tucked in the back, and I was quite pleased with our table.
(5)
Valerie F.
Try everything. Seriously. Order the table side sangria. Personally, I enjoyed the Gambas al ajillo, espinacas a la catalana, almejas al vino blanco, tabla de quessos...to name a few. Whatever you try, you will not leave disappointed. For dessert, order the fired eggplant covered with honey with a side of rosemary ice cream. Scrumptious! The best part: Cúrate offers plenty of delicious gluten free, lactose free, vegan/vegetarian friendly options.
(5)
Chris P.
This is one of the best meals we have eaten in years. Far exceeded our expectations. Every dish was great. The grilled lamb was done to perfection. The artichoke chips with yogurt was a treat. When we come back to Asheville we will not miss this place so we can sample more of the menu. The place was very busy on a Saturday night, so we ate at the bar and the service was good and meals were very prompt.
(5)
James S.
After a busy afternoon downtown, Curate was a great place to stop for a glass of wine and a small plate - a delicious late afternoon snack. Usually quite crowded and noisy, Curate was a serene oasis on this visit. Always a favorite of mine downtown. Enjoyed the jamon iberico fermin plate at the bar.
(4)
Susan P.
I love this place! Every time I visit I try something new, and I've never been disappointed. Some must-gets: the lightly bettered eggplant drizzled with rosemary honey, the ham platter, the marinated peppers stuffed wt chèvre and drizzled wt rosemary infused oil, any special deserts -
(5)
Lauren K.
Loved it! I had some great tapas while living in Chicago but was truly impressed by Curate. So we started with cocktails. I had a special holiday drink made with horchata and hennesy. It was delicious despite my dislike of Hennesy. My date had a Manhattan and declared it amazing. Our first dish was the Croquettas de Jamon, which were not on the menu but our server mentioned them as a new item. When they came out we were both disappointed in the lack of a dipping sauce but after the first bite we both changed our mind. YUM! We followed this with the berenjenas la taberna, which was possibly the best thing I have ever put into my mouth. A lightly fried eggplant with rosemary drizzled in honey. I have had amazing dreams about this dish and feel I must thank those who reviewed before me because I would not have ordered this and my date was extremely skeptical (plus he thought my obsessive yelping pre date was a little strange but whatever :)). We followed this up with the Garlic Shrimp. I was not impressed. They were good but were something I could easily make. We paired these with the mushrooms but ended up waiting to eat the mushrooms. We also ordered the Lamb Skewers. Now these were good but nothing held a candle to the eggplant. Our server was absolutely right when he told us the mushrooms would be excellent with the Lamb. The other great thing was our server. After my cocktail I was ready to switch to wine, he paired an excellent white with the shrimp and paired a red for both of us with the lamb. All of the wine went really well with the food. Plus I appreciated that he brought us two different glasses of red wine, one of which I loved and one my date loved. We were nearing time for dessert and decided we could fit in one more dish... The eggplant was sooooo good that we got a second round. And then we got to dessert. I thought nothing could touch the eggplant but I was wrong. Our server suggested that we try the first two desserts on the menu so we did and moaning ensued. I would HIGHLY recommend coming to Curate. But a meal takes a while and costs a pretty penny. Excellent food and even better service. It almost makes being back in Asheville worth it.
(5)
Mark S.
I cannot say enough about Curate. The server (Brian) was extremely knowledgeable about all things on the menu. And the good was out of the world. Period. With every dish we thought we had tasted the best thing on the menu, but not got continually better, culminating with the pork. Highly, highly, highly recommend.
(5)
Yung B.
Hands down my favorite dining experience in Asheville, the Chacutare' trays filled with nothing but the freshest acorn fed beef, if you go here and are disappointed you probably dont have a pulse. Ive been there twice now and it is pricey but it is worth every cent, from the honey eggplant, to the cheese stuffed roasted peppers, this place is truly magical and cant wait to go again
(5)
Mark C.
Note - I can't seem to give a place 5 stars but if I could I would in this case. It's a very busy restaurant, lots of people walking around............. We had: Home cured olives - outstanding and possibly my favorite part of the meal Tomato bread - Outstanding. I wasn't crazy about it at first but wanted more by the time I was finished Shrimp / Garlic - Outstanding. Can't miss item Fried Eggplant w honey - Outstanding Spinanch w pine nuts, apples, raisins - Surprisingly great Rosemary Ice cream w orange sponge cake - Interesting! Like I said, I have some weird hangup about giving a perfect score, but this place is highly recommended. We also had a pitcher of Sangria of which I am not experienced enough to comment. Maybe it was great Sangria, it didn't taste much different that red wine to me but I am far from a win expert so disregard.
This is a great tapas place. If you're looking for tapas in Asheville this is the spot. It's crazy busy all the time and hard to get reservations. We had a reservation at 9:30 at night and still had to wait 15 minutes when arriving. It's loud in here and better for groups and friends rather than couples. Limones is better for couples. The wait staff were pretty good, but they're so busy they can't talk to you too long (at least on Christmas Eve). Stuffed peppers were great, calamari good too. The eclipse drink is great. Towards the end of the night when it gets closer to closing the service might get slower.
(4)
Q C.
Some great stuff here. I'm from Chicago and stopped by here with some friends while on vacation, Staff was nice, so was atmosphere, I remember really liking the croquetas de pollo and the eggplant with honey. All in all though the food wasnt mind blowing and it was expensive.
(3)
YourFavoriteDonke Y.
Great way to end a weekend in asheville. Incredible meal. Ate at the bar with friends. Seemed every plate that was brought out was someone's new favorite. Tried to recreate their watermelon salad. Everyone raved about my version except for me. It will never quite be that good.
(5)
Robin T.
So good. The lamb skewers had fabulous spices. The peppers stuffed with goat cheese were tart and smokey. The wait wasn't so bad but we sat at the counter. Not comfortable but definitely worth it. While the food was slow coming out, the wait staff were great. Best place we found in Asheville. Don't miss it.
(5)
Jessica W.
Some of the best food I have ever eaten!!! We got the picture of white sangria, very good. The eggplant with honey was one of the best things I have ever eaten! The artichoke chips with the yogurt sauce was great! The pan con tomate with manchego cheese was so good! The desert was great.... everything we had was better than the next!!!
My favorite restaurant in town at the moment. Everything about it is amazing. The atmosphere, the service, the amazingly combined flavors in the food, the creative presentation, the cleanliness and organized kitchen. I just wish I could afford to eat there more often.
(5)
Scott S.
wow. fantastic. i had heard so much about this place and it did not disappoint!
(5)
Anne J.
One of my new favorite restaurants in Asheville! The sparkling cava sangria is a must. Get a pitcher. My husband and I also enjoyed the cheese plate, the eggplant with honey and rosemary,and the mushrooms. If you are looking for a great dining experience in Asheville, you have to go to Curate!
(5)
Meg C.
I've been twice now, so let me break it down..... 1st Visit: To Drink: Sangria (Red Wine) Small Bites: Pan Con Tomate Tapas We Tried: Patatas Bravas (The sauce is awesome!) Chistorra con patatas al aceite de oliva Vieiras con pimiento del piquillo maestro julian Butifarra con mongetes Dessert Espuma de chocolate (hello unusual combinations of dessert deliciousness) Crema catalana con frutas del bosque Food: ¡EXCELENTE! Service: We had reservations & were running about 5 minutes late. I don't know if that had anything to do with it, but we ended up having to wait or a table for 30-40 minutes for a table. This was soon after they opened so I'll give them a pass. Our waitress was great! Knowledgeable and friendly. **I gotta be honest...I didn't LOVE the Sangria ($25) as much as I love Limones' or even The Admiral (which is probably not authentic ;)). Maybe I'll give it another shot another time. 2nd Visit: To Drink: Porron (Very refreshing, but I am too much of a clutz to drink this the traditional way; Perhaps practice makes perfect?) Small Bites: Pan Con Tomate Tabla de jamon fermin (I liked jaman serrano fermin best of the 3, oddly) Tapas We Tried: Croquetas de polio (good for sharing) Berenejas la taberna (this was the favorite thing I've tried thus far) Setas al Jerez Canelones de carne (canelones + bechamel= yes please!) Food: ¡excelente, una vez más! Service: We had reservations and were seated immediately! I had the same waitress, who is super. I'm very excited to see this addition to the downtown restaurant scene. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Jacob B.
Curate is an amazing place to go in Asheville. I recommend making reservations if you have more than two people because they do seem to always be busy. The food is spectacular and because it is a tapas restaurant you get to try a variety of things if you want. I have been to Curate several times over the last few years and am never disappointed.
(5)
Rachelle B.
By far hands down best dessert I ever had!!!!! Helado de Romero con almendras was really to die for! I almost ordered two. The creamiest rosemary ice cream with salted almonds and sponge cake and a taste of orange. We also had Pan con tomate and manchego cheese. YOU MUST ORDER. So tasty it was my favorite. The lamb was so tender and had excellent flavor, other than that we had the patatas bravas and a sampler of olives. We had heard a lot about the Croquettas de pollo which were sold out on the night we went. So we came back the next day to order some. They were good, but nothing out of this world. I was expecting a little more, and I think they actually might of needed a little salt. Might be because I live in South Florida and are used to eating authentic Cuban croquettas. Very fun to sit at the bar and watch them prepare your food! Great experience, you must visit Curate!
(4)
Doug D.
I can't believe this place. Better than any Spanish Restaraunt I've been to in the US. Authentic Barcelona tapas with a slightly new south twist. Just the right mix. Jamon iberico! Lamb skewers and the eggplant. They say a Restaraunt can be made with one dish. This is it. They worked with jose andres. Nuf said.
(5)
Jeff F.
Just an amazing overall experience. I wondered why they had gin and tonic on their drink menu and now I know why, simply the most refreshing drink of all time. Try the roasted peppers, scallops and canelones and share my amazement. This place just gets it!
(5)
Jason W.
OK, you might not immediately realize when you walk into this place that you're in a food temple. The decor is modest, the atmosphere trendy and bustling. However you're about to enjoy some of the best food you've ever eaten. For real. The whole goal seems to be to serve classic Spanish tapas...flawlessly. And that they do. You'll need to fly to Spain to find better gazpacho -- perfect balance of tomato and vinegar. The pan con tomate with manchego cheese was light and savory. The lamb was spiced and cooked perfectly (I'm still thinking about it!). The esqueixada catalana -- cod salad -- was light and falvorful. The watermelon salad was an elegant thing of beauty, with the fruit explosion of the watermelon deliciously balanced with the savoriness of the serena cheese. We opted for a pitcher of sangria, which surprised us by being more savory than sweet...it took a moment for our palates to adjust from the fruit juice expectation, however once we got there, we loved it. If I needed to dig up items for improvement, I found our waiter a bit smug and not super helpful (although as we ordered, he occasionally praised our selection, sort of in the way you might expect a teacher to do when you answered a question correctly in fifth grade math class). Service was also a little lackluster...he never once refilled our sangria glasses, from our pitcher that he set on a ledge about five feet away -- I repeatedly had to hop off my stool and do it myself, one time right in front of him. He didn't stop me. And the classic gambas in garlic were absolutely delicious and cooked flawlessly, however I would have preferred slightly larger prawns. My guess is that they were chosen specifically for their flavor and sweetness...which they had...it's not always about size I suppose. Anyway, all that said, Curate is a fantastic venue for destination dining -- worth a trip to Asheville for sure, all on its own. But do yourself a favor and study the menu ahead of time, so you can take full advantage. Lots of nuance to consider, although the truth is you could just order blindly and have a fantastic meal. It's that good.
(5)
Bob C.
Very busy and because it's very good. Also, lacking culture I did not know tapas were appies...know wonder I was curious where my meal was even though in front of me! Tasty but expect light fare and servings. Four stars though for flavors and outstanding service.
(4)
Brooks H.
We visited Curate last night for the first time, based on Yelp reviews. The reviews were correct, this is a great place to eat. With 5 family members at the table, we tried a variety of tapas. All of these were delicious. We had: Gamabas al Ajillo, Pincho Moruno, Pan con Tomate, Tortilla Espanola, Tabla de Jamon, as well as several other dishes. Each of these were wonderful. As a result of the excellent food, Curate is a popular restaurant. At 7 PM, we made a reservation for 9:30 PM. We arrived early and were seated around 9:40. Since we had 5 people, I do not consider this to be a negative, since only a few tables seat 5. It was well worth the short wait.
(5)
Michael L.
This was great food & our service was good. I highly recommend this place for lunch, or dinner. Spend as much, or as little as you want.
(5)
Doug P.
Everything was awesome, The food, atmosphere & service. A great place for a group that likes to share. Rustic & modern. Will be going back next time in Asheville.
(5)
Allison O.
Wow. I loved my meal here. The waitress was wonderful, explaining things on the menu and answering other questions. She also made sure we had clean plates for each course. We started with a bocadillo Serrano with Iberian ham, manchego, and tomato on a baguette. This was the first time I have ever eaten a tomato and liked it. Overall it was good, but it needed more meat for the size of the bread. Tomato was the main flavor. Next was rossejat negro, a noodle "paella" with squid and its ink. This was rich and wonderful. Salty and satisfying. Asparagus with romesco was cooked just the way I like them, just a bit al dente but tender. The romesco was nutty and sweet from the almonds. Next was the cannelloni with meat (our waitress clarified after our meal that these were stuffed with beef, pork and chicken liver). There was a very heavy bechamel over top. I felt this was the biggest letdown. Too much sauce and the meat filling had the texture of wet dog food. As we walked back to the car my bf said the same thing about the texture of the meat. Last we had lamb skewers. YUM! Not overly spiced, but the cinnamon and whatever else in the spice blend was beautiful on the tender lamb. Cooked perfectly. For dessert we had the rosemary ice cream, almond cake and orange segments. Holy cow, I could not get enough. I want to go home and buy an ice cream machine and a rosemary bush! We each had a cocktail, a Cuba libre and Spanish martini. They were fine, but overpriced I felt. The rest of the food was priced right for quality and portion sizes. Everything was perfect for two to share. I will surely come back next time we visit.
(4)
Mike A.
Excellent tapas spot. My wife is from Barcelona and this place is up there with the best in Cataluna. Ferran Adria himself would be proud of his former employees.
(5)
Bobeau X.
Tasty, but pricey & way too much salt. Tapas is great snack food, if you're going out for a meal choose another place.
(3)
R B.
Food adventure awaits at Curate. Another shotgun style storefront on Biltmore avenue that you may just walk right past. Instead, turn in for an astonishing, amazing tapas dining experience. Couldn't wait to try the jamon iberico fermin - cured ham from black footed iberico pigs of spain. Amazing salty and mild flavor. Continuous nibbling, we made that dish go as long as possible. Seared scallops - the best part of a tremendous meal. Indeed, I didn't know how scallops could taste - curate sets a new standard! Gambas al ajillo -- amazing garlic shrimp. Canelones de carne - interesting meat roll-ups. Not a favorite, but good filler! Croquetas de pollo - fritters around shredded creamy chicken mixture. Dessert! -- esumpa de chocolate, a tremendous chocolate mouse accompanied by bitter apple and salty praline. Beautiful open kitchen and first class service. Even on a weekday, they had a great crowd. The meanest thing I could say about the place? They could use a bigger sign out front.
(5)
Derek P.
At here two weeks ago. Service and food were excellent, and very reasonably priced for how good it was.
Absolutely Amazing! Favorite meal in one of our favorite food towns! Will be back next visit for sure!
(5)
J D.
All around excellent food taste and presentation. Unique dishes. The atmosphere and attention to detail was good. The server we had wasn't overly friendly but she was attentive and quick so I didn't doc any points for that. Would recommend.
(5)
Jason G.
This place is amazing! All the food and service was perfect.
(5)
Fred J.
Went last night with a couple of friends, and had a wonderful array of tapas. The food was delicious, the service was excellent and there is a parking lot across the street. We had the lamb skewer, garlic shrimp, roasted piquillo peppers, roasted asparagus, the assorted spanish ham and cheese plates, the tortilla espanola and the brandada, which was heavenly. Can't remember the wine I had (!), but it was also wonderful. Definitely will try and get to Curate' again.
(4)
Anton M.
Very enjoyable. The atmosphere was urban, contemporary but warm. The service was excellent. The only drawback; we found that the portion sizes were small. Wine selection was excellent. Will eat there again!
(4)
danielle b.
Dinner last night was definitely one of the best meals I have EVER had! We started with a pitcher of white sangria...delicious. A combination of liquor (I think it was something like Tanquray, Hennessey, & Cointreau??) and sparkling cava that doesn't sound like it should taste as good as it does. Our server was very knowledgeable and helped us pick out one amazing dish after another. He paired the dishes very well and timed it just right so that we always had just one or two plates on our table at a time. Especially loved the pork skirt steak and the mushrooms. I felt the prices were definitely reasonable, too.
(5)
Michelle G.
Curate was a lovely experience, the food and the service was as expected. Curate was on our agenda of places to eat and it was a great choice, we will definitely be back for dinner our next time in town. The lamb skewers were my favorite dish. We also had jerusalem artichoke chips, fried eggplant, sausage and a few more which we all great. A bottle of wine completed our lazy lunch date.
(5)
Evelyn G.
oh my a MUST!. I simply loved this little mountain town but this rest def takes the cake! Spanish tapas a lo mejor
(5)
James Y.
Wonderful Restaurant! We made reservations for 830pm and the place was packed. The menu is excellent, the service spectacular and the whole experience was perfect. There were four of us out for my birthday dinner and the bill was only about $100. It's a must visit!
(5)
Peg W.
Wonderful dinner! We didn't have a reservation yet the hostess took our name and cell, which allowed us to browse nearby shops instead of hovering over other diners. It was well worth the wait. We sat at the bar and were able to see many of the dishes prepared which helped us map out our tapas strategy. Our server Jason recommended a lovely Tempranillo, and also recommended several tasty dishes including grilled lamb with Moroccan spices. Delish!
(5)
Martin L.
Curate, a wonderful addition to the Asheville dining scene. The menu features tremendous number of tapas options that are separated into classes based upon the type of preparation. The wait staff is extremely well trained and very willing to assist you in selecting dishes. The portions are perfect for a table of four, sharing allows you to sample more choices. If you have never had a tapas experience, Curate is a good as you will find anywhere in the country. Every dish we had was memorable and left our entire table wanting to return to taste the dishes we were not able to try on this trip.
(5)
Tisha R.
Found Curate by accident and glad we did! Sit at the bar and watch the exhibition kitchen. If you like tapas, you'll love Curate. Small portions . . . yes. Expensive . . . no. Reservations are a must unless you get lucky as a walk-in. Highly recommended!
(5)
Christina C.
AWESOME. Sat at the bar and got to watch our food being prepared--really fun way to experience dinner. Sherry selections are great and don't miss the house vermouths. So delicious! The food was excellent. Tomato bread with manchego, Iberico ham, tapenade trio, roasted asparagus, and the meatballs special. Delicious, all! Excellent flow to the meal, wonderful service (especially considering it was at the bar, literally in front of the kitchen. They've got this down.). If you're in Asheville, make a point to go here!! Reservations recommended.
(5)
Richmond M.
Just WOW...jamon iberico de bellota fermin where have you been all my culinary life. This is the most amazing gift of porcine ever bestowed by God. And with that we were off to a truly great dining experience..not a meal.. but an experience. We appreciated the well informed waitstaff that helped guide our tapas pairing. The blendings of melon and heirloom tomatoes, chorizo and pureed potato, lamb and mushrooms artisan cheese and cherry and apricot compote, the list continued on. The wine list was not overly extensive , but powerful. The Muga Rioja was excellent and the porron was an neat new drink we had not experienced before. Be sure to end with one of their great desserts. The catalan cream with berries and the seasonal melon four ways wer the perferct end to our journey here. I consider Asheville block for block the most innovative foodie center in the country and Curate is at the pinnacle of that growing list of eateries.
(5)
Buck N.
Some of the best food I have ever had. The wife agrees. The tomato/watermelon salad made me want to cry. I never wanted to leave it, but I just kept on eating it. Everything else was equally outstanding, and the cocktails are great (we returned the next night right before closing just to get drinks -- manhattan for me, the G&T for the wife). Staff was friendly and helpful. Simply incredible place.
(5)
Mike A.
Wow! Our first night in Asheville and we had a great dining experience. We heard two spontaneous recommendations so we decided to try it out. Boy were we glad we did. We decided to sit at the bar and really enjoyed watching the prep of each dish. Each dish was meticulously prepared. The white beans and sausage were great. The mushrooms were as well. The highlight of the evening was the special, an incredible plate of sliced pork that is hard to describe. It was out of this world. The owner/chef delivered it personally with pride. Our server behind the bar was attentive, knowledgeable and very pleasant. If you're in Asheville don't pass this restaurant by. You will not regret it.
(5)
Dave B.
We came to Asheville to celebrate and anniversary and enjoy all the area has to offer. One of the best parts of our trip was our dinner at Curate. The wonderful evening started with the great service we received from our server Andre. He was just as passionate about the food as the chefs who prepared it. Be sure to ask for him when you go. The food was AMAZING. From the gazpacho to cured meats and iberico pork, the whole flight was a true culinary experience. We did not pick anything and let Andre select for us. He did a great job with the selections, and every single plate was on point. His wine suggestion was equally well selected. Do your self a favor and make a reservation, but if you can't, don't fret. Go in and opt to sit at the bar, which is more chefs table than bar. You are sitting right where the food is prepared. Something we may do next time anyway, along with trying some of the hand crafted cocktails. I understand the gin and tonic is not to be missed. Cheers!
(5)
Stacey O.
I LOVED this place! We sat at a group table so were with 6 others, which just made the experience more fun! service and servers were amazing and so helpful! Loved everything, but the stuffed pimentos and the iberico ham were crazy good! had a pistachio cake and rosemary ice cream for dessert that kinda made me feel like I was eating on iron chef! The sangria was great, but way too expensive! When in Asheville, do NOT miss this spot!
(5)
Chris S.
I must admit...a bit hyped up. I get a sense that people are a little to over enthusiastic about Curate. I went recently, due to all the rave reviews. Don't get me wrong, its good. I am giving 4 stars. However, I didn't have anything that made me say, I have to have that again. If I didn't go again, I would be OK. Its a tapas place, and as you can guess...they charge you an arm and a leg for a small portion. I'm cool with that, as long as that small portion blows me away - it did not. We had 5 different plates, so we did get a broad selection. What am I trying to say - yippee!! If its your thing - enjoy. For me, not so special
(4)
Garrett W.
Calamari sandwich and fried eggplant with honey. Amazing.
(5)
Lisa M.
Yummy tapas and a good wine bar - a definite stop in Asheville!
(4)
R V.
Curate was an incredible experience, with not one imperfect dish. The eggplant with rosemary and honey was sublime, the wine was delicious, and the crema catalana was perfect. If you find yourself in Asheville, don't miss this restaurant!
(5)
Catherine R.
My husband and I dined here last night for the first time. It was an all around great experience...food was amazing, service was exceptional and the atmosphere is fun. Here is what is not to be missed on the menu: 1. jamon iberico de bellota fermin (pigs fed solely on acorns)- I rarely eat ham, but this was the most delicious meat I have ever eaten. Other reviewers describe it as melting in your mouth and that is truly what it does. Pricey, but so worth it! 2. berenjenas la taberna paired with the heledo de romero con almendras (fried eggplant drizzled in Wild Mountain Apiaries honey & garnished with rosemary paired with rosemary ice cream with almond sponge cake and candied orange)- Our server recommended we finish our meal with both of these at the same time and I am so happy we took him up on it. A little fried eggplant topped with a little rosemary ice cream = sheer gastronomic joy! 3. chistorra & chips jose's way (chorizo & potato chips)- basically a little chorizo sausage wrapped in a homemade fried potato chip held together by a toothpick, served warm. They are kinda like a "pig in a blanket." Extremely yummy... 4. rebujito (traditional south of Spain cocktail of manzanilla sherry, bitter lemon & mint)- very refreshing and not sweet. Goes down easy, so be careful! Total bill for two, with gratuity, was ~$140ish. We got six tapas + one dessert and four cocktails. Probably won't visit frequently for meals like we had last night (a little pricey), but we will definitely make this our new "go to" place for a cocktail and the eggplant/rosemary ice cream dessert combo. Seriously, that was G-O-O-D!!!!
(5)
Lauren K.
Everything is fresh and phenomenal! The best ingredients, simple preparation, speaks volumes! I went with my parents and shared everything including the scallops, cooked perfectly! The garlic shrimp were fantastic as well as the house cured olives, fried eggplant with local honey, the fried calamari bocadillos! The chocolate mousse dessert was so unique (warm mousse with apple sorbet and hazelnut praline) and tasted heavenly! I can't wait to go back next time I'm in Asheville!
(5)
Mary lou C.
Lunch was so wonderful, we went back the next day. Fantastic lamb skewers were the best lamb we have eaten in awhile. I used many of the Yelp reviews as a guide, eggplant, sangria, etc. The shrimp and garlic were so great, we couldn't resist ordering them the next day. We loved the tomato bread with manchego cheese. Only tried the rosemary ice cream and it was good but didn't blow us away like the other tapas items. We don't regularly visit the same restaurant on the same trip but this restaurant was so yummy, we couldn't stop ourselves. Can't wait to visit Asheville again soon.
(5)
M.J. S.
After living in Spain, it was wonderful to taste authentic flavors at Curate in Asheville. Try it all, but a good start would ensalada rusa, croquetas, pan con tomate, and those fantistico setas. Just terrific. The only negative was the gambas, which are not the best (or even close) I've ever had. The gambas themselves were nicely cooked, but the sauce was bitter because many of the garlic slices were burned. One other thing, Curate: how about a basked of crusty bread at the table? Great wine list, too, with a wide range of prices and some interesting Spanish wines that are rare to find in America, especially outside the big cities. Great "bar" atmosphere and nicely trained waitstaff, at least based on our experiences at Curate. I assume if the owners' experience at el Bulli in Catalonia has had a large impact on this restaurant. But in any case, Asheville should be proud that Curate opened here -- hungry, too.
(5)
Tom R.
We were a party of 9 raging from 53 to 15. All were in agreement that the food was great. We ordered 2 rounds of 1 plate each plus a couple extra for the table. By the end everyone was full (not that you judge on quantity in a tapas restaurant). We were early for our reservation but our table was ready and the welcomed us in. Try anything on the menu and you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Gary O.
We couldn't get reservations for Saturday evening, but plenty of room in the early afternoon. Sat at the bar, which was neat because it allowed us to converse with the chefs and watch the prep. The other reviews have said most of what I would have written about food quality. Just two points: a) the gazpacho is exceptional (the chef gave us the recipe). b) The prices are a bit high (we paid $60 including tip but no alcohol) for two people. Still, well worth the price.
(5)
Rebecca B.
Probably the best restaurant in Asheville....just be prepared to spend between $50-60 per person. We ordered 3 dishes each, shared a pitcher of sangria, and shared a dessert between 3 people. Everything was great...most memorable is the pan con tomate, the croquetas de pollo, and the brandada de bacalao. The sangria was the only slight disappointment...preparing it table-side did little to impress. I would have preferred for the fruit to soak in the wine longer. My mom, who is Portuguese, had dinner with us and she was very happy and impressed. Now if only Asheville had a Portuguese restaurant.
(5)
Jennifer M.
Curate is hands down one of the best restaurants that my husband and I have been too in a longtime...and we are major food livers. I also lived in Spain for a year in college, and it's very authentic Spanish food-yum, yum, yum!!!!!!
(3)
Anne B.
We love visiting Asheville and were told THIS was the place to go since we are foodies. First of all, the service is EXCELLENT, both at the counter/bar and while seated at a regular table. We decided to experience both as all the cooking action takes place right behind that counter/bar. The restaurant is small, I highly recommend reservations, luckily we had been told that and had done so ourselves. Seated in the back we had a romantic dinner for 2, the wine selections are great, our server recommended one that suited our desire for a dry smoky red. After 6 plates of tapas we were really quite full, the only dish we didn't care for was the calamari which usually comes on bread as a sandwich, but they were kind enough to serve it as a plate instead. It was over battered and fairly tasteless, as was the garlic aioli that came with it. That said, the oysters on special were delish, with an offering of infused oils to go with them, something I'd never seen before, as well as all our other choices! The meat plate of Spanish hams was phenomenal! After dinner, our server found us 2 seats at the counter and we watched the kitchen action and had a dessert drink while learning from a chef the art of carving the back leg of a pig set up in a vice contraption. I would have given a 5 star review but reserve that for The Admiral, also in Asheville, another must try by the way! That and the calamari dish. Curate: Friendly staff, great food, HIGHLY recommend.
(4)
Karen H.
Best tapas place I've ever been and I've tried them in most US large cities.Looks like a diner but don't be fooled. We sat at the bar and indulged in many plates: most notable were the pan can tomate (simple yet delicious) and the fried eggplant drizzled with honey, AND the lamb skewers. SO glad the couple next to me recommended them as It was my favorite! One of the best things is the way everyone at the bar chatted and shared their favorites with each other!
(5)
Peter B.
Had a great dinner at Curate! Everything was delicious and prepared beautifully. The service was good and the pacing of the delivery just right. Some highlights: the pinchos (lamb skewers); both the cheese and the meat plates; the tomato bread; the clams; and the fried eggplant/honey dish. One of our crew couldn't drink red wine so we got the white sangria which was a pleasant surprise. Highly recommended!
(5)
Phil A.
Tapas is always hit or miss for me, as it's more of a "mood" than "preference" dining choice. That being said, Cúrate definitely hit the spot in terms of quality and ambiance. Having a lazy Sunday afternoon lunch there was about as good as it gets, as it wasn't too crowded and allowed for a quiet get-together. Doubling up on the meet and cheese samplers was a brilliant start; however, if you intend on going all-out with 4-5 plates I'd say pass on the potatoes (can't remember what they were called, but they were drizzled in a cheesy sauce). As delicious as they were, it was a bit too filling for the amount of food throughout the meal.
(4)
Dan B.
Best service in Asheville. Food is tasty and inventive. Asheville has a lot of good food but most of the crunchy-granola-hippie servers are slow and unfriendly. But not at Curate, friendly and well trained. A must do.
(5)
Good For The Palate R.
This Spanish style Tapas bar is nothing new, and that's the beauty of it. Very simple and traditionally inspired Spanish foods, where the star is the complexity of the flavor in a single item. This was an incredible meal and I look forward to another opportunity to dine at Cùrate. Cùrate is one of the gifts El Bulli has begun to bestow upon the world. Head Chef and owner Katie Button, along with the Service and Beverage Manager Felix Meana both worked with Chef Ferran Adria at El Bulli prior to opening Cùrate. The learned restraint and balance and complexity and playfulness and they are sharing it with us at Cùrate. The pair have created a restaurant with memorable food and memorable service, one enhancing the other to create an experience instead of just a meal. Each detail played upon each other to create an experience. The timing, the atmosphere, the server were all just right. This isn't the type of restaurant where everything comes in perfect succession and you have 9 waiters and a very private table all to yourself. I'm not saying everything was perfect, but it all worked perfectly together. The atmosphere is cozy with welcoming chocolatey pumpkin colored walls and candle art warming the light. The tables are close together, and there is an open kitchen staged behind a short bar leading you down a hall, past the restrooms to your table... doesn't sound so inviting. But the light filled windows and the warm candle glow invite you to the table. The table setting puts you in a playful mood, making it seem as though you were in preschool again. The menu is your placemat, and your drink list slips out from your napkin which is folded into the shape of an envelope. Before you can even look at the wine list you'll notice the pitchers of seasonal fruit sangria on the tables around you and its impossible to resist. The granacha wine, the cinnamon, the fresh watermelon and strawberries, with a hint of liquored spice and cirtus all perk up your tongue and get you ready for the onslaught of food. We left no crevice un-filled in our stomachs that evening. We started simply with house cured olives, followed by a plate of jambon de serrano, jambon iberico, and jambon de bellota. Then we enjoyed the crispy fried eggplant with a honey drizzle and fresh rosemary. The combination of fried foods and honey is one of Spain's most delicious contributions to the culinary world. I could have eaten this dish for days. I nearly ordered another plate for dessert, although I would have wanted manchego crumbles in that iteration. I couldn't pass on the Branada de Bacalo, basically a hot dip of salt cod and potatoes served with crisp toasts. Imagine warm whitefish salad in texture, but no smoke in the flavor and a bit more earthiness. It just comforted your tongue. Chris loves anchovies so we chose a plate of Escalivada con Anchoas next. The roasted peppers, caramelized onions, and filets of anchovy were swimming in a bath of their own juices mixed with oiliness and a hint of 30yr sherry vinegar to cut through the fish. We planned to end the savory portion of the meal with Rossejat, a thin noodle paella, and the Butifarra con Mongetes, the sausage and fresh white bean dish served with all i oil. But we felt compelled to try one more dish, the Almenjas con Vino Bianco, clams with white wine, iberico, and toasted pine nuts. Those tiny little clams were so juicy and the broth so rich, I cannot believe we almost missed out on them. Finally, we were finished the Sangria and moved on to dessert of Spanish Hot Chocolate, and Helado de Romero con Almendras, Rosemary Ice Cream with Almond Sponge Cake and Grilled Figs. The coolest thing was the sponge cake actually resembled a natural sponge, I'd never seen that before. But I couldn't leave well enough alone and I also had to order a cheese plate. When we sat I inquired about the plate, as I always do, and I was elated to hear the La Peral was the blue being featured on the plate. If there is one type of cheese I love above all others, it is Spanish Blue. There is always a fantastic earthy, almost clay flavor to them, a bit of grit, and a mild creaminess you just can't find in Roquefort or Gorgonzola. The plate also had La Serena which is so creamy it has to be served in a little bowl, and some aged Mahon. Those are basically my favorite Spanish cheese so I was thrilled.
(5)
Kenna C.
UNREAL! Flavors and food combinations that truly delight the senses! Each dish is thoughtfully prepared and amazing! Start with some Marcona Almonds and don't pass up trying the Watermelon & Spanish cheese salad! They have a Spinach dish that makes spinach rock! Each dish is like a work of art. You can sit at the tapas bar without a reservation and watch the masters work. Great place for a date night or if you are in the mood to try new and exciting flavor combinations.
(5)
V H.
This was one of the best meals and dining experiences I have had as of late. I had heard a lot about this place from friends, so my expectations were high. I'd also heard you needed a reservation. We checked online (via open table on their website) and they were booked. We decided to go anyway (on a Sunday night). The place was packed. They actually take names for seats at the bar (we love to sit at the bar) and said the wait would be an hour. We walked down to Blackbird near the Aloft Hotel and had a drink and appetizer while we waited. The hostess at Curate will take your cell phone number and call you when your seats are ready. The kitchen is open and the staff is efficient, focused and seamlessly work together. The servers (yes they have servers at the bar) were very knowledgeable and attentive. We drank Spanish red wine blends that our server (Brian) recommended. They were all excellent. We started with the pan con tomate with manchego and the acorn-fed iberian prosciutto, which was rich, nutty and delicious. We then had a salad with artichokes, field greens, yogurt, honey and sunchoke chips that was incredibly unique and flavorful. We also ate the eggplant with rosemary, drizzled with honey, the grilled octopus and the rosmary ice cream with sponge cake for dessert. Everything we ate exceeded our expectations. This place is in my top 5!
(5)
Rebecca C.
Wow! Finally a great tapas place in North Carolina. The only drawback is there's not one in Durham. Everything we had was amazing. My husband got gazpacho, a meat canneloni-ish dish and the white asparagas. I got a dish off the brunch menu made with brioche, the clams and for drinks the sidracar and the something luna (the one made with moonshine). For dessert we got the apricot sorbet with the yogurt mousse and the pine nuts and pine nut oil. For such an interesting combination, it was delicious, even my husband who usually stays away from desserts loved it. Curate has a great atmosphere and wonderfully knowledgeable and accomadating servers. If you asked a question they didn't know the answer to, they found it. Even oddball questions my husband was asking about why dishes with sherry in them weren't vegan (cuz egg whites are used in the clarification process). I really can't say enough good things about this restaurant!
(5)
Kim J.
I loved the atmosphere of the restaurant. The ideal spot is to sit at the bar that way you can see everything getting made and just to point what looks good.
(4)
Mitch M.
Great tapas, great service, great atmosphere! Our table was not ready when we arrived, so the manager asked if we would like to sit at the bar overlooking the open kitchen and enjoy some complementary olives and almonds while we waited. We liked watching everything going on so much, we decided to stay at the bar! The whole experience was wonderful. We love Zambras for tapas in Asheville, but Curate is a great alternative and different enough to make it better!
My husband and I hit this as our first spot to dine in Asheville, and it was a great choice! Every tapa we tried was better than the last. I wish we'd had room (and budget) for more! The service was great, and I appreciate the concept of tapas coming out one at a time, so that we can savor the dining experience a little longer. My only complaint is being stuck in the back of the restaurant at a table next to the bathrooms. It killed the fun we saw up front a little where it seemed so lively!
(5)
Summer L.
One of the best in Asheville. Food is amazing. Great atmosphere, good drinks, lots of variety of food, and good price point. Our favorite dishes were the lamb skewers and the chorizo wrapped in fried chips. Yum.
(5)
Matt F.
Easily in the top three of the best meals I have ever had. At dinner, everyone struggled to name a better meal that had had. Curate is hidden away, as I had walked by the restaurant about a dozen times on a previous trip to Asheville and never noticed it. The place stays very busy and you will likely need to get reservations very early. We barely made it in early on a Friday afternoon. The menu is a bit intimidating. Most of what my table ordered sounded like an odd mixture of foods. Butternut squash soup? Fried eggplant with honey? Chorizo wrapped in a potato chip? How good could that possibly be? Maybe I am used to trying some unique dishes that underwhelm. It turns out Curate food was the best. Indescribably good, perfectly seasoned and unique. I'd recommend getting the lamb and piquillo peppers stuffed with goat cheese, as they paired together perfectly. The table shared tapas and there is nothing I would not recommend. The price came out very reasonable as well. A must visit for everyone visiting Asheville.
(5)
Lisa S.
Make a reservation a week ahead! We loved this place, we parked in the parking garage for a dollar, and it was a short walk. We had the ham board, the potato chip chorizo, the octopus, the pork sausage with crispy beans, the tomato bread with Manchego, and the goat cheese red peppers. It was all wonderful, interesting, and delicious. Service was good, efficient. We also had the pistachio cake with the thyme ice cream and although it was interesting and I enjoyed it, my husband thought it was odd. Cost of everything and one beer was eighty dollars without tip. We will be back when in Asheville.
(5)
Marbles L.
First time in Asheville, we came to Curate after reading the raving reviews on Yelp. We came here on a late Sunday night, around 8.30, and the place was buzzing. We were told that there would be a 30-minute wait, so we walked around downtown Asheville to pass the time. We got a text message informing us a table is ready in about 20 minutes. Our server recommended the tabla de jamon, which would have been great if there were more than 2 of us. We opted for the lardo iberico ahumado instead. The smoked lardo was served on toasted bread with a light touch of olive oil. The bread was slightly drier than I would have liked, but the olive oil and the lardo combination was delicious. The berenjenas la taberna (fried eggplant) very good. The eggplant was lightly fried, and drizzled with wild mountain honey. It was heavenly! I ordered the rossejat negro, which is similar to the squid paella that one can sometimes get in spanish restaurants, but this was made with thin noodles. Our favorite dish of the night, the squid was cooked perfectly - tender and moist. Together with the noodles in the squid ink sauce, it was a perfect combination. My friend also ordered the setas aljerez (saute mushrooms) which were, unfortunately, way too salty. We had to send it back, and were a bit disappointed. Despite the overly-salty mushroom, we had a great dining experience and would definitely return. I would recommend making a reservation ahead of time if you want a guaranteed table!
(4)
Ed K.
Excellent tapas. Lamb is fantastic the spices with it give a new meaning to eating lamb. The sauce in the shrimp dish is fantastic
(5)
Steven S.
I wandered in and grabbed a seat at the bar to sample some tapas and a glass of vino. Muy delicioso. I sampled the trout dish (almost like sashimi), the squid, olive dishes, and a few more. Service is superb. I engaged in a friendly talk with my server and the person who was carving the Iberico jamon. The chef was away in Spain, where they are filming a special on the "World's Greatest Chefs", and she is one of the chosen culinary masters. I'd imagine the dishes have been inspired by the gastronomy created by the famed El Bulli restaurant in Barcelona, and the brilliant chefs who worked and trained there. Really great food, nice location, and amiable staff -- top shelf place!
(5)
Danielle D.
Delicious! We loved everything we ordered. The wine was great and the service was wonderful. We look forward to eating here again.
(5)
Ashley F.
Obviously this place in perfect. Sangria was great. And we loved every single thing we tasted. Especially the clams. Feel bad for the Poor prep cook who has to make all those compressed apples. But fantastic
(5)
Jason M.
This is the place where my wife and I take visitors from out-of-town when we want to wow and impress them with an example of our booming local food/dining scene.
(5)
Mike B.
Five stars are not enough. Service was brilliant and the meal, words don't do it justice. To even call it a meal is a disservice to what I experienced. It transcended from a mere meal to art. My wife and I decided to trust the staff and just said feed us. When you go, I suggest you do the same and ask for Brian. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
KnoxFoodie F.
Had the pleasure of speaking with Chef Katie this afternoon and she was grateful for the insight into our experience. She stressed that we should never have been told that there was a closing time in the kitchen. Their kitchen is open until the last guests have been taken care of. We would like to thank Katie for her attention and willingness to hear our story.
(4)
Katharine B.
Curate came highly recommended from two friends so I had to try it while in Asheville. We went on a Sunday morning (using opentable) and had a wonderful dining experience. The hostess was very friendly and the restaurant has a welcoming feel as you enter. You can see the chefs preparing the food in the open kitchen and counter area and there are tables lining the restaurant all the way to the back room. The assortment of tapas is displayed on paper place settings and there are plenty of choices, whatever your mood. We started with the grapefruit mimosas and the Bloody Mary. Both were delicious. We sampled the cod and potato puree served with crispy bread, the sauteed shrimp with garlic, meatballs with ham, and the pork sausages with white beans. All of these dishes were simply fantastic and so flavorful. Compliments to the chef and I can't wait to go back.
(4)
Holly K.
I really enjoyed my dinner here! Of course we over ordered, but there were just so many good options it was hard to narrow it down. My favorite dish was probably the lardo iberico ahumado which was like a very thinly sliced pork belly. If you like pork belly than I suggest you get it, you will not be disappointed! The traditional cod and potato puree was okay. I really love cod so this just wasn't my favorite way to eat it. The creamy chicken fritters were really good. The meatballs were good but nothing crazy special, I didn't really taste any of the iberico ham. The waiter suggested getting the lamb skewers with the goat cheese stuffed red pepper skewers. The combo really complimented each other well. I would definitely get this again.
(4)
Clio H P.
I went to the place with my size-13 family reunion for dinner. Thankfully, we got a reservation because when we showed up around 7:30, there was an hour and a half wait. Definitely need a reservation! The waiter was very informative and told us about the 'Spanish Experience' where the kitchen gives us a bunch of appetizer-sized plates. We took it and were very pleased. Best recommendations are the fried eggplant, the lamb that came on skewers and tasted of pepper corn, and the shoulder pork with shitake mushrooms. Delicious! All in all, it was very pleasing. We couldn't talk much because the restaurant was so loud but the food was great and the staff was very punctual. Not recommended for date nights but good for fine dining.
(4)
Jill N.
I don't think there is much more to say here than what's already been said in the 300+ reviews of this popular, authentic Spanish tapas restaurant located in the heart of downtown Asheville. The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars: some menu items were a little too ordinary, yet others were absolutely exquisite. Overall, because of this great divide, I felt like our dining experience was a little like a roller coaster ride...up and down, up and down. It made me a little sad to transition from a delicacy like lardo to the very clunky chicken croquettes which were nothing special. And up and down we went through 6 different plates. Having said that, I would go back to Curate without the slightest hesitation and eagerly explore some other menu items. Overall it's an excellent restaurant. Our server was friendly and knowledgeable. Curate stays crowded all the time, but manages to provide a warm and inviting space for its diners. They have an open kitchen and charcuterie which is fun to see. I especially liked watching those beautiful, delicious hams (each a work of art and carefully placed in its own stand) being hand-carved to order.
(4)
Bryan P.
On a recent trip to Asheville we were looking for a non-brewery place to eat lunch. We stumbled upon this little gem. We didn't have a reservation at lunch, and were thus lucky to get a seat. We sat at the bar like area overlooking the kitchen. The food is prepared right there in front of you. I enjoyed watching all the cooking and different meals that were coming out of there. We don't know much about this kind of food, so we were largely guessing about what we ordered. The waitress was very helpful. My wife ordered the "Tortilla epsilon de chorizo" Traditional spanish potato and onion omelet with chorizo and manchego cheese. It was fantastic. I ordered the "huevos rotos con jamon iberico fermin". Fried egg over crispy potatoes with cured ham from the famous black-footed iberico pigs of spain. Now how special does that sound? Again, it was fantastic. We wanted something memorable, but not too heavy. Those 2 dishes were just right. Not a huge amount of food, but enough to satisfy. Pair that with a couple of glasses of white wine and you've got a brunch winner. I definitely highly recommend for a different place in Ashville.
(5)
Marissa K.
This might be the best Spanish food I've ever had (and I lived in Spain). It's pricey but worth every bite. I was very full by the end. The server suggested 12 tapas for 4 adults...we could have gone with 9....but I am happy I tried all of what I ate. Even the decor is reminiscent of Spain. And the server didn't makes us feel like we had to leave right away...we got to chat for a couple of hours undisturbed. NOTE: MAKE A RESERVATION EVEN DURING THE WEEK.....
(5)
Mark M.
Very good eats but the waiter told us the kitchen was closing halfway through our meal. Felt a bit rushed, which shouldn't be the case if they accepted our reservation time. We had to wait 30 minutes beyond the reservation, also.
(3)
Andrew W.
I have been away too long! I miss the best of the best and must return soon. It's too bad when you're too busy to dine at your favorite eatery. Note to self...make res for Feb 25.
(5)
Jim C.
One of the best restaurant experiences in a long time. For real entertainment eat at the bar so you can see everything being assembled.
(5)
Eric H.
Excellent food. A new see and be seen type of place, with a great, long bar from where you can watch everything. A good addition to downtown. Look forward to coming again.
(5)
Wendy B.
Absolutely wonderful place to eat! Fabulous food and drinks!
(5)
Shardul S.
It's a good spot. I was very pleased with this experience...classy, knowledgeable staff. Good wine...a good feeling. I felt like I was in New York or Toronto...I will be back?
(4)
Tiffany S.
This review is long overdue however I felt the need to let everyone know about my experience at Curate. First of all, WOW! Myself and my fiance chose to eat at Curate back in November after a friend recommended it to us. We are from out of town (Raleigh area) and were in Asheville to visit the Biltmore. We were also in celebratory mode that evening as we got engaged that morning! Anyways, we learned quickly that it would of been smart to have gotten reservations since there was a 45 minute wait for bar seating. Since we really wanted to eat there, we decided to put our names in and we walked around downtown for a bit. The hostess called to tell us our table was ready in exactly 45 minutes. We sat at the bar which was a great experience! Our waiter was excellent and we talked to one of the chefs that was shaving the cured pig in front of us. We started with the pan con tamate with manchego cheese which was delightful. Then we ordered berenjenas la taberna (fried eggplant), gambas al ajillo (shrimp with garlic), and pincho moruno (lamb skewer). Everything was cooked to perfection and absolutely delicious! My favorite was the eggplant! I admit, I was full from splitting those small plates with my fiance however after watching the guy shave the cured meat we decided to splurge and order jamon iberico de bellota (cured pig). (My fiance's favorite!!) Then of course we had to order dessert. We had the helado de romero con almendras (rosemary orange ice cream and almond sponge cake). Again, absolutely amazing and unique! Forgot to mention we ordered the red sangria which was very tasty. I would highly recommend Curate to anyone! It was a unique experience for me (as I had never experienced tapas before). The service and attention to detail was impeccable! We can't wait to go back!!
(5)
Laura B.
After last summer's trip to Spain, our family is obsessed with tapas. Curate was jam packed on a Tuesday night at 9:00 pm, but luckily, we were squeezed into a communal table. Were we thrilled with the food! We ordered what we had been craving from Spain, pan tomate, gazpacho, and lamb in Moorish spices. But, it was the surprises that delighted us. The ensalada de verano with watermelon, heirloom tomatoes and la serena cheese in a honey sherry vinaigrette, the fried eggplant drizzled with honey and the piquillo peppers stuffed with cheese (the latter suggested by our server) and for dessert, a cloud-like crema catalana. If we hadn't had to hit the road the next morning, we would have had a second carafe of heavenly sangria. As good as Spain? Our daughter said, some of the plates were even better.
(5)
Polly R.
It is a great place to eat. The sangria was good, lamb skewer, Spanish ham, trout, butternut soup... Are all GOOD. And the service was very god too.
(5)
Suzon H.
The best culinary experience i have had in Asheville.
(4)
Michael D.
This is a great Tapas place worth checking out.
(5)
Marie P.
Best cantaloupe dessert ever! I'm not kidding. I don't even like fruit. It wasn't on the menu then so you may want to ask for it if its not. Very pretty GTs that'll make you want to serve at home. Very long bar that's fun to sit at to watch the chefs prepare or belly up. I was referred there by a friend who knows the owners so the owners came out to make us feel at home and give us special attention. I can tell you they 're just as nice as their food and atmosphere. The gazpacho was uniquely good. All their food is good for sharing in groups. The head chef used to work at the world famous elBulli in Spain so she's got some serious talent! They still use her great-grandma's BBQ recipe at elBulli which I've tested at home. The taste is just right and so easy to prepare! A+++
(5)
Christopher D.
Outstanding. Best tapas we've had in a long time. Delicious drinks. Great service. New favorite Asheville restaurant.
(5)
Dawn L.
Had an amazing meal at Curate. Lamb skewers were incredible as was charcuterie and waiter was great with wine parings. Very active, fun place.
(5)
Cunning L.
amazeballs food. make a reservation. seriously.
(5)
Erica J.
Words cannot explain how amazing wounderful this place is. Asheville in and of itself is beautiful and those in it embrace things a bit different which is what gives it the charm. In that comes those creative people who raise the bar, in way of art and food is a form or art that makes you smile and talk about it for days! Eating here made me so excited about food again. The Espararragos Blacos in a lemon vinaigrette served with light as air mayo, i know sounds ""different" but amazing different. Ensalada de Remolacha which is a beet salad with pickled orange, marcona almonds, cheese and a blood orange vin....simple with HUGE flavor! Saving my best for last...Pimientos de piquillos con queso de cabra, grilled peppers stuffed with cana de cabra cheese...amazing! The manager suggested this fantastic wine and if I didn't drink so much that night I might have been smart to jot it down before I left. Fantastic service and fantastic food....a must while in Asheville.
(5)
Bill B.
Well I was back in town and gave Curate another chance with the same group of frineds to no avail. It was really disppointing...the food was sub par. Highlight of the evening besides the peach ice cream and lamb skewer was the wine. We had two bottles of wine Bassus and Black Slate which were excellent except for a red they were both served a few degrees too cool. I lknow of 2-3 authentic taquerias in town that serve much better food. Wait staff was excellent as they were in our previous visit. I still cannot believe all the people that rave about this place...beginning to believe that people don't know food in Asheville. Sorry.
(2)
Lisa T.
Wonderful!!! Very tasty, excellent service. We had the plate of 3 special hams, the eggplant, the shrimp, the mushrooms and the cheese stuffed peppers. Hard to pick a favorite as everything was exceptional!
(5)
Caroline S.
Hopping open layout restaurant in downtown Asheville. I was drawn by the menu of Spanish tapas and the buzz around this relatively new restaurant. Made a reservation a week in advance, received a phone call the day of the reservation and was asked to tall back ao confirm On a busy Saturday night, the place was packed. Service was quick, without being pushy. Tried tabla de jamon ($12) which give you a taste of the 3 types of Spanish hams available. A better deal than just going for the extremely tasty acorn-fed ham for $18. Next up bocadillo catalan (sausage sandwich), a very tasty sandwich of mild sauage, terrific alli oli and peppers on fresh bread. Bocata calamares - light and fresh calamari sandwich. Pimientos de piquillo perfectly cooked piquillo peppers filled with cheese. Topped off the meal with me catalana creme - a fully creme dish garnished with strawberries and caramael. Averaging $7 a plate, for a total of $50 for two, it was a great meal. Only suggestion for Curate is to change up the music, I appreciate Indie Rock as much as the next person but for a spanish restaurant pick something more in that theme.
(4)
Gerald C.
My wife and I celebrated our 10th anniversary in Asheville. Stumbled upon Curate through Yelp. It was a great surprise; numerous tapas options and all were unique, fresh, an savory. Met one of the owners (recently of Spain) and they made us feel special. Best tapas/Spanish cuisine we've ever experienced. We recommend trying Curate if you're ever in Asheville.
(5)
Pam C.
as good as it gets! service is swift and accommodating. food is impeccable! you must reserve at least 10 days in advance, but it is worth it!
(5)
Nicole W.
Expected more given the hype. Thought the jamon and cheese platters were great, and the lamb was well-spiced and cooked to perfection. However, the white asparagus salad tasted as if it came from a can and several of the garlic shrimp appeared undercooked. We felt that the fried eggplant dish that many reviewers have spoken highly of was overly greasy and bland. Service was very friendly and helpful but a bit slow. Probably wouldn't go back, but maybe others will have a better experience in light of all the positive reviews.
(3)
Andrew Y.
The food here is honestly amazing. These guys know what they are doing when it comes to cooking. And the sangria is pretty damn good too.
(5)
Andrew W.
Stop whatever you're doing and go to Curate. Simply sublime. Great design and atmosphere, knowledgable, courteous staff, fabulous food at reasonable prices. My only fear is that it will become too popular, with the risks that entails.
(5)
Melanie K.
We tried to get a reservation on Open Table but nothing was available. So we just walked in and asked for a table. The hostess took our name and cell phone number. We waited at the bar down the street and she called us when we had seats at the bar - 30 minutes only! It was worth the wait! Loved watching the chefs at work! We started with the pan con tomate- even better than we had in Spain! Don't miss the gambas al ajillo or the cream catalans! Delicious!!!! Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Mallory R.
I came here for my birthday and was very excited to try this place out! We started with the potatoes, shrimp, and lamb. The shrimp and potatoes were both really good but when my husband bit into his lamb there was a hugeeeee 14in hair wrapped up and cooked within the meat!!! We were so grossed out we immediately stopped eating and called over our waitress. The reason they get 4 stars is because honestly accidents like this happen and the manager did everything she could to Make us happy. Needless to say we didn't have the best first experience but that doesn't mean I wouldn't give them another chance again in the future.
(4)
Dana S.
My boyfriend and I came here on a fancy date night while vacationing in Asheville. The atmosphere seemed fairly chill while still being somewhat upscale, and they were playing indie rock music. Our waiter was very knowledgeable about the menu and drink list and explained a little bit about how the tapas experience works. We ended up each getting a drink and shared six plates, which was plenty. There were some amazing dishes and some that were just average, so choose carefully. I'd recommend the migas, the bocadilla catalan, and the pan con tomate. The gin and tonic was also awesome.
(4)
Chris R.
The best Tapas outside of Spain!! Make a reservation because a lot of people agree. Definitely worth waiting for a seat. The octopus melts in your mouth, everything we tried was delicious. You won't be disappointed!!
(5)
Isabella G.
Most over-rated restaurant in town, Lots of smoke and mirrors. Great place for wanna-bees! Overpriced, crowded and noisy. Save your money.
(2)
Madhu T.
I want to give this place 4.5 start but yelp doesn't allow for half stars and I would prefer to bump up the rating to 5 than take them down to 4. We knew getting reservations would be tough and called ahead but all tables were taken. Was told if we got there early enough we could sit at the bar. Got there 5-ish and were seated right away. Definitely recommend sitting at the bar - the busy kitchen is a show in itself. As a vegetarian, this place would be a one-and-done for me. Definitely felt the Jose Andres influence. The tomato bread with manchego did not disappoint. The piquillo pepper stuff with goat cheese excellent. The eggplant with honey a tad too sweet - hence the 1/2 star reduction. Wish there were more vegetarian options, considering the restaurant's prime location in the farm belt.
(5)
Sara C.
We ate here on the recommendation of a friend and we were amazed. The pork may be the best food I have ever eaten. I wanted to lick the bowl of the butternut squash. The shrimp was the best I've ever had. And I do some serious eating. This is a most do in your asheville list. Make reservations early, they book solid. I'm making sure I review this everywhere I can because they deserve the credit!!!!
(5)
Luanna Y.
I still don't know how to pronounce this restaurant's name. Is it like "Ka-RA-te"? No idea. But what I CAN tell you is that the food here is awesome! Come here with a group - the more, the merrier and the more yummy dishes you'll get to try! Looooved the chistorra & chips (spicy chorizo wrapped in potato chips) - this was definitely my favorite. I could've eaten another order all by myself. The fried eggplant with honey was also delicious! Really unique and perfectly melded flavors. Must also try the jamon Iberico - you can get this type of ham so cheaply in Spain but it's worth the price here cuz you really can't find it easily. The flavors were very authentic. Finally, the gambas al ajillo is supposedly the "most famous tapa in Asheville" but it was probably my least favorite. Not that it wasn't good, it just wasn't OMG my-brains-are-imploding kind of Muy deliciousness that everything else was. A group of 4 of us ordered about 9 dishes (if I'm remembering correctly). We also had a $35 bottle of wine and were quite full afterwards. Final tally after tip was $60 a person. Totally worth it.
(5)
Holly P.
Amazing from start to finish!!! One the best places in Asheville to eat. Will definitely return! Tapas were served very promptly and the combinations of flavors and ingredients will leave you wanting more!
(5)
H L.
Never disappoints. A dining experience not to be rushed. I believe this is my 4th visit. We come into Asheville about 2-3 times a year and this is one of the places we make sure we visit. Each time, we have received wonderful service and amazing food. It is very clear that a 'very tight ship' is being run here with management and there is a very competent staff. This is very welcoming after another favorite restaurant of ours disappointed us the night before by lack of service (& we had to walk out). No worries here. I have said in my other reviews-- make a reservation! It's #1 restaurant and rightfully so. It is busy! Each time I make a reservation, I make it further out but I've yet to get my "perfect" reservation time. This visit, I made the reservation a month in advance for a Saturday night. They got us in at 9:15pm. Our first tapas were the pan can tomate with manchego (SO good) along with potatoes brava. The potatoes came out, but not the bread. When our waiter came back to check on us, he immediately acknowledged the bread was behind and it would be coming shortly. This was very much appreciated. We also appreciate that our waiters are always knowledgeable on wines and asks us if we need any help picking one out. We also notice that when our waiter is busy, another waiter will help out and bring us one of our tapas. Even when we leave, other waiters you pass wish you a good night. The food is delicious and we have our favorites we always order. There has only been one item we did not like- the white asparagus with a whipped aioli. Everything else has been amazing. See you next time Curate!
(5)
Lindsey S.
I was torn with what to give this spot for a star rating. Part of me wanted to give it just 3 and then I loved one of their meats, so why not go for 5? I settled for 4. Here we go: This was my second time at Curate, chef Katie Button's restaurant "celebration of Spanish cuisine". I ate there about 2.5 years ago shortly after it had opened and ever since I have remembered that sweet, luscious nutty taste of the jamon iberico de bellota. If you have not tried this before, you absolutely MUST come here and eat some. It will make your eyes open wide and your salivary glands go nuts with adoration. When I came here last, it was for after dinner drinks and a smattering of meats. This time I came for an impromptu lunch with my close friends Kate & Emilio - local business owners in town. The special jamon iberico de bellota stayed in my mind all this time (even when I was in Spain!) and I was thrilled to have it again. As the menu states, this is 100% pure iberico pigs, free range and fattened during their final months on a diet consisting entirely of acorns. You can absolutely taste that nuttiness in the meat, wonderfully sweaty at room temperature. Though you might be dismayed at what appears to be a smallish portion, it is so intense you will be happy with the serving size. We also shared an ensalata de otono - a salad consisting of baby beets, marcona almonds, spinach, pickled orange and a cured Spanish cheese. All mixed with a blood orange vinaigrette. It was just the right amount of citrus to help cut the rich jamon. The other shared salad was the octopus one - named pulpo a la gallega. It had "galician style" octopus served warm with sea salt, olive oil and a little paprika with a side of yukon gold puree. This was pretty delectable - the octopus was pre-sliced in small discs laid flat on the plate and almost drowned in the oil. It was supremely soft, almost needing you only to press it against the roof of your mouth before swallowing and not even chew. But, again, pretty intensely rich. The final shared item was a bit of a disappointment - that and the slightly lax service with a pretty long delay in getting one of our salads during a non-busy time made me think about taking them down to a 3 star. I had spent some time in Barcelona this year, and was thrilled to see the traditional "tomato bread" (pan con tomate) on their menu. What I had been served in the homeland was a slightly "stale" slice of bread that you then take a half tomato and rub the face of over the open side of the bread - in order to "soften" it. Then you top it with some olive oil and salt as you see fit. I knew Curate's version was going to be slightly different - perhaps their own spin or upscale twist on the traditional. What I didn't expect was overly toasted bread that was so thin it made me think of a too-toasted english muffin - topped with their tomato mixture (I am guessing - tomato, garlic, salt, olive oil and perhaps another herb). Then there was a thin wedge of manchego topping it all - but the cheese wasn't warm - so it was cool, the bread was overly toasted and now cool, the tomato topping cool. I guess I wasn't impressed. Perhaps this is more traditional, but I wouldn't have it again and I had been so looking forward to replicating that slightly hardened but still malleable (I guess toasted if you want) bread with the tomato topping. Would I go back? Yes. But that is due to the beautiful interior - the lovely long bar and the beautiful living wall up front. Also, their jamon is top notch. Luckily, I think the menu is rather approachable from a price point and certainly encourages sharing in groups. Hopefully our tomato bread and service were just one-off misses and next time I'm in town, things will be better. Perhaps the solution is to sit directly at the bar?
(4)
Dave B.
God bless this place. I went to Asheville for the first time in April, primarily to dine here. So worth it. Grab a stool in front of the open kitchen, order away, and watch the culinary magic. This place is an absolute gem. LOVE it!
(4)
Samantha J.
I'm not sure if it was all the hype that made this place so disappointing or the fact that i felt i could have prepared some of the dishes. We ordered a slew of stuff from cheese plates to meat, many of which were recommended by the server (who was friendly but distracted). The tapas weren't necessarily bad, but many of them I felt were cookie cutter and straight out of a box. To add a crazy wait, not exactly cheap prices, and an antisocial waiter = recipe that makes me want to order in. I will say the hostess stood out for being twice as attentive as the server and may have had more brain cells than most people in the vicinity (she owned her job and I love nothing more than efficiency). The next best thing from the hostess was that my boyfriend left his hat there (surprise) and they actually had it and opened up for us after hours to pick it up. The crazy part is they had his name and contact info on it, and had tried calling but we were in that weird bar underground next door and had no service. Bottom line is if you're a foodie definitely avoid this place. If you live in the area or don't go out that much maybe this place is good for you.
(3)
Karen M.
Another amazing meal of tapas!! Finally stopped and took some pictures to let you eat w/your eyes. So many delish items - great wine list to compliment the various tapas.
(5)
Chris B.
This was our first visit and we were lucky enough a get a spot at the bar as a walk in. The servers will be more than happy to suggest a handful of tapas options. Typical wait time is 45 min.I was really impressed with the wine. If you like a pino noir than try a glass of the Spanish version called Tesso Rufete. The seating is tight so don't go here if you are looking for an intimate evening. These guys take pride in their food and everything we ate was fantastic. If you are a foodie this is a must stop.
(4)
Holly F.
Delicious! Fried eggplant drizzled with honey and shrimp with garlic were excellent. Very busy so recommend a reservation or be prepared to sit at the bar.
(5)
Jenna S.
Absolutely incredible. The first time we went to curate we were so hungry so the small portions weren't very satisfying and we left with a rather blah impression. We went last night to sit at the bar for a drink (after getting some white duck tacos across the street) and the cocktails were pretty awesome. We were suckered into getting food after watching all the amazing food being prepped at the bar. The octopus was outstanding. I mean seriously amazing!!! The cheese board was equally excellent as well as the goat cheese stuffed red peppers. The bill was pretty high for these few items ($66 to be exact) but it was well worth it for the occasional visit. I also had the pleasure of capturing the proposal of the couple next to us on their phone. It was a great night!
BUT the Two stars are for their hostess and their manager - very arrogant - tell you 45 minute wait but you wait one hour plus. They take your name and tell you to go elsewhere because they don't want you to stand in their waiting area. Very rude hostess and manager - instead of turning away guests professionally due to hitting capacity there response is "we're not taking anymore!" Leave !!! So odd / who thinks this type of service is acceptable - Be prepared - they are not outwardly friendly!!!!
(2)
Carol K.
Hard to get into but well worth the wait! We went on a recent Friday night . I love repurposed old buildings and it turns out this location used to be Asheville's bus depot. Who knew?? Curate means to cure ( I think) and if you have a hankering for Spanish tapas, a visit to Curate is sure to cure you! This place is amazing from very knowledgable servers to the food that really is well put together from start to finish. And it's very easy to see why the chef has been James Beard nominated several times. If you go- start with their sangria. It is some of the best I've had. According to our server, they make the juice blend in advance marinating it with the liquor in advance and serving it to your table with fresh watermelon cut up in it and the wine being added table side. Delicious!! We had a wide range of tapas- she told us 2-3 per person and we ordered more than that and were very full when we left. We started with charcuterie and cheeses, stuffed peppers with goat cheese, and some asparagus. Continuing on we had the shrimp and garlic( be sure to sop up all the delicious broth with the great bread) tomato salad, eggplant and then lamb skewers. All were delicious and came up perfectly timed. Dinner for three with drinks ran around $191 but it was well worth it for the quality of the food. If you like Spanish food you have to check out Curate. It's worth a visit. My inky regret? That I don't live in Asheville so I will have to wait until I return to go again!!
(5)
Jahmin L.
I recently went to Asheville for a long holiday weekend and was excited about checking out the restaurant scene. My dinner at Curate was by far my favorite during the visit! I made reservations a couple weeks in advance and still only managed a 5:30 time slot (a little early, in my opinion) but I made sure to arrive hungry. Here are the tapas I ordered: chicken fritters, fried eggplant, spicy chorizo wrapped in potato chips, grilled asparagus with romesco sauce, sauteed shrimp with garlic, and the mushroom dish. While they were all delicious, my favorite had to be the fried eggplant. I would've never thought to pair fried eggplant with honey and rosemary, but now I'm determined to try to recreate it in my own kitchen! I love trying intriguing dishes, and this one did not disappoint. The mushroom selection came in as a very close second. The entire meal (six tapas and a glass of wine) came out to be $62 (not including tip), which I think is quite reasonable for a Saturday night out dinner for two with gourmet food. If my travels take me through Asheville again, I will certainly be back!
(4)
Jordan D.
Splendid dining experience. Great ambiance, wonderful service, and delicious food. There is a lot on the menu, don't rush to order the comfort food that you know... The portions are bigger than you think and you fill up fast. You should order the plates you can't get anywhere else.... Not potatoes or chicken fritters. I made a rookie mistake. Food was still great.
(4)
Gary C.
One of the great eateries in Asheville where you simply cannot go wrong! Food, atmosphere, service and overall experience is superb.
(5)
Tom B.
If I could give over 5 stars I would. Absolutely love this place . Great food. Reasonable prices. Excellent service. Please please sit at the counter and watch the chef's. Fun. High energy. Not a quiet subdued place. In heart of ashville. Tremendous....save room for deserts
(5)
Pam J.
The food here is off-the-hook. Octopus, lamb, summer salad, Iberico steak are all highly recommended. Great spot for small plates.
(5)
Dani S.
Great food- friendly staff. Original ideas for food. Wait was long- only take so many reservations than leave open tables for walk-ins which is a nice idea. They text you when the table is ready.
(4)
Phoebe H.
I had high hopes for this place. I was sorely disappointed. It started with waiting an hour and a half. Then we got seated right next to the hostess desk and got elbowed for an hour while we sat at a table for ants. The best dish was the cheese plate...I'm not gonna lie, one of the cheeses was a 10/10, the rest were 6/10s. Then came the lukewarm chicken fritters which were bland, mushy, and uninspiring...more like bar food. We weren't hungry by then so went straight to dessert. My husband's fav is pistachio anything so we went with the pistachio cake. It was dry, and seasoned like a savory dish instead of like a sweet one. The sorbet on the side was the size of a quarter and was tolerable. Most of my reviews are positive but everything about this place was wrong. Plain wrong.
(2)
Penny G.
What a perfect treat we had today for lunch at Curate- WOW! Erin took extremely good care of us and helped us "first- timers" have a fabulous dining experience. Everything we ordered was not only gorgeous in presentation, but also had our taste buds begging for more! We didn't want the meal to ever end, and can't wait to return. We had the pan con tomato, the Jamon Serrano fermin, ensalada de verano,Gazpacho, pimentos de piquillo, the garlic shrimp, and for dessert- the fried eggplant in honey with rosemary ice cream! There is not one little thing that could have been improved upon- all was perfection...& we will drive from Greenville, SC, frequently just to duplicate the experience we had today.
(5)
Woody S.
This Tapas restaurant is honestly better than most in Spain. To find a restaurant this good in the US is a special find.
(4)
Jim B.
We live near Washington DC where we are blessed with hundreds of great restaurants of every cuisine. Although we are spoiled and discerning, we were blown away by a recent dinner at Curate. If you are a serious foodie do not miss this experience. Let your waiter guide you through the complex menu. Take chances. Enjoy one of the best meals you've had in years.
(5)
Carlie N.
I'm normally not a soup person - and especially not a chilled soup person - but the server raved about it and we are so glad we followed her recommendation. It ended up being our favorite plate! It included coconut, an icy green granita, and the sweetest crabmeat I've ever had. We also loved the lamb skewers - perfectly cooked with an incredible sauce. Overall, an incredible meal. If you're going for dinner, reservations are a MUST. We ended up going for lunch (sans reservation) and it worked out really well.
(5)
Corey H.
Love love love! Incredibly delicious! You need to make your reservation several days in advance or u will be stuck at a tiny table In the front which I do NOT recommend. Food and drinks are FABULOUS! Will dine at Curate every visit to Asheville.
(5)
Kim H.
We loved this place, prob was our fav meal of our trip in asheville. We had an early dinner so we got a table fairly quickly. Server was great and gave us several recommendations that were incredible. Grub to try: lamb skewers, potatoes bravos, bruschetta. Ham sampler, olives. We enjoyed all our dishes. Cool atmosphere, rustic feel. Great dining experience!
(5)
Virginia L.
It really is as good as everyone says. With a group of four we ordered 12? dishes and each of them was lovely, delicious, memorable (just too many to count). What really set the experience apart was the incredible service. I recommend ordering all dishes at once, as we did - freeing your server to bring them out with good spacing and in a sequence that complements the flavors of each dish, clearly in a thoughtful order. Although it's a busy place our dishes were brought out at a pace that was clearly designed to encourage us to take our time and enjoy each one fully. Our meal lasted far longer than we expected it would but we had no idea how much time had passed until we got up to leave. A special experience.
(5)
Chris B.
In any market place in America (Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, Brooklyn) this restaurant would stand alone and be a thriving establishment. The food is top to bottom excellent we are a smattering of 7 items and it was perfect for 2 people. The croquette de pollo is everything you could ever ask for in a tapa. An added note the squid ink pasta which is as paella like is an absolute must.
(5)
David C.
For our 40th anniversary, a business acquaintance of mine recommended that we dine here and we are so glad we did! Cúrate has now been added to the list of the top 20 all-around BEST places I've ever dined! This ethnic gem is situated in downtown Asheville with ample parking nearby at ALOFT Hotel. We arrived 45 minutes early to explore the area on foot, but unfortunately were caught in a downpour. We called to see if we could get in earlier and they obliged without hesitation. Upon entering the restaurant, we were immediately enveloped in the warm, earthy tones and smells of Iberia -- pork -- mushrooms -- fresh vegetables -- aromatic bread --- you get the drift. The scene is both romantic and energetic with wonderful selections of music playing at a level which is not distracting at all, but rather reins one into the total ambience of this unique tapas bar. From the front door, there is a large bar, adjacent to the final food prep area, that seats perhaps 15 persons. This arrangement even more engages the diner with the preparation of the food. It is perhaps the most highly energetic area of the house where patrons interact with the chef, sous chef and prep cooks. The walls are all warm earthy colors with splashes of art here and there and candles everywhere. Very inviting! The menu was a bit overwhelming so our knowledgeable and friendly server, Eric, offered to take us on a tour of Spain by selecting our tapas for us. He was so engaging and convincing, that we agreed. He asked for food allergies and for anything we absolutely did not like and anything we wanted and then he went to work for us, almost like our own personal foodie concierge! From start to finish, he served all in all seven different dishes, all of which were remarkable in their own way, cooked and plated to perfection, each being a specific work of art in form and function. Our favorite meat dish was the pincho moruno which consisted of lamb skewers marinated in moorish spices served with homemade pickles. I literally could have eaten six skewers worth. The most interesting of dishes was the brandada de bacalao which is a traditional cod and potato puree served hot with crisp bread. The taste of cod was evident, but it was so mild, that blended with the potatoes, served almost as a palate cleanser. All meats and breads are imported directly from Spain. The menu is also friendly to patrons with specific food allergies or preferences. Many of the dishes can be served Gluten Free, Lactose Free, Vegan and Nut Free. The wine list is impressive and consists primarily of Spanish wines. At the end of our meal, Eric brought in the house specialty dessert reserved for birthdays and anniversaries called Servilleta Chocolate which was literally a napkin made from chocolate, hazelnuts and dried cherries, served straight up about 8" tall. Decadent cannot begin to describe this luscious dessert. Whenever we visit Asheville, NC in the future, Cúrate will definitely be one of our stops! Thank you Cúrate and thank you Eric!
(5)
Suzannah R.
I'd give this 10 stars if I could! True Spanish tapas and every single one was unbelievably delicious! Lamb skewers were my favorite - tender and juicy with a wonderful sauce. Second in line was the octopus- "melt in your mouth" tender. The spices were unique in all the dishes. MAKE RESERVATIONS!! Walk-ins are welcome but you're given a small high top or you can sit at the bar. We wanted a table and they are ONLY given to reservations, so we ate at 4 PM! Worth it and worked out great - plenty of daylight to walk around after.
(5)
Andy J.
Curate has been in Asheville for about 3 years and is our number one recommendation to guests who come here for an upscale place. Tapas at the bar is our favorite way to enjoy it. You can chat it up with the chefs and they give you samples. The menu is huge so pick and choose. You can't go wrong!
So I don't give many fives and would probably rate it a 4-1/2 because 5 is really as good as it gets - and it is better than a 4. Anyway we couldn't get in the first trip to Asheville (definitely need reservations a bit in advance). We made it this time and really enjoyed the experience. We tried 9 dishes for 3 of us (but we had heavily loaded smaller dishes). The cheese platter was delicious especially when you mix the chutney or jam with the cheeses. My husband isn't a big "fried" food eater and really enjoyed the chicken croquetas. We have an eggplant dish, octopus, Escalavida Vegetarian, Cerdo Iberico, Spinach, Pincho Moruno - all of which were delicious. The surprise for the night was probably the Bacalao which is a salted fish. We were worried that it was going to be too salty (we aren't salt eaters) and it was delicious! We love tapas because we like to share and try lots of things. We found Asheville has many wonderful restaurants and think this is a must try if in Asheville.
(5)
Carmen Y.
oh so lovely. Super great place for brunch. Delicious Tapas but even more delicious drinks.
(4)
M K.
I have eaten here 2 times since moving to Asheville and as someone who has traveled Spain several times, the food is ok. There is little vegetarian food on the menu and what is there is not tasteful. Honestly, veggie food done well is a real test of a chef's abilities. The staff is hit or miss in terms of friendliness and I think the place is over priced for Asheville. Plus needing reservations is snobby...this is not Chicago, NYC or Boston so some tables should be left open for walk ins. Have also done the group dining downstairs for pharma dinners which is TERRIBLE! Family dining with tapas is completely ridiculous. The portions are for one person but they ask you to split it 3-4 ways. The waiters are reluctant to bring more bread and the options are not tasty.
(3)
Julie M.
In a word: Fantastic--from start to finish. I had a seat at the bar. Servers were extremely knowledgeable and helped guide through the menu. So many great choices! Can't wait to go back and try some new things!
(5)
Matt M.
This is one of the best places I have ever eaten. Get a reservation early, as we were only able to get a weekend brunch or super early bird dinner. We decided on the latter since we had a late breakfast and just skipped lunch that day. The restaurant is very nice inside and the service is very attentive. We started out with the olives and white sangria. They set a perfect tone for the meal, and both were top notch. We then had the jamon iberico de bellota 5j. We had seen this pricey ham on TV and agreed that it was worth the $20 to try it once. It did not disappoint, but was surely a luxury purchase. It sounds silly to say, but you could taste the difference in the acorn-fed meat (I kinda hate myself for saying that). For our main courses we had the pork skirt steak and the rossejat negro, a kind of squid ink paella in a cast iron skillet. Both were memorable and savory dishes. We were stuffed and feeling good at this point, so we didn't have dessert. I would consider this a must for any Asheville visitor who appreciates excellent tapas and is not afraid of spending a little money.
(5)
Julia R.
My favorite restaurant in the whole world! We've eaten there six times already and it consistently good. Best sangria, best tapas, best experience.
(5)
Lindsay P.
One of the best meals you will have in this town. The atmosphere is excellent. The staff is always super friendly. And the food...oh man. I've never had anything here that was anything but amazing. Some of their menu items are seasonal, so don't be disappointed if your favorites are missing. They'll be back! The cocktails (although very pricey) are super delicious and rather stout. It's casual enough that you can go any day of the week, but it also has that formal appeal that makes it a great place for special occasions. PLAN AHEAD. They require reservations and sometimes it's hard to get a table, even days before. If you're coming from out of town and plan on eating here, I'd consider looking at least a week ahead (if not more) for a reservation. I wish I could give 6 stars because I love this place so much. My husband and I have eaten here several times because we know it will always be perfect.
Prepare by making reservations, especially on the weekends. Expect about $10/plate, and expect delicious. I had the white asparagus, chorizo wrapped in potato chips, the 3 meat liver with bachamel, and the creme dessert, all of it delicious, beautifully presented, and super fresh. I'd take the 2hr drive to come back and get my foodie fix.
(5)
Misc C.
Visiting from out of town and it Lives up to the rave reviews. Sat at the bar with great view of chefs cooking. Recommend the tabla de jamon to sample the different meats... The acorn fed iberico de bellota melts in your mouth. We ordered a couple cheeses, the octopus and shrimp, but you can't go wrong!
(5)
Linda S.
Perfect. Delectable. There is really not much that is a disappointment. Well maybe the chairs could be more comfortable. But the food is a class well above the vast majority of really good restaurants. You MUST try the eggplant. Even if you don't like eggplant - it is sublime. Charcuterie fantastic. Octopus. Oh. My. ....tuna with tomato salad. This is not your mama's tuna salad. It sophisticated and fresh. Speaking of sophisticated, the boquerones were marvelous. The desserts were also works of art. Warm chocolate mousse - oh! Save me for myself! Pistachio cake with lemon thyme ice cream. Presentations were thoughtful and lovely.
absolutely delicious! loved the chicken fritters and lamb skewers the most but everything was scrumptious!!!
(5)
Jay T.
Oh hell yes. Iberico ham, iberico lardo!??! Absolutely! Octopus was great. Salad amazing. Such a great selection, such high quality. Wish I lived closer.
(5)
Rich K.
Hands down the best tapas I've ever had! Eric was extremely knowledgeable and offered wonderful recommendations. The garlic soup with crab is silky and delicious! Eggplant with honey and rosemary was the best eggplant I've tasted. The pork belly really does melt in your mouth. It also has a nice, upscale atmosphere. We'll be back - so far, the best food in Asheville we've had!
(5)
Marci E.
Move over, Jose Andres, I have a new favorite tapas place! I had been waiting to try Curate for a couple of months (ever since I decided to "swing by" Asheville on my way from WA to SC ... and it did not disappoint. Here are the two reasons I'm not giving it a perfect five stars: (1) too much "light as air mayo" with the white asparagus (but the lemon vinaigrette was delicious) and a little underwhelming on the meatballs (the tomato sauce was amazing, but the meatballs just didn't quite do it for me) and (2) as a single diner, I really don't like being put all the way in the back corner of the dining room. Having said that, the octopus was amazing. Amazing. Extremely tender, slightly smoky (from the paprika), and just amazing. Service was great too.
(4)
stephen N.
Still as amazing as ever!! The core menu is fairly similar, and for the best reasons. New additions, the Lardo from Iberico pigs is sinfully good, new for me us the Bocata de Gallego--Spanish tuna, hard boiled egg, Tapenade on grilled baguette, muy rico! Butternut Squash soup is a great winter addition, the smoked paprika is subtle and perfect. The new charcuterie plate is very solid, and the Brandade of salt cod and potato still my favorite all-around dish. The Cocktails are top notch, and word on the playground is there might be more news about cocktails and more in a near by locale (pregame!!) Stay tuned in early 2014.
(5)
Cynthia T.
Although we are always tempted to try another great Asheville restaurant for lunch I never can stop myself from picking another selection of fabulous tapas from Curate. Today was lamb kebabs, sauted mushrooms, gazpacho, three choices of ham and miel y mato for desert. Fabulous never disappointed. Thank you.
(5)
Jessica L.
I LOVE tapas restaurants. This is by far the BEST tapas restaurant I have been to. You could taste the freshness of the food. My husband, daughter and I ordered about 8 small plates. That definitely enough for the 3 of us but i really wish we would have had room for more as there were more things on the menu I wanted to try. Service here was also excellent.
(5)
Julia T.
Excellent! The dishes were well seasoned, nicely porportioned, and fresh. I had the mushroom, octopus, plus the red pepper filled with cheese tapas. I would recommend this restaurant, but you definitely need reservations and you need to be prepared for a bustling atmosphere vs quiet romantic evening.
(5)
Ryan M.
Amazing! Service was quick and the waiter (we had Michael) was great! I definitely suggest to order the warm octopus and the croquetas. The red wine sangria was amazing too. Definitely worth making a reservation before your next trip to Asheville!
(5)
Janelle D.
I'm sure the people next to me thought they had gone back in time to the set of "When Harry Met Sally." For serious. One of the best meals I've ever had. We went to Asheville for the first time this week and many people recommended this place. To start with, I love the atmosphere and design. There's a nice long bar with lots and lots of bar stools, and there's lots of pretty features all over, from the colored bar stools to the tile to the floors. We had excellent beers - a Green Man Porter and High Gaelic Ale, and we started with Patatas Bravas. It was just potatoes covered in one of their specialty sauces, and I didn't expect too much because I figured there are only so many ways to cook potatoes. However, I've never had potatoes like THAT. Perfectly cooked - crisp outside, softer inside - and perfectly seasoned. I didn't know potatoes could be that exciting! SO. GOOD. We also tried the Bocadillo Serrano: Tomato bread with olive oil, jamón & serrano, manchego cheese. Such simple food, and so so delicious. Their use of quality ingredients is very evident. This was about the time that I reached out to my inner Sally. When I didn't think it could get any better, it did. We had the lamb skewer in moorish spices and it was a 12 out of a 10. Perfectly cooked and seasoned, not gamey, not tough to chew on, and the seasonings were a fantastic blend of spice and flavor. (photo included) Ya'll, THIS is what food should taste like. I needed a cigarette after eating here, and I don't even smoke. Hot damn.
(5)
Eric S.
This is the best of modern Spanish cuisine, in an unlikely spot. We stopped in on a road trip, after reading Yelp reviews, and were not disappointed. Huge selection of Spanish ham, standbys like tortilla española, along with more innovative tapas. Drink menu looks very interesting, although being on the road, we didn't indulge. Look forward to detouring through Asheville for a more leisurely dinner after Christmas.
(5)
Anna J.
Delish!!! Totally worth the hype. Had the fried eggplant, the goat cheese stuffed peppers, and the cheesy pork, beef, and chicken liver
(5)
Lucia M.
During our visit to Asheville on a Saturday, we made reservations for 3pm, just in time to get the brunch and the lunch menu. They offer an amazing selection of tapas. We were in a group of hungry 4 and we asked for the spanish tortilla, the bacalao, the garlic shrimps, the croquetas, the jamon... all very nice. The red wine sangria was amazingly delicious and Neal (our waiter) prepared it at our table. Service and ambience are a must. Highly recommended.
(4)
Marina M.
Not bad but not worth all the hype. Run of the mill tapas place.
(3)
Basshector J.
Overrated. Everything was over salted or drowned in olive oil. I love salt, I promise. I go over the American Heart Association's recommended allowance about 10 fold each day. The octopus and pureed potatoes were OK but not good. The iberico and toast was missing something. We tried several tapas, the only I remember being good was the peppers stuffed with goat cheese and the fried eggplant with honey. The fried eggplant with honey (recommended to be paired with the rosemary ice cream by our waiter) was by far the best thing all night. It was delicious. By far, the worst was the calamari sandwich. Friend calamari in between two slaps of mayo and bread. It was just so salty. That sandwich desperately needs something to cut the saltiness and neutralize it. I hate to write bad reviews but it was disappointing considering we drove from Charlotte as well. The chocolate napkin dessert, while neat looking, wasn't all that tasty. I boxed it and gave it to a homeless man who was sitting in the rain on Biltmore. He later opened it and probably went "wtf?" The parron was a neat drink to share, it comes in a vase that I will not even try to describe. There was no heads up on how it was gonna be but I welcome alcohol related surprises with my open gullet.
(2)
S K.
Really, really loved our dinner last night. Food was exceptional, wait staff was attentive and available throughout the meal. Highly recommended.
(5)
Michael U.
Items selected: Lardo and Paprika Crostini Brandade Pork Meatballs in Tomato Sauce Chicken Croquettes Eggplant with Local Honey and Rosemary Pistachio Cake with Blueberry, Lemon Thyme Ice Cream Were it not for GQ I'd have never guessed that there was a young American woman turning out impeccable authentic Spanish tapas in Asheville North Carolina but having read the article and investigating a little further her small restaurant, Curate, immediately climbed to the top of my 'must visit' list - and really, to those who don't know the story I'd strongly suggest checking out the "About" section on the restaurant's website. A family run affair with ties to both Jose Andres and the team at El Bulli the layout of Curate is rather simple with a large marble bar lining the open kitchen up front and a small, heavily wooded seating area in back - my lunch taking place at the former by choice so that I could watch Chef Button and her team work first hand on a collection of thirty or so plates as the restaurant slowly filled to capacity. A lively space, with excellent service my meal consisted of a half dozen items and beginning with eight pieces of crispy bread draped with lardo onward to supple pork meatballs in spicy tomato sauce and then transitioning to some of the most creamy brandade I've ever experienced the meal was largely excellent, only the oily overly salted croquettes anything less than I'd have expected given the chef's pedigree - a small aberration I was happy to forgive moments later when crispy, thin eggplant drizzled in honey arrived followed by a light sponge of pistachio topped with whole pistachios, a dense cake of the same, and local blueberries both raw and cooked all brought to a bright, herbal exclamation point by Lemon-Thyme ice cream.
(4)
Elena S.
Pleasant family dinner! So many delicious tapas to choose from! Kids loved octopus and potatoes bravos while we were thrilled to taste gourmet cheeses and meats. Cured pork is exceptional! We also enjoyed few desserts and even dessert wines. The only reason why I would not give it 5 stars is because of service. At one point we thought they forgot about our wine...
(4)
Christina O.
Cúrate is a Spanish tapas bar in downtown Asheville. As my degree from College of Charleston is in Hispanic Studies, I was excited to experience some traditional Spanish cuisine. Cúrate, meaning "cure yourself" had just what we needed: delicious food and wine. To drink, my grandmother and I both had a glass of the 2010 Peitán, Albariño, which is similar to a Pinot Grigio. Grandpa had a Highland Gaelic Ale and Jake had not one, but three Coca Colas. Oh, teenagers. Out of all the tapas, I was most impressed by the garlic shrimp. The sauce was so good, I kept dipping extra bread in it. I also really loved the Summer salad and would like to recreate that at home while watermelon is still in season. The Spanish tortilla tasted just like ones I'd had with friends from Spain. The eggplant was the most unusual dish, and I mean that in a positive way. I've never thought to drizzle eggplant with honey or rosemary. Before our meal, my grandfather was sweet enough to mention that I had a Charleston-based food blog. Thanks to that, two of the dishes (the Summer salad and eggplant) were sent out on the house. The head chef, Katie Button, came out to introduce herself as well. She was sweet and seemed very glad we were there. I was impressed by her generosity and taking the time to come say hello. It's the little things that make a restaurant special. We'll definitely be back!
(4)
Sheena D.
Yum! We recently moved to Durham and visited Curate as a weekend getaway, and were blown away! My husband usually gripes about tapas places because he leaves needing more food, but we were completely satisfied. In fact, a manager offered us an additional order of croquettes because of a 'delay' with our food that we hadn't even noticed whatsoever (we declined because we were so full from the delicious meal, but still - what service)! Terrific ambience as well. It doesn't get better than this! Highly recommend trying to grab a lunchtime reservation in the event getting in for dinner proves too difficult; it was amazing.
(5)
Annie E.
Ahhhmazing food with vibrant flavor. My hubby isn't big in tapas, but he was satisfied and filled up.:)
(5)
Rohit T.
Excellent and unpretentious food, great service, playful ambiance. We had been wanting to try Curate for a few months and were happy when a reservation opened up over the holiday weekend. We were seated without a wait. The restaurant's ambiance is certainly not for those who want a quiet, formal meal; it's casual, loud, active and packed (as all good tapas places should be). Food - the summer salad with watermelon, mixed greens, heirloom tomatoes and sheep cheese was a delicious and refreshing way to start off the evening. The lamb skewers with moorish spices were delicious as well - perfectly seasoned and tender. The octopus was also fantastic, flavorful and cooked perfectly so as to be soft and moist without feeling underdone. We rounded out dinner with the gambas (subtle flavoring but perfectly cooked) and the eggplant, pepper, and onion with Spanish anchovies. The highlight for us was the miel y mato desert - a refreshing watermelon sorbet with honey and goat cheese "snow" - delicious! Service was excellent, our waitress was knowledgeable about the entire menu, made great recommendations, and was friendly and helpful without being obtrusive. I'd return in a heartbeat!
(5)
Danielle S.
This place was highly recommended by friends and obviously gets a lot of rating love. Happily, it didn't disappoint. The food was tremendous. I highly recommend the roasted piquillo peppers stuffed with Spanish goat cheese. It was the last plate we ordered, and the best of the night. The grilled chorizo was a highlight as well. The patatas bravas get a lot of buzz, and they're good, but boring. Branch out and leave room for the more exotic dishes! You definitely need reservations on most evenings and the place is crowded. It's a cute restaurant and service was good, if a bit indulgent. They know the food is good, and our waiter just seemed a little cocky. The only other slight disappointment was the sangria. We had a white sangria, and the pitcher was so full of ice it became watery very quickly. Overall, a real tapas treat in a city with lots of food gems.
(5)
Adam B.
Came in here for lunch after a frustrating morning with GPS and left very happy indeed. The menu is pretty large, even for a tapas place, but all the usual suspects are here along with some signature stuff. Suffice to say we tried a good percentage of the offerings and did not find any disappointments at all. Special recommendations would be the Spanish potato salad (with tuna) and the lamb skewers. The chef was just nominated for a James Beard award as Rising Star chef--and deservedly so. Wonderful flavors everywhere, a very knowledgeable waitstaff and a good vibe. It's a long, narrow space with a large community table up front, lots of four-seaters along the right wall and a long bar on the left. I could probably go here ten more times, get completely different items, and still be happy.
(5)
Chrissy C.
I'm really not sure how to review this restaurant. I love the atmosphere and the waitstaff was knowledgeable, friendly, and patient with us. However, I'm not sure if my palate is just not as adventurous as I thought it was or if Spanish inspired cuisine is not for me but I have no desire to repeat any of my selections. It was definitely an interesting dining experience. We did enjoy the cocktails!
(3)
Frank D.
Spend a fortune - leave hungry. Make no mistake, the food was very good. The tapas were unique and flavorful. The service was impressive. But the portions were tiny. I've paid more for dinners than I paid here, but didn't feel like I needed to make a fast food stop on the way home. Felt a little ripped off, I guess. I don't think this is a place I would visit again.
(2)
Aaron W.
Good food, nice atmosphere, but the management could be improved. The pulpo was excellent, I don't know if we will ever return.
I've visited twice with family. The food and service were excellent both visits (one for a birthday dinner, and another for happy hour and snacks). Servers are well-informed and friendly - happy to explain specialties to the uninformed diners among us! Excellent wine list.
(4)
Richard M.
As good as it gets. I have been fortunate to eat at some amazing restaurants and Curate rates with the best of them. In fact I told the chef that as an experience it reminded me of Le Bernadin minus the whole silent symphony of course. By this I mean each and every dish left us both saying wow & wanting more! We sat at the bar and ended up sharing with our neighbors in true tapas style! Both Katelin and Jess at the bar where not only extremely warm but great at making recommendations and encouraging a communal feel. We ate for over two hours but everything is so delicious and fresh that you do not feel the weight of the meal. We are only in Asheville for 5 days but I'm sure we will be back!!
(5)
Dan F.
We've heard so much about this place from friends and had to try it. I hate waiting so we decided to try a late lunch and the place was nearly empty. As I understand it, ever since Anthony Bourdain gave it his blessing it is tough seating at prime times. In case you don't already know Curate is a tapas restaurant with an emphasis on the originator of tapas, Spain. The menu is a little difficult to get through and understand in places. I think that if I had the opportunity to eat there on multiple occasions, I would be able to find those items that best suit my palate and return again and again to savor some of the sublime flavors that are hard to find in most restaurants. My wife and I went together. Since she isn't that adventuresome, we had to pick a few "safe" items. I think this restaurant is best explored with at least four people since each tapas plate seems to give at least four people a taste. She had the chicken croquetas, and they were as described, "traditional creamy chicken fritters." They were quite good for what they were, crunchy crust with a creamy chicken paste that was perfectly seasoned. I had the smoked lardo, sliced paper thin served over crispy toasts, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt and smoked paprika. I was in heaven. The delicate creamy and rich texture with the salt, oil and crisp baguette toasts was perfect for me. I could have eaten two servings easily. She then had the grilled lamb skewers with Moorish spices. It was exactly as describe with the flavors you would expect--not very exciting, however. I had one of the sandwiches, all of which are served on a wonderful toasted baguette. It was a "bocadillo gallego" roasted onions and red peppers with a black olive spread, hard boiled egg and Spanish bonito tuna. It was delicious, but the tuna it turns out seemed more like canned than what I assumed would be something more exotic--my fault for not asking. It was very good and satisfying, however. We split a dessert that was truly inventive, unusual and a nice finish for our lunch. I uploaded a picture. It was called miel y mato, watermelon, roasted strawberry and rose' cave sorbet with mint goat cheese snow and local honey. The "snow" was cold and really had the texture of snow, and somehow it all worked. If I get a chance to return in the future, I will spend most of my time in the charcuterie part of the menu and will likely sigh throughout the meal.
(5)
Carol G.
Great tapas! Try the charcuterie, the chorizo wrapped in potato chips and the grilled shrimp. All were delicious, plus great service and rosemary ice cream for desert.
(5)
Simon N.
Arguably (and I will argue firmly) the absolute BEST food in Asheville. Every single dish simply melts and yet somehow simultaneously erupts with delicious flavor. That little army on the line is clearly top-notch. The servers are impeccably trained and highly knowledgeable. As an unofficially self-proclaimed casual local loving stuff my face with food Asheville foodie, I can confidentially say this: Eat here. You should probably make a reservation right now.
(5)
Laura M.
My husband and I went here last week and loved it! We had a later reservation but got hungry early and they were very accommodating and seated us right away. There is an open kitchen so you can see your food being cooked....very cool. We ordered the octopus, the ham plate and the pork....get the pork! All the dishes were delicious but the pork was unbelievably good. If we come back to Asheville we will 100% be eating here again.
(5)
Kay C.
This place was great! Wasn't expecting to find a good tapas spot in Asheville but this was really nice. We were lucky to not have to wait and got the communal bar table at the front. We tried so much stuff - they had padron peppers on special which I love - these had a twist with the bonito flakes but I liked it. My favorites were the jamon plate, mushrooms, squid ink noodles, lamb skewers ... I thought the shrimp was just so so. Too bad I wasn't feeling up to it or I would have loved to try their drinks! Overall, highly recommend :)
(5)
Rachel H.
Hard to choose one favorite since Asheville has so many restaurants to offer but definitely in my top 3. Great Spanish style tapas that are best shared family style. Love that the sangria is made right in front of you!
(5)
Kaitlyn H.
Whether you want to fill up or enjoy some tastings this place has succeeded in satisfying your taste buds. The cocktails were wonderful and the variety of good was great. We went in around 8:30 and didn't have a wait. It was a great place to take in some Spanish tapas. Would definitely go back!
(5)
Katie W.
We weren't overly hungry so went for a late bite. We had lamb skewers, garlic shrimp and the squid ink paella. It was hard to decide our favorite dish because they were all so great! The paella was so creative and we still talk about how good it was. Let down your guard and order something you've never tried before- you will not be disappointed!
(5)
Rachelle L.
By far hands down best dessert I ever had!!!!! Helado de Romero con almendras was really to die for! I almost ordered two. The creamiest rosemary ice cream with salted almonds and sponge cake and a taste of orange. We also had Pan con tomate and manchego cheese. YOU MUST ORDER. So tasty, it was my favorite. The lamb was so tender and had excellent flavor, other than that we had the patatas bravas and a sampler of olives. We had heard a lot about the Croquettas de pollo which were sold out on the night we went. So we came back the next day to order some. They were good, but nothing out of this world. I was expecting a little more, and I think they actually might of needed a little salt. Might be because I live in South Florida and are used to eating authentic Cuban croquettas. Very fun to sit at the bar and watch them prepare your food! Great experience, you must visit Curate!
(4)
Fred O.
Exceptional quality, exquisite tastes. If you have much of an appetite, you will spend at least $30 per person to not walk away hungry. However, it is well worth every penny.
(5)
Staci B.
Phenomenal. We had a group of 10 which did not phase our server - she was fantastic. The food was amazing and not over priced which was refreshing. (I live in Charleston which has some expensive dining as you can imagine) I liked every single thing that we ordered. They are known for their pork dishes (and rightfully so) but the patatas bravas were like crack, definitely order those! I'd go back in a heartbeat and wish we had something similar in Charleston!
I stopped in with my husband after a recommendation from some local art store owner. Everything was so good we drove back to thank him. I do have a bias for tapas style restaurants- even the best plate can taste the same after the 4th bite, so variety is key! This place is a little expensive but the service was great. I'm glad we were the first ones in because the line was extended pretty far out the door by the time we left. I had the "brandada de bacalao", "chistorra & chips", and "gambas al ajillo". All were delicious, but the brandada, a cod and potato puree was definitely my fav, I feel compelled to learn how to make this at home. I don't remember the actual name, but try the grapefruit mimosa with the lemon mist, it gets an A+
(5)
Sarita B.
Absolutely amazing. The staff was very courteous and friendly. The food was delicious. The peppers with goat cheese was superb. It was only meant to be a lite meal but the food was so good we kept ordering more. I will definitely return.
(5)
Brian N.
Excellent tapas and expansive menu. Gambas and garlic sauce, stuffed red pepper, tortilla espanola, lamb... Lots of traditional tapas plus modern twists make it interesting to keep going back. Try going at lunch if you can't get a dinner reservation, there is often demand for tables. Occasionally servers are pulled thin and you need to flag them for service.
(4)
Miller C.
Probably one of my favorite meals in a very long time! Here's what we tried: -almendras fritas -- simple and good -tabla de jamon -- excellent way to try three delicious meats with generous portions -pan con tomate w/ manchego -- amazing, especially the bites that had a little more tomato -barenjenas la taberna -- wonderful flavors and a great way to end the meal even for those who don't usually get eggplant -gambas al ajillo -- deliciously garlic and perfectly cooked! -rosemary ice cream -- very good, but expect strong rosemary flavor
(5)
Beth B.
Everything about Curate was fabulous from the food to the wait staff. Our waiter, Eric, went over the menu and was helpful with recommendations. Every dish we tried brought on a new taste delight. I actually asked if they bottled the sauce that went with the green asparagus. The chocolate and raspberry sorbet dessert was a great way to finish this meal. Cost is relative. The more you sample the higher the tab. Be sure to make reservations to insure Curate is on your list when you visit Asheville. One other tip...bring a pen or pencil to help you narrow down your choices. The menu is paper so you can write all over it!
(5)
Kim W.
Our service was excellent and the food absolutely wonderful. Recommendations: pimientos, Gambas, the pulpo was fair, the bocadillo Serrano, and the water melon ensalada with sheeps milk queso. Very delicious meal. Bravo!
(5)
Gina G.
I absolutely love this place! The portions are perfect, the food is delicious, the service has always been terrific, and the cocktails are superb. I could eat here every night and never get sick of it. I LOVE IT!! I highly recommend the Watermelon Heirloom Tomato Salad, Gambas al Ajillo, and I've also heard the lamb is wonderful as well.
(5)
Stephen S.
Had dinner Thurs 5/16. Service by Jessica at the bar was excellent. She helped us and made drinks and Sangria for the rest of the house all without missing a step.. Neat and clean decor...not quiet but not overly loud...busy up front but tables in the back looked like they had more of a sedate feel... Barb started with a sidracar..asturian cider with grand marnier and fresh apple air and I had a fino sherry.. watched amazing Sangria being made but did not sample it this time.....We brought wine in ($18 corkage)... great glassware and service provided made this a reasonable charge....very interesting and deep wine list with a lot in the $25-45 range.....all Spanish I believe...some real gems Menu was well done and clearly identified gluten freee, lactose free, vegan and nut free (not that I avoided any of these!!) Then the food started....everything was hot, fresh and had a great presentation...Jessica helped pace us over 2 hrs Para el aperitivo Almendas fritas/fried marcona almonds with sea salt....yummy Tabla de Jamon/jamon serrano fermin, jamon iberico fermin and jamon iberico de bellota ...the first 2 were awesome, the last was a bit mild but good...served with tomato bread Embutidos y quesos setas al jerez/ sauteed mushrooms with a splash of sherry....excellent tabla de quesos....great variety, generous portions Salteados Gambas al ajillo/sauteed shrimp and sliced garlic (10 shrimp for $11!!)...wonderful...the garlic was to die for Pimientoas de piquillo con queso de cabra/piquillo peppers stuffed with spanish goat cheese....amazing a la plancha y al grill Canelones de carne/pasta filled with chicken liver, ground beef and pork topped with bechamel and manchego....WOW....little pillows of excellence Postres I finished with raspberry and apricot sorbets....great texture and flavor...well done.. A restaurant NOT TO BE MISSED...BRAVO......
(5)
Shawn S.
Hard to only give this place four stars but here is why I did. 1. RUDE : The greeters/hostesses at the front desk had that especially annoying version of condescension that you find in really hot restaurants occasionally. Instead of politely welcoming us we were treated as though we were fortunate to spend money at the place they created. She actually said, " you are welcome to go have a drink somewhere else and come back at your reserved time". (no shit, the customer is always welcome to spend their money somewhere else and when enough of them do you go out of business. welcome to capitalism) So we left and had a drink elsewhere only to return and find our table not ready at the reserved time and seats waiting for us at the bar. This gave us an opportunity to watch a very polished kitchen staff work their magic. Very talented folks in this kitchen. 2. LOUD : We endured the loudest table of drunk jackasses ever - literally screaming over one another in a fine dining setting. It went a long way toward ruining an otherwise great experience. Our server was first rate and the food was some of the best I have ever had (do not skip the octopus "pulpo"). We will go back but this experience was less than five stars.
(4)
Tim F.
My wife and I showed about 15 minutes early for a 5:30 Thursday reservation and were seated promptly. The restaurant was maybe 1/3 full. We ordered the patatas bravas (potatos and sauce with a slight kick) and were blown away. The patatas paired nicely with the toasted bread with manchego cheese. The patatas bravas was a very healthy portion and helped to fill us up. The toasted bread with the smooth cheese was very nice and included four portions. We then had some pork paired with a plate of sauteed spinach, raisins and apples. Wow! My wife shies away from meat that is not well done. Only a few portions of the pork were cooked to her liking. Several pieces were rare. It was hard to leave any pork on the plate though. My wife had a $9 drink (I don't remember exactly what). I had diet coke. Total bill was ~$61. We left a packed restaurant about an hour after arriving. We had the experience we hoped to have at Curate. I am not saying it was life changing but it sure was an exceptional meal. We hope to return with any of our many friends and family who we think would enjoy the setting and a tapas experience. I read many of the reviews that complain about higher prices and small portions. Given the quality of the food, I am good with the price. As for portion sizes, we were happy with what we were served. Curate is not something I would recommend to everyone for just any occassion. Personally, I would reserve it for special occassions and groups who would embrace the idea of sharing and sampling many different foods.
(4)
bany e.
Amazing food!!! Feels like you are eating in Spain - really authentic! The eggplants were nice, even though fried very light...but a bit on the sweet side. The lambs were worthy of all the raving .... Very juicy and flavorful. The octopus was so tender and not chewy at all. If you ordered the pork pair it with the mushrooms. The mushrooms were just heavenly! And the grilled shrimp was light and delicious. Since it was my husband's birthday we got a complimentary "hazelnut and fruit Spanish handkerchief" dessert which was great fun to eat! Loved everything about this place - a must visit!!!
(5)
Marilyn S.
The BEST! We love this place from the service to the Spanish Martinis and Sangria to the food. If there is one TINY flaw it's that usually our first tapas arrives BEFORE our drinks. We are going next week and we know what we are ordering because they have their menu online. We are going to ask them to please NOT bring out the food before the drinks this time. We have been here many, many times and the food never lets us down. A TIP for you, Bring a pen and check off on the paper menu what you order and cross it off as it comes out. It's easy to forget what you ordered here as it comes out random.
(5)
CK K.
What a find in Asheville! It was the best tapas meal that we've had anywhere. We ordered 8 items and everything was delicious. The octopus was so yummy. The hake in the tomato broth was so good that our youngest diner (6) requested a second serving. The squid ink pasta was uniquely great. Another stand out was the pork "skirt steak" - simply delicious. Our waitress was excellent as well and knew how to pace and order the progression of the meal. The meal was memorable enough that I've been reading up on the chef - Katie Buttons. We'll definitely be back anytime we're back near Asheville. It may even prompt us to plan a trip to the city.
(5)
Lissete D.
Maybe my expectations were too high based on the reviews but I did not find the food to be as good as the reviews claim. I love Spanish food. I know Spanish food. Not only am I of Spanish descent, but I have traveled to Spain, primarily Barcelona many times. Most items on the menu are Spanish. But the taste, leaves a lot to be desired. Except for the chicken croquettes which were delicious. The pan con tomate was good and pretty hard to mess up. The patatas bravas were ok, but some pieces were undercooked. The gambas were okay and the butifarra was okay. For the price point, I expected way more than okay. Our biggest disappointment was with the Sangria. It was pretty bitter. I make a killer Sangria and have had Amazing Sangria all over Spain. This, my friends, does not even come close. And at $30 for a pitcher, it was a huge let down. Oh, and the Crema Catalana? We were served milk with a pretty design on top. It was literally liquid. We could have drank it! Service was friendly and efficient. We met the owner, and he was very nice as well. I appreciated that the dishes came out one or two at a time, and not all at once. The place is small, but comfortable and the location is great. I really wanted to love it. But sadly, we were disappointed. I'm giving it 3* because the service was good and the food was ok but I have definitely experienced better.
(3)
Scott S.
Oh, I've been looking forward to writing this review for a while now. Ever since Katie Button burst onto the scene in the last couple of years, I've been very much aching to get in there and see what she had to offer, and I was not disappointed. A true tapas experience, my wife and I ordered 8-9 dishes between us, plus a dessert each, and a couple of drinks, all for about $115. Some of the dishes, you feel like you're getting a little more for your money than others (e.g. $5 will either get you two pieces of bread with tomato, or a gigantic plate of incredibly good fried potatoes). The lamb skewer I had was arguably the most perfect piece of meat I have ever had the pleasure of eating. Some things were fantastic, others were mind blowingly good, nothing was anything less than above average. Servers were incredibly knowledgeable about the whole menu, service was quick, and we even got to meet Chef Button herself :) Pro-tip: Reservation. It's still the low season here and we had to make a reservation for a Wednesday night a week in advance because the next 3 weekends are booked solid.
(5)
Harvey W.
My wife & I had dinner here on November 25,2014. Our waiter was very patient and made some recommendations on how to order. He was very helpful with ordering the wine as well. We started with their homemade bread with tomatoes, olive oil and Manchugo cheese. Almost like Italian bruschetta but much more flavorful. This was followed by the puree of Squash soup with candied pumpkin seeds and Spanish paprka- yummy. Next we enjoyed a salad with baby red & gold beets, crushed Nacona almonds, goat cheese and a beautiful vinaigrette.This was followed by skewers of garlic shrimps and skewers of marinated lamb. At the suggestion of our waiter we had the beautiful lightly battered egg plant with honey for desert. A great experience and a wonderful evening.
The hubs and I went to Curate this weekend for my birthday dinner and thoroughly enjoyed it. The tapas are truly Spanish and there's a nice vibe in the restaurant. The reservations were difficult to get... Made them on Weds for Sunday and all they had was 9pm. Tip: plan ahead! We started with the plate of Spanish ham and chorizo which was accompanied by tomato bread (my fav part of that dish)! We moved on to the calamari which was good. We also tried the goat cheese stuffed piquillo peppers - I loved it so much as soon as I got home I bought some goat cheese and peppers to replicate the dish (made it twice this week)! If you go here you must have the canelones de carne... Pasta stuffed with chicken liver, chicken and pork, smothered in cheese and white sauce! Orgasmic! We also sampled the pork sausage which was also good. Although I really enjoyed the food, it was a bit pricey -- a carafe of sangria at $30? A bit steep in my humble opinion. Another reason I didn't give 5 stars - we told the waiter it was my bday and he didn't remember! He brought out my dessert without so much as a candle :( In all it was a great place but I would go to Zambras first!
(4)
Kathleen S.
We have been coming here for a while and the food and service never disappoints.However in the few years since they have been open, my life has changed. I now have a baby. I get that not all restaurants cater to families, but it still would be nice to have a changing station in the bathroom so in the event someone does bring in a child they can change the diaper with out having to get creative. We came for Brunch for Mother's day- I was so excited since we had not been here in a while but the mood was ruined as I struggled to change the diaper on my lap, the floor of the bathroom was not an option.
(4)
Melissa W.
Just can't stay away! This time we sat at the bar to watch all of the workings of the kitchen. Very well run place. Servers, although relatively new, were well versed on everything. Met another couple who were traveling but had had lunch at Curate day before and come back for dinner. Smart folks know where to get the best of all worlds- food, service and ambiance! We missed the lamb skewers this trip since we were trying some different offerings, so guess we'll have to go back again. Sigh. ;) Bravo Curate!
(5)
Benjamin G.
There's a reason a place lives in yelpy infamy and consistently receives 5 stars. Enter: Cúrate. A traditional Spanish Tapas joint that gives your taste buds a run for their money with every other gastro-enlightenmet they may have experienced in the past. Hard to get a reservation, always packed, and amazing once you get your table. We had heard about this place from so many of our friends, thus, we had to oblige with making this our dinner destination. We (somehow) scored a table for 630pm and sat amongst the full house of hungry eaters. We started with two cocktails -- eclipse de luna and the sidecar. Not your typical sidecar at all. The sidecar was like candy. Cider, grand marnier and a little apple. Eclipse de luna - Stick of cinnamon, moonshine, ginger ale, and a little grand marnier. One of the best cocktails I've had to date. Mulled cider and orange work well with the smooth flavor of the booze. Food - Fried Marcona Almonds. Pretty much exactly what you would expect. A little sleeve was brought to our table filled with these bad boys. Perfectly mild and smoky. Pan con tomate. We ordered two orders of this! Amazing tomato jam on incredible bread. Not sure if the bread was made in house, but it was spectacular. The tomato jam was of legend. Packed full of flavor and not overpowering. Endive salad - Great mix of endive, a light vinegar dressing, pomegranate, and other flavors. The bitter notes of the endive were actually quite nice. Spinach - sauteed with pine nuts. I would eat this every day. I've never had spinach so wonderfully soft, nutty, and seasoned. Ensalada de tomate y atun - A little salad, served in a long row, with tuna and compari tomatoes. Just brilliant. One of the biggest strengths of the menu is that some dishes can be made vegetarian or vegan. Look for the symbols on the menu to tailor your choices. There was nothing about this meal that we didn't enjoy. Though we forewent any options with beef, pork, or chicken, I'm sure next time I will partake. They all sounded incredible. Each item is priced fairly for how much thought goes into it. No complaints whatsoever. Our server was a great guy. Super helpful, circled things on our menu for us, visited several times to take additional orders, and kept our glasses filled. High fives all around. Each time I'm found in Ashevegas I'll be paying a visit. Cheers.
(5)
Donna H.
Been to Curate. The food is exquisite, not your typical restaurant. So be prepared to taste food out of the ordinary. Which I love., instead of the typical cookie cutter restaurants. You must try this place. You wont be discourged.
(4)
Sean C.
Awesome atmosphere, rustic-modern design. Menu is a little difficult to navigate/translate at first but once you understand what your looking at it's just a battle of deciding what to order. Super cool that you get to watch all of the amazing food prepared right in front of you, with no walls hiding the operation. Had the lamb skewers and garlic shrimp, both of which we prepared to perfection. Would definitely like to go back and try some more plates!
(5)
Brian T.
We had a great meal here and the service was extremely friendly. I found the pricing to be just a bit high (hence the 4 stars) but overall it's what I would expect in a trendy town like Ashville. I would go back!
(4)
Karmilla C.
Well, not gonna to explain all over again, check out all the food that I post !!!!!! Best dinner experience in our Asheville down town trip!!!!!! Absolutely bring my whole family back!!!!!!!
(5)
Kristin L.
We only found out about Curate days before our arrival in Asheville, and as we were a group of 7, they had no tables available for Saturday night dinner. (Note: They only have two tables in the entire restaurant to accommodate groups that size, so book early if you are a large party.) But lo, they took brunch reservations (a novelty in my dining experiences), and so we booked a table for 11:30am (opening time) on Sunday. From the moment we sat down, we were not disappointed by a thing that arrived on our table. Everything is tapas style (even the soup if you want it to be), so we ordered 16 dishes for 7 people. Some dishes of note: the chicken fritters, the cannelloni with chicken liver, the butternut squash soup, the pan tomate with manchego, the roto huevos and the torjillas (which were custard-y, French toast-like deliciousness). Everything had a Spanish/Mediterranean flair, and there were several seafood dishes on the menu, as well (such as octopus, shrimp and squid ink). I had read about the rosemary ice cream on social media sites before our visit and am only bummed we had no room left in our stomachs once dessert rolled around. Our total bill came to $18 a person, which for the amount of dishes on our table was simply amazing. I was expecting it to be twice that. The service was friendly and kind, and the atmosphere was very sleek and seemed it would appear in a bigger city like Charlotte or Asheville. This would be my top rec for a place to go when dining in Asheville, so be wise and make a reservation in advance!
(5)
Tom L.
I can't fault the food at all- it was delicious. We made reservations several days ahead, and after a day paddling the river were running a little behind schedule. When we got there the hostess said no problem- our table wasn't even ready for us yet. 20 minutes later, we were at our table and ordered a bottle of wine and a couple of courses of tapas. Before the first course was even finished, the house manager informed us that he was going to have to move us to the bar so he could seat the next reservation, due in a little over an hour! About 20 minutes later, we were shuffled off to the bar to get our second course. Feeling a bit put out, we finished our wine, finished our tapas and settled our check with the intention to finish our meal elsewhere. We headed for the door about 15 minutes after the time of the supposed "next reservation" and about 35 minutes after we'd been moved, and the table was still vacant- as were the 2 behind it. So in short, good food, but the experience was definitely tainted by the poor customer service. With all of the options for great food in Asheville, we'll be going elsewhere next time.
(2)
Sean O.
I love this place. Great wine list. Lots of tapas options. Cool ambiance. We normally sit at the bar and watch the kitchen people do their magic. The kitchen runs like a well oiled machine .. I was amazed that everybody was busy with jobs, and would move from job to job without hesitation, knowing exactly what they were doing. Food was very good. Torta Espanola made in small cast iron frying pans was especially good. We dropped in without reservations in-between lunch and early supper and were seated at the bar immediately. Great place, will go back as often as we can.
(5)
Oliver C.
Wow wow wow. Words can't even begin to describe the inexplicable experience my girlfriend and I had here the other night. Between the atmosphere, menu, and generosity of chefs and customers alike, this is definitely a bucket list worthy spot. The food is executed to pure perfection between the simplicity with everything containing no more than 5 ingredients; the chefs let the quality speak for itself. We were surrounded by customers with open arms practically BEGGING to let us try their food! The chefs were very informative and even took time out of their work to personally talk to us and give us background on the dishes. By far the best dining experience you could have with friends and family of all ages.
(5)
Joanne R.
Great Anniversary Event We had my parents 60th(!) anniversary party here and we couldn't have picked a better place if we'd scoured the whole country. We rented the private party room, but came through the main dining room, which had a good vibe. The party room was excellent for our group of 17, and the service was impeccable. Given the crowd, we had a prix fixe menu, and not a single item disappointed. However, having surveyed the crowd, our favorites were the butternut squash soup (my nephew had five cups worth), the grilled pork and the cauliflower puree topped with roasted brussel sprouts. Oh, I forgot the eggplant, well loved by all. Our family has a lot of foodies in it, and we all agreed this beat any meal we could remember, including so-called five star dining in Manhattan. The price was wonderful for such a great variety of food. We will all remember our special evening fondly for a long time to come. Thanks to all at Curate.
(5)
Michael H.
tomato bread with manchego - 7/10 roasted red peppers stuffed with goat cheese - this was their version of jalapeno poppers but not fried....super clean tasting...such a simple but great concept - 10/10 grilled octopus in olive oil lime juice with potato puree - 10/10 raw trout with vidalia onions and tomato puree - phenomenal - 10/10 lamb skewers in a moor sauce...very good but not very exicting...wish i would have tried something a little more "different" - 8/10 fried eggplant topped with honey and rosemary - dish of the night....11/10 pan seared mushrooms in sherry and olive oil - ....8/10
(5)
Harp D.
Very pleased. I had a gift certificate. Typically out of my price range, however, the food was amazing. If you order the low cost dishes (2) for yourself you will get a good fill and an absolutely delicious meal. The frieds were great. I had a squid cooked in its own ink! How intimate, and creamy delicious. One thing I can tell is if food is fresh and exciting and yes, Very! Katie is a female cooking powerhouse recognize the skill and vast intelligence of women. rad and delish, u can afford it if u are careful. Thank you Curate.
(4)
Phillip P.
Literally top 5 meals we have ever had. Had around 5 dishes: lamb, mushrooms, shrimp, Brussel sprouts, and cured ham (can't remember which one specifically.) For dessert we had the chocolate mousse and caramel cream dish. Drink was the "best gin and tonic" as it said on the menu. Every single thing we order was based on what our server, Brian, recommended. He was spot on. Every single thing was phenomenal. So good we will probably be back for lunch before we leave. Thanks for such a great meal and experience. Also we liked sitting at the bar as we could watch all the chefs.
(5)
PSquare M.
Yum place!! Great priced tapas! We were vegetarians and they had so many options! Def Recc!
(5)
Jason R.
Three of us dined at Curate last evening. We stumbled upon the restaurant after walking down Biltmore Avenue. We sat at the kitchen bar and the feast began. After ordering numerous courses, we ordered more. It was simply amazing. The potatoes with the oxtail and the lamb skewers were favorites. The cheese stuffed peppers and mushrooms received honorable mention. The wine didn't hurt either. We enjoyed the ambiance and were thrilled to have such a wonderful dining experience after an unexpected change in our plans.
(5)
Ralph G.
GO! If you're like me and had high expectations of Katie Button, recently nominated by James Beard, hopefully you too will be blown away. First of all, tapas in NYC (where I'm from) generally means small portions and a high bill; in contrast, Curate provided great value given the time-intensive nature of tapas - both larger portions than I expected and reasonable prices yet it was still beautifully presented. The brook trout over crushed tomatoes was my favorite. I am not a fish guy, but I felt as though I was IN Barcelona, and yet it was paired with native trout. Brilliant. The purity of the presentation of the Iberian Pig paid homage to the perfection of its natural acorn diet. The watermelon and heirloom tomato salad with chèvre was just beautiful; I am more of a meat and potatoes guy, but this dish hit the spot right after the cured Iberian pig and tomato bread. The wine selection was very affordable and our server chose a blend that was rich and affordable (my preference) and spicy (my date's preference). Service was great all around, from reservations (which I changed 3x) to the table (we sat at the bar actually). Jessica our server was friendly yet invisible, keeping glasses filled and tableware fresh without us even noticing. Finally, we never waited long. The timing of each course was spot on, which i know personally to be a huge challenge for a packed restaurant. Bravo Chef Button and the Curate team! I'll be back.
(5)
Niki C.
This restaurant came highly recommended and so we finally tried it out during our 3 week stay in Asheville and we already have another reservation to return tomorrow night! Our favorites were probably the meatballs and the shrimp ... the dessert we had with the pistachio cake and lemon thyme ice cream was quite incredible, too. Would love to come with a group and get the sangria, which looked very good!
(5)
Cara A.
Make time (a couple hours) to sit back and relax while you receive some kick ass tapas. It might take a while but it is truly worth it! Be forewarned, all other tapas will disappoint you after Curate...
(5)
Nima T.
We sat at the bar/counter - and they were the best seats in the house for a party of two. We could talk to the chefs and watch them preparing everything. We had the bread with tomato and manchego cheese. The bread is very light and it was quite good. Also had a special beet salad. Butternut squash soup was outstanding. The pork skirt steak was very good. The Estella beer was also good. We might go back tonight.
(4)
Mark S.
Good, not great, tapas with the vegetarian options easily out shining everything with meat. The pan con tomate is wonderfully simple and delicious, but the chicken fritters and pasta dishes both tasted of raw flour from the goopy white sauces. Service was quick but apathetic. I would try it again, but would struggle to recommend right now.
I'm not an expert in Spanish, but I'm almost positive the etymology behind Cúrate is Culinary-Karate. They also curate a delicious and innovate menu. Came here at 9:00 pm on a Tuesday night (it was packed) and sat at the bar. Great atmosphere and solid service, my new BFF Cliff took great care of us. Had or shared the following: Drinks: Sangria with sparkling cava, worth getting. Started with the tomato bread (Pan Con Tomate) White asparagus (Esparagos Blancos) was really good, a little strange/rare and the light air mayo plus lemon tarragon made it worth trying. Pimento de Piquillo was yummy, peppers stuffed with soft cheese, no more need be said. Pincho Moruno lamb skewers had a great flavor profile and cumin-y taste. Fun place for a great, somewhat fancy meal if you're in Asheville.
(5)
Sharon R.
Had a spectacular meal/experience here. Brian was our server--very knowledgeable about the food and wine, steering our choices to be sure we got the best the kitchen had to offer. We trusted him so much that we let him talk us into ordering rosemary ice cream to eat on top our fried eggplant at the end of the meal. Even that improbable combination worked beautifully! Looking forward to my next trip to Asheville so we can come back and try out the rest of the menu (but will have to hsve the mushrooms again).
(5)
Frederic S.
5 stars, no question, no hesitation, counting the days until we get back to Asheville and Curate. Sitting at the bar provided a front seat to how they realize such a triumph...the beauty of the tapas lies in the spectrum of flavors that the small plates afford. And Curate excels. Favorite dishes were the ham from the pigs who eat nothing but chestnuts (pure melt-in-your-mouth nirvana) and the unexpected whole-is-greater-than-sum-of-parts lightly fried eggplant with honey and rosemary. Also loved the meatballs as well as the trout ceviche. Make a reservation, otherwise arm yourself with patience. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Julie P.
Recommended by a dear friend, this place was really awesome! The atmosphere and service was nice. The cocktails were really nice: the ultimate gin and tonic was exceptional right down to the juniper berries and pansy. My husband loved the liquid cherry at the bottom of his curate manhattan. The porron was not something I expected when we decided to try Curate. it was exotic and refreshing. It would be a fun challenge for a group of friends to drink it without spilling. The food was equally great and the dishes were all exotic to us. We left full and felt the food was worth the price.
Only being in Asheville for about 8 hours, I had to rely on Yelp to tell me what not to miss. So based on a couple good reviews, we picked Curate. I'm always skeptical about tapas restaurants based on my past experiences elsewhere, but we were blown away by how great everything was. We started with an great cup of gazpacho and an amazing tomato and tuna salad, perfect appetizer coming out of a long walk on a 90 degree day. For lunch, I ended up with the bocadillo catalan (sausage baguette), which was in fact probably the best sandwich I have ever eaten, no joke. Caramelized onions and peppers with an amazing piece of sausage. I could eat this every day, and it's almost worth flying back to Asheville just to eat lunch here. Top this experience off with a couple wonderful Rebujitos, a great glass of Green Man IPA, an informative server and a wonderful conversation with the wife... and this ends up being one of those lunch experiences you never forget.
(5)
Virginia C.
Since it was my first time in Asheville. I had no idea where to go to eat, so i told my boyfriend "don't worry, we have yelp reviews" hehehe. So i came across curate and all the amazing reviews. Plus i love Spanish tapas-style restaurants. We went out of our way to find this place. Disappointing , Disappointing, Disappointing :( The sangria is not good here, for an Spanish place or any place, the Spanish tortilla was not the best. the chorizo was really good.The rest was JUST OK! I guess since i have been to so many Spanish tapas-style restaurant, my expectations were too high ...This one was not bad... but for sure not at all a 5 stars like i was expecting based on the reviews. I guess if is your first time eating Spanish food, you will find the flavors as something different, unique and really good. I asked my boyfriend what was his opinion. and he told me the same " is not a 5 stars and he will not go back again. You can watch them make your dish at the bar. The guy was stuffing peppers with no gloves, then he started texting with his iPhone, then kept digging in the stuffing with out washing his hands....ooooh lordy, lordy :/
(3)
Reviewer R.
All the plates we ordered were delicious. The service was excellent. Be forewarned: it is a very expensive place to eat if you go in hungry!
(5)
Clare M.
"service in support of great tapas is what makes Curate great. this place loves great food and loves to talk about it." -my mom
(5)
Mike J.
This is a great spot for tapas in downtown Asheville. We shared a tasty charcuterie plate and gambas de ajillo (shrimp & roasted garlic), and I had a fantastic squash soup. Service is a bit slow and seating is somewhat cramped. But it's easy to overlook those negative points when you get perfectly-crafted, flavorful food at a very reasonable price (around $50 for 2 people!) We definitely will be back sometime soon.
(4)
Adam M.
Wandered in looking for a bite this evening, not entirely sure what to expect. What I found was a foodie paradise! And not some snobby over the top foodie place, a place where you would want to pull up a bar stool and watch them make your dish while devouring little plate after delicious little plate. Forgive me for not remembering the names of things, but here's what I had. - Damn good beer. (a local porter) - Seared lamb skewers - Some sort of flash fried eggplant/honey thing which literally metled in my mouth. - Finely shaved Spanish ham - Noodles/prawn deliciousness - A chocolatey dessert with about 10 different unique flavors tucked inside My only description for each dish was "explosion of flavor." I also liked that they respected your palette enough to allow each dish to be unique. Reasonably priced. Hey, local beers for $3.50... you can't beat that.
(5)
Susan P.
Wandered past here with a group of friends this past weekend. I had heard it was a go-to place in Asheville and I wasn't disappointed. We had a friend who is lactose intolerant in the group so we are very careful about where we eat. The menu is clearly marked on every item for Gluten Free, Lactose Free, and Vegan. Very helpful! Thank you!! Other restaurants need to follow that lead. We chose four LF items for our afternoon snack to accompany our grapefruit mimosas. They were all delicious. The servings are far more generous than at other tapas places I have visited. I highly recommend this restaurant!!
(5)
Rachel M.
Yep. Lives up to the hype. My friend and I tried 5 different plates plus dessert. It was such a fun, unique, and tasty lunch...it wasn't just food, it was an experience. I think the watermelon salad was my favorite - it was crisp, sweet, and citrusy all at the same time...it tasted like summer. I also had the rosemary and honey fried eggplant, garlic shrimp, and stuffed peppers. Oh, and the sunburst trout...again - just so fresh and flavorful. I think it was probably my favorite. This place is just fantastic. Yes, expensive for Asheville, but so so worth it. The decor is great too; modern and bright but not pretentious. I also love that the servers wear jeans...it just adds to the casual atmosphere. I will definitely be back!
This restaurant was fantastic! Our seat at the bar was a winner - so fun to watch all the action. Favorites included the iberico jamon, the asparagus (OMG ridiculously good), the tomato bread, the fried eggplant with honey. Desserts looked fantastic, but no room. Very authentic Spanish. My husband I have been lucky enough to dine at Jose Andres' restaurant in Vegas, and I kept commenting the whole time about how much this reminded me of that restaurant - the preparation, the presentation, the flavors. Come to find out the chef trained under Jose Andres - no wonder... so cool! Great way to experience fabulous tapas without paying the huge price tag. Definitely my favorite restaurant in Asheville. Up there among my top restaurants overall!
(5)
Travis L.
Great, solid spanish food. Ambience is nice and a little trendy. Waitstaff s friendly and knowledgeable. White sangria is always a plus, and their meat tray with Ibiza pig was great. Favorites were the mushrooms and the brussel sprouts which were both a little different, but excellent.
(3)
Aaron B.
Why Cúrate does not have only 5 star reviews is beyond me! I gave them 5 stars because the entire meal transcended amazing and ventured into a revelation through food!!! I will admit, I was on my honeymoon when we visited Asheville back in November 2012 so the euphoria may have been abnormally high at the time but I am still thinking about and craving the dishes we had there over 6 months later. What an amazing "meal"...we tried a lot of plates. One after another a work of art displaying that simple is not always easy but done properly even the barest of ingredient lists per plate can be sublime! The fact that the head chef was not even in that evening, she was away on a trip to the James Beard House (certainly would have been a telling sign for the caliber/quality of food we were in for) and the food that was delivered came out absolutely impeccable demands a 6th star for the restaurant. I can not say any more except for what has already been raved about by other Yelpers, Cúrate was AMAZING!
(5)
Jeff S.
This place was excellent. Our only regret was that we couldn't try more dishes.
(5)
Jasmine K.
I had never been to a tapas bar and my first time was great! The food was the bomb! We tried a lot on the menu and it was all so good! For a drink I would suggest the rosemary lemonade, very refreshing and a great pallet cleanser in between each heavy flavor appetizer. The pig that held the toothpicks was way too cute to pass up.. We bought it as a trinket to remind of us of our last meal in Asheville on our honeymoon. If you love authentic Spanish food and water from Spain come here. You will not be disappointed.
(4)
Michele G.
I had a great time. Sit at the bar and watch the magic happen.
(4)
Mary M.
I had wanted to go here for a long time as they get awesome reviews and I love tapas restaurants. I can say the service was above expectations but the food a bit too oily for me. Lots of selections but not many veggies. Fritters and strip steak were probably my favorites. Shrimp was undercooked and nothing exceptional. Would probably go back but with so many really great places to eat in Asheville, it wouldn't be my first choice - especially for the price.
(3)
Jeff R.
Excellent tapas in downtown Asheville. Octopus and potato dish was fantastic. Bravas were fantastic. Beer selection nothing great. I was very impressed. My six year old gobbled up her food. My two year old played.
(5)
Robin W.
I LOVED their butternut squash soup...so creamy! I was happy to find many gluten-free options on the menu. Thank you! With our party of four, we tried many dishes, and not one disappointed us. It was fun to share them all.
(5)
Paul M.
If I didn't have to sit in back room and miss all the wonderful atmosphere, this would be a "5"!! Next time I will insist on sitting at the cook line. The best small plate experience I have had since Good Food on Montford. From start to finish the culinary experience was amazing. I didn't always agree with the flavor profile ambitions (seared scallops overwhelmed by two red pepper accents) but the execution of every dish was flawless. When you wake up the next morning and start thinking about dusted eggplant crisps and honey, you know your meal last night was incredible.
(4)
Rick S.
This was awesome the good, service and just allot of fun! One of the best places and meals I can remember its also the place where everyone on Asheville wanted to be! I would call this a must stop while in Asheville!
(5)
Frank A.
This is a gem. We had 6 plates -not as small as some tapas places we've been to. Beware of the bread ... It adds up and you can get really full. The ham sampler platter was great, as was the Spanish tortilla and the chirozo. Nothing was "bad." Would go back in a heartbeat if we lived nearby.
(5)
Hannah J.
The menu can be overwhelming at first. It's also a but confusing if you have never had a tapas style meal like me. However, I urge you to ignore that and try this place. The food was wonderful. The server was able to help us decide what to order and make us feel comfortable with the menu. We had the patatas brava which are similar in size to breakfast potatoes, but totally different flavors. It was a great starter. We also had the eggplant with honey (I can't remember the Spanish name). I would say that the eggplant is must-have when eating here. We also had a few cocktails. They were great - light and fruity seemed to be the theme here. The main downfalls were the confusing menu and organization of the restaurant. For a date night restaurant, it wasn't cozy enough for me.
(4)
John O.
Fantastic. My husband and I dined here for the first time tonight. We tried 6 tapas, and all were lovely. Our server was knowledgeable and very attentive. We had the sangria made tableside. Curate definitely lived up to its reputation.
(5)
Amy P.
Food was very good but not restaurant seating was very crowded with waitstaff passing by our table constantly.
(4)
Cindy N.
Amaze-balls... Chef Katie certainly deserves to win Best New Chef. Food was sublime, the goat cheese stuffed peppers and trout salad were highlights. Clean, fresh flavors. Come worship at the altar of Chef Katie!
(5)
Craig M.
Wonderful service and food. The food was over salted so keep that in mind. Make reservations...you will not be disappointed!
(4)
Doug V.
Went with the family and everyone found dishes they liked. Great variety and interesting food.
(5)
Megan P.
Our server gave great suggestions! Food had such a unique but delicious flavor! Can't wait to go back!!
(5)
W B.
Many Gluten Free options ( knowledgeable staff about allergy) Reasonably priced for the quality. Chic atmosphere, great food, wine and service sum it up at Curate. Dress nice or casual, no matter. Book reservations fast or you might not get a table. Or, belly up to the bar. Recommend the Octopus Tapas dish and the Lamb Tapas dish. We were stuffed so had no room for desert. Great and friendly service. Would definately visit again.
AMAZING!!! My boyfriend and I were in Asheville for our anniversary and we loove tapas! Ate here on a Friday night and there was a bit of a wait to we put our name on the list and went to a local bar for some drinks in the meantime. Came back and we sat at the bar top where the cooks are and everything was splendid! We got the pork steak dish which was very flavorful, the chorizo with mashed potatoes which was super yummy! We also got a dish with peppers and flaky tuna specs. The dish was very interesting because it looked "alive" when we got it. The mixture of the dry tuna flakes and the warm hot peppers is why! DEFINITELY a must to eat at!
(5)
Steve L.
Had reservations for 9pm, got seated at 9.30. the host/owner wasn't overly concerned, seemed like he could have handled the situation better. The food was closer to the 4-5 star range. Nicely composed traditional riffs on spanish food and tapas. Very reasonably priced for the quality. The food is good enough to warrant going back, despite the 'we're good enough that you should be happy to wait attitude'.
(3)
Shelley D.
This is some of the BEST tapas I ever had! I love Asheville and was there for a weekend. We asked a gallery owner where to eat and he suggested this place. The husband and wife team were both trained at the famous elBulli in Spain and it show. From the serrano ham to the sautes, there is nothing we didn't love. The white asparagus salad is AMAZING! You can't pass this up if you make a trip to Asheville.
(5)
Mark H.
The food is absolutely fresh and creative in its presentation and taste...it is what we were expecting when we went to Spain last year...a trip we were very disappointed with food wise except or very few instances...This is very good and authentic...
(5)
Seth C.
This has become our new favorite place in Asheville. There are so many unique and memorable dishes that its hard to pick a favorite but we always have to start with the pan con tomate with manchego cheese. From there, the best advice I can give is to trust your server. Curate has an outstanding staff that knows the menu backwards and forwards. So not only can they recommend dishes that you'll like, but they can help you pace the experience and choose the order best sequence of the dishes you order. So either just let the server guide you or order all of dishes at the beginning so you server can help pick the proper sequence of your items. The last time we were there, we ordered the fried eggplant with honey (one of our favorites) and our server was savvy enough to bring that out last because of the nature of the dish. Not only that, but he recommended pairing the eggplant with one of the dessert dishes, the rosemary ice cream. Would have never thought to do that ourselves but it was incredibly unique and is something we'll definitely order again.
(5)
David B.
Wow. Tapas at its best. Great wine selections. Cheese sampler and pork sampler out of this world. Great in combination. Sat at the counter which was a nice change. Get reservations or plan on sitting at the counter. The lamb skewers are also not to be missed. Service was 1st rate and servers recommendations were spot on. Ask questions, try new things, you will not be disappointed.
(5)
Jessie M.
Fantastic service and great food. Our favorites include the Tortilla Espanola, Pincho Moruno, and Bocata de Calamares. Have a couple glasses of wine, and usually 5-6 dishes are a decent start to get you a good taste of what Curate has to offer. Highly recommended.
(4)
Paul A.
A truly remarkable restaurant experience. The owner introduced himself to us when we sat down. He and his family are from Barcelona, where he trained. The most succinct statement that I can make is this: Having eaten at Mario Battali's Casa Mono in Gramercy Park two weeks prior to visiting Curate, this restaurant is at the same level as Casa Mono. Everything was delicious: Jamon Iberico (pigs fed only acorns), Pimientos de Piquillo (peppers stuffed with goat cheese and grilled), Gambas al Ajillo (shrimp with sliced garlic), and the littleneck clams with wine and ham were all superb. The sauteed spinach with raisins and the sauteed muchrooms with sherry were also delicious. Final remark: We ate here twice on a three day visit to Asheville. We did eat at Zambra's for comparison and there is indeed no comparison. Asheville is truly lucky to have this little piece of Spain right on Biltmore street.
(5)
Dan B.
there's a reason the chef is famous and there's a reason it's the best in a foodie town.... the food is GREAT!! strongly recommend the waiter's recs (our waiter was Brian and he was a pro) - so he basically served us - about 15 tapas for the 5 of us , and then 4 desserts...the chocolate mousse with raspberry sorbet, rosemary ice cream with fired eggplant, the mousse with caramel crust, and the watermelon sorbet, honey and flower,,,,,whoa.... not to mention the sangria and the wine.... i am stuffed!! i don't know how to describe the flavors, they just kept coming and every bite exploded in our mouths..... pretty amazing meal, busy and casual atmosphere and hard to get in (need to pan ahead....)
(5)
Andy S.
WOW 3 in the afternoon is usually a slow time for a kitchen but we fought for seats at the bar and watched the flurry of magic being done by the talented staff. Everything was wonderfully tasty. We just wanted a bite and ordered several and wish we had time for more. Pedroia peppers with tuna flakes..... Amazing! Lamb skewers .... Spiced perfectly and succulent. Sweet red pepper of some type with goat cheese grilled was sublime. The ham from acorn fed pig was mouth watering. I will go back any chance I get!
(5)
Bridget B.
I went here with a group of 10 for a friend's birthday. our waiter suggested that we allowed him to pick our small plates and pace our meal. The entire experience was amazing! Not only did he bring out things I would have most likely looked over, but I know I was getting the best of what the kitchen had to offer. Everything was AMAZING! We all left satisfied, full and were able to experience so many different items that were perfect for sharing! I highly recommend this place for a group. With pitchers of Sangria shared at the table, the ticket came out slightly over $100 a couple for some of the best food we've had in a while and a great assortment.
(4)
Greg R.
Another Fabulous meal at curate! Suggestions by serving staff were exceptional, fun drink special and as always the food was terrific. The one tip I have is sitting at the bar (for us) is a much more awarding experience than sitting at a table. It's fun to watch the staff prepare the different dishes. Even the ones you are not ordering....you still feel as if you have experienced them a bit.
I'll just go ahead and use the word up front: Exquisite. The menu lineup consists of tapas found in high-brow AND low-brow tascas across spain. Frankly, I like the entire spectrum - since common and fundamental dishes can be found across it. The jamon iberico de bellota, in itself, is porcine divinity. Let's acknowledge that Curate has very little to do with the flavor bomb but that you're enjoying it here - at the bar - makes it all the more phenomenal. Our orders consisted of: Pan con tomate. perfectly done. grilled expertly with shavings of manchego, olive oil, tomatoes. Jamon Iberico de Bellota. The problem I ALWAYS have here is that any other "ham" becomes an immediate disappointment. It's not the other ham's fault, either. Order this with the realization that your notions of the perfect ham are about to be somersaulted. You know how you go on and on about how much you enjoy Prosciutto di Parma (the highest quality of it, to boot)? - well - the Italians can only wish to produce such hams as these. Pulpo a la Gallega. Blanched six times. quite nice. Esparagos blancos. very good - although the casera mayonnaise may have even dominated here. Patatas a la Brava (here called "Patatas Bravas"). Interesting take. I enjoyed it very much, and was glad that it was delivered lastly (because it was heavy). first time I've had it prepared this way (deep fried chunks of light/fluffly potato squares with a spicy sauce on top). I liked it - it's just that I've always only had this dish with boiled potato chunks. Pinchos morunos. Milagroso! Very much enjoyed a glass of El Maestro Sierra Palomino Fino to boot. It's very clear that Curate is a world-class restaurant. I learned that the owner also worked at El Bulli. That, alone, justifies it being on the front-lines of awesome restaurants.
(5)
Michael N.
Let's do an exercise. Pretend you are a dove and say the word karate. Sounds like Coo-rah-tay doesn't it? Now you can pronounce the name of this very popular Spanish Tapas bar. I lucked out and walked by the restaurant on a Thursday around 4:30 PM - it wasn't crowded at all and I was seated right away. My waiter was very professional, pronounced the dishes correctly and did a nice job of describing some of the food. To start, I ordered the Ajo Blanco, a chilled almond and garlic soup poured over green grape granizado and Pedro Ximenez wine reduction. The textures were interesting and the soup element had good flavor but the green grape granizado was just plain weird and chaotic for me. I would have preferred the almond garlic soup by itself. This dish may be for the more adventurous foodies! Next, I ordered the Bocadillo Gallego. A delicious combination of bonito tuna and sliced hard-boiled egg with black olive spread, roasted onions and red peppers. The bread was fabulously crunchy and the flavors blended well. It is a heavy duty sandwich for being small; very filling indeed. I found it perhaps a bit oily, as both the onion/pepper mix and olive spread had olive oil in them; the bonito tuna had likely been packed in it as well. An ice cold Pisgah Pale took care of that with ease. Although it was not a five star experience, as many diners here, have had, I would definitely come back to try more of their menu items. I did have some flashbacks to the authentic tapas I've had in Spain, where you may fall in love with some items and not care for others; that's the beauty of tapas and sharing small plates.
(4)
Dawn W.
I loved this place, a small tour of Spain right in Asheville! We had lunch reservations for Sunday at 11:30am and there was a line at the door. People with reservations get a table, everyone else is seated at the bar or in the three tables at the door. Be sure to get reservations if you have children or a disability and need a table. We have an infant and they were very accommodating since we had reservations. Our server was fantastic. He introduced us to the menu and made wonderful suggestions. Since we have been to Spain he helped us find our favorite foods and drinks quickly and was very knowledgeable. Through the next hour he paced our food and educated us on the specific characteristics of each plate. It was so much fun! The only thing we did not like were the olives. They were black in some parts and some were mushy. They seemed straight out of a jar that was sitting in the fridge too long. I loved the freshness of the pan con tomate and the amazing sauce on the potatoes! My husband loved the lamb and the pepper/goat cheese plates. We both loved the meatballs- they were heavenly with fresh tomatoes and toasts. The Spanish are known for their cheese and meats so I do not suggest eating here if you are vegan. You will miss out on the point of the Spanish experience. To drink they have the classic sparkling cava that made my heart happy.
(5)
Lia M.
Let me just start by saying that this review is not for a full meal. So, perhaps if we'd had a full meal, I would've had a better experience, but I'm not impressed, and it shouldn't matter whether you have a full meal or just a few dishes. I was so excited to come to Cúrate--I mean, who doesn't want to eat a restaurant started by an elBulli trained chef? We grabbed a high-top at the bar, which was perfect for people watching. And watch people we did, because it took 15 minutes for a server to stop by, then another 5--10 for him to take our order. I desperately wanted a glass of sangria, as did my sister, but they only offer pitchers, so that was out of the question. I wasn't going to pay $34 to drink two glasses, though I did think about it for a while. We ordered three tapas to start, and planned to order more, but I have a leg injury that made the high-top super uncomfortable, so I couldn't stay any longer. My sister and I split fried eggplant, pan con tomate, and gambas al ajillo (my favorite). Everything was great. Fried eggplant was perfectly crisp and paired well with the honey. Pan con tomate was crusty and the tomatoes were super fresh. Gambas al ajillo was a little different than I'm used to, with the addition of a sherry vinegar to the oil, garlic, and herbs, but it was still tasty and I appreciated the bread to soak up the sauce. I asked for the bill when our last dish was served, because I knew it would take forever to get. I was given the wrong bill. From eavesdropping, I found out that the table in front of us was also given the wrong bill and that they table next to us had such a long wait for one dish, they opted to forgo it. While I didn't have any issue with the timing of our dishes, our service was awful. The bright spots were the food and the amazingly nice hostesses, who were so sweet. While the food was 4.5 stars, the overall experience is 3 stars.
(3)
Heather K.
Amazing service! Great atmosphere! We did the 'Spanish experience ' for a late brunch and let the server pick foods for us. Brian did an amazing job. We got a fun tour around them menu. We tried everything from eggs over potatoes to octopus to peppers to eggplant and ice cream. It was a wonderful experience. I would recommend this to anyone visiting the area. Hint: do open table reservations; this place gets packed.
First, start with the Iberico sampler plate.. If you have been to Spain, you will be happy. Tomato toast with Manchego was very good, but it would be better with a bit of sweet tomato jam. Order the watermelon salad, it was amazing. The chorizo wrapped in chips was a bit greasy, finale was the red peppers with Spanish goat cheese. These were very good but would be amazing if you added just a bit of bread/salt to balance (maybe a crisp on top?) $78 for the entire five courses plus two drinks each (wine and beer) plus two espressos Our service was fantastic, thanks Michael
(5)
Maria E.
I'm tempted to issue three stars but I feel like that'd be unfair - this place is geared more toward carnivores hence the average experience. My friend (a vegetarian) didn't find too many options. She tried the fried eggplant with honey. It was overwhelming in sweetness - neither of us could finish it. I had the gazpacho (good) and garlic shrimp (also good). Wasn't blown away though. I will say that their menu is very well labeled in terms of the options that are vegan as well as gluten free, lactose free and such. Liked the atmosphere here. Friendly service.
(4)
Kathleen D.
You know that thing on the eve of your thirty-eighth birthday where you you find yourself in the middle of an internal dialogue that goes a little something like: "Ok, maybe it's enough with your constant vegan dabbling stints over the years, you recall the ones? The ones that are periodically spiked with a three-cheesesteaks-in-one-day kinda binge? I mean, that 3-in-1 was spread out throughout the entire day... soooo... let's just calm down. But seriously. You do love a hoagie too, so don't let's not be rash about this. Whadda you gonna do about that? Anyway, you're just coming up with a gimmick cause it's the day before your birthday. You're goin down some kinda resolution making road. No, but you know you've been feelin it though. Just do it. Really this time. Stay vegan. Do it. Commit yoself. Hey, I wonder if that most recent Morrissey show finally flipped me for good? Is that the thing? ...But maybe just some fish every once in a while. I don't know. " No? Not familiar? We don't share the same brain? Oh, ok. So, the ole gal was having a debate with herself on the drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the way to Asheville, looking over the Curate menu. Checking out the menu led to wondering/announcing aloud, and over-dramatically, to my rollin buddy, "THIS will be my last ham!" Throwin around proclamations. Cause everything has to be a freakin ceremony, you know. I'm sure that you're very much aware of the treasure of a ham that is Jamon Iberico. I like knowing that these black footed pigs have been enjoying the high life and all kinds of special treatment, but yo, whadda you know bout how those 5J hogs are livin? Free range and acorns all day everyday, that's how. Purebred, pampered pigs just eatin acorns with abandon, on their way to glory and deliciousness. Unless they're secretly griping between each other, "Eh, you guys got anything back there besides acorns?" (No, I know that animals do not have the ability to speak, everyone. Though, it is fun to imagine them talking in gruff but lovable cartoon voices.) Anyway, look, I've heard about this celebrated and storied ham and had never had the ham opportunity to try it for myself. I'll tell you what. That 5J was extraordinarily tasty, to say the least. It was tender, and meaty-yet-melty, and flavorful and uniquely nutty.That was some charcuterie excellence right there, dudes. So what I'm saying is, if I'm done with ham, and meats for that matter, that Jamon Iberico de Bellota 5J was a damn good one to go out on, cause it'd be goin ou ton top. I'd definitely deem it, "Last-ham worthy." Damn good. Other than making weird faces of enjoyment over exceptional ham, we also found all the other many tapas we tried at Curate to be top quality. Every bite. For instance, one that stood out to us was the Esqueixada de Montana. This local rendition of a classic Catalan dish, which featured Sunburst Farms trout served raw atop a fresh tomato puree and scattered with, black olives, shaved sweet onion, and lemon vinaigrette, was a great one. That was definitely one of the favorites. Light, fresh, and flavorful. Summery. Galician octopus, olives, pan con tomate with a little manchego, that juicy kumato salad with preserved bonito and sherry vinegar... the creamy, creamy brandad de bacalao... and white asparagus... and I'm forgetting what else! Ham and more, and something for everyone: That's what I'm sayin. Oh and gluten free, vegetarian, vegan, tree-nut-free dishes are all clearly marked or suggested with alterations on the menu, for whatever your dining needs, by the way. We sampled so many other little bites along with a pitcher of sangira, and we loved it all up. Dessert too- We were all about that pistachio tarta. It was kinda a deconstructed deally with pieces of pistachio sponge cake, blackberry coulis, and lemon-thyme ice cream. Dug that it wasn't a straightforward end-it super sweet dessert, with some slightly sour notes and a touch of earthy herbaceousness. Gooood. Service was great, and the place was still energetically buzzin at 10 on a Sunday night. We would gladly return again. We'd love to. We were totally happy about our dinner at Curate. "Happier than a couple o' acorn-gobblin', black-footed pigs," as they say.
(5)
Dawn L.
I've been dying to try this place out, the vegetarian boyfriend on the other hand, not so much. So when I came to Asheville with my foodie daughter, she couldn't wait to give this place a whirl!! She loved the Raw Trout, Galician Octopus and The Squid in it's Ink the most. Seriously, I've never had octopus cooked more perfectly, it was so tender it nearly brought tears to our eyes. This is also the first time she has ever liked eggplant. The fried eggplant in rosemary and honey was in fact, good, but I wouldn't order it again. Nothing about the flavors really stood out. The textures left a lot to be desired in my opinion as well. The Mushrooms in Olive Oil and Sherry? Not impressed. Some of the mushrooms had such an undercooked texture that I gagged a few times trying to chew them, and this is coming from the girl who people like to challenge with a game of "What Dawn won't put in her mouth for 5 dollars" The flavors were simple, very simple, just tasted as though raw mushrooms were splashed with sherry and then plated. Now, that Pistachio Sponge Cake with Lemon Thyme Ice Cream and Blackberry Coulis? I'm going to write a book about it, but in the meantime, until it's published, let me just say that you need to order this, perfect balance and combination of flavors. Holy cazolies.
(4)
Peggy H.
Hands down the most exciting restaurant in Asheville! Wonderfully inventive tapas, expertly prepared. Don't be daunted by the extensive menu; just make a reservation at the bar (you won't get in without one!) and let your server and fellow patrons steer you toward an amazing meal. Start with one of their signature cocktails; I had the Spanish martini and it was delicious. Then take your time to browse the menu and watch the myriad dishes being prepared right before you. See something cool or smell something delicious? Ask your server to hook you up. Don't be shy if surrounding patrons are enjoying a dish; just ask what they are eating! Be sure to try the skirt steak and the lamb skewers in "Moorish spices." Enjoy the Spanish charcuterie and the gazpacho. You can't go wrong . . . Everything is delicious!
(5)
Rich K.
I have been to Spain and love tapas, this place is so outrageously good cant wait to go back again. The service at the bar was also amazing. Only negative was the drunk guy sitting next to me who wouldn't stop commenting on every plate that arrived...
(5)
Daryl M.
Overpriced and overrated comes to mind...over and over. This is our second visit to this highly recognized restaurant. It will be our last. We were rushed while the service was slow. The tapas are now reduced to tidbits while prices continue to climb. There are far better choices in Asheville. Pass this one by. P.S. We stopped at McDonald's on the way home....we were so hungry.
(2)
Sarah F.
A charming little tapas bar with consistently good food. Anything you choose off the menu is meticulously cooked to perfection. The atmosphere is something to be mentioned.... Full of warmth and good company; you can easily find yourself memorized with the hustle & bustle here.
(5)
Luciana B.
Whaaat? I haven't reviewed Cúrate yet? How can that be? It was one of the first places we went after we moved to Asheville. It is not a huge place so it's kind of hard to get a reservation. We have been there maybe 5 times already, and had the chance to try quite a few things. My favorites are the octopus and the squid ink "noodle paella". Their desserts are good too, We had the pistachio cake and the crema catalana. The vibe there is lively and warm. Service is usually friendly. Seating at the bar can be really fun, since you can watch a lot being done. I am amazed by those whole Spanish hams being sliced thinly. They are very good there. They also have a fun selection of drinks and changing specials daily. Solid!
(5)
Connie L.
Gave this restaurant another try and I loved it! The eggplant w honey is delicious! Love the taste of the honey The migas- Brussels sprouts cauliflower raisins w celery root yogurt mousse is so delicious! So flavorful and love all the different textures! Pulpo- octopus was very tender and loved the subtle taste of the olive oil For dessert had the lemon thyme and rosemary ice cream.. Was nervous to try the Rosemary but server recommended it. I personally loved the lemon thyme, so refreshing and light! Rosemary was interesting and light too My friend lived in Spain for a while and he was absolutely in love with this place! He said most of the dishes are authentic or close to it! So glad I gave this place another chance!
(5)
Kat H.
Delicious Jamon and sashimi tapas. Love the menu and the open kitchen. Everything came out fast and was yummy! I'm sorry pigs, but u guys are delicious when cured and salted :*( but Ashville ppl are smelly and annoyingly hipster or super trailer hicks
(4)
Carole H.
By far the best Spanish tapas restaurant we've been to. We started with aceitunas cúrate, tabla de jamón, tabla de queso. We also had pulpo a la gallega, esqueixada de montaña - which was AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS, croquetas de pollo, gambas al ajillo- which truly is the number one tapa in asheville, if you like shrimp- pimientos de piquillo y queso de Cabral and pincho moruno. This restaurant was our favorite during our visit to Asheville.
This was a really great place to grab some tapas and wine! Sat at the bar where Brian was my server/bartender. Gave me some samples of wine before I made my decision. Let me know what he recommended as far as tapas. I ended up ordering the summer salad which was delightful, the lamb skewers which had a nice little kick to them, the potatoes which were shamefully delicious, and the sauteed mushrooms. I was planning on ordering the garlic shrimp as well but I was just way too stuffed. Very pleased with this place and when I make it back to Asheville, I'll definitely be hitting this place up again.
(5)
Laurie V.
Couldn't get a dinner reservation. But we got a lunch reservation and it worked out beautifully. The drive to Asheville took a little longer than expected, but Curate was generous enough to allow us to push back our rez 20 minutes or so. The lardo was my favorite. Thinly sliced. Pigs are fed chestnuts, giving it a rich nutty flavor. The cannoli stuffed with liver and covered in bechemel sauce and manchego cheese......this is making my mouth water to describe it.....the flavorful lamb skewers.....the potato chip wrapped chorizo......the tender octopus with the pureed potatoes.....everything......they even gave me a special birthday dessert. This chocolate brittle thingy with dried cherries, hazelnuts, and sea salt. Oh man. Goooood. Word to the wise: don't wait til last minute; there is nary a reservation to be available. Go here though. Yummy.
(5)
Mark B.
So amazing. Best salad ever ! All good great. Atmosphere perfect. Food is so good !
(5)
Hunter M.
The energy in this place combined with the remarkably good food make it my new favorite restaurant in Asheville. I was blown away by how delicious even the most simple dishes were. The pork flank steak was one of the best things I have ever eaten. While I hear reservations are hard to come by, we made ours pretty late in the evening and wanted to sit at the bar so getting a seat was no problem. Sitting at the bar allowed us to pick out our dishes as we went based on what looked good and also provided a nice show to go with dinner. While the tapas style menu can certainly add up in price, I'll be back here next time I make my way into the mountains.
(5)
Kris D.
Whoa, baby. Churrrrrrrrros! Delicious churrrrrrrrrrros! I would give Curate five stars simply based on their fabulous churros. Luckily, everything else on the menu was equally fantastic. We sampled cured meats, olives, a delicious artichoke salad, skewers of meat, and tasty octopus. When we arrived on Saturday afternoon, Curate was fairly packed, and we were thrilled to get a comfy seat at the bar, which turned out to be a front row seat to their kitchen. I found myself mesmerized by an employee who spent the nearly the entire duration of our visit slicing minute, finger nail thin shavings of meat off a giant bone. It was akin to the garlic chopping scene in Goodfellas. By the end of the meal, i walked out of Curate in a daze. I don't know if I was hypnotized by the meat slicing or falling into a tapas induced coma of bliss but whatever it was.... it was delicious.
(5)
Morganne B.
Best restaurant in Asheville. Perfect for an intimate date. Plenty of breweries nearby so that if you don't happen to have a reservation, you can put your name down and have them text you while you sip on one of Asheville's gazillion craft beers. Head back to Curate when your table is ready and continue with one of their porrons of sangria. Gotta get the tabla de jamon so yo don't have to choose between all their amazing cured hams; you won't regret it. Gambas al ajillo are a must--shrimp and garlic sounds simple but yeah, simply amazing. Can't wait to come back to this place!
(5)
Gloria J.
Felt like I was in Spain. Between the 2 of us we had 7 dishes and cleared them all. You must order these plates: Tomato bread with cheese Esparragos blancos Migas Berenjenas la taberna Butifarra con monjetes
(5)
Marco F.
THIS PLACE IS AMAZING...!! I tried making a reservation for this place a few days before I visited Ashville and of coarse they were all booked for the Saturday night I was coming to town (that's my own fault). However, I was happy to hear that if you walk in, they have a waiting list for bar seating which overlooks the kitchen/prep area. This ended up working out extremely well for us. We showed up around 7pm and were told there was a wait of about a hour to a hour and a half -- they would text message me when they were ready for us -- ok, perfect. I the meantime we went over to Top of the Monk for a cocktail (irrelevant to this review, but I highly recommend that as well). Once I received the text message we walked over right away and were seated as soon as we walked through the door. At first I was a bit disappointed to only get "bar seating" however, I think that I will request bar seating every time I go to this place. It's amazing to watch all the cooks perform magic. Its unbelievable, how fast & efficient they are while still being able to plate and present food in such an amazing way. I have always loved Tapas Style Restaurants. My biggest dilemma when going out to eat is not being able to decide on what I want - which tends to be more than one dish most of the time. With tapas, you can try a whole bunch of plates..in fact, you need to try numerous plates or you would walk out of the restaurant hungry lol. As far as the food goes at Curate, there is nothing I didn't like. Every dish we had was fantastic. My top 3 of the night would have to be: Shrimp w/ garlic, chorizo wrapped in chips & the tomato & tuna salad. The party didn't stop there. We also ordered the "pan con tomate", "tabla de embutidos ibericos" & "bocadillo Serrano" sandwhich. Every single thing we ordered was AMAZING. Also, this wont matter to many people, but they had "ESTRELLA" on tap. Estrella is a Spanish beer that's been around for over 100 years and they offer only 1 type of beer -- It's a Pilser and it's absolutely delicious. For those of you that have never tried it, I would say "Stella Artois" is Belgium's version of Estrella. I could go on and on...but I'll save you some time. CURTATE is absolutely amazing. I will recommend this place to anyone that is ever in the Ashville area. Order anything on the menu...I don't care what you order...but just make sure that you try this place out. And of course, don't forget to drink Estrella haha.
(5)
Lauren R.
Best Tapas EVER!! From service to cuisine this place is impeccable. We went for lunch. The place was already packed within 30 minutes of opening so we ate at the bar. No problem there - you get an up close view of the kitchen at work. I enjoyed the aptly named "ultimate gin & tonic" which had fresh juniper and an edible flower. It was fantastic! My boyfriend and I shared a charcuterie plate, stuffed peppers with goat cheese, and a fish dish with a wonderful tomato broth base. So between the atmosphere, the drinks, and the food I can safely say this was one of the BEST restaurant experiences out there.
(5)
Amanda S.
Love Tapas style eateries! Beautiful but simple decor. Table side or sit at the bar. They have so many wonderful things on the menu and I unfortunately don't remember the name of them all! (Sorry) The stuffed peppers- ahhhhhmazing Mimosas are delish.. a little small and pricey for what it is, but we have been spoiled coming from Florida ha The Ginger drink with the infused such and such. I can't say I want it now more enough! It was so tasty! I love ginger all together, but with the orange slice and the oil. Yummmmmy Desert!!! Holy cow batman! Pistachio ice cream and raspberries and more! Must have Our waiter was on top of his game and very efficient. He had a ton of tables and never skipped a beat. If you are looking for a beautiful place and tons of yummy eats. Then go here... If you are on a budget then you might want to go some other place. They are a little pricey due to it being tapas! Cheers
(4)
Katelin R.
When my boyfriend and I decided to visit Asheville for our first time, everyone we asked recommended this place. We were not disappointed! It was Labor Day weekend and I tried to make a reservation, but they were all booked up. We asked if we could sit at the bar and they put our name on a wait list and got our phone number to text us when seats were available. We strolled along the street and when we wandered back, seats were available. We were pleasantly surprised to discover that a table was available for us, so we didn't even have to sit at the bar! The host staff was extremely friendly. Our waitress Mallory was very sweet and gave us some solid, honest recommendations. We ordered several plates, and all were delicious. My favorite was the Octopus. Mallory was very accommodating and attentive. The atmosphere was extremely warm and cozy, with fresh flowers and rustic lighting. We were very happy with our experience and we will definitely be returning, as well as recommending this gem to others!
(5)
Starr P.
Absolutely the best food I've ever eaten. I eat there every time I'm in Asheville. Book ahead as reservations are required and it's a hot spot. And most importantly - step outside your comfort zone and try new dishes because you will fall in love with food you thought you didn't even like. The staff are so knowledgeable and friendly. Let them introduce your palate to the wonders of Spanish tapas.
(5)
Adolfo D.
My wife and i enjoy Cúrate every time we come to Asheville. My wife, a gazpacho enthusiast sometimes orders double portions. We have been to some of the best Spanish Tapas restaurants in the US and she assures me the it's the best she's ever tried. As for myself, i love everything. I'm South American with Spanish background and attest that this is as good as it gets, outside of Spain. Just try everything, you'll never be disappointed.
(5)
Melissa B.
Quite possibly... No, definitely, the best lunch I've ever eaten in my life! I cannot describe what I tasted, but every bite was amazing! I had the pleasure of trying about 6 or 7 items, and want to taste them all again, as well as taste everything else on the menu. My suggestion: go there with a party of at least 40 friends, so your table can order the entire menu, then walk around your entire table and graze off of each and every plate. Or, if you don't have that many friends, go there every day until you've tried every item on the menu... Then start all over again. If I lived in Asheville, I'd live at Curate!
(5)
Mike S.
Oooh, why can't I give this 4.5 stars? I think what Curate is missing is some Hispanic flair. I joked with our blonde haired blue eyed server that my Wife pronounced the names of the dishes much better than he could (Alina is Cuban). But that's just my Miami roots showing through. What's important is the food, right? The meal? Que delicioso! I didn't order anything, I left that to my Wife. Her choices didn't disappoint. There was one I didn't try, I am not a fan at all of bacalao, but Alina loved it. She nibbled at the lamb skewers, she shies away from any meat other than cow or pig. I loved the lamb, it was my favorite of everything we tried. The chicken croquetas (fritters as the menu calls them) were creamy, and full of chicken. The order comes with 5, I'm still suffering from the pain of Alina's fork stabbing me when I tried to grab the 5th one. I don't remember anything after that, it was all a blur of plates coming full, and leaving empty. $75 later, the end finally arrived when churros con chocolate was brought to us. By that time, I was in a food coma, I'm not even sure how I made it to the car. We had a terrific time, sitting at the bar was fun because we got to interact with the servers. I liked how they explained each dish as they brought it to us. We were lucky to get in without a reservation, only a short wait and we were seated at the bar. Judging from the crowd when we left, we just got lucky in our timing. I don't do very many 5 star restaurant reviews, but Curate is definitely one of the best we have visited in Asheville. One of the best in the whole damn state actually.
(5)
Brianne D.
First off, the food was wonderful! A great mix between American and Spanish, safe enough for even the most stubborn eater. With a menu ranging from soups and meat and cheese boards to sausage sandwiches and lamb kebabs you're bound to find something delicious. Second, the staff (wait and kitchen) were so cool and collected. With the volume of guests and the number of plates coming through they worked well together and created a calm atmosphere. If you go, make a reservation! And, well if you don't... have a seat at the bar. You'll be pleasantly distracted with the cooks!
(5)
John S.
Enjoyable Spanish-style tapas that reminded us of how much we enjoyed a recent trip to Barcelona. Our server was very helpful, explaining how much we should order (2-3) plates per, and recommending a wine within our price range. Our favorites: grilled pork 'secreto', piquillo peppers stuffed with goat cheese, tortilla (egg and potato torte). We also loved the salad with compressed watermelon, gazpacho, and tomato bread. We left talking about how we might recreate some of these dishes on our own home.
(5)
Megan P.
We loved it! We were able to squeeze in at 7:15 ( thanks Open Table). The hosts and servers were lovely and clearly took great pride in their work. The drink menu was well tailored. We loved the nod to the true meaning of "tapas" with the tiny lids and jar tops that were used to serve some dishes. The smoked jammon was a religious experience for my husband, while the sherry vinaigrette used in the tuna dad should be bottled as magic. We skipped dessert for other fare later but if you can order the Nutella napkin ahead of time. A group next to us had it and it looked outstanding. There is some much pride in the cooking and everything is reflected in the food and atmosphere.
(4)
Justin H.
Super packed but instead of being turned off by this, we took it as a great sign! We put our name in and was told the wait would be 45-60 min - no big deal since they also take your phone number and text you when the table is ready. A perfect opportunity to check out some other bars in the area. We got our text and headed back and was promptly seated. Being tapas, the plates are small but very tasty. My wife had the calamari and a few other items that slip my mind. I had the ham platter with a salad and was very pleased with my selection. We sat at the bar and had constant attention. It wasn't overbearing or intrusive - but just enough. Next time we're in town, we're definitely hitting up Curate again!
(4)
Tori H.
I had to process what I wanted to say about Curate for a few days after an amazing meal I had here with 12 friends. First of all- eating with 12 people at once and having an amazing meal is pretty hard to come by.. usually there's an issue or it's slow, or whatever. This was the perfect dining experience.. and I have been to some grandiose restaurants in Asheville and the Triangle area. The service was perfect. The waiters taking care of us were fast, helpful, and accurate. They were also chill & friendly. The food....oh my goodness.. the food was amazing. My friend who arranged the dinner picked our tapas to share....and that was such a fun idea. We had no idea what tapas we were about to be served! My friends shared about 12 different tapas x 3 (yes we were slammed full and hurting after 3 hours) but I will only write about the most incredible of the incredible ones... Berenjenas a taberna - fried eggplant with drizzled honey!!! I don't even LIKE eggplant and this was my favorite thing!! SO FLAVORFUL! Pimientos de piquillo y queso de cabra- peppers stuffed with goat cheese.. this melted in your mouth good! Gambas al ajillo - shrimp in garlic broth.. uhhh simple and AMAZING... you can dip bread in the garlic ... was divine! Migas- sauteed brussel sprouts, raisins, cauliflower, and a celery root yogurt mousse with croutons. Okay the funny thing here is I dislike all of these things.. but somehow paired together it was a food party in my mouth! Espuma de chocolate- the chocolate mousse was incredible.. the sorbet paired with this was just out of this world. My taste buds exploded! They also had a great wine list that had some reasonably priced glasses of wine on it. One of the best spots in Asheville! I cannot wait to return! Note- doesn't seem like the best place for large groups UNLESS you call ahead to work something out. Most tables are for 2-4 people.
(5)
Doris P.
We really enjoyed this late afternoon stop after a nice day of shopping in Asheville. We started with a small dish of assorted olives, a glass of sparkling wine and a Spanish martini...refreshing! Toasted bread with tomatoes and manchego cheese...delicious and just enough! Next was the garlic shrimp...mmm good and tender, make sure to sop the bread in the juice, and last was the pork skirt steak, thinly sliced, tender and juicy! The great thing about this place is everything is small portions and reasonably priced so two can try a variety of menu items and leave feeling satisfied but not stuffed. Happy, Happy, Happy!
(5)
Rob W.
We loved this Tapas bar. We had some of the best tastes ever here. You have to try the Octopus, absolutely one of the best versions ever, melt in your moth tender and so tasty. Everything we had at this popular spot was awesome. Make reservations or be prepared for a good wait for a table.
(4)
Lianna N.
Whoa. Talk about first impressions. After this first date with Curate, I'm going to declare that we're headed straight for marriage. Where to even begin? This was the venue for my best friend's rehearsal dinner. After passing it along the street multiple times, I had no idea how we were all going to fit in there. Turns out there is a party room downstairs that easily fit the 35 of us. When you pass Curate (coo-rah-tay) on the street, what is most striking as you glance into the big glass street front windows is the full dining room with various types of seating, table, booths, and bar style for those diners that may enjoy watching the action in their state of art open kitchen. Modern and classy, elegant and romantic. All of those adjectives come to mind when I think about Curate. The food was a set menu, and M spared no cost in thinking about what to serve us. There were personal menus at each of our place settings naming and describing the 9 courses we were about to receive. They came out timed perfectly, and the wait staff was so accommodating and amazing. They described each dish as it was presented to us in a very professional manner. M also ordered white and red sangria for the whole party, a classy touch and went perfectly with the food. The cured hams were excellent, as well as the cod and potato puree with toast bits. The butternut squash soups was decadent and velvety smooth, and the shrimp was absolutely perfect--crunchy and blasted with lime and garlic flavor. The beet salad was AMAZING. After the 6th dish I really started to feel the pull at my waistband, but I really must say this is some of the best food I have EVER eaten. I would consider planning a trip to Ashville just to eat here again.
One of the best places to eat anywhere much less in Asheville. I can't recommend this place any higher.
(5)
Davy S.
I had high expectations for this place and I was not disappointed. The service was excellent. Our waiter was charming and knew a lot about the food and the wine. The hostess was great and even got us a table for 2 without a reservation which was amazing. The food was all amazing except for 1 mediocre dish and 1 dish that I personally did not enjoy but I can imagine other people would. Spicy chorizo snack - Great way to start Cheese plate - Incredible. Wonderful selection of cheeses. Octopus - Fantastic, as expected from a highly reviewed tapas restaurant. White asparagus - We actually considered this to be quite gross. I'm not docking points for this because I believe that I just wasn't used to the strange texture and flavor combinations here and I want to encourage restaurants to try interesting combinations of things even if sometimes they weird customers out :) Shrimp - Excellent, unique flavor blend. Hake fish - Mediocre. Didn't really stand out. Catalonia "creme brule" dessert - Outstanding! All the drinks we had were also fantastic, particularly the Don Pedro sherry I had to accompany the dessert.
(5)
Monica R.
Tapas are interesting and expensive but so worth it. The idea that everyone picks 2-3 dishes to try and then shares it with everyone is amazing and I'll tell you why. It makes you interact with everyone at the table, it makes it perfectly acceptable and not rude at all to eat off of everyone else's plate. It keeps everyone involved on all the coming and going and off of their phones. We went for my bf's dad's and brother's birthdays and had such a fun night! I am going to list what we had from most delicious to delicious. Oddly enough, the number one tapa in Asheville - Gambas al ajillo- was my least favorite BUT nothing here is not worth trying. Patatas brava - these were the best fried potatoes and the brava sauce sealed this deal. Also great because it goes well with any and all other plates. Pulpo a la gallega - this was the underdog winner! I didn't think I would like it because it wasn't breaded or fried and I could tell it was octopus buuuuuut my friends... Do not leave without trying this. Bocadillo Catalan and the pincho moruno tied for third. The sausage and onions made me want to go hug the chef and the seasoning on the lamb skewer was perfect. Escalivada con anchoas- not a fan of anchovies? This dish proves that a lot of your dislike has to do with preparation. I dare you to not like anchovies after trying this. Esparragos blancos - get this if you want to try the most delicious side of mayo ever! The asparagus was pretty damn good too Esparragos verdes con romesco- I don't know which of the two asparagus dishes I liked more but the sauce from this tapa with the lamb skewer made me forget my manners Chistorra and chips Jose's way- although this was very good it's not adventurous... If you happen to come with picky eaters because you can't leave them at home, order these! They are like pigs in a blanket but with potato chips! Berenjena la taverna - this eggplant was so effin good but order it towards the end as it is sweet. The worst thing about this dish is that now I don't ever want to eat eggplant if it ain't fried! Croquetta de pollo - this may not be fair as I was born and raised in Miami. The Cubans have mastered the art of the croquetta but if you can't make it to Miami, go ahead and try it you won't be disappointed. This is also good for that non adventurous person you should've left at home. Espinaca a la catalana - if you are on a diet and can't eat any of the above, get this. Warm Spinach salad with pine nuts and apples. Actually, if you are on a diet, just stay home. Before you judge me for trying so much food, I will say we had a large party. Tapas are GREAT FUN when you have a lot of people... Here are my tips for really enjoying this place. - make reservations - try to go with more than 3 people - be prepared mentally to spend money, not just on food, remember the gratuity. Please don't come to Asheville and miss out on this place.
(5)
Roxanne B.
2 glasses of Rose ($11 each), 2 tapas, with tip and tax = $60. Phenomenal tastes, and phenomenal wine. Service just ok. I sat at the bar, and the bartender/waiter was slammed. He could have used some help. Maybe someone called in sick. Get the raw trout salad, and paired with the expensive Rose. Amazing! It's worth it, just go!
(5)
Jesse F.
First off, trying to get a reservation for this place can be a challenge, but that could certainly be based on the positive feedback they get. My wife and I came to curate for her birthday and overall our experience was good, but I am not sure it was worth the wait to get a reservation. It is Tapas style, and the food was tasty, portions normal for tapas, and service was good as well. I was most impressed that I checked in on facebook and mentioned it was my wife's birthday and at the end of dinner they brought a special treat for her birthday. This is great use of social media to respond to your customers. Food: Good, a little overpriced, but not unusual for Asheville these days Restaurant: Clean Service: Good, even better that they responded to my social media check-in by providing us even better service. I would give 5 stars to service, 4 starts to food (only because the prices are a bit on the high-end).
(4)
Richard P.
It has been a while since I had tapas I cared about, and these were very good. My wife and I had a fun time tasting all the different dishes. The bar program was very good too, creative and seasonal cocktails were available.
(4)
David Y.
We snuck in here for an early afternoon lunch and got a couple of seats at the bar, which was a great place to sit and watch the chefs at work. We also had a chance to chat with one of the cooks who was prepping goat cheese stuffed peppers. My wife and I had the pan con tomate (bread with tomato fresco) and manchego cheese, gazpacho, and ensalada de verano (summer salad). The flavor of the gazpacho was very subtle as expected from the cucumber. The salad was a surprising delight, combining compressed watermelon, tomato, sheep cheese, corn nuts, and greens. I have never had a salad with watermelon, and it was a minor revelation. It's a dish I will search out in the summer. Overall, this was a refreshing and tasty late summer lunch. It's hard to give an overall rating to a lunch with an appetizer, soup, and salad, so I was torn between 4 and 5 stars. But in the end couldn't think of anything I would change and I would definitely go back so going with 5.
(5)
Lisa L.
I was lucky enough to visit this place when it just opened, as I only lived in Asheville for a little less than a year. I'm not surprised at how much attention they're getting, as this place was phenomenal!! Sitting at the counter was great for our small group- the staff looks happy and everyone was better knowledgeable and helpful when it came to dishes and drinks that we weren't familiar with. I had my fist parron here, and it was fun and delicious! Can't wait to come back!
(4)
Jeff S.
Ummm, the white sangria. It has gin, cognac, and a full bottle of cava. It has a few pieces of fruit. My wife and I shared a pitcher - mixed in front of us at the table. And it was amazing. Except it didn't taste like a pitcher of booze. We also had like 5 or 6 small plates. I recommend brining a third person to either help drink the sangria or to be available to drive/walk you home :) We walked in w/o a reservation and were able to get seated right by the front door/window. We had an excellent time, and I've send several other people there since and they've all reported back that the loved it.
(5)
Aleks K.
Full again, greedy again, eating again. We were walk ins at 6p on a Saturday and grabbed two bar seats. Next time, I want a table because I felt like I was on top of the person next to me. The waitress was off putting and seemed like a know it all. When I try a new cuisine and you ask me if its my first time dining in this restaurant, maybe you should offer suggestions without me asking? We ended up getting three small plates, a hard cider and a ginger ale. The marcona almonds were good and what you'd expect. The green grilled asparagus came with a great tomato sauce - soft and nutty texture. We ate all the sauce even when the asparagus was gone. The last thing we got was the patatas bravas - do not skip these! They were perfectly soft in the center and crispy on the outside. I also finally had a Fever Tree ginger ale - worth every penny. Mild and lightly sweet, I'll be buying this next time I see it at the store. The menu is overwhelming and the small plates add up fast. Every item is described but then also has a marking for nut free, gluten free, lactose free. Seems like restaurants in Asheville have an interest in accommodating diners with food allergies. Overall, I'd eat here again just hungry and with a reservation at a table for two.
Amazing! Ate our neighbors papitas bravos by accident and turned out to be the best mistake of my life! Can't recommend enough!!!
(5)
Eric M.
I like writing five-star reviews. Here's another one for Curate. From decor, to food, to drinks, to service, all hits and no misses. Never seen a cleaner open kitchen. Some of the best tapas I've had, beating places in NYC, Chicago and Atlanta. Was fun to sit at the bar and watch everything come together. Save yourself reading the 400+ other reviews and just go.
(5)
Brannon G.
Great little spot and I certainly understand why it can be difficult to get in some evenings as it appears to always be full. The place is as advertised, a nice cozy little tapas joint with an extensive list of a variety of small plates. Everything we ordered was delicious, but I would like to see a few more adventurous items on the menu; such as some scallops or more seafood. The mood was great for an intimate evening and the service was great....not a place I am going to eat at all the time, but I will most definitely be back.
(4)
Shane S.
Amazing! We got very lucky by finding seats at the bar. This is a sophisticated latin tapas eatery. The lamb. Was fantastc--juicy, tender and great flavor. The Serrano goat cheese peppers were great as well. The service was outstanding and extremely friendly. If you can get in this place; go!
(5)
Ted Z.
Summary: money is greater than stars I am happy for the fact that they compost everything they see, and all their meat are free range farm raised within smelling distance or something. I have no problem with any of the food and drinks that were ordered. They're all delicious. I do have an issue with the fact after $100 later (1 beer only), we had to go next door for a second dinner. And no we are not 5'2 250.
Came here again and the food was just as good as always. I recommend the watermelon salad. Interesting combination of ingredients that work. The octopus was also delicious, soft and tasty. And, the dessert, the pistachio sponge cake with thyme ice cream, also excellent. The dishes are really creative. The only thing I would not order again was the lamb. The meat was too hard, and the seasoning overshadowed the taste of the meat. But overall, everything else surpassed my expectations.
(5)
Aleaha R.
I have to be honest I can't figure out why this place is rated so high. We went while visiting and everyone in the party was disappointed. The server was really good and nice. Not one dish I tried did I saw wow that was awesome. We had the chicken fritters which were not good, the pepper with goat cheese was ok, the chorizo with potato chips was probably the best thing we had, the patatas had way too much sauce on them, my husband had the sausage sandwhich was ok. Nothing stood out and actually we didn't eat a ton and was still $90 per couple. There are way to many other great places to eat in this town. I think because it's all tourists rating it's higher than it should be. Just my opinion but have eaten at many tapas places when traveling and this one I would not return too.
(2)
Theresa E.
Wonderful Experience! Reservations recommended on the weekend! This was my first trip to Asheville and we were not sure what we should eat. We decided on Curate and I couldn't be more happy! We had the Tomato and Tuna salad to start and it was fabulous. I wanted to lick the plate after we finished! Next up was the Pan Con Tomate with Manchego cheese. Honestly, I could have eaten that all night! For the second round we had the stuffed peppers and the shrimp and garlic and while the shrimp may be Asheville's most popular tapas, the stuffed peppers were, for me, significantly better. We aren't big eaters, so two rounds were enough. With one drink each, our ticket was just over $50. Definitely worth it! Based on our experience, I'm pretty sure there isn't a bad item on the menu. Traffic was brisk and many walk-ins were turned away. Curate is not to be missed when you visit Asheville!
(5)
Alice H.
LITERALLY MY FAVORITE RESTAURANT EVER! I'm a complete food enthusiast and every time I go to Asheville I eat here like every night. You can't go wrong with anything on this menu. Trust me, do not miss out!!!!
(5)
Amy L.
My boyfriend and I went here based on multiple recommendations while in town for a weekend. We had never had Tapas and were very overwhelmed by the menu. The server was a great help in making recommendations and being patient with us (for example, I'm a vegetarian). We liked everything we tried and it was unique fare. We walked in pretty early on a Sunday night and it was soon very busy (full!). This didn't delay our dishes from coming out well spaced. I tried the Butternut squash soup, the fried eggplant, and the goat cheese stuffed peppers. I liked it all, and my boyfriend like everything he got. He said the meat stuffed pasta was especially filling, which is nice for small plates. We left comfortably full each having two plates and splitting a third. This is a solid choice from some interesting food and good service.
(4)
Tara S.
OMFG, this might have been the best meal I've had stateside. In a heartbeat, I would return. After hearing about this joint from my Husband's boss, we knew we had to make reservations. We started with the best sangria ever. Not too sweet and always a plus with some Hennessy in it. The dishes we had were: - jamon iberico fermin - melt in your mouth piggy goodness. I would gladly eat this every meal and never tire of it. - the ajo blanco with dungeness crab - cold almond and garlic soup? no the more amazing sounding food, but this was a revelation for me. It would be a perfect start for any meal on a hot summers day - chistrorra con pure de patats - the potato puree and the chorizo paired together perfectly. - ramps with tomato - I've never had ramps before, but now I am going to hunt them down with a vengeance. So delicious. - pimentos de piquillo con queso de cabra - the best goat cheese stuffed peppers I have ever had, and I have eaten my share! - setas al jerez - I will now only eat my sauteed mushrooms with sherry! - rossejat negro - described as "paella like" but so much better than that. I love squid and squid ink, so this dish was right down my alley. This was my favorite, and I pretty much ate the whole pan by myself. I was so great that Chef Katie came to our table to explain the dish to us. - tarta de pistacho - the lightest sponge cake I have ever had. I still dream about the Lemon thyme ice cream. One of my favorite desserts of all time. I need to find a reason to drive the 6 hours to come back soon so I can try the other dishes.
(5)
Rachel N.
Really great food! Had about a 30 minute wait for bar seats for 2 adults on a Tuesday night but the wait was worth it! We went off bartenders recs for food and he did not disappoint! Every dish that came out of the kitchen looked amazing! The kitchen is uniquely set behind the bar so as we were sitting at the bar we got to see a lot of the food being prepared which was pretty cool too!
(5)
Jim O.
Went here on a corporate outing for dinner. Six of us were up for an experience both with the company and the food. The food (and the company too) did not let us down. Our waiter was awesome and took total and complete care of us throughout the evening. He gave us the option of us ordering items that we wanted to or having him bring us whatever he wanted. After a few questions, he had enough of an idea I guess to start our feast for us. We had cured ham. We had the octopus. We had skewers of lamb. We so many different things off the menu without knowing what was coming or how much the items were. A fun way to eat though perhaps not the best way if you are on any sort of budget. Pimentos de piquillo con queso de cabra (piquillo peppers stuffed with spanish goat cheese) was quite possibly one of the best things I've had, along with the pork and mushrooms together were simply divine. Everything else was good; but these few were my absolute favorite. The fried eggplant drizzled with honey and rosemary ice creams is bizarre for sure; but it it a great way to finish off a fantastic dinner of tapas. The non-desert desert; but it worked and worked well. It was on our company's dime and we were thankful for that. About $409+ worth of tapas later. We were all full and quite happy with our experience here. Another great dining option in Asheville for sure. What a great culinary experience.
(4)
Ben T.
My wife and I visited Curate on a spring Saturday evening after reviewing many restaurants in the area for our visit. The restaurant is located in the convenient busy center of Ashville. Coming from DC I was excited to read that Chef was originally trained with Jose Andres. There are many things to be excited about when planning your night here. I will recommend getting reservations early as it appears they fill up quick! Good drink selections are not hard to come by here. You can go in many directions but the cocktail and sangria list were more than adequate. Looking around the restaurant I could not help but wonder how many locals were in my presence. It does appear that Curate caters to tourist but this may be a rare time that I welcome the catering. Our service was informative and the waiter was familiar with the menu. Based on reviews it appears the offerings do not change frequently which given the size of the menu this was not an issue. We took almost every recommendation offered by our server and all were fantastic. This is your time to be gluttonous! Tapas in general are a great experience. The variety of flavors keeps the dining experience progressive both in time and savor. Don't waste your time trying to decide on what you want before like I attempted to do. Go with the server's blessings and your desire at that moment. Curate is just a fun place if I have to sum it up. Your palate will be delighted and you will forget you are currently in Asheville, NC. I have visited Spain twice and many people boast about its authenticity. I can't say I agree wholeheartedly on that however I do know what we had was original and tasty. Also coming from DC we were delighted for such a great meal at half the cost we are used too! This savings was passed on to our new tableside pig toothpick holder that I recommend everyone to purchase as well Thanks for a great meal and experience!
(4)
Rich B.
You'll need reservations. After a few days of visiting family and eating questionable meals in my home state, Curate was this delicious breath of fresh air. PROS: Every dish we picked was delicious. The grilled octopus with paprika and sea-salt could easily be my favorite dish for 2014 (I know you were all waiting breathlessly for my annual pick). When octopus is done well, as it is often over cooked, it is one of my favorite things. Great wine + sherry + cocktails. Large menu of tasty bits. Attractive space and attractive and warm staff. Prices aren't bad. CONS: The day we were there, the pacing was a little off with the dishes. One dish seemed to have been misplaced. There were a few expanses of time where nothing showed up. Everyone was apologetic.
(4)
Angie W.
We sat at the bar and enjoyed our lunch. The ginger ale was good. The lamb skewers were great. Fried eggplant was good (drizzled with honey) Olives were yummy. We also had a spinach salad with raisins and pine nuts- all good and a great pairing with the lamb. Overall good
(4)
Faisal B.
My fav restaurant in Asheville. Creative, tasty dishes in the classic Tapas format. The last time I was here... We ordered about 10 dishes but wasn't too full and felt like we could've ordered at least two more :) however I didn't think the spicy lamb was all that... There were a lot of other items especially the seafood that were much better IMHO:)
(4)
Dawn C.
Late night we got in at the bar. The tender was darling, friendly and very knowledgable about the food. I got the grapefruit, whiskey and honey cocktail. Perfect and not too sweet. My friend got the cocktail with Liquor 43 and orange. Sweeter and delicious. The ham plate, remarkably nice. Watermelon tomato salad- refreshing. Warm chocolate mousse with raspberry sorbet -worth the calories. Creative without being precious or contrived. No sour notes. Would go again in a minute.
(5)
Kerrie P.
The atmosphere and staff dedication to the food and the menu only enhances the experience at Curate. Everything we tried from drinks to appetizers then entrees and dessert was excellent. The level of food preparation was devine! Will be back when we are back in Asheville.
(5)
Erica L.
One of the best meals I've had in a long time! We started with the tomato bread and chorizo wrapped in potato chips, then enjoyed a sausage baguette, omelet, goat cheese stuffed peppers and garlic shrimp. Everything was outstanding. Our server was sweet and helpful (important for tapas rookies like us). Portions are totally reasonable for the price. I wouldn't change a thing- you will not be disappointed here.
(5)
Alex M.
One of our favorite meals in Asheville! Every single thing we had was strong in flavor and unique but delicious! I recommend about 2-3 tapas dishes per person, but they're great for sharing. Dishes we had that we recommend: -charcuterie -white asparagus salad -mushrooms sauteed with sherry -shrimp with garlic -lamb skewers They're great about dietary restrictions. The menu denotes gluten-free, lactose-free, vegan, and nut-free options.
(5)
Glenn G.
Would it be too bold of me to say "it took just one visit to realize this is one of my favorite restaurants" ? ! ? ! ? ! Well, it is... and all happened by chance. Walking down Biltmore Avenue to have a late night dinner at "Bistro 1896" only to find the chairs stacked, doors locked and seems Bistro is out of buiness. Down the block we see busy place called Cúrate and decided to check it out. 10 pm and people were still waiting for a table; rather than wait for a table we ate at the counter that wraps around the open kitchen... And what a show that open kitchen was.... the chefs made many of the dishes right in front of us; and at the same time making conversation with the counter guests. The layout is a long, skinny restaurant but they made good use of mirrors to give the appearance a roomier place... The ambiance is casual but sophisticated. The decor is simple yet elegant (truly loved the counter top along the kitchen bar.... perhaps quartz or white marble). And I'm pretty sure they have a private room downstairs. Cúrate serves traditional Spanish Tapas... and if you're not from Asheville (as I'm not), I promise you'll go home to wherever and search for a spanish tapas place upon your homecoming... they are that inspiring. OUR MEAL: Beside the local beers from Green Man Brewery and Pisgah Brewing, we enjoyed a REBUJITO (traditional drink from the south of Spain made from sherry, bitters, lemon and mint. Started off simple with PIMIENTOS DE PIQUILLO CON QUESO DE CABRA (piquillo peppers stuffed with spanish goat cheese)... excellent I nearly fell out of my seat with how delicious our PULPO A LA GALLEGA (galician style octopus over potato puree) It may sound "boring" but our SETAS AL JEREZ (sauteed mushrooms in a sherry broth) is the sort of dish that would turn any mushroom hater into a mushroom lover. Moorish spices and homemade pickles made our PINCHO MORUNO (marinated lamb skewer) unbelievably special. Another simple yet delicious veggie dish was our ESPINACAS A LA CATALANA (sauteed spinach with apples, raisins and toasted pine nuts. Last and taking top honors was the BUTIFARRA CON MONGETES (mild pork sausage served with white beans and aioli) ***salivating yet?*** and the sad part is... I won't be back for about a year since I live 700 miles away (GRRR).
(5)
Aaron D.
Go for it. Here's my top 8. Cedro iberico "pork Skirt steak" Patatas bravas Gambas al ajillo Berenjenas la taberna Chistorra & chips jose's way Almendras fritas Pinco moruno Tabla de jamon
Got all of the below. UNBELIEVABLE Migas Garlic shrimp Ensalada rusa Chicken croquets Esqueixada montana x 2 Pan con tomate w/wo anchovies Pulpo a la gallega Espinacas catalana Espuma de chocolate Berenjenas la taberna
(5)
Nicole W.
Man oh man oh man. Curate lived up to its hype, and it's 4.5 star average rating. It was absolutely delicious from start to finish. Inside, Curate is inviting - a mix of industrial brick and exposed duct work with an open kitchen and long bar leading towards to back of the restaurant. Service was absolutely on point our entire lunch and our party of four truly enjoyed the experience from drinks to each plate. And because the menu is pretty deep and diverse, our server expertly led us through the selections. Here are the standouts I sampled... Brussel sprouts: Mouth watering, crispy brussels tossed with a light coating of fragrant oil, raisins and cauliflower. These little sprouts sidled up to an absolutely mouth watering celery root yogurt mousse. It was beyond good. Bread with tomato and manchego: Sounds simple, tasted divine. The bread was incredible fresh and pillowy, the tomato and manchego provided a nice salty but fresh taste to kickstart my tastebuds. Octopus: Spiced, grilled octopus (rings/circles) with the most delicious yukon gold mash on the side. These little sea creatures blew my mind they were so flavorful. Piquillo peppers with goat cheese: Exactly what it sounds like, and Curate did not go light on the goat cheese, which made me a very happy camper. It's worth noting that the menu is extremely accommodating for those with a gluten free, lactose free, nut free or vegan diet. Curate, you little minx you, next time I'm in Asheville I'm sure I'll visit again.
(5)
Carey R.
Glad we made reservations for a Tuesday night dinner because this place was packed! There were so many choices on the menu that looked good it was almost too hard to decide. Our waitress (who was awesome) recommended we start with some sangria and chorizo wrapped with potato chips while deciding. It was a great start; the sangria was fresh and the potato chips were nice and crunchy in contrast with the warm chorizo. We asked lots of questions about the food and got really good answers, never feeling like we were being rushed. As a result, we felt like we ordered some of the best things on the menu: Piquillo peppers stuffed w/ goat cheese - Nice smoky flavor of peppers, cooked perfectly, with a creamy cheese Bread w/ tomato fresco and manchego cheese - Tomato fresco was super fresh. Get a 1/2 order so you don't fill up on bread. Lamb skewers - Tender and juicy. Similar to gyro meat. Sauteed brussel sprouts w/ celery root puree - The most surprising dish of the night. We ate this paired with the lamb skewers and it was great. The sprouts had a slight crisp and the raisins added a perfect sweetness. You must try this. Paella w/ squid in ink - If you can get past the black color, it really is a good seafood dish. It seemed bigger than the other dishes, but that could be because pasta is filling. Very fresh and worth trying something new. We highly recommend this place when in Asheville. Next time we will sit at the bar so we can see all the excitement in the kitchen.
(4)
Angela R.
True Spanish style tapas! The chorizo wrapped in potato chips and the galician octopus are melt in your mouth amazing! I go here every time I'm in Asheville.
(5)
David W.
Wow, Asheville really knows how to cook a good meal. Luckily, one of my friends knew to get a reservation far in advance. We literally couldn't stop ordering plates, because everything was so amazing. The drinks were awesome as well. I will make sure to come back here on my next NC visit!
(5)
Ben N.
When I heard that Asheville had a restaurant called "Curate," I got really excited about trying some roast mutton and kidney pie, thinking we'd get to throw down like a nineteenth-centuty Anglican vicar raiding the collection plate. OK. That's really stupid. Stupid because I realized that there was an accent over the "u" in "Curate" and that the word actually has three syllables! So, HAI-YAH!! Wait a minute. That's "karate"? Yes, that's even dumber. Way dumber. I'm always writing Yelp reviews talking about how I cannot get this or that cuisine or food item in my current Ohio River Valley town. It becomes pretty annoying after awhile, definitely for me. But almost certainly for the readers--readers who are almost certainly a figment of my imagination. Anyway, Curate is another one: So how in the ham sandwich can a metro area of two million souls--namely, Cincinnati, Ohio--not have a straightforward tapas restaurant? Because our meal at Curate reiterates that every town, or maybe even every neighborhood, ought to have a high-quality basic tapas restaurant, i.e., one that's confident enough to execute the basics without resorting solely to the now-all-too-common "fusion," "updated" or "modern" tapas. Four of us shared the following: --Olives --Tortilla espanola --Lardo --Escalivada con anchoas --Croquetas de pollo --Stuffed piquillo peppers --Gambas al ajillo --Grilled asparagus with romesco sauce --Lamb skewers The big winners were the lardo--Curate offers some mouth-watering charcuterie, much of which is on display in the restaurant's open kitchen--and the lamb skewers, which had a wonderful North African flavor profile and were cooked a perfect medium rare. The anchovy salad and grilled asparagus were surprisingly good, too. (Only the croquetas might have been a little disappointing, with just a one-dimensional chicken flavor profile.) Service was polished and smooth enough that everything arrived successively in a perfectly-paced parade of culinary indulgence. Given the quality ingredients and the care given to the food, I thought $140 for four (we each had a glass of wine) with tax and tip included was very reasonable. Decor and atmosphere felt urbane enough without veering into pretension. It suited what Curate is trying to do with its food, which is provide a wide variety of gourmet-level small plates in a comfortable, casual setting. For what it's worth, "Curate" actually means "cure yourself." That's got to be the least interesting thing about this restaurant.
(5)
Mateo B.
Curate punches above its weight. Best Tapas in the Southeast and maybe the U.S. That said, it's not for everybody. If you don't know what a Marcona almond is or Pulpo then you're better off at Rhubarb next door. But let's say you were amongst the 1 percent of 1 the percent who ate at El Bulli (finest restaurant on earth where owner/chef Katie Button once trained)--well, you're getting gold at bronze prices.
(5)
Zack B.
I had really high expectations given the reviews and the accolades of the head chef. I can certainly say that the entire experience was everything it's cracked up to be. The tapas were all so different and so flavorful. Each took you on a new adventure. I would recommend curate to anyone!
Fairly good Spanish tapas. We got the octopus, stuffed peppers, shrimp, tortilla, patatas bravas, and the ham and manchego bocadillo. Everything was really great (wasn't a huge fan of the peppers however) and we left stuffed. Probably ordered a bit too much food but it was all delicious so it didn't matter. My favorites were the bocadillo and the patatas bravas. Definitely worth checking out.
(4)
Adam B. J.
Expensive but good. Started off with a pitcher of the house made sangria (with sparkling wine instead of red). It comes 1/4 full of gin, fruit, and ice. Wow, what a way to start a morning. Way stronger than a mimosa. We had the white asparagus. I expect fresh food at these prices. The white asparagus was obviously canned. Everything after that was good. The highlight was the brunch item we got which was a potato, cheese, and chorizo omelet. It was perfect. Had the mushrooms from the grill and meatballs, as well as the serano sandwich. Enjoyed it all.
(4)
Ashlee K.
Make sure you make a reservation or you'll be sitting at the bar. This place is definitely tiny, and you need reservations for a table, even on a Thursday night. These Spanish Tapas are authentic and insanely good. We tried lots of stuff (Cúrate recommends three tapas per person at the table). We had the crema de calabazza, which is a delicious butternut squash. It does have the appearance and consistency of mustard, so if you're a texture person it might not be your style, but it was so good. We shared the ensalada de invierno. Sweet and tangy, it was a perfect salad. The croquetas de pollo were standard, but tasty. The two highlights were definitely the piquillo peppers stuffed with goat cheese and gambas al ajilo, which was a garlic shrimp tapas. The menu says the shrimp is the best tapa in Asheville. It's REALLY must be. We also topped it all of with dessert. Cream mouse and pistachio sponge cake. The dessert wasn't as good as the food, but the ice cream on the sponge cake was can't miss. The service was on par, but the restaurant is very intimate. Be prepared to hear the conversations of the guests around you.
(4)
Harlan U.
Always vibrant and delicious. It has become hard to order what I liked the previous time since I like everything new that I have tried. Watching the chefs prepare the small plates is like watching a ballet.
(5)
Helen A.
Get the lamb, get the cheese plate, and finish with a cortado. you must go to curate if you are ever in the asheville.
(5)
Taylor A.
I always save my receipts so I can write informative reviews, but lo and behold my receipt has all these food items written in SPANISH! Blast! Since I can't remember everything we had, I'll recommend getting whatever food you feel like getting since the menu is incredibly diverse. Wow, thanks Taylor A. for that amazing advice. One thing I do love is how their beer prices are super cheap. Drafts for under $4 is a steal. Though Curate is one of the more pricey places (plan $30-$40 per person), I thought it was worth it! Go, you'll enjoy yourself. Adios.
(4)
Wendy L.
The most authentic tapas experience I've had outside Spain. It's a little pricey, but definitely worth a date night splurge. Use the Open Table app to make a reservation if you want to guarantee a table. Once they fill up they don't have a wait list.
(4)
Brian S.
I never understood why Tapas were so expensive in the U.S. until recently. When I had Tapas in Madrid, they were so delicious and cheap but in America they're so overly expensive. Regardless, this restaurant had great food and drink choices that I have not seen in any other Tapas restaurant in the U.S. and I would highly recommend this place for a date or night out with a friend or two. This restaurant is a little pricey, so I wouldn't recommend going here every day unless you can actually afford it. Anyone who chooses to eat here will find a very attractive crowd here ;) and great choices of Tapas to choose from. BE AWARE for you Tapas newbies out there; the portions are small depending on what you get but be sure to share :)
(4)
Nichole L.
Curate is one of Asheville's hottest restaurants right now, and it definitely lives up to all the hype! Chef Katie Button was a James Beard semifinalist for Rising Star Chef of the Year in 2013, and I was stoked to try her food. Where to sit: When you go, sit at the end of the bar. It's by far the best seat in the house! You're close to all the action (and close to the chef). What to drink: My husband ordered the Curate Manhattan with a crazy liquid cherry in the bottom! I was torn between the Sangria they make tableside and a glass of red. I let our server/bartender choose and she picked out an awesome glass of red, a 2008 Beronia Reserva. I loved it so much, I had a second glass! What to eat: There are so many starters, you'll panic. Ask the server to pick out a few. We had the charcuterie sampling and the cod and potato puree with toast. Excellent choices. If you're looking for an adventure, try the pulpo a la gallega or galician style octopus served warm with sea salt, olive oil, spanish paprika and yukon gold potato puree. The Oxtail special is amazing and the potatoes on this dish will change the way you make potatoes forever. Dessert is a must and if it happens to be your Bday, be sure to let someone know. There is a tasty, rich chocolaty treat in it for you! Lovely atmosphere. Casual dress (but I always dress up for the food. It's a respect thing.) For more on Chef Katie Button and Curate, see my post on GapCreekGourmet.com .
(5)
Martin M.
One of the best dining experiences I've ever had! We let the staff recommend dishes, and all were amazing! A def must while in Asheville!
(5)
Tom E.
Quite possibly the best meal I've ever EVER had. "Food to make your nipples hard" seriously oh my god food. I want to slap someone but don't wanna miss dessert.
(5)
Paul S.
We weren't too fussed on the menu or food. Trout was nice but patatas bravos was ott on the sauce. Waitress was very abrupt and it was funny how the place looked empty but only bar seats available. We wouldn't go back.
(3)
Mikee R.
Bring your wallet if you like to eat. This place has some exciting small plates and everything is delicious. The problem is that I always try everything... I am glad it is not my dime.
(5)
Skeet L.
This was our first visit to Curate. I have to say it is an interesting experience. I had a Porron for my beverage--it is a flask of Spanish beer with sparkling lemon. The flask has a spout like a tea kettle and you are suppose to drink it by pouring it into your mouth! They will give you a glass if you prefer. I had several seafood tapas that were very good as well as their Spanish ham sampler. It is pretty expensive for the amount of food, but we enjoyed the relatively slow pace and the variety of taste.
(4)
Katie S.
Amazing spot! Hurry make reservations now! We had to settle for a 430pm dinner time since we were visiting from out of town Table side prepared Sangria-offering sparkling or red Recommend 3-4 tapas per person "aceitunas curate" - 6 different types of Olives in a little jar-great small starter "esparragos blancos" White Asparagus Extremely tender,delicious with an amazing air light mayo "berenjenas la taberna" MUST try- eggplant with honey and rosemary, I was a bit suspicious of my boyfriend's pick but truly incredible! Could serve it as a desert, it melts in your mouth "Chistorra & Chips Jose's Way"-Spicy and very Salty chorizo wrapped in potato chips "Pimientos de piquillo y queso de cabra"-- Small roasted red peppers stuffed with creamy goat chess-incredible but wish I went for something a little more adventurous Best dish ever---"cerdo iberico a las finas hierbas" Free range-acorn fattened iberico pigs was delicious!!! served like a skirt steak with only a little bit of salt to season was simply incredible! Great very friendly and helpful staff with recommendations and descriptions. We sat in the back corner, so recommend trying to sit close to the kitchen/main room!
(5)
Michael F.
Excellent service ,food, and wine list. Other than great barbecue and breakfast ,this was the best food we had during our stay .The food was perfectly seasoned and presented.
(5)
Minnow N.
not that this place needs anymore reviews, but i was so overwhelmingly impressed that I have to add my two cents! being poor planners the only reservation they had the same night was at 845 pm at the bar. being from out of town, i didn't realize the "the bar" was really a kitchen bar rather than your traditional bar. You get to watch the grilling, the prepping, the bread toasting, everything being made in front of you! it's quite a wonderful experience. you almost feel like you're sitting at the Chef's Table! With that said, tapas for a late dinner was almost perfect. we had dessert elsewhere and had gone beer tasting too, so we weren't hungry for one large entree. and for a tapas place, they surely offer a wide variety off choices! Beverages: BF had the local brew on tap, and i had the special cocktail of the night, something cucumber with ginger something. it was refreshing and delicious! Garnished with an elegant flower Food: Ajo Blanco - the special of the night added dungeoness crab meat. WOW, this cold soup changed the way I feel about COLD soup! It was creamy and delicious, refreshing, and even though it was a tapa was just the right amount. This was probably one of my favorites of the night! Jamon iberico fermin - had to have at least one tapa with this famous cured meat. it really highlights a famous Spanish cuisine staple. Chistorra & chips - kind of a pigs in a blanket kind of tapa. Wrapped in a very thinly slice potato chip, it was light and had a good kick. good but not as impressive Berenjenas la taberna - fried eggplant with honey. Although the honey was absolutely delicious, I felt it overwhelmed the eggplant! This dish is most similar to fried plantains. I still loved it though! gambas al ajillo - garlic and shrimp, it's cooked in a sherry reduction. so simple and so delicious. We watched the chef fire it up right in front of us!! it's listed as the "favorite tapa in asheville". it surely lives up to it's name! overall, i wish i hadn't had the pre-dinner dessert. there's so much on the menu you are FORCED to go back just to try more! I highly recommend dining at the bar, it truly is a great experience. I can honestly say, this is my favorite restaurant i've eaten at in the entire state of North Carolina!
(5)
Kim K.
Terrific Tapas! We were in the area but did not have reservations. We were happy to be able to get a very little round table by the front window. Curate was at the top of my list of places to try while in Asheville since it is ranked as number 1 restaurant here. Well deserved. It is a bit pricey but the food is excellent. The Pan Con Tomate with Manchego cheese was so good - crisp bread, fresh tomatoes, olive oil and very tasty cheese. Ensalada De Tomate Y Atun was also very fresh and light. The tuna had a great flavor and the sherry vinegar reduction was delicious. Patatas Bravas were so yummy!!! It's a larger dish and more filling than the previous two. The slightly spicy sauce and Spanish paprika that topped these little potato bites made the entire dish. I will have to order this again when we go back even though I prefer to try something new each time. Definitely recommend. Gambas Al Ajillo is listed on their menu as the number one tapa in Asheville, I haven't tried them all yet but it sure ranks high on my list. The sauteed shrimp is in a light sauce with sliced garlic. They give you bread to dip up what's left of the sauce and garlic. Absolutely wonderful!!! I can't forget to mention the service was excellent as well.
(5)
Jason W.
We had 9 dishes between the two of us, all of which were very good, perfectly seasoned and the portions were just the right size for sharing. Service was excellent and our waitress was very knowledgeable, well trained and attentive. The white asparagus dish was amazing, loved the fried eggplant with honey & rosemary, the pork "skirt steak" was perfectly cooked & seasoned with a hit of wood smoke, the Spanish aged jambon was excellent, loved the sherried mushrooms that went beautifully with the pork. The desserts we had were delicious too. Definitely an enjoyable dining experience.
(4)
Barbara W.
We stopped by Curate for brunch one afternoon (although we just missed the brunch menu because we were late...that's ok). We couldn't resist trying the sangria. What better way to test a Spanish-style restaurant? It is prepared tableside, which is a bit cheesy since really all they do is open and pour the wine into the pre-prepared carafe of fruits and spices, but it was fruity and refreshing. I prefer a sangria where all the flavors have had a chance to mingle more, but it was quite good nonetheless. We sampled from throughout the menu, and there were some hits and some not quite hits. The chistorra and chips, although an interesting idea, didn't quite deliver. The chorizo was not a standout. The octopus salad was quite good, as was the pan con tamate w/anchovies and boquerones. Yum! The true standout for us was the dessert. The crema catalana was spectacular. Worth a try even if you only stop in for a late night sweet.
(4)
Sam H.
No complaints here! Friends brought me here the second I got into town. I let them do the ordering and couldn't tell you what all we had, but each plate was more delicious than the last. I especially remember this garlic almond soup with crab meat. To die for. And the sangria...oh the sangria :)
(5)
Kim S.
Happy to report it lives up to the hype! Our server started the evening off right with thoughtful and unpretentious explanations to all of our questions. Our favorites were the lardo ibericos ahumado and the oxtail special! Yum!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Garage, Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Trendy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Amy w.
We tried Curate based on a recommendation from someone who previously lived in Asheville. We did not have a reservation but expressed our willingness to sit at the bar if two spaces came open. The hostess said it would be about an hour and offered to text message us as two spots opened. We walked down to Wicked Weed for drinks & walked back as soon as we got our text message notification. I love that option... Allowing customers to roam elsewhere until the table is ready... Not being tied to the restaurant. Caitlyn was our server behind the bar. She has a fantastic personality and was very prompt in service and quick with recommendations. Two advantages to eating at the bar are that you see the food being prepared and you can make friends if you choose. We did both and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.
(4)Angeline T.
Came to Aseville for a cousin's wedding and wanted to give this place a try since we visited Spain earlier this year. I wanted to compare the tapas and it's was pretty good. The jamon didn't taste exactly like the one we had in Madrid, was a bit on the smaller slice side, but was decent. You can't go wrong with any of the tapas here if you haven't been to Spain.
(4)Susan E.
We went for brunch on a Saturday with a group of four. We enjoyed chorizo wrapped in a potato chips, the lamb skewer with moorish spices, spinach, a tuna sandwich thing, pistachio desert, various cocktails, and tomato bread with manchego cheese. Everything was good. Everything was done well. Service was phenomenal. I have no complaints, but I wasn't blown away by anything. (Full disclosure- we're from Charleston and spoiled.) I'd go back- but It's not on my must-eat-here list for Asheville.
(4)Karen K.
The Iberico Ham charcuterie was the reason we came, and if you go this is a must, but the service and overall attitudes are the reason we won't be back. I have eaten in a thousand restaurants in my life and have never been given a last call for food.
(2)Apollo A.
Excellent tapas. The Iberico pork and squid fideo are our favorites but you can order anything and it will be good. Highly recommended.
(4)Claudette M.
We finally found a Spanish restaurant that has the real deal. The recipes and ingredients follow the real recipes prepared in Spain at a Spain home by a Spanish mom. Their wine list is pretty impressive. You have to try "Sea Feixes". Will definetily come back!!!!
(5)Toto M.
I can tell that they use the best ingredients. All the dishes were plated nice and clean---actually beautiful. The thing is....everything was so salty. I don't know if it was just tonight (it was a late night so chefs were all tired and craving salts?) or it's their norm, but I wish they go easy on salt especially when they are using top quality ingredients. I'm visiting so obviously I won't be a regular, but if I were local, I wouldn't go back for a whole dinner...I might go back for a nice cocktail and maybe one plate, but that's it. I rather would like to spend $50 at one of many other choices in the town.
(3)Mark M.
First of all, let me say, the fact that some of you yelpers would give this place anything less than 4 stars is proof to me that some folks just can't be pleased. I once had an employee like that. No matter how hard I tried to bend over backwards to help him and make things better for him, he was always angry. Except for a very few times when the planets aligned just right and everything worked out in his favor, he'd actually be happy. But you could tell, it was very uncomfortable for him, and within a few hours or, at the most, by the next morning, he was back to his old grumpy self again. Then I finally realized something. Some people just aren't happy unless they're mad or angry. Some people just aren't satisfied unless they have something to be dissatisfied about. And if you're one of those people on yelp, why don't you just go eat at at McDonald's and quit bringing the rest of us down? Trying to bring the rest of us down to your level of misery is not going to make you less miserable. Oh well, on to my review.... Cúrate has become my favorite Asheville eatery. I've been here multiple times and it just keeps getting better and better (not that I thought there was much room for improvement the first time!). The service is top notch and the flavors are indescribable. You just have to go. And get the ham. I know, I know... Ham right? I mean really, how good can a piece of ham be? I always thought of ham as something I only ate because there was nothing else left in the fridge to put on a sandwich. But this ham is different. This is the ham of the Gods. If pigs could fly, this would be the ham from a flying pig. It's that unbelievable. You won't believe it. Believe me. When I think about how good our meal at Cúrate was this past weekend, and when I anticipate my next visit, I understand why my Golden Retriever, Teddie, drools while watching me eat. It makes me salivate. TMI? Sorry. Just keeping it real on yelp y'all.
(5)Amanda S.
Nice ambiance, great oxtail, unique dishes (we just shared a few tapas), and friendly service from the bartenders. I wasn't blown away, but would definitely return. It is kind of small, so go early &/or make a reservation :)
(4)Barrett W.
wow , wow , wow best tapas we have had. sit at the bar and watch them prepare the food. a well managed , and entertaining event. Sangria is the way to go here,
(5)Adam G.
Ahh.. So good, and it met my high expectations. Definitely order the berenjena (eggplant) dish, the brussel sprout dish, and the red peppers stuffed with goat cheese. Was with pescatarians so didn't order meat, but the Asturian clams (almejas) were also wonderful. The cocktails looked wonderful as well but I stuck with a nice albariño. Wish I lived closer.
(5)Robert K.
Must make reservations at least a week in advance. Food was very good. Butternut squash soup was divine. Didn't like the last table in the far left back against the wall. It needed a wall mirror to make it feel opened up. Good place and would return.
(4)Brady P.
I love sitting at the counter at Curate. You get to watch the action of the kitchen and talk to the cooks and learn about lots of different plates. It's a good place to be.
(5)Leslie J.
Extremely fabulous tapas. Sit at the bar and watch food being prepared or a table for a larger group. The place is small and seating is cramped. I heard they are expanding soon. Perhaps that will alleviate the uncomfortable compact feeling. If you are going to be there for several hours experiencing all the menu has to offer you are very aware of the hard small chairs, tables that barely accommodate the many plays and glasses. But aside from the lack of comfort the food more than makes up for it. The decor is tasteful. In the spirit of Asheville's buy local, farm to table, gluten free available, vegan choices, etc this restaurant fits right in. I will go back and look forward to the expansion that hopefully make it a more comfortable dining experience.
(5)Jessica V.
Great food, drinks and atmosphere. The servers are wonderful... friendly, helpful, engaging. We sat at the bar and watched the food being prepared- which was quite educational and entertaining- and talked with those sitting around us. I will definitely be back. Be sure to make reservations well in advance. It's packed!
(4)Sanjay P.
LOVED Curate! It was very crowded - in fact Angie and I had to sit at the bar but we thought that made it more fun because we got to see the cooking! The dishes were all excellent - we got the shrimp, the cured ham, lamb skewer, the sausage dish, the chorizo dish, the potatoes, and the stuffed peppers... they were all good! My favorites were the lamb skewer and the cured ham. We followed this up by two desserts (the [pistachio sponge cake with the lemon thyme ice cream and the crème-bruleish dish (forget the name). I loved the sponge cake - I think the lemon thyme ice cream is what really made it. It was excellent! The second one was also good but the first one was more unique. The wine they suggested went very well with my dishes; the wait staff, while being extremely busy, was very friendly. If you are seated at the bar (which is a lot of fun) be prepared for the odd splash of water with the waiters working; doesn't happen too much and its not dirty water, just some of the melted ice...overall a wonderful experience! Will definitely go back and recommend it to everyone! An example of a place that despite being so hyped up, lives up to expectations!
(5)Chris L.
This tapas place is the real deal! As other reviews have stated, it's a little small and seating can be hard. We came on a normally busy night, but were seated right away due to a cancelled reservation. Other tapas places may phone it in by giving you an imitation of a small Spanish dish, but the chef and sous chefs really seem to aim for something special. I recommend trying a variety of dishes you may not usually get, and complete with an alcoholic beverage. You may also want to aim for bar seating as I hear service can be more attentive there. I had the sidracar asturian cider, which is Grand Marnier with apple "air," and it can only be described as an experience. This is an expensive place and you can easily leave spending around $80+. A great Asheville addition.
(5)Amy P.
This is really a 3.5 star review, but we are rounding up. We came in with high expectations, which turned out to be a mistake. Our waitress was really friendly and helpful and offered suggestions about how to order at a tapas restaurant. We chose 8 dishes (one from each section of the menu). The first plate was the best (pan con tomate). After that, everything was pretty underwhelming. The nice thing about most of the meal was that the plates were evenly spaced out, so you could enjoy each dish without feeling rushed. Unfortunately, our last dish before dessert (the lamb skewers) didn't arrive until we asked for it (after 20 minutes of waiting) and it appeared a minute before our dessert dish did. We had to rush through the skewers in order to keep the ice cream on the pistachio cake from melting. Overall, service was great (until it tripped over itself at the end) and food was just okay.
(4)Hannah S.
Wonderful, energetic atmosphere. Unique cuisine and great customer service. It's a MUST!!
(5)Marc S.
Very good Spanish food. My first time eating ramps, and they don't skimp like the other restaurants do. Very creative, they give you a huge grilled ramp with a romesco sauce (kind of a play on the Catalan/Basque grilled leeks but all Appalachian and stuff). The rest of the food is delicioso. Lots of nice tapas, everything fresh, no nonsense, straight up Spanish food.
(5)Wen H.
Good experience. Octuples, eggplant, Brussels, squid ink noodle. Friendly service, decent food. But could be more flavorful.
(4)Rafael M.
I love this place! Some of the best eats in Asheville is not all of NC! The flavors a so subtle that they transport you across the world!
(5)Carol F.
Curate was amazing! Very busy on a Tuesday night but well worth the wait. Michelle, our server, was very informative and helpful. We sampled a wide variety of tapas and each one was better than the next. Top notch experience.
(5)Trish O.
Love most everything! The garlic shrimp and sauteed mushrooms are a must every time.
(5)Mike O.
We had a terrific meal at curate last night. Too many dishes to name them all, but the overall quality was phenomenal. My sole criticism is that the potatoes brava would be better with less paprika and sauce. Having said that, this was our best meal in Asheville.
(5)Ana D.
Yes, you get what you pay for. This place is a bit pricey but well worth it. We ordered the octopus, shrimp with garlic, canelones and lamb skewers. Everything was great but my absolute favorite was the octopus. The seasoning was perfect and it just melted in your mouth. They have an excellent wine selection and our server guided us quite well through the wine list as well as offered excellent service. The atmosphere is excellent for intimate conversation.
(5)Caitlin C.
Did you know cúrate is pronounced like Karate with a U...so kinda like Cuer-rot-eee or something like that, the internetz told me this thing. The place isn't mind blowing. I'm not saying it was bad or something I just wish I had spent $50 elsewhere. If I lived in the area I may come back for a drink and one small plate but since I don't I'm not planning a return visit. And I certainly will not come back for whole meal again. The best thing I ordered were the lamb skewers which were cooked perfectly and not gamey at all. The worst thing I ordered was the asparagus, the texture was not appealing and there were so few of them that they easily became submerged and lost in the ocean of mayonnaise. I liked the fried eggplant but it could have used more rosemary and sea salt, and the sauteed spinach and gazpacho were just okay, nothing special. Service was excellent. That is all.
(3)Kate J.
The octopus at this restaurant might be the best thing I have ever eaten in my life. The food here is exceptional. It is creative, interesting, and always cooked perfectly with the perfect amount of seasoning. Be prepared to invest a little bit in this meal though; each time we've gone (2 people) we've walked out with a bill around $70 for around 4 dishes and one drink each. It is difficult to make reservations (unless you do so a little bit in advance), but I have walked in a couple times and there has been room at the bar, and one time we got lucky and got a table. The greeters have always been pleasant, and the staff always punctual and friendly. The atmosphere is a little more busy and impersonal than at the other tapas place in town, Zambra. Though it is still nice inside, and sitting at the bar is fun because you can watch as the chefs cook up the food. If you are visiting Asheville, you need to go here. And get the octopus.
(5)Mika V.
Amazeballs. The lamb is godly and I don't even like lamb. My aunt said we should only get one order of it for the table (7 of us). Needless to say, one bite and she was ordering 2 more plates of it. Make sure you eat it with the pickles on the side. One little pickle per bite. Don't forget!!! It raises it from fantastic to amazeballs. ;-) The rest is great too.
(5)Rick T.
First stop on a food adventure and pub crawl! Tried the chicken fritters and rosemary icecream. That damn ice cream was delicious and just hit the spot! Need to hit this place up for more items to try on their menu next time I'm in Asheville,NC.
(5)George Y.
I had such high expectations about this place... And it met all of them. I mean a pig that fattens up on black acorns? When looking at the menu, give it the respect it deserves and order in sequence that it is set up.. (left to right) It is the way a meal should be... Plentiful, being able to share and sample many things along with a great wine list. My favorite? I am not embarrassed to say.. the olives.
(5)Lan S.
We took out-of-town family to Cúrate on a Saturday night and generally enjoyed our dinner, but, sad to say, we were less enthralled than we've been on previous visits. Perhaps it's nitpicking, but this is not an inexpensive spot (our dinner for six with tax and tip was around $280) and it is one that aspires to the highest standards. Here were a few minuses to dinner tonight: * The kitchen was out of both trout and one of the Spanish hams. Since these are specialties of the restaurant, being out of these items was surprising. * The bar didn't have rye -- huh, what's a hip bar doing without rye these days? * Several of the tapas dishes seemed ordinary -- most notably the croquetas de pollo (chicken fritters), potatas bravas and chocolate mousse. The fried squid was greasy. * Our waiter was the biggest disappointment. I didn't pay that much attention to him, but several in our party were VERY put off. He slammed down water and dishes, leaned on our chairs, reached across us to place items on the table, and most distressingly, occasionally seemed to slur his words. The waiter seemed more interested in upselling us on the wine and getting us to order more than the very knowledgeable waitstaff we've had on previous visits. On the plus side, the atmosphere was great and many of the tapas were excellent. Overall we enjoyed the evening, but frankly a recent meal at Zambra (a long-established Spanish tapas restaurant in Asheville) was a better experience with better food. I hope that the owners of Cúrate are not spending too much time collecting accolades rather than running their restaurant. I hate to see local restaurateurs let early success go to their heads.
(4)Scott B.
Oh My GOD - insane. Sat at the bar during the afternoon since we couldn't get a reservation. Mind blowing flavors, great service, great wines. The mushrooms in sherry was incredible, the lamb skewers in moorish spices were amazing, and the sauteed spinach was to die for. Funny thing is that the only thing that didn't blow us away...the sauteed shrimp in sliced garlic, is "the number one tapa in Asheville". I nice dish, but not on par with the others. Had a really great Priorat.
(5)Jeff B.
Hard to add to what others have already written: some of the best tapas you'll ever have. If you're a foodie (and even if you're not!) be sure to sit at the bar and watch the staff prepare the dishes. It's an art form.
(4)Mark Anthony C.
Great food. Love every bite. Highly recommended. Want to have more of each dish. Love the shrimp gambas and the black paella with thin noodles. I'm not familiar with Spanish wines but whatever we ordered was a great.
(4)Jodi M.
I was a little intimidated at first. I'm not a fancy food person and I've read such high reviews for this place. The server was great and made wonderful suggestions. The sangria was incredible and loaded with fresh fruits. The food was to die for! Try the ox tail if it's still on the menu.
(4)Sidney T.
My husband insisted on trying this place because it had all of these high reviews and accolades. I'm not too fond of believing "the hype" of some of these reviews. Nonetheless, we tried them out for lunch on a Saturday. We made reservations because it was recommended that we did, but it was not even necessary because they weren't crowded when we got there. When we first entered, we were greeted with a very friendly, welcoming hostess; however, our waitress was quite the opposite...unfortunately. The ambiance was nice, and everything was clean and crisp. I was not crazy about the food...at all. Nothing blew me away, and the portions were VERY small for the price. I have been to many better restaurants. A note to those who are vegans or don't eat pork, this is not the place for you to eat because most of the dishes include pork. We had the pan con tomato...it was flavorless...basically it's cold, toasted bread with crushed, cold tomatoes. I didn't like it, but I did give it a chance. We also had the gambas al ajillo, and I must say that they were not the best, not the worse either. The shrimp was cooked perfectly, but the whole dish lacked flavor, and again, the portion size was laughable for it to cost $11 ( I think it came with like four shrimp). The tortilla espanola was okay. The patatas bravas were good but a little too salty. The croquetas de pollo were okay; nothing mind blowing. Based on the dishes I tried, I cannot recommend anything to you. All in all, I do like to try new restaurants, and I am glad that I got to experience Curate, even if it did not live up to my expectations. Unfortunately, I will not be returning to this restaurant because my taste buds just don't agree with this place.
(2)Mark C.
Unbelievable flavor and presentation. Service was amazing. Our waitress has been there since the opening! Must try eggplant! The chocolate mousse dessert was one of the best things I have ever tried. Will return again and again!
(5)Daniel L.
This is probably the best restaurant I have ever had the opportunity to dine at! I'm from Florida and I would drive here to have dinner! The service and food are outstanding.
(5)Raymond H.
Very good...still a fan of Zambra, but stil enjoy Curate as well.
(4)Mark S.
Great dinner tonight! Our table was ready early, very nice ambiance and our server Natasha was exceptional! Best tapas since Madrid! My daughter loved the croquettes, the ham plate took me back to Barcellona. All plates good- shrimp and garlic, pork tenderloin, mushroom soup, frittata and more. Table was kept manicured by all servers. A great time had by all. Highly recommend if you are in Asheville!
(4)Corey A.
With an El Bulli veteran at the helm, it's probably safe to bet that they can cook Spanish cuisine. I didn't notice a lot of modernist technique save for the very heavy use of siphon canisters (espumas, aerated sponge cakes, etc.), but that would be very out of place here anyway. The bacalao was a superb example; the grilled iberico "skirt steak" was one of the best pieces of meat I've ever tasted. My friend and I split a friend calamari sandwich and it was great as well. Bring friends so that you can order more food...great, great place.
(4)Lori S.
This might be one of the best meals I've ever had in my life. It was so good that I'm daydreaming ways I can get back to Asheville (I live in Ohio and visited on a road trip) just so I can eat here again. I had intended to eat somewhere else but they were booked up, so Yelp directed me here (thank you, Yelp!) and boy am I glad. Even on a Wednesday night the restaurant was nearly full, but the hostess kindly sat me (I was on my own) at the end of a long table where another smaller group was seated at the other end. My waiter was great. I had a delicious cocktail and three dishes: a daily special of a pureed mushroom soup with goat cheese foam, the ensalade de tomate y atun (a salad of kumato tomatoes, olives and tuna with sherry vinegar dressing) and the moroccan lamb skewers. The food was so good I just wanted to die, it was that good. The tomato and tuna salad was tart and perfect, the lamb was tender and spiced and the housemade pickles on the side were delicious. I have never been so sorry for a meal to be over. I can't recommend this restaurant more highly. In addition, they have a great cocktail and wine menu, and the decor is stylish and welcoming.
(5)Paula B.
I am sad to say that this restaurant was a let-down. I am a bit of a tapas snob, but was really excited to see the authentic menu. I lived in Barcelona and will say that the offerings were quite authentic, as listed. Unfortunately, most of the dishes were just so-so. The pan con tomate was cold and not grilled/toasted enough. The pulpo was a lovely texture but a bit bland. The tortilla espanola was literally the worst I have ever had -- in the states or in Spain. The patatas bravas were not spicy enough for my palate, but they were tasty. On the other hand, the dried cod/potato puree was delicious, and the Brussels sprouts were one of the tastiest dishes on the planet. Also, the service was very good and te wine list was terrific. The atmosphere is really nice -- sadly, this was just not the foodie experience I was anticipating.
(2)Richard F.
One my best culinary experiences. Pictured is the rosemary ice cream, almond sponge and candied oranges desert. Wine was great, tried a white with out selection of mushrooms, ham, eggplant(fantastic as others have said), lamb skewer and rounded off with the desert and cortado espresso. Katie, the owner and also renowned chef was great and Brian our waiter was very informative and efficient. Sit at the bar if just the two or three of you. Much better experience than at a table.
(5)Bryan S.
Wow, wow, wow, wow this is an awesome place. Had heard great things about this place and it did not disappoint. Only reservation I could get was for 9:30, but had to try it, so snapped it up (quick side note, for us the late reservation was awesome, after a day of site seeing, gave us a chance to go to our hotel and relax, then pub crawl all the way to Curate). This is a tapas place with a decent size menu - so I would highly recommend asking the waiter for suggestions. We did that, and basically ordered his suggestions verbatim and they were awesome. Interior is a little crowded up front, was happy to get a good table in the back. Service was on point. Overall, I would recommend this to anyone! Oh and PS - the place is not pronounced like it looks. think Karate, but pronounced like Ross from Friends... Childrens of the 80's unite!
(5)Kellie K.
One of the best dining experiences I've ever had! The fella and I went with another couple for a birthday celebration, and we had to book a few weeks out, and even then, we could still only get an 8:45 time slot. We were immediately greeted and seated upon entering. Our incredibly helpful and funny waitress said that if we were planning to share, she recommended about two plates per person, so eight total for our table. She also said it was best to order as many as we knew at once so the kitchen could prep accordingly (as opposed to some restaurants where we order one or two as we go). We worked from left to right on the menu to start light and finish heavy: Olives - I'm no fan of olives, but the fellas RAVED about these all night. Who knew? Pan Con Tomate - Good, but basically just tomato paste and a slice of non-melted manchego cheese on bread Patatas Bravas - Again, good, but basically crispy fried, home fry-ish potatoes with a sauce drizzled on top that was supposed to be slightly spicy, but sorta tasted like ketchup. Butifarra Con Mongetes - The sausage was pretty much your basic brat-type sausage, but the white beans it came with tasted fried and crunchy but tender on the inside. Who knew we would've fought over beans when meat was right there? Pincho Moruno - Lamb skewers that were to die for! The meat was tender and delicious and words don't do it justice. Cerdo Iberico a Las Finas Hierbas - Our waitress told us this was known as "the life changer," and I thought she might want to reel in her adjectives since she realllly set up us to be underwhelmed. I should've known better. This was, hands down, the best pork I've ever had. It came out on a wooden board and look inconspicuous enough, but once we all tried a slice, the knives came out. Literally. We're all usually very proper people, but some jousting matches were happening over this meat. Get it. It's $20, but sometimes you really do pay for what you get. The ladies split the pitcher of $30 sangria. It seemed a little steep, but it contained an entire bottle of wine and the table-side preparation was pretty cool. We got four glasses out of, so I can't complain. We had also mentioned that we had a birthday in the group, and our waitress brought out the surprise "cake" that was a huge shell of chocolate, fruit, nuts... I honestly don't know what else was in it, but we kept breaking off pieces saying it was our last, and then it was gone. I was a little nervous when the bill came, but I was pleasantly surprised. We split the food down the middle, and I took the pitcher of sangria, and my bill was still less than $100. I thought that was pretty super fantastic for the amazing meal and experience we got. A couple of tips - 1) Make a reservation. I really doubt you could walk-in and get a seat unless it's an off night and/or an off time. 2) We sometimes like to go to a restaurant early and have a drink at the bar. You can't do that here. The space is tight, and I think even the seats at the bar are reservation only. 3) We didn't need the eight plates the waitress suggested (six plates worked out for the four of us), so try to pace yourself a little.
(5)Lee Ann D.
I was so glad that we got to come here!! The food was amazing!! We came in with no reservation on a Saturday Night and waited maybe 20minutes and we were sat at the counter, Perfect!! We were able to watch all the chefs preparing everything it was really cool to watch! We also got a pitcher of Red Sangria and the server walked us through the menu! He was really great and I only wish I could remember his name!! He had glasses... We started with the Pan Con Tomate- with Manchego Cheese- This was absolutely my Favorite!! So Simple but so good!! We also had the Tabla De Embutidos- Spanish Charcuterie- All of the meats were great my favorite being the Jamon Serrano!! We then moved onto our next course we had the Esparragos Blancos- White Asparagus Salad with a lemon Vinaigrette - it was really airy and light great flavors!! Then we had the Chistorra & Chips Joses Way- These were good They were Chorizo with Fried Potato Chips around them - a play on pigs in a blanket! Next up the Seta Al Jerez- Sauteed Mushrooms- These were incredible, like seriously incredible!! The next was the Gambas Al Ajillo- Sauteed Shrimp with Garlic- these were ok nothing great but ok! And to our last Course next up was the Rossejat- Which is like Paella but with noodles is really good!! The flavors in that dish was really great!! We also had the Butifarra Con Mongetes- Pork Sausage with white beans- This was also Ok kinda dry but the flavors were all there. Now that we ate everything on the menu he still wanted desserts!! I was stuffed but got just a scoop of Raspberry Sorbet and he had the Crema Catalana Con Frutas Del Bosque- Cream with Berries and it was really good!!
(5)Mali C.
Xoxo.. Great place to eat in downtown Asheville, good service even when they are busy especially in comparison to most of the waitstaff you encounter if you live/eat in Asheville long enough. We didn't have a reservation so we sat at the bar which is crowded but cozy. The food was the best of both worlds in quality and flavor. My absolute favorite dish they offered that night was this noodly dish with squid ink they likend to paella. Will be going there again.
(5)Patty D.
Favorite splurge dinner in Asheville. Loved sitting at the bar and watching the cooks and food preps. Service was excellent. Drinks were solid. Food was tasty and unique.
(5)Devyn G.
A foodie heaven! The shrimp is a must-have. We have been to Asheville three times and we always make sure to get a meal in here.
(5)Mackenzie C.
Believe the hype... GO!! Tips: Their menu (and prices) are the same for lunch and dinner... Getting reservations for dinner are tough. However, if you go at lunch, you usually don't need a reservation... You have the same food selections without the crowd. The white sangria is super tasty (and are enough for two people to split). Order the three different hams and the four cheese plates - to die for! The octopus isn't great - just average. The shrimp is just shrimp - until you dip the bread into the broth - Ah-Mazing! ENJOY!!
(4)Em D.
Really a 3 1/2.... Kudos for an allergen labelled menu and apparent attentiveness to cross-contamination. My other half "really, really" enjoyed the meatballs and potato salad with tuna. Unfortunately, the goat cheese stuffed peppers were good until whatever the green stuff under it incorporated itself. It was like moth balls. I'm still confused. Shrimp were ok, almost too flavorful and greasy...would be good mixed with a pasta perhaps? Maybe we'd be back to try other things... :/
(3)Jeff J.
This was the first restaurant we tried in asheville. We were 15 minutes late but the host was nice enough to still accommodate us. We sat at the community table. This restaurant is a tapas style restaurant so the portions are pretty small. But this restaurant is definitely a must try. Be sure to get the fried egg plant and the skirt steak. The steak was very flavorful and we paired that with some sautéed mushrooms. Also for drinks we got the sangria with the red wine. The sangria tasted delicious. The Catalan sausage baguette sandwich was good, it had a nice sweet and salty taste. This restaurant is known for their pork so order as much pork as you can. We will definitely be coming back here.
(4)Neha C.
This is probably the best restaurant I have been to in the country. And i have been to ALOT! i eat out at least twice a week if not more and I have never eaten such great tapas. Fabulous wine list and the restaurant has a fun, young vibe. We ordered the whole menu pretty much and everything was better than the other. Keep up the good work Curate!
(5)Cat F.
Wow. What a gem in this town. Food was outstanding. Wine outstanding. And great staff. Had the peppers/goat cheese.....delish. Iberico steak OK. Shrimp OK. Tasted my neighbors squid ink noodles which were pretty dam good too! Def worth a visit in Asheville!
(5)Dan O.
My wife and I had dinner here last weekend and were largely pleased with the food. The of the five appetizers we ordered, the goat cheese stuffed peppers were the best. We were the least impressed with the mussels, which were large in size but served cold with an unimpressive sauce for taste. The octopus was very good but not great, as was the shrimp dish we ordered. Finally the chorizo sausage that we ordered, while it had decent flavor, looked like little vienna sausages that made them look pretty unappetizing. We enjoyed the ambiance though, and still give it 4 out of 5.
(4)Nicole V.
Amazing dishes and great atmosphere. The waitress was super helpful with explaining dishes and giving recommendations. We sat at the bar so it was fun to watch them cook! Everything we had was so good, we wanted to order more just to keep eating, but were too full!
(5)Jessica V.
I am not a huge Tapas fan, but my boyfriend's mother was excited about going because she heard it was pretty good. The food was okay, but there was nothing really spectacular that we had that screamed "we have to come back next time we are in Asheville." Our waiter was rude and did not have much of a personality. He kept reaching over my boyfriend, which would be fine if he said "excuse me" or give any sort of heads up. We will not being going back there.
(2)Roger H.
I really like this place a lot. A famous chef and my friends from Spain (like Alberto and Lori) say that this is the most authentic tapas they have had here or many places in the US. Very casual atmosphere...but also nice enough for a nice dinner too. Bocadillos are fantastic...sausages and Jamon...wow....local beers...local breads...local ingredients when possible. Gets a four star because my expectations were raised to the point that i thought it would be great for any anniversary for parents. Not if you are expected upscale fine dinning atmosphere. But if you are looking for very nice, chill, and a place that fits Asheville perfectly....this is it!!! PS see picture here of menu place mats, and silverware wrapped in a paper folder...to get a sense of what I mean by casual nice...not fine dining....and again, that is a PLUS.
(4)Lindsay H.
The Iberico pork is to die for.
(5)Jen A.
Went there Sat night with my girls. Loved the server he had! He was attentive and not overbearing! The croquetas de pollo, tortilla española and the camarones de ajo were my personal favorites. Everything we had was delicious! Wish it were closer to Charleston but when I go back to Asheville I would definitely go back again!!
(5)Daisy Y.
Another outstanding meal at Curate. This was a spur of the moment trip and I didn't make a dinner reservation. I had had breakfast at Sunny Point and skipped lunch but by about 3:00 I was famished, hangry as they say, and knew I couldn't wait until dinner time to eat. I've never been there at dinner time when it wasn't packed and I knew I couldn't wait until 9 or 10 so thought I'd just get some of my favorites to go. But luck was with me, not busy, plenty of tables. I had a very fine salad, those wonderful chorizos wrapped in potato slices (which I do often get to go and then walk around town eating them), the lamb skewers, always the lamb skewers, ham/cheese/tomato on a baquette, and dessert. I forget which dessert but it doesn't matter, they're all excellent. As always, outstanding food, outstanding service. Next trip is in November, maybe I should make a reservation now?
(5)Kellie H.
Not only is the food amazing, but they were playing the best music!
(5)Jay H.
This place really hit the nail on the head when we ate there. I was really impressed with everything.
(5)David E.
Ok this place was absolutely amazing. It's not cheap - my wife and I got out of there for $82 for lunch including drinks/tip. HOWEVER - the food is soo good. The tabla de jamon ( cured pork ) was very tasty. We went with a ceviche like fish of local trout that was some of the best I've eaten. You simply can't go wrong. Buen provecho!
(5)Ali S.
Overall: This was a great restaurant. We actually went back the next day. I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because Cambridge tapas restaurants have spoiled me. You should definitely go. The tapas are perfect for sharing between 2 people. Service: Unfortunately, we had the same terrible waiter both times even though we actually moved from the open bar area to a table (he was at the bar both times). I want a server to guide me at a tapas place, but he failed miserably. In his defense, I didn't ask right out for his suggestions. Nevertheless, he was prompt and courteous. Atmosphere: It was definitely a casual restaurant. I enjoyed sitting at the kitchen bar, but it was pretty warm at times. We went at off hours (late afternoon), so that we wouldn't have to deal with a wait. Coffee: Cortado: Delicious Coffee: Great Beer: Green Man Porter: Delicious! My bf said that this is one of his favorite porters. Highland Gaelic Ale: Very good! A lot of flavor and very smooth. Tapas: Croquetas de pollo: These were good. The creamy inside contrasted nicely with the fried crust. I'm not sure I would get these again when there are better items on the menu. Berenjenas la taberna: These were "fine." The eggplant was eggplant and merely a vehicle for very good honey. The salt provided a nice contrast to the honey. Again, I'm not sure I would get this again. Bocadillo serrano: It was an excellent sandwich. The serrano is superb, the manchego is delicious, and the tomato spread was a nice complement. The sandwich would be enough to fill me up for lunch. Setas al jerez: ***You must get this!*** These mushrooms were INCREDIBLE. This was my favorite dish by far. The mushroom medley was sauteed and seasoned perfectly! The sherry and garlic make the dish superb. Canelones de carne: I really enjoyed this dish. The meat was very flavorful, but in an interesting turn of events, my bf thought that it was too flavorful. He wanted the pasta to have more "presence." He has a fair point. This dish is also pretty heavy, so be expecting that if you do order it. Gambas al ajillo: Delicious! The sauce is outstanding. When I go to tapas places, I usually want something interesting. This is not it, but it is a simple dish done very well. Pimientos de piquillo con queso de cabra: My boyfriend ordered this twice! He absolutely loved it. The flavors melded nicely together. The goat cheese was very mellow and worked great with the peppers. He advises you to order it! I don't like goat cheese (I hope that disclosure doesn't discredit my entire review), so I'm not as big of a fan. Pincho moruno: The lamb is very flavorful and perfectly tender. You get two little skewers, so it is perfect to share between two people. Although, I preferred the dish I discuss below. Secreto iberico a las finas herbas: This was outstanding! The herbs were very nice and my bf thought the pork was very high quality. I do not know how to measure that, so I will refrain. If you want to stick to a cheaper meal, I'm not sure it's worth the $20. But if you're going all out, you should try it.
(4)Holly H.
We ate at the tapas table, the bar in front of the open kitchen and it certainly enhanced the experience. If you are a party of two and able to comfortably sit in bar stools, I highly recommend. Everyone in that kitchen is working hard but still managed to answer any questions we had. The cocktails were great and they have a nice selection of local beers on draught. We enjoyed the cornucopia of tapas we ordered but we were only wowed by a few. The meatballs, artichoke chips, and special "candy napkin" were the most exceptional. Overall it was a fun dinning experience!
(4)Sharon L.
I was intrigued when I read that the founding chef of this restaurant trained at El Bulli, and the meal did not at all disappoint. The Cerdo Iberico was, no exaggeration, the best pork I have ever eaten. It has the texture of a tender, perfectly-cooked Wagyu steak, but with a rich pork flavor. It has substance and a melt-in-your mouth lightness as well. The waitress made an excellent suggestion to pair it with mushrooms sautéed in sherry. Other dishes: the grapefruit mimosa, made with cava and a light foam of lemon air, was also lovely and so refreshing. The octopus tapa was meltingly tender.The Bloody Mary was a little too intense for me in terms of spiciness but fans of the drink would likely love it. My dining partner loved the fried eggplant with honey but it was too sweet for my taste. Overall, the meal cost $40 per person for four dishes and two drinks; three dishes per person would be ideal but we were having a light lunch. Bottom line: everything was top notch, and the Cerdo Iberico is a must-try.
(5)Julia D.
this place was recommended by the locals and it was def worth it. The wait was a little long, but it was Saturday night so as expected. However, highly recommend it - everything on the menu was great. The staff was very nice, the food came out quick and everything was so yummy.
(5)Michele P.
Our first meal in Asheville and it was spectacular! We love tapas! My only question was how the garlic shrimp was rated the best tapas in town. We thoroughly enjoyed the mussels, octopus, lamb, chorizo, eggplant (not me), and the shrimp. The tapas were perfectly sized and the service was good. The wine list was impossible to read, but our waiter helped out!
(4)TASTY T.
Well what can I say, another one of those restaurants that scream "hey peeps I swear I'm trendy and cool!" The food on the other hand is mediocre at best. Not a good sign when you tell the head chef for the evening to make me something that will blow my mind with price not being an issue. So what does he makes me? A sauteed spinach salad. Come on guys either the chef is really full of himself or that's the caliber of this restaurant.
(2)M B.
Loved Cúrate! We are visiting my parents and decided to venture into Asheville for a nice meal. Great beer and wine selection and I started with Estrella on draft for 4.50. We started with the cheese plate and almonds and I recommend both. Then we moved on to the peppers, lamb skewers and fried potatoes. All were excellent. We ended with the chocolate mousse. I don't even like mousse and found it to be pretty good. This is definitely a place to try when visiting Asheville.
(5)Carla S.
This is an amazing restaurant. I love sitting at the bar. I can never remember to get a reservation first. I would recommend the shrimp and spinach. I go here every time I am in Asheville.
(5)Penny M.
I loved this place. I went with a group of 6 and we told the chef to just surprise us. He did. Brought lots of dishes I would have never ordered and I'm so glad we let him pick. Everything was delicious and fresh. Tried to go a second time but the wait was very long. I know why.
(5)Virginia E.
I would give this a 4.5 if possible! Wonderful presentation. So happy we made reservations. We left n at 10:30 and people were still being seated. Good cocktails and a wonderful rose. The piquillo peppers with goat cheese were great, and so was the grilled chorizo and butternut squash bisque. The raspberry sorbet (house made) was excellent!! I would give them a 5 if we'd had better service. 15 minutes went by before we could order another cocktail and that was tacked on to another 10 to actually receive the drink. I expected more.
(4)Laura R.
Very nice Manhattan. Interesting and tasty chilled almond and frozen grape soup. The bartender suggested I might add crab to the soup but did not mention the up charge. I assumed there would be one, and it wasn't too bad. Just should have mentioned it. Very nice bartender, gave lots of information when asked. The jamon sandwich was larger than I expected and very tasty. Will return.
(4)Julie R.
Absolutely amazing place in Asheville!! Tapas are definitely as good as the local Spanish ones in San Sebastián or Madrid, the octopus and filled red peppers were the best! Great selection of wine too! Luckily, we got a table by the window without booking ahead and it was a great spot for a romantic dinner.
(5)Lisa N.
Good, well-made tapas. The butternut squash soup was the best butternut squash soup I have ever had. And the dessert creme/mousse dish was excellent. Expect a big bill at the end of dinner but you pay for what you get. The staff was very nice.
(5)Trey K.
My wife and I tried this place based on the rave reviews here on Yelp as well as TripAdvisor...and we were NOT disappointed. We were seated immediately for our 7 pm reservations. Our server was incredibly knowledgeable and patient in explaining the many different dishes. She also suggested an order for us to try them. My wife and I had 7 dishes between the two of us and there was MORE than enough food. We both left absolutely stuffed. Our favorite dishes were either the "berenjenas le taberna" (fried eggplant) or the "pincho moruno" (lamb skewers). But trust me, EVERYTHING was fantastic. This place was fantastic...try it today.
(5)Manolo E.
There's really not much i can add to the already great comments on Curate. It is definitely the place to eat in Asheville with great atmosphere and food.
(5)Greg H.
Lived up to everyone's recommendations. After a totally democratic color coordinated voting process, we had nine plates for 4 of us, which was just right. The 'pan con tomate manchego', 'jamon fermin', 'crema de calabaza' soup, 'pincho murano', chorizo con patatas, pulpo gallega, bocata de calamares, tarta pistachio and crema catalan. Not a bad dish in the bunch with the lamb (pincho murano), jamon and crema catalan as standouts. Only caveats are: it's busy/crowded, the decor/ambience was OK and the Sangria, while very good, was a bit pricey.. To counter that was one of the best servers I've had in ages; joy & enthusiasm are under appreciated virtues - thanks Jade.
(4)Erin B.
I had the pleasure of eating at Curate a few months ago for a food writer conference. Admittedly, they were preparing for our arrival... however, that being said, the place was absolutely packed for Sunday lunch, everyone looked thrilled with their food, and I did not taste one thing that I wouldn't eat again. Curate is a Spanish tapas-style restaurant co-owned by Katie Button, executive chef (recently named a semi-finalist for a James Beard Rising Star Chef of the Year award!!) and her husband, mother, and father. While I was there, I met them all! What an amazing group of people working really hard to produce some truly excellent and unique tastes. We were essentially served a Chef's Tasting Menu and I was thrilled to see every menu item marked GF or LF or V - gluten free, lactose free, or vegetarian. I thought that was done especially for our group but that is standard on their lunch and dinner menu. Fantastic. As someone who eats GF, it was so nice to not have to ask over and over, is this gluten free? I am not sure if everything that we ate is available all the time, but I certainly enjoyed the patatas bravas, the white eggplant, the olives, the garlic shrimp, the charcuterie, the fried eggplant drizzled in honey... I know that I am forgetting many, many things, but truly everything we tried was good. If you find yourself in Asheville, definitely make a point to check out Curate for lunch or dinner.
(5)Jefferson S.
We were a big group that was hungry and needed to get out of the rain. Luckily we stumbled into Curate - and came away pleased. Like most tapas joints, we feared we would order 75 dishes and before we knew it, lunch would cost a fortune. But after a solid 90 minute get-out-of-the-rain lunch of Spanish tortillas, calamari, Serrano ham, and Gambas (shrimp), we were satisfied and not broke for our efforts. Located amongst some of the giants on Broadway, Curate probably gets less recognition than some of the other haunts, although it deserves better. I would return, rain or shine. 4 stars.
(4)Milly H.
Curate did not disappoint! Service was fantastic and there wasn't a plate that went back to the kitchen with food on it (we had a LOT of plates). Some of the highlights: Ultimate Gin & Tonic Asparagus Cod Spread with Garlic Toast Being stuffed at the end of the meal and only paying $44 (before tip) per person with alcohol
(5)J E.
Wonderful meal. Whatever was said in the previous reviews is true and doesn't need to repeated. I just want to highlight one aspect that I haven't seen mentioned. Curate is not overly expensive. 4 of us had drinks, dessert and 3 or 4 plates each. We were stuffed. Before tip the bill was $160. Wine would certainly add 50 to 100, but that is still reasonable for such a great meal. Go and enjoy.
(5)Farnoosh B.
Spanish tapas rocks and I am crazy about Curate's food. This place was spectacular. Every bite, every dish so well prepared, so perfectly designed and presented, and everything we ordered from about 10-12 different options was delicious, and WILD! I loved Curate, the vibe, the service, the staff. It was booked 2 evenings in a row so we went during lunch hour one day before rush hour and got great seats and attention. Thank you. I can't wait to be back.
(5)Katie F.
My boyfriend and I went to Curate for Sunday brunch and sat at the bar. This is the best seat in the house, I think, because you can watch the chefs at work, slicing and dicing, stirring and tasting and plating. They were all very involved in their work and barely spoke to each other. They all worked well together, too, stirring someone's sauce as they went down the counter to retrieve a garnish, or making friendly suggestions for plating, etc. We started off with drinks: I got the grapefruit mimosa and my bf got the bloody mary. My mimosa was grapefruity and not too sweet, with a great sparkle from the cava. His bloody mary was a little spicy, with a delicious tomatoey, V8-style zip. We ordered three items: esparragos verdes con romesco (asparagus), berenjenas con taberna (fried eggplant with honey), and tortilla espanola de chorizo (a potato, chorizo, and onion omelet). The asparagus was very nicely grilled and seasoned and was placed on a generous smear of romesco sauce, which was good, but could have used a little acid to balance the nutty, oily flavor and consistency. The eggplant was also good, but could have used a little more savory flavor to balance the sweet honey and fried taste. The rosemary was a very nice complement. The omelet takes 15 minutes to cook and is runny in the middle, but otherwise, it wasn't too bad. It was a little bland and could have used some fresh herbs and seasonings, but otherwise a good bite. The plating of everything was gorgeous. This was probably my favorite part, thus my photos of each plate. So while the food was delicious with room for improvement, I highly recommend this place.
(5)Jaye B.
We checked out Curaté for brunch on a Sunday afternoon and were wowed by the food and service. My bloody mary with a horseradish foam was just the kick I needed to wake up. My husband's rosemary lemonade was so good we're trying to replicate it at home. From the tomato bread to the cambos, there wasn't anything in our selection of Spanish tapas that we didn't rave about. But perhaps our favorite was the eggplant. My husband doesn't even like eggplant, but raved about this one. Slices of eggplant fried in a very light batter, then drizzled with honey and just a hint of rosemary and salt. It was almost like a donut. I could have easily eaten 3 plates of that and called it a day. The service was great, the space welcoming and parking in the garage across the street was plentiful. The location is great for a nice walk to browse the shops downtown after you eat. I can say that we will be back to Curaté any time we visit Asheville.
(5)Alan C.
Great little hipster tapas spot.
(5)Karen M.
Excellent choice for our Christmas Eve meal. Atmosphere and food both we're excellent.
(5)C J.
I took a friend of mine for lunch at Curate. She went to school in Madrid, so I figured her feedback would be insightful. It's all she talked about the rest of her visit! We had an excellent wine with the following: cheese plate, white asparagus, their delicious olive selection, patatas bravas, pulpo a la gallega and the tortilla espanola. Everything was prepared to perfection. I cannot wait to visit again, this time for dinner.
(5)Jerry T.
Finally, a restaurant that lives up to it's yelp hype. I went to Cúrate with the family last weekend at the recommendation of one of my favorite yelpers, Richard R. I don't typically write reviews after one visit, but the 6 of us put away 18 tapas so I feel good about it. Everything about this place was exactly what I wanted it to be. We had reservations and were seated right away. We started out with a pitcher of Sangria and a round of other drinks. They prepare the Sangria table-side and serve it in stemless wine glasses with two big melty ice cubes. Delicious. The timing was perfect in between plates, and our server was excellent. It's also nice to be able to watch the masters at work in the big open kitchen. I'll list some of the items I would not miss in order of how much I enjoyed them. Pluma Iberica - 5/5 Grilled Iberian pork loin with herbs. Perfect temperature and seasoning, without being over-seasoned or salty. They really let the quality pork shine in this dish. Setas al Jerez - 5/5 Seasonal mushrooms in sherry and olive oil. A simple dish executed perfectly. A little salty, but I could not stop eating them. Delicious when paired with the pork. Jamon plate - 5/5 This place truly cares about their pork, and the ham is delicious here. I especially liked the acorn fattened ham (de bellota) Chistorra & Chips - 4.5/5 Soft chorizo wrapped in thinly sliced potatoes and fried. Peppery, crunchy, unctuous. Gambas al Ajillo - 4.5/5 Butterflied shrimp sauteed with thinly sliced garlic. Simply prepared, but perfectly sweet and succulent. Another great example of letting a quality ingredient shine. Butifarra con mongetes - 4.5/5 Mild sausage with grilled white beans and all i oli. I've never had beans this crunchy, but they were a great contrast to the heavy sauce and fattiness of the sausage. I wouldn't order bocadillos again, as they are basically sandwiches made with ingredients from the other tapas. The bread did not add anything IMO and I would just stick to the original dishes. The green asparagus was better than the white. The bread, croquettes and potatas were good but not outstanding. I think that they would serve well as a less expensive way to fill up, but did not outshine the main courses at all. There's plenty of parking in the immediate vicinity. The service was excellent. In terms of tapas restaurants, Cúrate was a 5 star experience at every turn. If you find yourself in Asheville, I absolutely would not miss it.
(5)Ryan F.
Cúrate (and tapas places in general) are great for groups and sharing plates. Unfortunately, I came by myself. Fortunately, they had counter seating at the kitchen which I always enjoy, especially when dining solo. I had a fairly simple meal - a ham & cheese (bocadillo serrano) and some fried potatoes (patatas bravas). The food was basic and simple and not particularly elevated. But it tasted good. I'd skip the patatas bravas in the future only because it's so simple - more or less fried potatoes with mayo/paprika sauce and something that looked like ketchup. Service was very friendly and the environment was welcoming. It was interesting that the bar had a much more modern feel than the rest of the more traditional restaurant.
(4)Bobbin W.
My husband and I dined at Cúrate during our honeymoon. After we...worked up an appetite at the hotel, we walked to Cúrate and began our meal with cocktails. The sidracar (basically apple cider with Grand Marnier) perfectly complemented the crisp fall air. Because I am obsessed with beets right now, we ordered the ensalada de otoño, a bright and beautiful salad containing the aforementioned lovely bleeding vegetable, almonds, pickled orange and mahon cheese. We sat at the bar and watched one chef put it--along with seven more of the same order--together, and I nearly threw my fork at him, whipping it back with a lasso made of my own drool. The esquiexada de montaña also nearly caused me to engage in an impatient act of violence against the chef. The thin-sliced raw trout topped with lemon, fresh tomato, sweet onion and olives reminded me of the time I attempted to prepare ceviche at home, and the low-quality tilapia rotted in the bowl of lime juice I left it in. Thank goodness I can get my raw sea life fix at restaurants! Our other tapas came out really slowly. The pincho moruno (lamb skewers) melted as expected in my mouth. However, I found the canelones de carne disgusting. (My husband picked it out -- basically a bunch of ground up meat smothered in bowel regularity-destructing cheese.) For dessert we gorged on the helado de romero almendras (rosemary ice cream with almond sponge cake and candied orange) and espuma de chocolate (chocolate mousse cake with raspberry sorbet and hazelnut praline). Everything was exquisite except for the ground meat thing. Bring your girlfriend or ball and chain to Cúrate, and you'll surely get laid.
(5)Kathy W.
Just ate at Curate this weekend on a girls trip to Asheville and it was awesome....this is a must try if you are in Asheville, so make a reservation ahead of time! We called two weeks in advance and could only get a Thursday at 5:30pm reservation....but it was totally worth it! There were five of us and we tried about 15 things on the menu.....and we just split the bill five ways. This is the way to do it if you have a large group. We would order 2-3 things at a time and everyone would get a bite or two and then we would order the next round....it was a nice relaxing meal. The menu is a bit overwhelming, so just ask your server what they recommend and you will be good to go!
(5)Steven D.
Admittedly, I am not the person to rate one Spanish dish against the next. I did like the small plate concept as it gave us room to explore a cuisine we aren't familiar with. Our waiter was patient and very helpful and quickly tapped down the intimidation factor. Of the six small plates my wife and I shared all but one was to our liking. Our objective was to try things we ordinarily would shy away from. The asparagus was of the wrong texture and not preferred but as with anything it's subjective to your pallet. We loved the sautéed mushrooms and the fried eggplant was delicious. This is a small but well laid out restaurant. Excellent atmosphere and great fun. Though we enjoyed being seated at a table, we found ourselves in envy of those seated at the bar as the "show" was being able to watch the chefs prepare everything right in front of you on just the other side. Be advised....get reservations at least two weeks in advance. Curate is no secret and highly sought after; with good reason. The prices are reasonable and in line with the quality. Highly recommended for those wanting a great experience.
(4)Sam J.
Preeminent tapas bar operated by former El Bulli chefs. Crowded.
(5)Lee L.
This place is a treat to have in Asheville. Could easily compete with the best restaurants in a major city. It's rare that a place can be dress-up-special-occasion-expensive-tab OR drop-in-casual-less-expensive-that-you'd-think-it-Âshould-be. The menu is amazing - with what's delivered tasting even better than expected from very well written descriptions. Great cocktails and wine list (2006 Beronia "Reserva"- oh my!). Some favorite dishes: espárragos blancos, espinacas a la catalans, canelones de carne, gambas al ajillo, pimientos de piquillo con queso de cabra, pincho moruno, and maybe the best desert I've ever had: helado de romero con almendaras. We've been a half dozen times since it opened and (good and bad) the menu hasn't changed that much. It's nice to know your favorites will be on the menu when you go, but it would be great for some change to experience it again for the first time. Still though, run don't walk. Often.
(5)Jessica C.
My husband and I wanted to try something different, and this restaurant definitely it the spot. Low lighting, great organic and earth friendly feel, this restaurant is definitely one of a kind. The food is amazing and all plates are meant to be shared. My husband and I ordered quite a few different plates, all of which were great! The next time we are in the area, we definitely plan to come back. The restaurant does feel a bit jammed pack and our waitress did disappear a bit, especially when we wanted refills. But when she was at our table, she was spot on. Only one bathroom for a fairly large restaurant and the lighting needs to be brightened up just a bit, almost felt too dark for a restaurant serving brunch.
(4)Brittany D.
Every time is an experience. The ambiance, the food, the service, it speaks for itself. As we sit here, a sous chef is talking to us about how she loves working here and eats here on the regular which speaks a lot for the product!
(5)Travis L.
Curate serves up a fairly authentic Spanish tapas experience, although it differs from the typical Spanish tapas restaurant by offering excellent service and steep prices. Branching out from the typical hard meats, garlic, bread, and wine might do them a bit of good. More creative seasonal tapas with a fuller range of flavors for your money can be found at Zambra and the Admiral, but if you are really into perfectly executed salted meats, then this is your place. I understand the executive chef hails from the famed El Bulli, but that creativity is lacking here. It is pretty standard Spanish cafe fare at close to El Bulli prices.
(3)David R.
This was ok... but very expensive for what you received. The reality is that it got 4 stars because of the friends we were with :) I really don't appreciate waiters that are condescending and act like " You didn't know that" ?? I will give a little grace because they were busy, however I felt the portions (even for Tapas) were small... Usually you can get enough for 4 people to share! And I guess if you were a "Run Way Model" it was a feast... you just really have to put it in to the proper perspective lol!
(4)Tony R.
Cúrate would be considered a gem of a restaurant anywhere on the planet. Let's cast the amazing, inventive, fresh, well prepared food aside for a moment. From the instance that you walk in there is a genuinely warm, welcoming, casual friendly attitude. I'm not talking faux charm here. There's absolutely nothing contrived here. Cúrate, behind the scenes, is evidently an outstanding organization imbuing its people with pride, particularly with the unparalled product that they put out. It keeps everybody happy and you'll see upon arrival how infectuous this happiness is. Everyone from the hostesses, the wait staff, the cooks behind the counter (and I suppose in the prep kitchen), the amazin' Nathan (from Columbus, GA), as well as the remarkable couple who are the heart and soul of Cúrate, Felix Meana and Katie Button, all radiate this positive uplifting energy that would set anyone at ease. Its more like dining among friends, regardless of who attends to you. Unlike many of those highly lauded food temples, most used to name drop rather than to refer to the actual dining experience. Now for the food! Being quite familiar with food throughout Spain from the pre-molecular era and traditional regional cuisine cooking up til today's highly lauded modern and inventive cuisine, I can tell you that Cúrate distinguishes itself in a variety of ways. I can go on and on about this dish or that dish, as they were all done to perfection at the highest levels, without seeming experimental. I had a great variety to taste over my 3 trips there in as many days. Even their cocktails are amazing. The kitchen combines the best quality ingredients to produce something really special. Whether you start with a Manzanilla sherry, an Albariño or a local pisgah pale ale, a cocktail or my favorite, Asturian cider you will begin to realize that you are in a special place. The wine list was very thoughtfully put together to marry well with the food. While the prices won't cause indigestion thereafter. I had more dishes than I care to reveal, so as not sound like a glutton, but everything from the ubiquitous tortilla (spanish potato and onion omelet), in Spain anyway, to the various permutations of jamón (ham). Jamón serrano, jamón ibérico, jamón ibérico de bellota, they all made for excellent appetizers! Their version of ajo blanco, a garlic soup with chilled almond milk, grape granizado in a light Pedro Ximenex reduction was all at once refreshing, delicious with a flavor that sticks with you. I woke up the next morning imagining it all over again. The octopus (pulpo a la gallega), chistorra, well everything was amazing!! I live in NYC and Asheville has plenty of great restaurants. Why did I come back three times in three days? It was a remarkable experience all the way around. I brought some Dutch friends who were touring the south and after every course they were simply amazed! This is the kind of restaurant that I would go well out of my way to get to.
(5)Eileen W.
We have eaten here many times. The food and service are always great. It's hard to get a reservation here so I'd recommend booking in advance. It can be rather noisy, but its still very enjoyable. I wouldn't recommend dinner here for children.
(5)Meredith B.
Impressive menu if you have traveled or lived in Spain with impeccable presentation; however, taste was slightly amiss. For example, the patatas bravas were extremely bland, so much is I had to ask for salt. Service was nothing to rave about but the wine was delicious. It was nice to have a taste of Spain but would have appreciated some Spanish hospitality.
(3)Deborah M.
This is the best restaurant I've been to this weekend in Asheville! In brief: food is great, waitstaff is friendly and knowledgeable, it's a bit noisy. I'll start with the only downsides: on a weekend, it gets very busy and loud. Probably ok during the week, but expect a wait, and to sit at the bar on Friday/Saturday. Fortunately they take your cell number and actually call you when they have available seats. The counter is no hardship, since you get to watch the tapas being made, but it is not usually my preferred spot. The cocktail selection is decent, ditto wines and beer. The food however is where it is at. We had patatas bravas (standby at tapas joints for me; excellent here), asparagus, Iberico ham lardons, gazpacho, pork sausage (the white beans were the star of the show here) and garlic shrimp. It's hard to pick a favorite, because everything was superlative. Beautifully plated, and delicious. Worth the wait, and then some!
(5)ChaCha C.
Curate was, far and away, the best restaurant I visited in Asheville. I would also say it is the best tapas I have ever had. Did you know the chef owner is from elBulli? Since I never made it to the famous Catalonia restaurant of Ferran Adria... I feel happy that I have been to Curate. The food, wine, service, and decor was wonderful. If you read my reviews, you will know just how picky I am (very). This place was top notch, in all respects. The only thing I will note in attempts to make this review More useful: some of server's recommendations seemed to be dumbed down - as in, the most boring dishes on the menu. Steamed shrimp? I am from a port city, I am not going to order them in a mountain town, sister! Eggplant? OK, we tried it. It was good... but, it was fried food - not really exciting or unique. I will admit that I will be drizzling honey next time I make some at home though. However, I was very pleased with her wine recs. The dishes I will recommend? The trout salad. The ham sampler! The feathered pork loin. Pane con tomate (seems pedestrian, but the best I have ever had - and I make/order this a lot). I am so glad I went to Curate & will be looking forward to returning on my next trip.
(5)Steve G.
My wife and I have talked about eating at Curate for quite some time but it was always booked up when we would try to drop in for a meal. We finally made a reservation for an early Sunday evening and it was so worth the small effort to go online and book a table. At 4:30 the restaurant was already half filled when we arrived. We were quickly seated and greeted by a very pleasant server. We love the tapas menu, the portions are perfect for us. Each item comes out in no particular order so don't be surprised if your asparagus comes after your lamb. We loved the lamb skewers and thought the mushrooms were best we ever had. One of our orders was not out when we had finished the others and we decided we were fine without it. Our server was happy to cancel it and move on to the desserts. We had Curate's version of a chocolate mousse and a creame burele. Both were light and airy and the perfect finish to a great meal. Our server also recommended a blended red wine to accompany our meal and it was excellent also. There is of course many other items on the menu we need to try and we will be returning soon to do so.
(5)Andrew A.
One of the best meals and experiences I have had in a long time. Everything about Curate - a spanish tapas restaurant - was fresh and delicious. We started our meal with a sparkling sangria which was made at our table and included an entire bottle of cava. I was amazed how easily my wife and I finished the entire thing without any problems. Our appetizers of the roasted almonds and olives were simple and full of flavor. Those were followed by the patatas brava which was quite good, but paled in comparison to the watermelon and heirloom tomato salad which was nothing like I have ever tasted. We ended our meal with the noodle paella, the lamb skewers and the asparagus. All of those dishes were terrific but the lamb was outstanding. The wonderful thing about tapas was it allowed us to try many different things while feeling very satisfied but not overly-stuffed. If you are in the Asheville area Curate is a must go to restaurant. But truth be told, it warrants a trip to Asheville all by itself.
(5)Gary J.
Very well presented, very tasty, very loud and very expensive, which is why I wouldn't give it more than 3 stars. The entire time eating I'm racking up the cost in my head. Perhaps it was because I sat at the bar and felt like I was eating in a kitchen (the food, smoke, smells and prep is all done out in the open...nice touch, diners have used it for years... I always love seeing my patty melt being prepared by the line cook). Tapas menu includes a couple slices of pig on a plate for "under $20" or some specialty ham that is $15 or a lump of something for $12....etc....you can easily rack up a bill of $100pp with drinks to make a meal of the tapas, and that's sharing. The atmosphere includes a pig leg on the wall, sort of like a trophy. If this is $$$ than I am really not making enough money. It's $$$$$ easily in my book. ( I see there is only $1 separating $$$ from $$$$ on Yelp...). I have dined often at anniversaries and special occasions and was able to do the "money is no object" block - to a point. In a situation like this, however, where the experience is nothing special, it is hard for me to separate taste and dining from cost. (It's also hard for me to consider $150K as middle income). So, I can totally understand how some people can do that, but I can't. A meal needs to be incredibly special to justify the cost when it is stratospheric. (PS For example, the three photos I was asked if they were helpful, would cost you about $50.) And as some of the reviewers state, it is modest, bustling, no atmosphere....and it costs $20 for a taste of something. Sorry.
(3)M D.
LOVE this place! I've lived in Spain and this place is pretty authentic. If you go - definitely get the patatas bravas, the tortilla espanola, and try the cold chorizo (plato butido). Yum yum yum! Great atmosphere and energy. Will be back again for sure!!!!
(5)Chris C.
If you're looking for excellent food and terrific service in an interesting atmosphere and aren't worried about the price, then Curate might fit the bill. We began with the esparragos blancos (white asparagas with a light mayonaise) then tried the canelones de carne (meat canelones with bechamel sauce), the bocata de calamares (fried calamare sandwich), and the berenjenas la taberna (eggplant in honey w/rosemay). The esparragos was ho-hum, but everything else was terrific. I'd recommend sitting at the tapas bar so you can watch the chefs do their work. I doubt I'll eat there very often, but a couple of times a year, I plan to belly back up to the tapas bar and order some more stuff I can't pronounce.
(4)Stephanie F.
Recently had my birthday dinner here and it was a great choice. The food definitely lives up to the hype. We started with the pitcher of Sangria which was delicious. They add Hennessy to it which I think makes the drink. We ordered... berenjenas la taberna (fried eggplant - my favorite dish - this is a must order) bocata de calamares (squid sandwich, sooo good but order early - very filling) pincho moruno (lamb skewers - my husband's favorite dish ) canelones de carne (just okay, I would skip this one) pimentos de piquillo (stuffed peppers, were great) espuma de chocolate (this dessert was just okay - would have liked more options) They were also nice enough to bring me this awesome sugar sculpture for my birthday. Great service, great food, and great prices. Home run!
(5)Rob B.
Being from upstate NY I never got to experience a tapas bar. Heck, when I first heard the word I thought someone was saying "topless bar." It came to the Food Network and Travel Channel to show my first glimpses of the tapas bar, and man did I want in. When we saw there were several tapas bars to choose from in Asheville we opted for Curate, and we were not disappointed. We went in at about 12:00pm for a Saturday lunch, and the place had quite a few open tables. It looks expensive as you walk in, from the tasteful interior to the open kitchen. The menu doubles as a placemat, so you can make a mess on it and then opt to order more dishes if you are still hungry. Now from what I had gathered, tapas bars offered small tastings of culinary delights. With this in mind, one would think to order at least three dishes per person. Do not make this mistake at Curate, as the dishes are actually quite big (for tapas), and I think that ordering two plates per person should be more than enough. Not only would more be quite a bit of food, but the menu is pretty pricey, so the bill can quickly add up. They also have a nice beer and wine menu, with a lot of Spanish beers, and also some interesting cocktails of their own. My wife and I ordered four dishes, two which we shared and one for each of us. We shared the pan con tomate ($7) and the Chistorra con Puree. The pan con tomate was crazy good...far better than it should have been. It literally translates to "bread with tomato" but it is actually like a Spanish version of bruschetta. Now I don't like tomato chunks, so I don't like bruschetta, but this was more like a crushed tomato spread. The spread was so fresh, and the bread it was served on was straight from the local bakery. What really did it was the manchego (sp) cheese on top, which was a thick, hearty slice of this creamy, tasty cheese. This dish may have only been four pieces of toasted bread with tomato spread and a slice of cheese, but I'll be darned if it wasn't one of the tastiest things I've ever had. So simple, fresh and pure, I highly recommend getting it. Plus it's one of the cheaper things on the menu! The Chistorra con Puree ($8) consisted of six chorizo links on a bed of pureed potato. The chorizo was excellent...just the right bit of heat, and you could feel and taste those little fatty cubes that belong in real homemade sausage. The potato puree was very rich and creamy, and a pool of olive oil was sitting on top just waiting to be swirled into the potato. It was a pretty nice dish and we both enjoyed it. For myself I ordered the Canelones de Carne ($9), which were two cheesy, beefy pasta shells. When I say cheesy I mean uber cheesy...Monty from the Rescue Rangers would have had a heart attack right there if he saw this dish. It was stuffed with this creamy bechamel sauce and then topped with a thick layer of cheese that went through the salamander to give it that burnt cheese look, texture and taste. It was like eating a pizza as each bite resulted in strings of cheese running from the dish to your mouth. While I liked the cheese, I wasn't as big a fan of the beef filling. It kind of reminded me of potsticker fillings from the Chinese restaurant back in New York, where it tasted like a pasty, spicy mush rather than real beef. Also, while all the cheese and creamy sauce tasted great, it was quite rich, and filled me up to the point where I couldn't finish. The miss' ordered the Gambas al Ajillo ($11) which were six shrimp sitting in this seafood broth. The shrimp were top notch qualtiy...they were HUGE and the heads were frilled and looked like they were exploding (if you've had shrimp like this you know what I'm talking about.) They had that wonderful firmness to them when you bit down, and the broth accompanying them was great. The miss' had a blast dipping the crusted bread that came with it into this spicy garlicy peppery broth, and it was by far her favorite dish. All good things come to an end, and we were quite stuffed after four dishes. The food quality and service at Curate are amazing, and it's an indulgence you simply have to experience, especially if you are not used to tapas. With the prices the way they are I would be more apt to return for dinner, as spending over $20 a person on food and drink for lunch is a bit out of our usual price range. Just remember, start out small and if you are still hungry order more...don't go crazy and order more than you can handle from the get-go.
(5)Lisa E.
I'm giving Curate 4 stars instead of 5 only because the menu offerings aren't my favorite choices. With that said, we had a very good lunch at Curate. The beet salad and butternut squash soup were delicious. Our white wine and iced tea were solid. Service was really strong and our server brought the cheese on a side plate once she understood we were concerned we wouldn't like it. We were happy to squeeze in at lunch and would likely come back again on a future trip to Asheville.
(4)L G.
A little pricey but the food is of good quality. Certainly not the best restaurant in Asheville, but definitely good food. The only thing I found a little upsetting was we sat at the bar, which was probably a mistake because you could see all of the staff preparing the food and one of the girls was cutting raw vegetables, cutting tomatoes and then went and swept the floor, without gloves on. She was handling food without any protection on her hands. That was pretty unsanitary. We brought it to their attention and they apologized and agreed with us. Hopefully the person wasn't trained properly and just didn't know any better and it won't happen again. But that was pretty disgusting. I've never written a negative comment about a restaurant but that was a bit nasty.
(3)H W.
Love!! Cool experience with all the different tapas. And Sangria made table-side... Yum! Recommend: tabla de jamon (sample of 3 cured hams), berenjenas la taberna (fried eggplant with honey), ensalada de invierno (endive n stuff), setas al jerez (mushrooms to go w pork!), gambas al ajillo (shrimp), pluma iberica (freakin awesome pork!). All absolutely awesome! My personal fav is the salad! It was THAT good!! But the pork and mushrooms are a must! Wonderful service. BTW, the Sangria is loaded! Tipsy!!!! Ha!
(5)Ashley L.
The most amazing restaurant I've ever eaten at in 30 years. I've never tasted so much amazingness in my life!!!! I've never had a bad plate. Just taste your way through & you'll never be disappointed. P.s. it's very fast! You won't wAit around for food to come out.
(5)Jon F.
This is as good as a tapas place gets in the U.S. Almost everything was excellent. Also, the restaurant has a great atmosphere - lively without being loud. It's a great place to go big, or just stop by for a couple of snacks. When we visited Asheville, we went there two nights in a row. This is real Spanish food - better than almost anything else I've had outside of Spain.
(5)Edward T.
After seeing all the great reviews here on yelp I was excited to try this restaurant the end of out 5 hour drive to get to Asheville. We had to wait a few minutes for our reserved table but it was nothing out of the ordinary for 830 pm. What was out of the ordinary was waiting 15 minutes before our server stopped by bringing with him a snooty attitude that was not reflected by the rest of the staff we dealt with. Our red wine sangria was good as was the tomato bread as was the cured meats. The roasted potatoes were average for a tapas place and the sautéed shrimp we didn't finish. My wife's roasted peppers with goat cheese were decent and the roasted lamb was the best I've had in a while. After ask the reviews both on yelp and personal recommendations from friends my wife and I looked at each other and had a collective "meh" as we've had as good or better from chain tapas restaurants.
(3)Kristine A.
Most fantastic. We enjoyed every single thing that we ordered. Top favorites would be lamb skewers, cheese board, shrimp, and potatoes bravas. Yum!!! The food here was to die for. Seriously, I have thought about it since we ate there and wish I could go back. Too bad the 800 mile drive gets in the way. Service was great and the atmosphere was fun. I highly recommend Curate! Side note - they have "real" toilet paper in the bathroom. Thank you. I HATE crappy toilet paper.
(5)Hailey H.
Our last minute trip to Asheville didn't allow us to get us a reservation for a Saturday night dinner - but Sunday brunch was all sorts of open, and luckily they still serve their full menu. If you're there for brunch, I recommend their bloody mary, with the horseradish foam. A nice twist on a staple. Our server was fantastic and very knowledgeable, (Krista?) went over lots of the menu options and steered us in great directions. Out of our series of dishes, well I love them all, but the rossejat, clams, and bellota were probably my favorites. (Yes, the bellota goes for $20, but that nutty goodness is worth it in my book) I could live in that broth the clams came in - the pine nuts, the ham - just give me that and a few hunks of bread and I'm done! The rossejat had a really nice flavor and crunch, and I loved the table-side plating. Great execution, awesome taste bud explosions, it made me really miss being in Spain. My only wish... a squid plate besides the sandwich. We ended up ordering the sandwich sans bread (pretty good as far a "calamari" standards, but not amazing) but I think a non-fried option would really serve them well. Maybe next time... And our table was nice, but I definitely think I'll go for the bar next time so I can see everyone work.
(5)Matt B.
One of my favorite places in Asheville, NC -- I've been to Spain several times over the past two years and this places is the real deal!
(5)Karen B.
Food was absolutely delicious - the trout was a standout. Great vibe, terrific service. Go!
(5)Julianna M.
Incredible. Not to mention you can explore all the "greatest hits" of their menu for 2 people for about $60 not including drinks. As good if not better than any other traditional tapas restaurants I've been to around the country. The menu is seasonal and changes frequently and they also do a very good job of being very clear on their menus about what to order if you are a vegan, can't eat gluten, etc.
(5)Karen B.
Husband lived in Spain, so we hit up any Spanish restaurant we can get our grubby hands on and who would have thought the best tapas we have ever eaten was in Asheville? The table side sangria with a whole bottle of red wine is a steal. Great atmosphere, friendly service (albeit slow, but we weren't in a hurry). Do not miss the Pluma Iberica! I know it is the priciest thing on the menu, but it is heavenly. Wonderful place for a special dinner.
(5)Douglas C.
Recently made my third (fourth?) visit to Curate, for my girlfriend's birthday. She seemed hesitant to try it when I initially told her about the place, but she absolutely loved it. The service was fantastic, the food was even better than I remember. When we first sat down we noticed a couple with a chocolate monstrosity in between them (no really, about a foot high!). We asked our server what it was as we could not find it on the dessert section of the rather expansive menu. We were told that it was something special they did for birthdays, but that they would need to have advance notice to create one, so we were out of luck... or so we thought! Our awesome server surprised us with one of our own just before we were ready to leave. That made the evening hands down. Everyone, just get to Curate as soon as you can, the place is fantastic.
(5)Erin F.
We ate here on the recommendation of a couple friends, one of whom is a food critic, and it was well worth the hype. Even though we had late (10 p.m.) reservations, we never felt rushed. The food was interesting, thoughtfully prepared and plated, and delicious. The shrimp was the best I've ever had. The tortilla espanola was incredible - crispy on the outside, with perfectly caramelized onions and deliciously runny egg yolk on the inside. The wine list is varied and interesting, with plenty to choose from, and the staff is well-versed in it. When selecting my second glass, our waiter made a spot-on recommendation. One of the best meals I've ever had - well done, Curate.
(5)Anthony S.
Good but a little overrated. Creative tapas that tended to be "one note flavor". There were a few greats in there but if you can't get a reservation, it isn't the end of the world. Worth the visit if it's convenient.
(4)Josh S.
Woohoo! As good as it gets! That's right - waiting 30 minutes for a seat at the suave, refined bar of Cúrate is worth it. This seat overlooks the kitchen, it's all prepared and flamed right there for you to see. Prepare yourself for a tapa's coma. I had the pleasure of Jessica at my disposal. Not only did she over offer up great drink suggestions (sangria! *by the pitcher only), she brought small plates of delicious food. She started me with a delicious pot of garlicky shrimp, followed by the famous jamon iberico de bellota fermin. Pigs fed only acorns?? Yep. That good. The lamb skewer was next, lost in the middle of all the complex dishes. But good. The final plate of almond sponge cake made me ask what kind of chemicals were used to create this amazing dish! My experience at Cúrate leaves me planning my next visit to Asheville and this wonderful restaurant. The service and ambiance here is absolutely excellent. If this is how they eat in Spain, I'm moving.
(5)Alex C.
Amazing food, excellent service! One of the classiest joints in town. Serves up very authentic Spanish cuisine. The Iberico ham is not to be missed. You will pay to play so bring some cash.
(5)Selena P.
If you are looking for something different and top chef, this place is wonderful! Delicious food, great atmosphere.
(5)Chris C.
Look at my reviews and you will hardly find a 5-star review. They do exist and this one exists in Asheville, NC - a town that has a pretty high culinary bar. You will notice that one of my favorite restaurants is Amada in Philadelphia - which happens to be a Spanish Tapas restaurant. Well, Cúrate is an amazing restaurant that uses (seemingly) the finest ingredients (doesnt mean expensive) and is expertly prepared. Tapas is supposed to be casual and communal at times and is not supposed to have pretense. Well, the vibe in Asheville fit's quite well for Cúrate. Drinks were excellent, the grilled (sateed) mushrooms were very tasty, the garlic shrimp were incredibly moist and in no way tough. Try their Manhattan.... they use a special cherry that is almost liquid but sits at the bottom of the drink just about to burst.... when you finish the drink you let the cherry slide on your tounge and it explodes. Interesting sensation. All of this molecular gastronomy is evidentally because the owner used to work at the world famous El Bulli in Spain that was lauded as one of the top 10 restaurants in the world. The owner/chef - as I'm told married an Asheville girl (also a chef/owner) and opened this restaurant to very closely mirror an authentic Spanish Tapas restaurant. The chef told me that their products are either locally sourced or sourced directly from Spain. This restaurant is in my top 3 favorite anywhere - New York, San Francisco, Boulder, Aspen, Atlanta.... etc....I will return to this restaurant on every trip to Asheville....
(5)Peter K.
Was our 4th or 5th time visiting Curate. As always, it was fantastic, from the service to the drinks to the amazing variety of food. We love it!
(5)Margaret M.
Truly enjoyed this place... my first experience with Tapas, so I wasn't sure what to expect. It's a pretty expensive way to eat, but as I learn more, I'll learn better how to order. There were two of us, and we shared the dishes equally. We began with Pan Con Tomate with Manchego Cheese (translation: crusty bread with fresh crushed tomatoes like bruschetta) - $7. It was truly divine. With all of our dishes, I think we both thought this was our favorite. It would be worth it to go back just for this. Next course was Ensalada de tomate y atun (translation: tuna over greens with tomato) - $7. This was a light, refreshing salad with some EVOO drizzled overtop. Good, but skippable for another more interesting salad (like the beet salad, IMO). Our third dish was Patatas Bravas (translation: cubed hash-browned potatoes with a garlicky, spicy aioli) - $5. This would have been my favorite, but the garlic stayed with me all day :-( which wasn't pleasant (read: heartburn). The fourth course was Bocata de Calamares (translation: fried squid with an olive oil mayo) - $6. It was good, but it was not memorable... in fact, I had to look at the menu to see if that was what I ordered. Our final plate was Rossejat (similar to paella but with Rice-a-Roni type of pasta) - $15. This one was disappointing, and we felt no need to finish the dish... partly because we were full, and partly because it wasn't impressive (overpriced for what you get, too). Service was really good. They timed the different dishes perfectly, and kept our water filled. The only down part is that it's a little pretentious. We went in for lunch and they wanted to know if I had a reservation (on a Thursday). When I said no, the host informed me that we could eat at the bar or back in the way back in another area (forgot what he called it). It was a great little area tucked in the back, and I was quite pleased with our table.
(5)Valerie F.
Try everything. Seriously. Order the table side sangria. Personally, I enjoyed the Gambas al ajillo, espinacas a la catalana, almejas al vino blanco, tabla de quessos...to name a few. Whatever you try, you will not leave disappointed. For dessert, order the fired eggplant covered with honey with a side of rosemary ice cream. Scrumptious! The best part: Cúrate offers plenty of delicious gluten free, lactose free, vegan/vegetarian friendly options.
(5)Chris P.
This is one of the best meals we have eaten in years. Far exceeded our expectations. Every dish was great. The grilled lamb was done to perfection. The artichoke chips with yogurt was a treat. When we come back to Asheville we will not miss this place so we can sample more of the menu. The place was very busy on a Saturday night, so we ate at the bar and the service was good and meals were very prompt.
(5)James S.
After a busy afternoon downtown, Curate was a great place to stop for a glass of wine and a small plate - a delicious late afternoon snack. Usually quite crowded and noisy, Curate was a serene oasis on this visit. Always a favorite of mine downtown. Enjoyed the jamon iberico fermin plate at the bar.
(4)Susan P.
I love this place! Every time I visit I try something new, and I've never been disappointed. Some must-gets: the lightly bettered eggplant drizzled with rosemary honey, the ham platter, the marinated peppers stuffed wt chèvre and drizzled wt rosemary infused oil, any special deserts -
(5)Lauren K.
Loved it! I had some great tapas while living in Chicago but was truly impressed by Curate. So we started with cocktails. I had a special holiday drink made with horchata and hennesy. It was delicious despite my dislike of Hennesy. My date had a Manhattan and declared it amazing. Our first dish was the Croquettas de Jamon, which were not on the menu but our server mentioned them as a new item. When they came out we were both disappointed in the lack of a dipping sauce but after the first bite we both changed our mind. YUM! We followed this with the berenjenas la taberna, which was possibly the best thing I have ever put into my mouth. A lightly fried eggplant with rosemary drizzled in honey. I have had amazing dreams about this dish and feel I must thank those who reviewed before me because I would not have ordered this and my date was extremely skeptical (plus he thought my obsessive yelping pre date was a little strange but whatever :)). We followed this up with the Garlic Shrimp. I was not impressed. They were good but were something I could easily make. We paired these with the mushrooms but ended up waiting to eat the mushrooms. We also ordered the Lamb Skewers. Now these were good but nothing held a candle to the eggplant. Our server was absolutely right when he told us the mushrooms would be excellent with the Lamb. The other great thing was our server. After my cocktail I was ready to switch to wine, he paired an excellent white with the shrimp and paired a red for both of us with the lamb. All of the wine went really well with the food. Plus I appreciated that he brought us two different glasses of red wine, one of which I loved and one my date loved. We were nearing time for dessert and decided we could fit in one more dish... The eggplant was sooooo good that we got a second round. And then we got to dessert. I thought nothing could touch the eggplant but I was wrong. Our server suggested that we try the first two desserts on the menu so we did and moaning ensued. I would HIGHLY recommend coming to Curate. But a meal takes a while and costs a pretty penny. Excellent food and even better service. It almost makes being back in Asheville worth it.
(5)Mark S.
I cannot say enough about Curate. The server (Brian) was extremely knowledgeable about all things on the menu. And the good was out of the world. Period. With every dish we thought we had tasted the best thing on the menu, but not got continually better, culminating with the pork. Highly, highly, highly recommend.
(5)Yung B.
Hands down my favorite dining experience in Asheville, the Chacutare' trays filled with nothing but the freshest acorn fed beef, if you go here and are disappointed you probably dont have a pulse. Ive been there twice now and it is pricey but it is worth every cent, from the honey eggplant, to the cheese stuffed roasted peppers, this place is truly magical and cant wait to go again
(5)Mark C.
Note - I can't seem to give a place 5 stars but if I could I would in this case. It's a very busy restaurant, lots of people walking around............. We had: Home cured olives - outstanding and possibly my favorite part of the meal Tomato bread - Outstanding. I wasn't crazy about it at first but wanted more by the time I was finished Shrimp / Garlic - Outstanding. Can't miss item Fried Eggplant w honey - Outstanding Spinanch w pine nuts, apples, raisins - Surprisingly great Rosemary Ice cream w orange sponge cake - Interesting! Like I said, I have some weird hangup about giving a perfect score, but this place is highly recommended. We also had a pitcher of Sangria of which I am not experienced enough to comment. Maybe it was great Sangria, it didn't taste much different that red wine to me but I am far from a win expert so disregard.
(4)Lori M.
Holy hell!! Everything that we ordered was just superb. We started with the cheese plate, charcuterie, and beautiful Spanish olives. How can those be over the top? But they were. Than the second round was a calamari sandwich, beet and Mahon cheese with blood orange vinegar être, ensaladilla Rusa with tuna. Last course was lamb kabobs, sautéed mushrooms and sautéed spinach. Every bite kept getting better. This is a must stop for anyone visiting Asheville.
(5)Paul H.
This is a great tapas place. If you're looking for tapas in Asheville this is the spot. It's crazy busy all the time and hard to get reservations. We had a reservation at 9:30 at night and still had to wait 15 minutes when arriving. It's loud in here and better for groups and friends rather than couples. Limones is better for couples. The wait staff were pretty good, but they're so busy they can't talk to you too long (at least on Christmas Eve). Stuffed peppers were great, calamari good too. The eclipse drink is great. Towards the end of the night when it gets closer to closing the service might get slower.
(4)Q C.
Some great stuff here. I'm from Chicago and stopped by here with some friends while on vacation, Staff was nice, so was atmosphere, I remember really liking the croquetas de pollo and the eggplant with honey. All in all though the food wasnt mind blowing and it was expensive.
(3)YourFavoriteDonke Y.
Great way to end a weekend in asheville. Incredible meal. Ate at the bar with friends. Seemed every plate that was brought out was someone's new favorite. Tried to recreate their watermelon salad. Everyone raved about my version except for me. It will never quite be that good.
(5)Robin T.
So good. The lamb skewers had fabulous spices. The peppers stuffed with goat cheese were tart and smokey. The wait wasn't so bad but we sat at the counter. Not comfortable but definitely worth it. While the food was slow coming out, the wait staff were great. Best place we found in Asheville. Don't miss it.
(5)Jessica W.
Some of the best food I have ever eaten!!! We got the picture of white sangria, very good. The eggplant with honey was one of the best things I have ever eaten! The artichoke chips with the yogurt sauce was great! The pan con tomate with manchego cheese was so good! The desert was great.... everything we had was better than the next!!!
(5)Justin P.
Curate has probably been one of the best restaurant experiences I've ever had. The food was great, the service was amazing, and I just had a good time. Curate's genre of food is Spanish Tapas. I had never had Spanish tapas before so I was very excited with seeing what it was like. Tapas are basically small plates with small amounts of food to share with the party. We walked into the restaurant and it was super crowded. The atmosphere was loud and buzzing and felt really good. We were able to get in with a reservation. Because the food is small plates, then we ordered a lot of things. We ordered as appetizers pan con tomate with manchego cheese (fresh tomato on bread with cheese), jamon iberico de bellota (acorn fatted iberico ham), and alchachofas fritas (artichoke chips). I have to say that I was impressed. The tomato and the cheese tasted so fresh that it made the dish so good. The bread was nice and warm too. The ham was amazing! It tasted very good and had a unique flavor to it. The artichoke chips were OK. It was nice and crunchy and served with a yogurt dip. For the main courses, we ordered croquetas de pollo (chicken croquets), bocata de calamares (calamari sandwich), gambas al ajillo (sautéed shrimp and sliced garlic), and pincho moruno (lamb skewer with marinated Moorish spices). The croquets were probably my least favorite of the whole meal. The croquets had a creamy texture and I didn't like it. The calamari sandwich was very good. The squid was fried perfectly and olive oil mayonnaise went very well with the squid. I never imagined eating a squid sandwich! On the menu, it said that the shrimp was the best tapas in Asheville. I wouldn't be surprised if it was. It was sooooo good! The shrimp was cooked perfectly and the sauce had a lot of garlic flavor. It was warm, and made a perfect combo with the bread. The best thing that I had at dinner were the lamb skewers. The lamb was well seasoned, really tender and cooked perfectly. The spices in the lamb gave it a hot and fiery flavor. It was such a good dish. Our server was really nice. He suggested have the berenjenas la taberna (fried eggplant covered with wild mountain honey) come last because it was more like a dessert. He also recommended the helado de romero con almendras (rosemary ice cream) to go with the eggplant dish. Boy, am I glad that we took his recommendation. It was a great combination of sweet and savory tastes. It was not overly sweet and was an excellent way to end the meal. Overall, I had a great time. The food was just great. Now I really know what Spanish Tapas really is all because of Curate!!!
(5)Sam J.
My favorite restaurant in town at the moment. Everything about it is amazing. The atmosphere, the service, the amazingly combined flavors in the food, the creative presentation, the cleanliness and organized kitchen. I just wish I could afford to eat there more often.
(5)Scott S.
wow. fantastic. i had heard so much about this place and it did not disappoint!
(5)Anne J.
One of my new favorite restaurants in Asheville! The sparkling cava sangria is a must. Get a pitcher. My husband and I also enjoyed the cheese plate, the eggplant with honey and rosemary,and the mushrooms. If you are looking for a great dining experience in Asheville, you have to go to Curate!
(5)Meg C.
I've been twice now, so let me break it down..... 1st Visit: To Drink: Sangria (Red Wine) Small Bites: Pan Con Tomate Tapas We Tried: Patatas Bravas (The sauce is awesome!) Chistorra con patatas al aceite de oliva Vieiras con pimiento del piquillo maestro julian Butifarra con mongetes Dessert Espuma de chocolate (hello unusual combinations of dessert deliciousness) Crema catalana con frutas del bosque Food: ¡EXCELENTE! Service: We had reservations & were running about 5 minutes late. I don't know if that had anything to do with it, but we ended up having to wait or a table for 30-40 minutes for a table. This was soon after they opened so I'll give them a pass. Our waitress was great! Knowledgeable and friendly. **I gotta be honest...I didn't LOVE the Sangria ($25) as much as I love Limones' or even The Admiral (which is probably not authentic ;)). Maybe I'll give it another shot another time. 2nd Visit: To Drink: Porron (Very refreshing, but I am too much of a clutz to drink this the traditional way; Perhaps practice makes perfect?) Small Bites: Pan Con Tomate Tabla de jamon fermin (I liked jaman serrano fermin best of the 3, oddly) Tapas We Tried: Croquetas de polio (good for sharing) Berenejas la taberna (this was the favorite thing I've tried thus far) Setas al Jerez Canelones de carne (canelones + bechamel= yes please!) Food: ¡excelente, una vez más! Service: We had reservations and were seated immediately! I had the same waitress, who is super. I'm very excited to see this addition to the downtown restaurant scene. Can't wait to go back.
(5)Jacob B.
Curate is an amazing place to go in Asheville. I recommend making reservations if you have more than two people because they do seem to always be busy. The food is spectacular and because it is a tapas restaurant you get to try a variety of things if you want. I have been to Curate several times over the last few years and am never disappointed.
(5)Rachelle B.
By far hands down best dessert I ever had!!!!! Helado de Romero con almendras was really to die for! I almost ordered two. The creamiest rosemary ice cream with salted almonds and sponge cake and a taste of orange. We also had Pan con tomate and manchego cheese. YOU MUST ORDER. So tasty it was my favorite. The lamb was so tender and had excellent flavor, other than that we had the patatas bravas and a sampler of olives. We had heard a lot about the Croquettas de pollo which were sold out on the night we went. So we came back the next day to order some. They were good, but nothing out of this world. I was expecting a little more, and I think they actually might of needed a little salt. Might be because I live in South Florida and are used to eating authentic Cuban croquettas. Very fun to sit at the bar and watch them prepare your food! Great experience, you must visit Curate!
(4)Doug D.
I can't believe this place. Better than any Spanish Restaraunt I've been to in the US. Authentic Barcelona tapas with a slightly new south twist. Just the right mix. Jamon iberico! Lamb skewers and the eggplant. They say a Restaraunt can be made with one dish. This is it. They worked with jose andres. Nuf said.
(5)Jeff F.
Just an amazing overall experience. I wondered why they had gin and tonic on their drink menu and now I know why, simply the most refreshing drink of all time. Try the roasted peppers, scallops and canelones and share my amazement. This place just gets it!
(5)Jason W.
OK, you might not immediately realize when you walk into this place that you're in a food temple. The decor is modest, the atmosphere trendy and bustling. However you're about to enjoy some of the best food you've ever eaten. For real. The whole goal seems to be to serve classic Spanish tapas...flawlessly. And that they do. You'll need to fly to Spain to find better gazpacho -- perfect balance of tomato and vinegar. The pan con tomate with manchego cheese was light and savory. The lamb was spiced and cooked perfectly (I'm still thinking about it!). The esqueixada catalana -- cod salad -- was light and falvorful. The watermelon salad was an elegant thing of beauty, with the fruit explosion of the watermelon deliciously balanced with the savoriness of the serena cheese. We opted for a pitcher of sangria, which surprised us by being more savory than sweet...it took a moment for our palates to adjust from the fruit juice expectation, however once we got there, we loved it. If I needed to dig up items for improvement, I found our waiter a bit smug and not super helpful (although as we ordered, he occasionally praised our selection, sort of in the way you might expect a teacher to do when you answered a question correctly in fifth grade math class). Service was also a little lackluster...he never once refilled our sangria glasses, from our pitcher that he set on a ledge about five feet away -- I repeatedly had to hop off my stool and do it myself, one time right in front of him. He didn't stop me. And the classic gambas in garlic were absolutely delicious and cooked flawlessly, however I would have preferred slightly larger prawns. My guess is that they were chosen specifically for their flavor and sweetness...which they had...it's not always about size I suppose. Anyway, all that said, Curate is a fantastic venue for destination dining -- worth a trip to Asheville for sure, all on its own. But do yourself a favor and study the menu ahead of time, so you can take full advantage. Lots of nuance to consider, although the truth is you could just order blindly and have a fantastic meal. It's that good.
(5)Bob C.
Very busy and because it's very good. Also, lacking culture I did not know tapas were appies...know wonder I was curious where my meal was even though in front of me! Tasty but expect light fare and servings. Four stars though for flavors and outstanding service.
(4)Brooks H.
We visited Curate last night for the first time, based on Yelp reviews. The reviews were correct, this is a great place to eat. With 5 family members at the table, we tried a variety of tapas. All of these were delicious. We had: Gamabas al Ajillo, Pincho Moruno, Pan con Tomate, Tortilla Espanola, Tabla de Jamon, as well as several other dishes. Each of these were wonderful. As a result of the excellent food, Curate is a popular restaurant. At 7 PM, we made a reservation for 9:30 PM. We arrived early and were seated around 9:40. Since we had 5 people, I do not consider this to be a negative, since only a few tables seat 5. It was well worth the short wait.
(5)Michael L.
This was great food & our service was good. I highly recommend this place for lunch, or dinner. Spend as much, or as little as you want.
(5)Doug P.
Everything was awesome, The food, atmosphere & service. A great place for a group that likes to share. Rustic & modern. Will be going back next time in Asheville.
(5)Allison O.
Wow. I loved my meal here. The waitress was wonderful, explaining things on the menu and answering other questions. She also made sure we had clean plates for each course. We started with a bocadillo Serrano with Iberian ham, manchego, and tomato on a baguette. This was the first time I have ever eaten a tomato and liked it. Overall it was good, but it needed more meat for the size of the bread. Tomato was the main flavor. Next was rossejat negro, a noodle "paella" with squid and its ink. This was rich and wonderful. Salty and satisfying. Asparagus with romesco was cooked just the way I like them, just a bit al dente but tender. The romesco was nutty and sweet from the almonds. Next was the cannelloni with meat (our waitress clarified after our meal that these were stuffed with beef, pork and chicken liver). There was a very heavy bechamel over top. I felt this was the biggest letdown. Too much sauce and the meat filling had the texture of wet dog food. As we walked back to the car my bf said the same thing about the texture of the meat. Last we had lamb skewers. YUM! Not overly spiced, but the cinnamon and whatever else in the spice blend was beautiful on the tender lamb. Cooked perfectly. For dessert we had the rosemary ice cream, almond cake and orange segments. Holy cow, I could not get enough. I want to go home and buy an ice cream machine and a rosemary bush! We each had a cocktail, a Cuba libre and Spanish martini. They were fine, but overpriced I felt. The rest of the food was priced right for quality and portion sizes. Everything was perfect for two to share. I will surely come back next time we visit.
(4)Mike A.
Excellent tapas spot. My wife is from Barcelona and this place is up there with the best in Cataluna. Ferran Adria himself would be proud of his former employees.
(5)Bobeau X.
Tasty, but pricey & way too much salt. Tapas is great snack food, if you're going out for a meal choose another place.
(3)R B.
Food adventure awaits at Curate. Another shotgun style storefront on Biltmore avenue that you may just walk right past. Instead, turn in for an astonishing, amazing tapas dining experience. Couldn't wait to try the jamon iberico fermin - cured ham from black footed iberico pigs of spain. Amazing salty and mild flavor. Continuous nibbling, we made that dish go as long as possible. Seared scallops - the best part of a tremendous meal. Indeed, I didn't know how scallops could taste - curate sets a new standard! Gambas al ajillo -- amazing garlic shrimp. Canelones de carne - interesting meat roll-ups. Not a favorite, but good filler! Croquetas de pollo - fritters around shredded creamy chicken mixture. Dessert! -- esumpa de chocolate, a tremendous chocolate mouse accompanied by bitter apple and salty praline. Beautiful open kitchen and first class service. Even on a weekday, they had a great crowd. The meanest thing I could say about the place? They could use a bigger sign out front.
(5)Derek P.
At here two weeks ago. Service and food were excellent, and very reasonably priced for how good it was.
(5)Megan P.
This small, but growing, tapas bar is relatively new to the Asheville scene. I read about it on Tripadvisor.com and decided to stop in for a quick lunch when I arrived on a Sunday afternoon. First, the decor was perfect. Comfortably Spanish with a mountainous flair. Lots of wood and leather inspired furniture, but very clean. I love the high-top tables in the front of the restaurant and definitely would have sat there if I weren't on my own. Instead, I opted for the bar. The bar is huge, seating close to 20, looking over the kitchen. It was great being able to see the team of chefs on the line creating these masterpieces. My taste of Curate was generally small, only 4 plates, but I look forward to going back with a large group so that we can try a large amount of plates. I took the grilled eggplant with honey and rosemary, which was the most perfectly fried eggplant I've ever had, the Navarran white asparagus salad marinated in a lemon vinaigrette and served with an aerated mayonnaise, sauteed mushrooms, and grilled chorizo served with a potato and olive oil purée. 4 plates were just enough to fill me up for lunch. I truly hope that if you are up in Asheville you take the time to check this place out. It may be a bit pricy once you have your fill, but the quality and care put into the food is worth every penny.
(5)Laura T.
Absolutely Amazing! Favorite meal in one of our favorite food towns! Will be back next visit for sure!
(5)J D.
All around excellent food taste and presentation. Unique dishes. The atmosphere and attention to detail was good. The server we had wasn't overly friendly but she was attentive and quick so I didn't doc any points for that. Would recommend.
(5)Jason G.
This place is amazing! All the food and service was perfect.
(5)Fred J.
Went last night with a couple of friends, and had a wonderful array of tapas. The food was delicious, the service was excellent and there is a parking lot across the street. We had the lamb skewer, garlic shrimp, roasted piquillo peppers, roasted asparagus, the assorted spanish ham and cheese plates, the tortilla espanola and the brandada, which was heavenly. Can't remember the wine I had (!), but it was also wonderful. Definitely will try and get to Curate' again.
(4)Anton M.
Very enjoyable. The atmosphere was urban, contemporary but warm. The service was excellent. The only drawback; we found that the portion sizes were small. Wine selection was excellent. Will eat there again!
(4)danielle b.
Dinner last night was definitely one of the best meals I have EVER had! We started with a pitcher of white sangria...delicious. A combination of liquor (I think it was something like Tanquray, Hennessey, & Cointreau??) and sparkling cava that doesn't sound like it should taste as good as it does. Our server was very knowledgeable and helped us pick out one amazing dish after another. He paired the dishes very well and timed it just right so that we always had just one or two plates on our table at a time. Especially loved the pork skirt steak and the mushrooms. I felt the prices were definitely reasonable, too.
(5)Michelle G.
Curate was a lovely experience, the food and the service was as expected. Curate was on our agenda of places to eat and it was a great choice, we will definitely be back for dinner our next time in town. The lamb skewers were my favorite dish. We also had jerusalem artichoke chips, fried eggplant, sausage and a few more which we all great. A bottle of wine completed our lazy lunch date.
(5)Evelyn G.
oh my a MUST!. I simply loved this little mountain town but this rest def takes the cake! Spanish tapas a lo mejor
(5)James Y.
Wonderful Restaurant! We made reservations for 830pm and the place was packed. The menu is excellent, the service spectacular and the whole experience was perfect. There were four of us out for my birthday dinner and the bill was only about $100. It's a must visit!
(5)Peg W.
Wonderful dinner! We didn't have a reservation yet the hostess took our name and cell, which allowed us to browse nearby shops instead of hovering over other diners. It was well worth the wait. We sat at the bar and were able to see many of the dishes prepared which helped us map out our tapas strategy. Our server Jason recommended a lovely Tempranillo, and also recommended several tasty dishes including grilled lamb with Moroccan spices. Delish!
(5)Martin L.
Curate, a wonderful addition to the Asheville dining scene. The menu features tremendous number of tapas options that are separated into classes based upon the type of preparation. The wait staff is extremely well trained and very willing to assist you in selecting dishes. The portions are perfect for a table of four, sharing allows you to sample more choices. If you have never had a tapas experience, Curate is a good as you will find anywhere in the country. Every dish we had was memorable and left our entire table wanting to return to taste the dishes we were not able to try on this trip.
(5)Tisha R.
Found Curate by accident and glad we did! Sit at the bar and watch the exhibition kitchen. If you like tapas, you'll love Curate. Small portions . . . yes. Expensive . . . no. Reservations are a must unless you get lucky as a walk-in. Highly recommended!
(5)Christina C.
AWESOME. Sat at the bar and got to watch our food being prepared--really fun way to experience dinner. Sherry selections are great and don't miss the house vermouths. So delicious! The food was excellent. Tomato bread with manchego, Iberico ham, tapenade trio, roasted asparagus, and the meatballs special. Delicious, all! Excellent flow to the meal, wonderful service (especially considering it was at the bar, literally in front of the kitchen. They've got this down.). If you're in Asheville, make a point to go here!! Reservations recommended.
(5)Richmond M.
Just WOW...jamon iberico de bellota fermin where have you been all my culinary life. This is the most amazing gift of porcine ever bestowed by God. And with that we were off to a truly great dining experience..not a meal.. but an experience. We appreciated the well informed waitstaff that helped guide our tapas pairing. The blendings of melon and heirloom tomatoes, chorizo and pureed potato, lamb and mushrooms artisan cheese and cherry and apricot compote, the list continued on. The wine list was not overly extensive , but powerful. The Muga Rioja was excellent and the porron was an neat new drink we had not experienced before. Be sure to end with one of their great desserts. The catalan cream with berries and the seasonal melon four ways wer the perferct end to our journey here. I consider Asheville block for block the most innovative foodie center in the country and Curate is at the pinnacle of that growing list of eateries.
(5)Buck N.
Some of the best food I have ever had. The wife agrees. The tomato/watermelon salad made me want to cry. I never wanted to leave it, but I just kept on eating it. Everything else was equally outstanding, and the cocktails are great (we returned the next night right before closing just to get drinks -- manhattan for me, the G&T for the wife). Staff was friendly and helpful. Simply incredible place.
(5)Mike A.
Wow! Our first night in Asheville and we had a great dining experience. We heard two spontaneous recommendations so we decided to try it out. Boy were we glad we did. We decided to sit at the bar and really enjoyed watching the prep of each dish. Each dish was meticulously prepared. The white beans and sausage were great. The mushrooms were as well. The highlight of the evening was the special, an incredible plate of sliced pork that is hard to describe. It was out of this world. The owner/chef delivered it personally with pride. Our server behind the bar was attentive, knowledgeable and very pleasant. If you're in Asheville don't pass this restaurant by. You will not regret it.
(5)Dave B.
We came to Asheville to celebrate and anniversary and enjoy all the area has to offer. One of the best parts of our trip was our dinner at Curate. The wonderful evening started with the great service we received from our server Andre. He was just as passionate about the food as the chefs who prepared it. Be sure to ask for him when you go. The food was AMAZING. From the gazpacho to cured meats and iberico pork, the whole flight was a true culinary experience. We did not pick anything and let Andre select for us. He did a great job with the selections, and every single plate was on point. His wine suggestion was equally well selected. Do your self a favor and make a reservation, but if you can't, don't fret. Go in and opt to sit at the bar, which is more chefs table than bar. You are sitting right where the food is prepared. Something we may do next time anyway, along with trying some of the hand crafted cocktails. I understand the gin and tonic is not to be missed. Cheers!
(5)Stacey O.
I LOVED this place! We sat at a group table so were with 6 others, which just made the experience more fun! service and servers were amazing and so helpful! Loved everything, but the stuffed pimentos and the iberico ham were crazy good! had a pistachio cake and rosemary ice cream for dessert that kinda made me feel like I was eating on iron chef! The sangria was great, but way too expensive! When in Asheville, do NOT miss this spot!
(5)Chris S.
I must admit...a bit hyped up. I get a sense that people are a little to over enthusiastic about Curate. I went recently, due to all the rave reviews. Don't get me wrong, its good. I am giving 4 stars. However, I didn't have anything that made me say, I have to have that again. If I didn't go again, I would be OK. Its a tapas place, and as you can guess...they charge you an arm and a leg for a small portion. I'm cool with that, as long as that small portion blows me away - it did not. We had 5 different plates, so we did get a broad selection. What am I trying to say - yippee!! If its your thing - enjoy. For me, not so special
(4)Garrett W.
Calamari sandwich and fried eggplant with honey. Amazing.
(5)Lisa M.
Yummy tapas and a good wine bar - a definite stop in Asheville!
(4)R V.
Curate was an incredible experience, with not one imperfect dish. The eggplant with rosemary and honey was sublime, the wine was delicious, and the crema catalana was perfect. If you find yourself in Asheville, don't miss this restaurant!
(5)Catherine R.
My husband and I dined here last night for the first time. It was an all around great experience...food was amazing, service was exceptional and the atmosphere is fun. Here is what is not to be missed on the menu: 1. jamon iberico de bellota fermin (pigs fed solely on acorns)- I rarely eat ham, but this was the most delicious meat I have ever eaten. Other reviewers describe it as melting in your mouth and that is truly what it does. Pricey, but so worth it! 2. berenjenas la taberna paired with the heledo de romero con almendras (fried eggplant drizzled in Wild Mountain Apiaries honey & garnished with rosemary paired with rosemary ice cream with almond sponge cake and candied orange)- Our server recommended we finish our meal with both of these at the same time and I am so happy we took him up on it. A little fried eggplant topped with a little rosemary ice cream = sheer gastronomic joy! 3. chistorra & chips jose's way (chorizo & potato chips)- basically a little chorizo sausage wrapped in a homemade fried potato chip held together by a toothpick, served warm. They are kinda like a "pig in a blanket." Extremely yummy... 4. rebujito (traditional south of Spain cocktail of manzanilla sherry, bitter lemon & mint)- very refreshing and not sweet. Goes down easy, so be careful! Total bill for two, with gratuity, was ~$140ish. We got six tapas + one dessert and four cocktails. Probably won't visit frequently for meals like we had last night (a little pricey), but we will definitely make this our new "go to" place for a cocktail and the eggplant/rosemary ice cream dessert combo. Seriously, that was G-O-O-D!!!!
(5)Lauren K.
Everything is fresh and phenomenal! The best ingredients, simple preparation, speaks volumes! I went with my parents and shared everything including the scallops, cooked perfectly! The garlic shrimp were fantastic as well as the house cured olives, fried eggplant with local honey, the fried calamari bocadillos! The chocolate mousse dessert was so unique (warm mousse with apple sorbet and hazelnut praline) and tasted heavenly! I can't wait to go back next time I'm in Asheville!
(5)Mary lou C.
Lunch was so wonderful, we went back the next day. Fantastic lamb skewers were the best lamb we have eaten in awhile. I used many of the Yelp reviews as a guide, eggplant, sangria, etc. The shrimp and garlic were so great, we couldn't resist ordering them the next day. We loved the tomato bread with manchego cheese. Only tried the rosemary ice cream and it was good but didn't blow us away like the other tapas items. We don't regularly visit the same restaurant on the same trip but this restaurant was so yummy, we couldn't stop ourselves. Can't wait to visit Asheville again soon.
(5)M.J. S.
After living in Spain, it was wonderful to taste authentic flavors at Curate in Asheville. Try it all, but a good start would ensalada rusa, croquetas, pan con tomate, and those fantistico setas. Just terrific. The only negative was the gambas, which are not the best (or even close) I've ever had. The gambas themselves were nicely cooked, but the sauce was bitter because many of the garlic slices were burned. One other thing, Curate: how about a basked of crusty bread at the table? Great wine list, too, with a wide range of prices and some interesting Spanish wines that are rare to find in America, especially outside the big cities. Great "bar" atmosphere and nicely trained waitstaff, at least based on our experiences at Curate. I assume if the owners' experience at el Bulli in Catalonia has had a large impact on this restaurant. But in any case, Asheville should be proud that Curate opened here -- hungry, too.
(5)Tom R.
We were a party of 9 raging from 53 to 15. All were in agreement that the food was great. We ordered 2 rounds of 1 plate each plus a couple extra for the table. By the end everyone was full (not that you judge on quantity in a tapas restaurant). We were early for our reservation but our table was ready and the welcomed us in. Try anything on the menu and you won't be disappointed.
(5)Gary O.
We couldn't get reservations for Saturday evening, but plenty of room in the early afternoon. Sat at the bar, which was neat because it allowed us to converse with the chefs and watch the prep. The other reviews have said most of what I would have written about food quality. Just two points: a) the gazpacho is exceptional (the chef gave us the recipe). b) The prices are a bit high (we paid $60 including tip but no alcohol) for two people. Still, well worth the price.
(5)Rebecca B.
Probably the best restaurant in Asheville....just be prepared to spend between $50-60 per person. We ordered 3 dishes each, shared a pitcher of sangria, and shared a dessert between 3 people. Everything was great...most memorable is the pan con tomate, the croquetas de pollo, and the brandada de bacalao. The sangria was the only slight disappointment...preparing it table-side did little to impress. I would have preferred for the fruit to soak in the wine longer. My mom, who is Portuguese, had dinner with us and she was very happy and impressed. Now if only Asheville had a Portuguese restaurant.
(5)Jennifer M.
Curate is hands down one of the best restaurants that my husband and I have been too in a longtime...and we are major food livers. I also lived in Spain for a year in college, and it's very authentic Spanish food-yum, yum, yum!!!!!!
(3)Anne B.
We love visiting Asheville and were told THIS was the place to go since we are foodies. First of all, the service is EXCELLENT, both at the counter/bar and while seated at a regular table. We decided to experience both as all the cooking action takes place right behind that counter/bar. The restaurant is small, I highly recommend reservations, luckily we had been told that and had done so ourselves. Seated in the back we had a romantic dinner for 2, the wine selections are great, our server recommended one that suited our desire for a dry smoky red. After 6 plates of tapas we were really quite full, the only dish we didn't care for was the calamari which usually comes on bread as a sandwich, but they were kind enough to serve it as a plate instead. It was over battered and fairly tasteless, as was the garlic aioli that came with it. That said, the oysters on special were delish, with an offering of infused oils to go with them, something I'd never seen before, as well as all our other choices! The meat plate of Spanish hams was phenomenal! After dinner, our server found us 2 seats at the counter and we watched the kitchen action and had a dessert drink while learning from a chef the art of carving the back leg of a pig set up in a vice contraption. I would have given a 5 star review but reserve that for The Admiral, also in Asheville, another must try by the way! That and the calamari dish. Curate: Friendly staff, great food, HIGHLY recommend.
(4)Karen H.
Best tapas place I've ever been and I've tried them in most US large cities.Looks like a diner but don't be fooled. We sat at the bar and indulged in many plates: most notable were the pan can tomate (simple yet delicious) and the fried eggplant drizzled with honey, AND the lamb skewers. SO glad the couple next to me recommended them as It was my favorite! One of the best things is the way everyone at the bar chatted and shared their favorites with each other!
(5)Peter B.
Had a great dinner at Curate! Everything was delicious and prepared beautifully. The service was good and the pacing of the delivery just right. Some highlights: the pinchos (lamb skewers); both the cheese and the meat plates; the tomato bread; the clams; and the fried eggplant/honey dish. One of our crew couldn't drink red wine so we got the white sangria which was a pleasant surprise. Highly recommended!
(5)Phil A.
Tapas is always hit or miss for me, as it's more of a "mood" than "preference" dining choice. That being said, Cúrate definitely hit the spot in terms of quality and ambiance. Having a lazy Sunday afternoon lunch there was about as good as it gets, as it wasn't too crowded and allowed for a quiet get-together. Doubling up on the meet and cheese samplers was a brilliant start; however, if you intend on going all-out with 4-5 plates I'd say pass on the potatoes (can't remember what they were called, but they were drizzled in a cheesy sauce). As delicious as they were, it was a bit too filling for the amount of food throughout the meal.
(4)Dan B.
Best service in Asheville. Food is tasty and inventive. Asheville has a lot of good food but most of the crunchy-granola-hippie servers are slow and unfriendly. But not at Curate, friendly and well trained. A must do.
(5)Good For The Palate R.
This Spanish style Tapas bar is nothing new, and that's the beauty of it. Very simple and traditionally inspired Spanish foods, where the star is the complexity of the flavor in a single item. This was an incredible meal and I look forward to another opportunity to dine at Cùrate. Cùrate is one of the gifts El Bulli has begun to bestow upon the world. Head Chef and owner Katie Button, along with the Service and Beverage Manager Felix Meana both worked with Chef Ferran Adria at El Bulli prior to opening Cùrate. The learned restraint and balance and complexity and playfulness and they are sharing it with us at Cùrate. The pair have created a restaurant with memorable food and memorable service, one enhancing the other to create an experience instead of just a meal. Each detail played upon each other to create an experience. The timing, the atmosphere, the server were all just right. This isn't the type of restaurant where everything comes in perfect succession and you have 9 waiters and a very private table all to yourself. I'm not saying everything was perfect, but it all worked perfectly together. The atmosphere is cozy with welcoming chocolatey pumpkin colored walls and candle art warming the light. The tables are close together, and there is an open kitchen staged behind a short bar leading you down a hall, past the restrooms to your table... doesn't sound so inviting. But the light filled windows and the warm candle glow invite you to the table. The table setting puts you in a playful mood, making it seem as though you were in preschool again. The menu is your placemat, and your drink list slips out from your napkin which is folded into the shape of an envelope. Before you can even look at the wine list you'll notice the pitchers of seasonal fruit sangria on the tables around you and its impossible to resist. The granacha wine, the cinnamon, the fresh watermelon and strawberries, with a hint of liquored spice and cirtus all perk up your tongue and get you ready for the onslaught of food. We left no crevice un-filled in our stomachs that evening. We started simply with house cured olives, followed by a plate of jambon de serrano, jambon iberico, and jambon de bellota. Then we enjoyed the crispy fried eggplant with a honey drizzle and fresh rosemary. The combination of fried foods and honey is one of Spain's most delicious contributions to the culinary world. I could have eaten this dish for days. I nearly ordered another plate for dessert, although I would have wanted manchego crumbles in that iteration. I couldn't pass on the Branada de Bacalo, basically a hot dip of salt cod and potatoes served with crisp toasts. Imagine warm whitefish salad in texture, but no smoke in the flavor and a bit more earthiness. It just comforted your tongue. Chris loves anchovies so we chose a plate of Escalivada con Anchoas next. The roasted peppers, caramelized onions, and filets of anchovy were swimming in a bath of their own juices mixed with oiliness and a hint of 30yr sherry vinegar to cut through the fish. We planned to end the savory portion of the meal with Rossejat, a thin noodle paella, and the Butifarra con Mongetes, the sausage and fresh white bean dish served with all i oil. But we felt compelled to try one more dish, the Almenjas con Vino Bianco, clams with white wine, iberico, and toasted pine nuts. Those tiny little clams were so juicy and the broth so rich, I cannot believe we almost missed out on them. Finally, we were finished the Sangria and moved on to dessert of Spanish Hot Chocolate, and Helado de Romero con Almendras, Rosemary Ice Cream with Almond Sponge Cake and Grilled Figs. The coolest thing was the sponge cake actually resembled a natural sponge, I'd never seen that before. But I couldn't leave well enough alone and I also had to order a cheese plate. When we sat I inquired about the plate, as I always do, and I was elated to hear the La Peral was the blue being featured on the plate. If there is one type of cheese I love above all others, it is Spanish Blue. There is always a fantastic earthy, almost clay flavor to them, a bit of grit, and a mild creaminess you just can't find in Roquefort or Gorgonzola. The plate also had La Serena which is so creamy it has to be served in a little bowl, and some aged Mahon. Those are basically my favorite Spanish cheese so I was thrilled.
(5)Kenna C.
UNREAL! Flavors and food combinations that truly delight the senses! Each dish is thoughtfully prepared and amazing! Start with some Marcona Almonds and don't pass up trying the Watermelon & Spanish cheese salad! They have a Spinach dish that makes spinach rock! Each dish is like a work of art. You can sit at the tapas bar without a reservation and watch the masters work. Great place for a date night or if you are in the mood to try new and exciting flavor combinations.
(5)V H.
This was one of the best meals and dining experiences I have had as of late. I had heard a lot about this place from friends, so my expectations were high. I'd also heard you needed a reservation. We checked online (via open table on their website) and they were booked. We decided to go anyway (on a Sunday night). The place was packed. They actually take names for seats at the bar (we love to sit at the bar) and said the wait would be an hour. We walked down to Blackbird near the Aloft Hotel and had a drink and appetizer while we waited. The hostess at Curate will take your cell phone number and call you when your seats are ready. The kitchen is open and the staff is efficient, focused and seamlessly work together. The servers (yes they have servers at the bar) were very knowledgeable and attentive. We drank Spanish red wine blends that our server (Brian) recommended. They were all excellent. We started with the pan con tomate with manchego and the acorn-fed iberian prosciutto, which was rich, nutty and delicious. We then had a salad with artichokes, field greens, yogurt, honey and sunchoke chips that was incredibly unique and flavorful. We also ate the eggplant with rosemary, drizzled with honey, the grilled octopus and the rosmary ice cream with sponge cake for dessert. Everything we ate exceeded our expectations. This place is in my top 5!
(5)Rebecca C.
Wow! Finally a great tapas place in North Carolina. The only drawback is there's not one in Durham. Everything we had was amazing. My husband got gazpacho, a meat canneloni-ish dish and the white asparagas. I got a dish off the brunch menu made with brioche, the clams and for drinks the sidracar and the something luna (the one made with moonshine). For dessert we got the apricot sorbet with the yogurt mousse and the pine nuts and pine nut oil. For such an interesting combination, it was delicious, even my husband who usually stays away from desserts loved it. Curate has a great atmosphere and wonderfully knowledgeable and accomadating servers. If you asked a question they didn't know the answer to, they found it. Even oddball questions my husband was asking about why dishes with sherry in them weren't vegan (cuz egg whites are used in the clarification process). I really can't say enough good things about this restaurant!
(5)Kim J.
I loved the atmosphere of the restaurant. The ideal spot is to sit at the bar that way you can see everything getting made and just to point what looks good.
(4)Mitch M.
Great tapas, great service, great atmosphere! Our table was not ready when we arrived, so the manager asked if we would like to sit at the bar overlooking the open kitchen and enjoy some complementary olives and almonds while we waited. We liked watching everything going on so much, we decided to stay at the bar! The whole experience was wonderful. We love Zambras for tapas in Asheville, but Curate is a great alternative and different enough to make it better!
(5)Alberto C.
This is as close to being home as it gets. I am a Spaniard and the type of food that they serve at Cúrate is simply the stuff I grew up with. That, in and of itself, is reason enough to give them full credit. That being said, here are my thoughts on the place. 1. Food is excellent. Whether it is the charcuterie, the almonds, the cheese, the mushrooms or the shrimp, they serve top quality stuff. Simple, honest food, prepared in an authentic way. The chistorra was simply amazing; I dare say it was my favourite of all the things we had. 2. Price. I wouldn't say it is a place you can go a regular basis, but it is not absurdly expensive. My party was composed of 6 people (3 adults, 3 kids). We had two bottles of wine (the least expensive on the list, mind you, but actually very good) and a (big) number of tapas. All for $200. Pricey as this may seem, there are a number of things to consider. In the first place, much of the food they are serving is imported (so it won't be cheap). Secondly, they are trying their very best to go local with as many food items as possible, however sometimes local implies higher prices. Lastly, yes, as a Spaniard that goes back home on a regular basis, I may be able to find this food cheaper over there. Then again, a plane ticket to Spain may be around $1500+ and, on the other hand, wages in Spain are not as high, so prices need to be lower. Thus, all things considered, this is a pretty good deal. 3. People. It is pretty obvious that the owners know what they want to transmit to the public. There is attentive waiting staff on the floor. It shows that they have been trained to high standards. They will give you their honest opinion about menu items (which I personally think is a plus) - again, not that anything that we tried was not good -. Félix and Katie (two of the owners) are constantly around asking for feedback and explaining things to you - not just food wise, but also what brought them to Asheville; interesting story, really - which I think shows honesty in what they do. I say go for it, they are doing good stuff...
(5)Nikki M.
My husband and I hit this as our first spot to dine in Asheville, and it was a great choice! Every tapa we tried was better than the last. I wish we'd had room (and budget) for more! The service was great, and I appreciate the concept of tapas coming out one at a time, so that we can savor the dining experience a little longer. My only complaint is being stuck in the back of the restaurant at a table next to the bathrooms. It killed the fun we saw up front a little where it seemed so lively!
(5)Summer L.
One of the best in Asheville. Food is amazing. Great atmosphere, good drinks, lots of variety of food, and good price point. Our favorite dishes were the lamb skewers and the chorizo wrapped in fried chips. Yum.
(5)Matt F.
Easily in the top three of the best meals I have ever had. At dinner, everyone struggled to name a better meal that had had. Curate is hidden away, as I had walked by the restaurant about a dozen times on a previous trip to Asheville and never noticed it. The place stays very busy and you will likely need to get reservations very early. We barely made it in early on a Friday afternoon. The menu is a bit intimidating. Most of what my table ordered sounded like an odd mixture of foods. Butternut squash soup? Fried eggplant with honey? Chorizo wrapped in a potato chip? How good could that possibly be? Maybe I am used to trying some unique dishes that underwhelm. It turns out Curate food was the best. Indescribably good, perfectly seasoned and unique. I'd recommend getting the lamb and piquillo peppers stuffed with goat cheese, as they paired together perfectly. The table shared tapas and there is nothing I would not recommend. The price came out very reasonable as well. A must visit for everyone visiting Asheville.
(5)Lisa S.
Make a reservation a week ahead! We loved this place, we parked in the parking garage for a dollar, and it was a short walk. We had the ham board, the potato chip chorizo, the octopus, the pork sausage with crispy beans, the tomato bread with Manchego, and the goat cheese red peppers. It was all wonderful, interesting, and delicious. Service was good, efficient. We also had the pistachio cake with the thyme ice cream and although it was interesting and I enjoyed it, my husband thought it was odd. Cost of everything and one beer was eighty dollars without tip. We will be back when in Asheville.
(5)Marbles L.
First time in Asheville, we came to Curate after reading the raving reviews on Yelp. We came here on a late Sunday night, around 8.30, and the place was buzzing. We were told that there would be a 30-minute wait, so we walked around downtown Asheville to pass the time. We got a text message informing us a table is ready in about 20 minutes. Our server recommended the tabla de jamon, which would have been great if there were more than 2 of us. We opted for the lardo iberico ahumado instead. The smoked lardo was served on toasted bread with a light touch of olive oil. The bread was slightly drier than I would have liked, but the olive oil and the lardo combination was delicious. The berenjenas la taberna (fried eggplant) very good. The eggplant was lightly fried, and drizzled with wild mountain honey. It was heavenly! I ordered the rossejat negro, which is similar to the squid paella that one can sometimes get in spanish restaurants, but this was made with thin noodles. Our favorite dish of the night, the squid was cooked perfectly - tender and moist. Together with the noodles in the squid ink sauce, it was a perfect combination. My friend also ordered the setas aljerez (saute mushrooms) which were, unfortunately, way too salty. We had to send it back, and were a bit disappointed. Despite the overly-salty mushroom, we had a great dining experience and would definitely return. I would recommend making a reservation ahead of time if you want a guaranteed table!
(4)Ed K.
Excellent tapas. Lamb is fantastic the spices with it give a new meaning to eating lamb. The sauce in the shrimp dish is fantastic
(5)Steven S.
I wandered in and grabbed a seat at the bar to sample some tapas and a glass of vino. Muy delicioso. I sampled the trout dish (almost like sashimi), the squid, olive dishes, and a few more. Service is superb. I engaged in a friendly talk with my server and the person who was carving the Iberico jamon. The chef was away in Spain, where they are filming a special on the "World's Greatest Chefs", and she is one of the chosen culinary masters. I'd imagine the dishes have been inspired by the gastronomy created by the famed El Bulli restaurant in Barcelona, and the brilliant chefs who worked and trained there. Really great food, nice location, and amiable staff -- top shelf place!
(5)Danielle D.
Delicious! We loved everything we ordered. The wine was great and the service was wonderful. We look forward to eating here again.
(5)Ashley F.
Obviously this place in perfect. Sangria was great. And we loved every single thing we tasted. Especially the clams. Feel bad for the Poor prep cook who has to make all those compressed apples. But fantastic
(5)Jason M.
This is the place where my wife and I take visitors from out-of-town when we want to wow and impress them with an example of our booming local food/dining scene.
(5)Mike B.
Five stars are not enough. Service was brilliant and the meal, words don't do it justice. To even call it a meal is a disservice to what I experienced. It transcended from a mere meal to art. My wife and I decided to trust the staff and just said feed us. When you go, I suggest you do the same and ask for Brian. You won't be disappointed.
(5)KnoxFoodie F.
Had the pleasure of speaking with Chef Katie this afternoon and she was grateful for the insight into our experience. She stressed that we should never have been told that there was a closing time in the kitchen. Their kitchen is open until the last guests have been taken care of. We would like to thank Katie for her attention and willingness to hear our story.
(4)Katharine B.
Curate came highly recommended from two friends so I had to try it while in Asheville. We went on a Sunday morning (using opentable) and had a wonderful dining experience. The hostess was very friendly and the restaurant has a welcoming feel as you enter. You can see the chefs preparing the food in the open kitchen and counter area and there are tables lining the restaurant all the way to the back room. The assortment of tapas is displayed on paper place settings and there are plenty of choices, whatever your mood. We started with the grapefruit mimosas and the Bloody Mary. Both were delicious. We sampled the cod and potato puree served with crispy bread, the sauteed shrimp with garlic, meatballs with ham, and the pork sausages with white beans. All of these dishes were simply fantastic and so flavorful. Compliments to the chef and I can't wait to go back.
(4)Holly K.
I really enjoyed my dinner here! Of course we over ordered, but there were just so many good options it was hard to narrow it down. My favorite dish was probably the lardo iberico ahumado which was like a very thinly sliced pork belly. If you like pork belly than I suggest you get it, you will not be disappointed! The traditional cod and potato puree was okay. I really love cod so this just wasn't my favorite way to eat it. The creamy chicken fritters were really good. The meatballs were good but nothing crazy special, I didn't really taste any of the iberico ham. The waiter suggested getting the lamb skewers with the goat cheese stuffed red pepper skewers. The combo really complimented each other well. I would definitely get this again.
(4)Clio H P.
I went to the place with my size-13 family reunion for dinner. Thankfully, we got a reservation because when we showed up around 7:30, there was an hour and a half wait. Definitely need a reservation! The waiter was very informative and told us about the 'Spanish Experience' where the kitchen gives us a bunch of appetizer-sized plates. We took it and were very pleased. Best recommendations are the fried eggplant, the lamb that came on skewers and tasted of pepper corn, and the shoulder pork with shitake mushrooms. Delicious! All in all, it was very pleasing. We couldn't talk much because the restaurant was so loud but the food was great and the staff was very punctual. Not recommended for date nights but good for fine dining.
(4)Jill N.
I don't think there is much more to say here than what's already been said in the 300+ reviews of this popular, authentic Spanish tapas restaurant located in the heart of downtown Asheville. The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars: some menu items were a little too ordinary, yet others were absolutely exquisite. Overall, because of this great divide, I felt like our dining experience was a little like a roller coaster ride...up and down, up and down. It made me a little sad to transition from a delicacy like lardo to the very clunky chicken croquettes which were nothing special. And up and down we went through 6 different plates. Having said that, I would go back to Curate without the slightest hesitation and eagerly explore some other menu items. Overall it's an excellent restaurant. Our server was friendly and knowledgeable. Curate stays crowded all the time, but manages to provide a warm and inviting space for its diners. They have an open kitchen and charcuterie which is fun to see. I especially liked watching those beautiful, delicious hams (each a work of art and carefully placed in its own stand) being hand-carved to order.
(4)Bryan P.
On a recent trip to Asheville we were looking for a non-brewery place to eat lunch. We stumbled upon this little gem. We didn't have a reservation at lunch, and were thus lucky to get a seat. We sat at the bar like area overlooking the kitchen. The food is prepared right there in front of you. I enjoyed watching all the cooking and different meals that were coming out of there. We don't know much about this kind of food, so we were largely guessing about what we ordered. The waitress was very helpful. My wife ordered the "Tortilla epsilon de chorizo" Traditional spanish potato and onion omelet with chorizo and manchego cheese. It was fantastic. I ordered the "huevos rotos con jamon iberico fermin". Fried egg over crispy potatoes with cured ham from the famous black-footed iberico pigs of spain. Now how special does that sound? Again, it was fantastic. We wanted something memorable, but not too heavy. Those 2 dishes were just right. Not a huge amount of food, but enough to satisfy. Pair that with a couple of glasses of white wine and you've got a brunch winner. I definitely highly recommend for a different place in Ashville.
(5)Marissa K.
This might be the best Spanish food I've ever had (and I lived in Spain). It's pricey but worth every bite. I was very full by the end. The server suggested 12 tapas for 4 adults...we could have gone with 9....but I am happy I tried all of what I ate. Even the decor is reminiscent of Spain. And the server didn't makes us feel like we had to leave right away...we got to chat for a couple of hours undisturbed. NOTE: MAKE A RESERVATION EVEN DURING THE WEEK.....
(5)Mark M.
Very good eats but the waiter told us the kitchen was closing halfway through our meal. Felt a bit rushed, which shouldn't be the case if they accepted our reservation time. We had to wait 30 minutes beyond the reservation, also.
(3)Andrew W.
I have been away too long! I miss the best of the best and must return soon. It's too bad when you're too busy to dine at your favorite eatery. Note to self...make res for Feb 25.
(5)Jim C.
One of the best restaurant experiences in a long time. For real entertainment eat at the bar so you can see everything being assembled.
(5)Eric H.
Excellent food. A new see and be seen type of place, with a great, long bar from where you can watch everything. A good addition to downtown. Look forward to coming again.
(5)Wendy B.
Absolutely wonderful place to eat! Fabulous food and drinks!
(5)Shardul S.
It's a good spot. I was very pleased with this experience...classy, knowledgeable staff. Good wine...a good feeling. I felt like I was in New York or Toronto...I will be back?
(4)Tiffany S.
This review is long overdue however I felt the need to let everyone know about my experience at Curate. First of all, WOW! Myself and my fiance chose to eat at Curate back in November after a friend recommended it to us. We are from out of town (Raleigh area) and were in Asheville to visit the Biltmore. We were also in celebratory mode that evening as we got engaged that morning! Anyways, we learned quickly that it would of been smart to have gotten reservations since there was a 45 minute wait for bar seating. Since we really wanted to eat there, we decided to put our names in and we walked around downtown for a bit. The hostess called to tell us our table was ready in exactly 45 minutes. We sat at the bar which was a great experience! Our waiter was excellent and we talked to one of the chefs that was shaving the cured pig in front of us. We started with the pan con tamate with manchego cheese which was delightful. Then we ordered berenjenas la taberna (fried eggplant), gambas al ajillo (shrimp with garlic), and pincho moruno (lamb skewer). Everything was cooked to perfection and absolutely delicious! My favorite was the eggplant! I admit, I was full from splitting those small plates with my fiance however after watching the guy shave the cured meat we decided to splurge and order jamon iberico de bellota (cured pig). (My fiance's favorite!!) Then of course we had to order dessert. We had the helado de romero con almendras (rosemary orange ice cream and almond sponge cake). Again, absolutely amazing and unique! Forgot to mention we ordered the red sangria which was very tasty. I would highly recommend Curate to anyone! It was a unique experience for me (as I had never experienced tapas before). The service and attention to detail was impeccable! We can't wait to go back!!
(5)Laura B.
After last summer's trip to Spain, our family is obsessed with tapas. Curate was jam packed on a Tuesday night at 9:00 pm, but luckily, we were squeezed into a communal table. Were we thrilled with the food! We ordered what we had been craving from Spain, pan tomate, gazpacho, and lamb in Moorish spices. But, it was the surprises that delighted us. The ensalada de verano with watermelon, heirloom tomatoes and la serena cheese in a honey sherry vinaigrette, the fried eggplant drizzled with honey and the piquillo peppers stuffed with cheese (the latter suggested by our server) and for dessert, a cloud-like crema catalana. If we hadn't had to hit the road the next morning, we would have had a second carafe of heavenly sangria. As good as Spain? Our daughter said, some of the plates were even better.
(5)Polly R.
It is a great place to eat. The sangria was good, lamb skewer, Spanish ham, trout, butternut soup... Are all GOOD. And the service was very god too.
(5)Suzon H.
The best culinary experience i have had in Asheville.
(4)Michael D.
This is a great Tapas place worth checking out.
(5)Marie P.
Best cantaloupe dessert ever! I'm not kidding. I don't even like fruit. It wasn't on the menu then so you may want to ask for it if its not. Very pretty GTs that'll make you want to serve at home. Very long bar that's fun to sit at to watch the chefs prepare or belly up. I was referred there by a friend who knows the owners so the owners came out to make us feel at home and give us special attention. I can tell you they 're just as nice as their food and atmosphere. The gazpacho was uniquely good. All their food is good for sharing in groups. The head chef used to work at the world famous elBulli in Spain so she's got some serious talent! They still use her great-grandma's BBQ recipe at elBulli which I've tested at home. The taste is just right and so easy to prepare! A+++
(5)Christopher D.
Outstanding. Best tapas we've had in a long time. Delicious drinks. Great service. New favorite Asheville restaurant.
(5)Dawn L.
Had an amazing meal at Curate. Lamb skewers were incredible as was charcuterie and waiter was great with wine parings. Very active, fun place.
(5)Cunning L.
amazeballs food. make a reservation. seriously.
(5)Erica J.
Words cannot explain how amazing wounderful this place is. Asheville in and of itself is beautiful and those in it embrace things a bit different which is what gives it the charm. In that comes those creative people who raise the bar, in way of art and food is a form or art that makes you smile and talk about it for days! Eating here made me so excited about food again. The Espararragos Blacos in a lemon vinaigrette served with light as air mayo, i know sounds ""different" but amazing different. Ensalada de Remolacha which is a beet salad with pickled orange, marcona almonds, cheese and a blood orange vin....simple with HUGE flavor! Saving my best for last...Pimientos de piquillos con queso de cabra, grilled peppers stuffed with cana de cabra cheese...amazing! The manager suggested this fantastic wine and if I didn't drink so much that night I might have been smart to jot it down before I left. Fantastic service and fantastic food....a must while in Asheville.
(5)Bill B.
Well I was back in town and gave Curate another chance with the same group of frineds to no avail. It was really disppointing...the food was sub par. Highlight of the evening besides the peach ice cream and lamb skewer was the wine. We had two bottles of wine Bassus and Black Slate which were excellent except for a red they were both served a few degrees too cool. I lknow of 2-3 authentic taquerias in town that serve much better food. Wait staff was excellent as they were in our previous visit. I still cannot believe all the people that rave about this place...beginning to believe that people don't know food in Asheville. Sorry.
(2)Lisa T.
Wonderful!!! Very tasty, excellent service. We had the plate of 3 special hams, the eggplant, the shrimp, the mushrooms and the cheese stuffed peppers. Hard to pick a favorite as everything was exceptional!
(5)Caroline S.
Hopping open layout restaurant in downtown Asheville. I was drawn by the menu of Spanish tapas and the buzz around this relatively new restaurant. Made a reservation a week in advance, received a phone call the day of the reservation and was asked to tall back ao confirm On a busy Saturday night, the place was packed. Service was quick, without being pushy. Tried tabla de jamon ($12) which give you a taste of the 3 types of Spanish hams available. A better deal than just going for the extremely tasty acorn-fed ham for $18. Next up bocadillo catalan (sausage sandwich), a very tasty sandwich of mild sauage, terrific alli oli and peppers on fresh bread. Bocata calamares - light and fresh calamari sandwich. Pimientos de piquillo perfectly cooked piquillo peppers filled with cheese. Topped off the meal with me catalana creme - a fully creme dish garnished with strawberries and caramael. Averaging $7 a plate, for a total of $50 for two, it was a great meal. Only suggestion for Curate is to change up the music, I appreciate Indie Rock as much as the next person but for a spanish restaurant pick something more in that theme.
(4)Gerald C.
My wife and I celebrated our 10th anniversary in Asheville. Stumbled upon Curate through Yelp. It was a great surprise; numerous tapas options and all were unique, fresh, an savory. Met one of the owners (recently of Spain) and they made us feel special. Best tapas/Spanish cuisine we've ever experienced. We recommend trying Curate if you're ever in Asheville.
(5)Pam C.
as good as it gets! service is swift and accommodating. food is impeccable! you must reserve at least 10 days in advance, but it is worth it!
(5)Nicole W.
Expected more given the hype. Thought the jamon and cheese platters were great, and the lamb was well-spiced and cooked to perfection. However, the white asparagus salad tasted as if it came from a can and several of the garlic shrimp appeared undercooked. We felt that the fried eggplant dish that many reviewers have spoken highly of was overly greasy and bland. Service was very friendly and helpful but a bit slow. Probably wouldn't go back, but maybe others will have a better experience in light of all the positive reviews.
(3)Andrew Y.
The food here is honestly amazing. These guys know what they are doing when it comes to cooking. And the sangria is pretty damn good too.
(5)Andrew W.
Stop whatever you're doing and go to Curate. Simply sublime. Great design and atmosphere, knowledgable, courteous staff, fabulous food at reasonable prices. My only fear is that it will become too popular, with the risks that entails.
(5)Melanie K.
We tried to get a reservation on Open Table but nothing was available. So we just walked in and asked for a table. The hostess took our name and cell phone number. We waited at the bar down the street and she called us when we had seats at the bar - 30 minutes only! It was worth the wait! Loved watching the chefs at work! We started with the pan con tomate- even better than we had in Spain! Don't miss the gambas al ajillo or the cream catalans! Delicious!!!! Can't wait to go back!
(5)Mallory R.
I came here for my birthday and was very excited to try this place out! We started with the potatoes, shrimp, and lamb. The shrimp and potatoes were both really good but when my husband bit into his lamb there was a hugeeeee 14in hair wrapped up and cooked within the meat!!! We were so grossed out we immediately stopped eating and called over our waitress. The reason they get 4 stars is because honestly accidents like this happen and the manager did everything she could to Make us happy. Needless to say we didn't have the best first experience but that doesn't mean I wouldn't give them another chance again in the future.
(4)Dana S.
My boyfriend and I came here on a fancy date night while vacationing in Asheville. The atmosphere seemed fairly chill while still being somewhat upscale, and they were playing indie rock music. Our waiter was very knowledgeable about the menu and drink list and explained a little bit about how the tapas experience works. We ended up each getting a drink and shared six plates, which was plenty. There were some amazing dishes and some that were just average, so choose carefully. I'd recommend the migas, the bocadilla catalan, and the pan con tomate. The gin and tonic was also awesome.
(4)Chris R.
The best Tapas outside of Spain!! Make a reservation because a lot of people agree. Definitely worth waiting for a seat. The octopus melts in your mouth, everything we tried was delicious. You won't be disappointed!!
(5)Isabella G.
Most over-rated restaurant in town, Lots of smoke and mirrors. Great place for wanna-bees! Overpriced, crowded and noisy. Save your money.
(2)Madhu T.
I want to give this place 4.5 start but yelp doesn't allow for half stars and I would prefer to bump up the rating to 5 than take them down to 4. We knew getting reservations would be tough and called ahead but all tables were taken. Was told if we got there early enough we could sit at the bar. Got there 5-ish and were seated right away. Definitely recommend sitting at the bar - the busy kitchen is a show in itself. As a vegetarian, this place would be a one-and-done for me. Definitely felt the Jose Andres influence. The tomato bread with manchego did not disappoint. The piquillo pepper stuff with goat cheese excellent. The eggplant with honey a tad too sweet - hence the 1/2 star reduction. Wish there were more vegetarian options, considering the restaurant's prime location in the farm belt.
(5)Sara C.
We ate here on the recommendation of a friend and we were amazed. The pork may be the best food I have ever eaten. I wanted to lick the bowl of the butternut squash. The shrimp was the best I've ever had. And I do some serious eating. This is a most do in your asheville list. Make reservations early, they book solid. I'm making sure I review this everywhere I can because they deserve the credit!!!!
(5)Luanna Y.
I still don't know how to pronounce this restaurant's name. Is it like "Ka-RA-te"? No idea. But what I CAN tell you is that the food here is awesome! Come here with a group - the more, the merrier and the more yummy dishes you'll get to try! Looooved the chistorra & chips (spicy chorizo wrapped in potato chips) - this was definitely my favorite. I could've eaten another order all by myself. The fried eggplant with honey was also delicious! Really unique and perfectly melded flavors. Must also try the jamon Iberico - you can get this type of ham so cheaply in Spain but it's worth the price here cuz you really can't find it easily. The flavors were very authentic. Finally, the gambas al ajillo is supposedly the "most famous tapa in Asheville" but it was probably my least favorite. Not that it wasn't good, it just wasn't OMG my-brains-are-imploding kind of Muy deliciousness that everything else was. A group of 4 of us ordered about 9 dishes (if I'm remembering correctly). We also had a $35 bottle of wine and were quite full afterwards. Final tally after tip was $60 a person. Totally worth it.
(5)Holly P.
Amazing from start to finish!!! One the best places in Asheville to eat. Will definitely return! Tapas were served very promptly and the combinations of flavors and ingredients will leave you wanting more!
(5)H L.
Never disappoints. A dining experience not to be rushed. I believe this is my 4th visit. We come into Asheville about 2-3 times a year and this is one of the places we make sure we visit. Each time, we have received wonderful service and amazing food. It is very clear that a 'very tight ship' is being run here with management and there is a very competent staff. This is very welcoming after another favorite restaurant of ours disappointed us the night before by lack of service (& we had to walk out). No worries here. I have said in my other reviews-- make a reservation! It's #1 restaurant and rightfully so. It is busy! Each time I make a reservation, I make it further out but I've yet to get my "perfect" reservation time. This visit, I made the reservation a month in advance for a Saturday night. They got us in at 9:15pm. Our first tapas were the pan can tomate with manchego (SO good) along with potatoes brava. The potatoes came out, but not the bread. When our waiter came back to check on us, he immediately acknowledged the bread was behind and it would be coming shortly. This was very much appreciated. We also appreciate that our waiters are always knowledgeable on wines and asks us if we need any help picking one out. We also notice that when our waiter is busy, another waiter will help out and bring us one of our tapas. Even when we leave, other waiters you pass wish you a good night. The food is delicious and we have our favorites we always order. There has only been one item we did not like- the white asparagus with a whipped aioli. Everything else has been amazing. See you next time Curate!
(5)Lindsey S.
I was torn with what to give this spot for a star rating. Part of me wanted to give it just 3 and then I loved one of their meats, so why not go for 5? I settled for 4. Here we go: This was my second time at Curate, chef Katie Button's restaurant "celebration of Spanish cuisine". I ate there about 2.5 years ago shortly after it had opened and ever since I have remembered that sweet, luscious nutty taste of the jamon iberico de bellota. If you have not tried this before, you absolutely MUST come here and eat some. It will make your eyes open wide and your salivary glands go nuts with adoration. When I came here last, it was for after dinner drinks and a smattering of meats. This time I came for an impromptu lunch with my close friends Kate & Emilio - local business owners in town. The special jamon iberico de bellota stayed in my mind all this time (even when I was in Spain!) and I was thrilled to have it again. As the menu states, this is 100% pure iberico pigs, free range and fattened during their final months on a diet consisting entirely of acorns. You can absolutely taste that nuttiness in the meat, wonderfully sweaty at room temperature. Though you might be dismayed at what appears to be a smallish portion, it is so intense you will be happy with the serving size. We also shared an ensalata de otono - a salad consisting of baby beets, marcona almonds, spinach, pickled orange and a cured Spanish cheese. All mixed with a blood orange vinaigrette. It was just the right amount of citrus to help cut the rich jamon. The other shared salad was the octopus one - named pulpo a la gallega. It had "galician style" octopus served warm with sea salt, olive oil and a little paprika with a side of yukon gold puree. This was pretty delectable - the octopus was pre-sliced in small discs laid flat on the plate and almost drowned in the oil. It was supremely soft, almost needing you only to press it against the roof of your mouth before swallowing and not even chew. But, again, pretty intensely rich. The final shared item was a bit of a disappointment - that and the slightly lax service with a pretty long delay in getting one of our salads during a non-busy time made me think about taking them down to a 3 star. I had spent some time in Barcelona this year, and was thrilled to see the traditional "tomato bread" (pan con tomate) on their menu. What I had been served in the homeland was a slightly "stale" slice of bread that you then take a half tomato and rub the face of over the open side of the bread - in order to "soften" it. Then you top it with some olive oil and salt as you see fit. I knew Curate's version was going to be slightly different - perhaps their own spin or upscale twist on the traditional. What I didn't expect was overly toasted bread that was so thin it made me think of a too-toasted english muffin - topped with their tomato mixture (I am guessing - tomato, garlic, salt, olive oil and perhaps another herb). Then there was a thin wedge of manchego topping it all - but the cheese wasn't warm - so it was cool, the bread was overly toasted and now cool, the tomato topping cool. I guess I wasn't impressed. Perhaps this is more traditional, but I wouldn't have it again and I had been so looking forward to replicating that slightly hardened but still malleable (I guess toasted if you want) bread with the tomato topping. Would I go back? Yes. But that is due to the beautiful interior - the lovely long bar and the beautiful living wall up front. Also, their jamon is top notch. Luckily, I think the menu is rather approachable from a price point and certainly encourages sharing in groups. Hopefully our tomato bread and service were just one-off misses and next time I'm in town, things will be better. Perhaps the solution is to sit directly at the bar?
(4)Dave B.
God bless this place. I went to Asheville for the first time in April, primarily to dine here. So worth it. Grab a stool in front of the open kitchen, order away, and watch the culinary magic. This place is an absolute gem. LOVE it!
(4)Samantha J.
I'm not sure if it was all the hype that made this place so disappointing or the fact that i felt i could have prepared some of the dishes. We ordered a slew of stuff from cheese plates to meat, many of which were recommended by the server (who was friendly but distracted). The tapas weren't necessarily bad, but many of them I felt were cookie cutter and straight out of a box. To add a crazy wait, not exactly cheap prices, and an antisocial waiter = recipe that makes me want to order in. I will say the hostess stood out for being twice as attentive as the server and may have had more brain cells than most people in the vicinity (she owned her job and I love nothing more than efficiency). The next best thing from the hostess was that my boyfriend left his hat there (surprise) and they actually had it and opened up for us after hours to pick it up. The crazy part is they had his name and contact info on it, and had tried calling but we were in that weird bar underground next door and had no service. Bottom line is if you're a foodie definitely avoid this place. If you live in the area or don't go out that much maybe this place is good for you.
(3)Karen M.
Another amazing meal of tapas!! Finally stopped and took some pictures to let you eat w/your eyes. So many delish items - great wine list to compliment the various tapas.
(5)Chris B.
This was our first visit and we were lucky enough a get a spot at the bar as a walk in. The servers will be more than happy to suggest a handful of tapas options. Typical wait time is 45 min.I was really impressed with the wine. If you like a pino noir than try a glass of the Spanish version called Tesso Rufete. The seating is tight so don't go here if you are looking for an intimate evening. These guys take pride in their food and everything we ate was fantastic. If you are a foodie this is a must stop.
(4)Holly F.
Delicious! Fried eggplant drizzled with honey and shrimp with garlic were excellent. Very busy so recommend a reservation or be prepared to sit at the bar.
(5)Jenna S.
Absolutely incredible. The first time we went to curate we were so hungry so the small portions weren't very satisfying and we left with a rather blah impression. We went last night to sit at the bar for a drink (after getting some white duck tacos across the street) and the cocktails were pretty awesome. We were suckered into getting food after watching all the amazing food being prepped at the bar. The octopus was outstanding. I mean seriously amazing!!! The cheese board was equally excellent as well as the goat cheese stuffed red peppers. The bill was pretty high for these few items ($66 to be exact) but it was well worth it for the occasional visit. I also had the pleasure of capturing the proposal of the couple next to us on their phone. It was a great night!
(5)Hillary N.
One of the best meals ever! I do not say that lightly. What we ate: pan con tomate w/ Manchego; bocadillo gallego a sandwich of tuna hard boiled egg,roasted onion and red pepper with black olive spread; patatas bravas; pincho maruno (lamb skewer); gambas al ajillo (shrimp sautéed with roasted garlic) and for dessert....eggplant with honey and rosemary. Desert island take away...the potatoes with the tuna sandwich. I could eat it every single day, in fact one of the waiters told me he eats that sandwich almost everyday that he works at the restaurant. I have eaten those potatoes at many tapas restaurants and they were nothing like these, perfectly crisp outside, creamy inside with the sauce that was so delicious I wish I could have picked up the plate and licked every drop. The lamb melted in your mouth. Eggplant for dessert ? Recommend by our adorable waiter and it was a great dessert! Not to be missed if you go to Asheville.
(5)David M.
BUT the Two stars are for their hostess and their manager - very arrogant - tell you 45 minute wait but you wait one hour plus. They take your name and tell you to go elsewhere because they don't want you to stand in their waiting area. Very rude hostess and manager - instead of turning away guests professionally due to hitting capacity there response is "we're not taking anymore!" Leave !!! So odd / who thinks this type of service is acceptable - Be prepared - they are not outwardly friendly!!!!
(2)Carol K.
Hard to get into but well worth the wait! We went on a recent Friday night . I love repurposed old buildings and it turns out this location used to be Asheville's bus depot. Who knew?? Curate means to cure ( I think) and if you have a hankering for Spanish tapas, a visit to Curate is sure to cure you! This place is amazing from very knowledgable servers to the food that really is well put together from start to finish. And it's very easy to see why the chef has been James Beard nominated several times. If you go- start with their sangria. It is some of the best I've had. According to our server, they make the juice blend in advance marinating it with the liquor in advance and serving it to your table with fresh watermelon cut up in it and the wine being added table side. Delicious!! We had a wide range of tapas- she told us 2-3 per person and we ordered more than that and were very full when we left. We started with charcuterie and cheeses, stuffed peppers with goat cheese, and some asparagus. Continuing on we had the shrimp and garlic( be sure to sop up all the delicious broth with the great bread) tomato salad, eggplant and then lamb skewers. All were delicious and came up perfectly timed. Dinner for three with drinks ran around $191 but it was well worth it for the quality of the food. If you like Spanish food you have to check out Curate. It's worth a visit. My inky regret? That I don't live in Asheville so I will have to wait until I return to go again!!
(5)Jahmin L.
I recently went to Asheville for a long holiday weekend and was excited about checking out the restaurant scene. My dinner at Curate was by far my favorite during the visit! I made reservations a couple weeks in advance and still only managed a 5:30 time slot (a little early, in my opinion) but I made sure to arrive hungry. Here are the tapas I ordered: chicken fritters, fried eggplant, spicy chorizo wrapped in potato chips, grilled asparagus with romesco sauce, sauteed shrimp with garlic, and the mushroom dish. While they were all delicious, my favorite had to be the fried eggplant. I would've never thought to pair fried eggplant with honey and rosemary, but now I'm determined to try to recreate it in my own kitchen! I love trying intriguing dishes, and this one did not disappoint. The mushroom selection came in as a very close second. The entire meal (six tapas and a glass of wine) came out to be $62 (not including tip), which I think is quite reasonable for a Saturday night out dinner for two with gourmet food. If my travels take me through Asheville again, I will certainly be back!
(4)Jordan D.
Splendid dining experience. Great ambiance, wonderful service, and delicious food. There is a lot on the menu, don't rush to order the comfort food that you know... The portions are bigger than you think and you fill up fast. You should order the plates you can't get anywhere else.... Not potatoes or chicken fritters. I made a rookie mistake. Food was still great.
(4)Gary C.
One of the great eateries in Asheville where you simply cannot go wrong! Food, atmosphere, service and overall experience is superb.
(5)Tom B.
If I could give over 5 stars I would. Absolutely love this place . Great food. Reasonable prices. Excellent service. Please please sit at the counter and watch the chef's. Fun. High energy. Not a quiet subdued place. In heart of ashville. Tremendous....save room for deserts
(5)Pam J.
The food here is off-the-hook. Octopus, lamb, summer salad, Iberico steak are all highly recommended. Great spot for small plates.
(5)Dani S.
Great food- friendly staff. Original ideas for food. Wait was long- only take so many reservations than leave open tables for walk-ins which is a nice idea. They text you when the table is ready.
(4)Phoebe H.
I had high hopes for this place. I was sorely disappointed. It started with waiting an hour and a half. Then we got seated right next to the hostess desk and got elbowed for an hour while we sat at a table for ants. The best dish was the cheese plate...I'm not gonna lie, one of the cheeses was a 10/10, the rest were 6/10s. Then came the lukewarm chicken fritters which were bland, mushy, and uninspiring...more like bar food. We weren't hungry by then so went straight to dessert. My husband's fav is pistachio anything so we went with the pistachio cake. It was dry, and seasoned like a savory dish instead of like a sweet one. The sorbet on the side was the size of a quarter and was tolerable. Most of my reviews are positive but everything about this place was wrong. Plain wrong.
(2)Penny G.
What a perfect treat we had today for lunch at Curate- WOW! Erin took extremely good care of us and helped us "first- timers" have a fabulous dining experience. Everything we ordered was not only gorgeous in presentation, but also had our taste buds begging for more! We didn't want the meal to ever end, and can't wait to return. We had the pan con tomato, the Jamon Serrano fermin, ensalada de verano,Gazpacho, pimentos de piquillo, the garlic shrimp, and for dessert- the fried eggplant in honey with rosemary ice cream! There is not one little thing that could have been improved upon- all was perfection...& we will drive from Greenville, SC, frequently just to duplicate the experience we had today.
(5)Woody S.
This Tapas restaurant is honestly better than most in Spain. To find a restaurant this good in the US is a special find.
(4)Jim B.
We live near Washington DC where we are blessed with hundreds of great restaurants of every cuisine. Although we are spoiled and discerning, we were blown away by a recent dinner at Curate. If you are a serious foodie do not miss this experience. Let your waiter guide you through the complex menu. Take chances. Enjoy one of the best meals you've had in years.
(5)Carlie N.
I'm normally not a soup person - and especially not a chilled soup person - but the server raved about it and we are so glad we followed her recommendation. It ended up being our favorite plate! It included coconut, an icy green granita, and the sweetest crabmeat I've ever had. We also loved the lamb skewers - perfectly cooked with an incredible sauce. Overall, an incredible meal. If you're going for dinner, reservations are a MUST. We ended up going for lunch (sans reservation) and it worked out really well.
(5)Corey H.
Love love love! Incredibly delicious! You need to make your reservation several days in advance or u will be stuck at a tiny table In the front which I do NOT recommend. Food and drinks are FABULOUS! Will dine at Curate every visit to Asheville.
(5)Kim H.
We loved this place, prob was our fav meal of our trip in asheville. We had an early dinner so we got a table fairly quickly. Server was great and gave us several recommendations that were incredible. Grub to try: lamb skewers, potatoes bravos, bruschetta. Ham sampler, olives. We enjoyed all our dishes. Cool atmosphere, rustic feel. Great dining experience!
(5)Virginia L.
It really is as good as everyone says. With a group of four we ordered 12? dishes and each of them was lovely, delicious, memorable (just too many to count). What really set the experience apart was the incredible service. I recommend ordering all dishes at once, as we did - freeing your server to bring them out with good spacing and in a sequence that complements the flavors of each dish, clearly in a thoughtful order. Although it's a busy place our dishes were brought out at a pace that was clearly designed to encourage us to take our time and enjoy each one fully. Our meal lasted far longer than we expected it would but we had no idea how much time had passed until we got up to leave. A special experience.
(5)Chris B.
In any market place in America (Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, Brooklyn) this restaurant would stand alone and be a thriving establishment. The food is top to bottom excellent we are a smattering of 7 items and it was perfect for 2 people. The croquette de pollo is everything you could ever ask for in a tapa. An added note the squid ink pasta which is as paella like is an absolute must.
(5)David C.
For our 40th anniversary, a business acquaintance of mine recommended that we dine here and we are so glad we did! Cúrate has now been added to the list of the top 20 all-around BEST places I've ever dined! This ethnic gem is situated in downtown Asheville with ample parking nearby at ALOFT Hotel. We arrived 45 minutes early to explore the area on foot, but unfortunately were caught in a downpour. We called to see if we could get in earlier and they obliged without hesitation. Upon entering the restaurant, we were immediately enveloped in the warm, earthy tones and smells of Iberia -- pork -- mushrooms -- fresh vegetables -- aromatic bread --- you get the drift. The scene is both romantic and energetic with wonderful selections of music playing at a level which is not distracting at all, but rather reins one into the total ambience of this unique tapas bar. From the front door, there is a large bar, adjacent to the final food prep area, that seats perhaps 15 persons. This arrangement even more engages the diner with the preparation of the food. It is perhaps the most highly energetic area of the house where patrons interact with the chef, sous chef and prep cooks. The walls are all warm earthy colors with splashes of art here and there and candles everywhere. Very inviting! The menu was a bit overwhelming so our knowledgeable and friendly server, Eric, offered to take us on a tour of Spain by selecting our tapas for us. He was so engaging and convincing, that we agreed. He asked for food allergies and for anything we absolutely did not like and anything we wanted and then he went to work for us, almost like our own personal foodie concierge! From start to finish, he served all in all seven different dishes, all of which were remarkable in their own way, cooked and plated to perfection, each being a specific work of art in form and function. Our favorite meat dish was the pincho moruno which consisted of lamb skewers marinated in moorish spices served with homemade pickles. I literally could have eaten six skewers worth. The most interesting of dishes was the brandada de bacalao which is a traditional cod and potato puree served hot with crisp bread. The taste of cod was evident, but it was so mild, that blended with the potatoes, served almost as a palate cleanser. All meats and breads are imported directly from Spain. The menu is also friendly to patrons with specific food allergies or preferences. Many of the dishes can be served Gluten Free, Lactose Free, Vegan and Nut Free. The wine list is impressive and consists primarily of Spanish wines. At the end of our meal, Eric brought in the house specialty dessert reserved for birthdays and anniversaries called Servilleta Chocolate which was literally a napkin made from chocolate, hazelnuts and dried cherries, served straight up about 8" tall. Decadent cannot begin to describe this luscious dessert. Whenever we visit Asheville, NC in the future, Cúrate will definitely be one of our stops! Thank you Cúrate and thank you Eric!
(5)Suzannah R.
I'd give this 10 stars if I could! True Spanish tapas and every single one was unbelievably delicious! Lamb skewers were my favorite - tender and juicy with a wonderful sauce. Second in line was the octopus- "melt in your mouth" tender. The spices were unique in all the dishes. MAKE RESERVATIONS!! Walk-ins are welcome but you're given a small high top or you can sit at the bar. We wanted a table and they are ONLY given to reservations, so we ate at 4 PM! Worth it and worked out great - plenty of daylight to walk around after.
(5)Andy J.
Curate has been in Asheville for about 3 years and is our number one recommendation to guests who come here for an upscale place. Tapas at the bar is our favorite way to enjoy it. You can chat it up with the chefs and they give you samples. The menu is huge so pick and choose. You can't go wrong!
(5)Kerri M.
This was the best meal I have had in a loooooong time. Everything from the ambiance to the service was spot-on! I was a little sour coming in knowing our reservations were for bar-seating. Never having been to Curate, I assumed that we'd be sitting a dark, wooden bar away from all the fun, even though the hostess taking the reservation assured me bar-seating was actually preferred by some. She was right! The bar is beautiful, and you have a front row seat to all the action in the open kitchen. Great seeing all the cooks in their element, cooking and preparing tasty dishes. My only tiny (tiny! and being super-picky!) complaint about bar-seating is no back on your bar stool, however, the delicious food and drinks make up for it. They even have a purse hook available - love bars that think to do this. Speaking of drinks - wow! I started with the daily cocktail special that featured gin and cucumber juice, served with an orange rind and topped with a pretty violet. This drink looked and smelled as good as it tasted; very refreshing for a summer evening. My second cocktail was the Cubre Libre; the fresh lemon juice was delicious. On to the food - we dined on 5 different tapas selection, plenty to fill us up. The server brought each out individually, and we were able to fully immerse ourselves in each selection. I really don't think you can go wrong with anything here, my absolute fav of the evening - the berenjenas la taberna, fried eggplant served with honey. Unique combo of flavors and so sweet it could be a dessert! I saw our neighbors at the bar tried their eggplant with the homemade ice cream - pro-tip right there. The eggplant was soft and mild, and the wild honey complimented the fried goodness perfectly! Second fav was the cerdo iberico a las finas hierbas - charred pork with fresh herbs. The meat melted in my mouth! @Curtis G. loved the espinacas a la catalana, a simple sautéed spinach salad that packed a lot of flavor. Curate is located right in the heart of Asheville, and reservations are highly recommended. I know Curate will be on my list to try again on my next trip to Beer City, USA.
(5)Robin R.
So I don't give many fives and would probably rate it a 4-1/2 because 5 is really as good as it gets - and it is better than a 4. Anyway we couldn't get in the first trip to Asheville (definitely need reservations a bit in advance). We made it this time and really enjoyed the experience. We tried 9 dishes for 3 of us (but we had heavily loaded smaller dishes). The cheese platter was delicious especially when you mix the chutney or jam with the cheeses. My husband isn't a big "fried" food eater and really enjoyed the chicken croquetas. We have an eggplant dish, octopus, Escalavida Vegetarian, Cerdo Iberico, Spinach, Pincho Moruno - all of which were delicious. The surprise for the night was probably the Bacalao which is a salted fish. We were worried that it was going to be too salty (we aren't salt eaters) and it was delicious! We love tapas because we like to share and try lots of things. We found Asheville has many wonderful restaurants and think this is a must try if in Asheville.
(5)Carmen Y.
oh so lovely. Super great place for brunch. Delicious Tapas but even more delicious drinks.
(4)M K.
I have eaten here 2 times since moving to Asheville and as someone who has traveled Spain several times, the food is ok. There is little vegetarian food on the menu and what is there is not tasteful. Honestly, veggie food done well is a real test of a chef's abilities. The staff is hit or miss in terms of friendliness and I think the place is over priced for Asheville. Plus needing reservations is snobby...this is not Chicago, NYC or Boston so some tables should be left open for walk ins. Have also done the group dining downstairs for pharma dinners which is TERRIBLE! Family dining with tapas is completely ridiculous. The portions are for one person but they ask you to split it 3-4 ways. The waiters are reluctant to bring more bread and the options are not tasty.
(3)Julie M.
In a word: Fantastic--from start to finish. I had a seat at the bar. Servers were extremely knowledgeable and helped guide through the menu. So many great choices! Can't wait to go back and try some new things!
(5)Matt M.
This is one of the best places I have ever eaten. Get a reservation early, as we were only able to get a weekend brunch or super early bird dinner. We decided on the latter since we had a late breakfast and just skipped lunch that day. The restaurant is very nice inside and the service is very attentive. We started out with the olives and white sangria. They set a perfect tone for the meal, and both were top notch. We then had the jamon iberico de bellota 5j. We had seen this pricey ham on TV and agreed that it was worth the $20 to try it once. It did not disappoint, but was surely a luxury purchase. It sounds silly to say, but you could taste the difference in the acorn-fed meat (I kinda hate myself for saying that). For our main courses we had the pork skirt steak and the rossejat negro, a kind of squid ink paella in a cast iron skillet. Both were memorable and savory dishes. We were stuffed and feeling good at this point, so we didn't have dessert. I would consider this a must for any Asheville visitor who appreciates excellent tapas and is not afraid of spending a little money.
(5)Julia R.
My favorite restaurant in the whole world! We've eaten there six times already and it consistently good. Best sangria, best tapas, best experience.
(5)Lindsay P.
One of the best meals you will have in this town. The atmosphere is excellent. The staff is always super friendly. And the food...oh man. I've never had anything here that was anything but amazing. Some of their menu items are seasonal, so don't be disappointed if your favorites are missing. They'll be back! The cocktails (although very pricey) are super delicious and rather stout. It's casual enough that you can go any day of the week, but it also has that formal appeal that makes it a great place for special occasions. PLAN AHEAD. They require reservations and sometimes it's hard to get a table, even days before. If you're coming from out of town and plan on eating here, I'd consider looking at least a week ahead (if not more) for a reservation. I wish I could give 6 stars because I love this place so much. My husband and I have eaten here several times because we know it will always be perfect.
(5)Ana E.
Definitely a very remarkable restaurant! We couldn't make reservations online so decide to try our luck and drive by. The place was packed on a Saturday night,wait was suppose to be 45 min,but we were called only after 15(great job on that) Service very friendly and nice. We ordered a pitcher of white sangria( the only thing I was disappointed about,4 raspberries,5 grapes and orange peel in a bottle of champaign) which was lacking flavor and at a pretty high price of $34 Food is outstanding. We ordered some pork tapas,seafood,chicken and some vegetables as well,everything was delicious. Pork was cut in front of us by the chef. For dessert we had the flaming chocolate soufflé and their pistachio dessert, both of them absolutely delicious! If you like tapas,you will love this place!.
(4)Shelly S.
Prepare by making reservations, especially on the weekends. Expect about $10/plate, and expect delicious. I had the white asparagus, chorizo wrapped in potato chips, the 3 meat liver with bachamel, and the creme dessert, all of it delicious, beautifully presented, and super fresh. I'd take the 2hr drive to come back and get my foodie fix.
(5)Misc C.
Visiting from out of town and it Lives up to the rave reviews. Sat at the bar with great view of chefs cooking. Recommend the tabla de jamon to sample the different meats... The acorn fed iberico de bellota melts in your mouth. We ordered a couple cheeses, the octopus and shrimp, but you can't go wrong!
(5)Linda S.
Perfect. Delectable. There is really not much that is a disappointment. Well maybe the chairs could be more comfortable. But the food is a class well above the vast majority of really good restaurants. You MUST try the eggplant. Even if you don't like eggplant - it is sublime. Charcuterie fantastic. Octopus. Oh. My. ....tuna with tomato salad. This is not your mama's tuna salad. It sophisticated and fresh. Speaking of sophisticated, the boquerones were marvelous. The desserts were also works of art. Warm chocolate mousse - oh! Save me for myself! Pistachio cake with lemon thyme ice cream. Presentations were thoughtful and lovely.
(5)Andre B.
Curate comes highly recommended by almost everyone that I know that has been there. The wife and I came here with an appetite, so when our server suggested around 4 tapas was good for two people, we listened but wound up ordering 5 and a half anyway. We had reservations for late on a Thursday night. We were promptly greeted and seated on time. They were busy but not slammed on this evening. Overall nice decor with a casual feel, but as we soon found out those terms could be used universally to describe most of Asheville. The service was great for the most part with the main issue being some gaps in dishes coming out, which could have been a kitchen issue. Our server did also disappear for about 15 minutes at one point, and another person delivered our Spanish omelet. Anyway, on to the food which was definitely the star of the show along with the mixed drinks that the wife ordered. I was saving myself for Wicked Weed after dinner, but that is for another review. We start off with an order of the brandada de bacalao which is cod and potato purée, a half order of pan con tomate with anchovies and boquerones and rossejat negro (noodles with squid in its ink). If you are already thinking that we like the strange and weird stuff, you are right. The cod dish was my favorite of the night with its creamy potato melding with the light cod fish taste, while the wife favored the squid dish for its earthiness, probably due to the squid ink, but it still had a light seafood essence. We both agreed that we wished we had gotten the full order of anchovies and will likely order our own next time. We continued ordering with the sautéed spinach dish which was very fresh and satisfying, followed by the potato and onion omelet. With its creamy center, the omelet could not have been cooked any better. I was still hungry and the wife was ordering another drink for dessert, so I decided to get my traditional jamon for my dessert. The jamon iberico de bellota is pricy, but in my opinion, worth every penny. The wife thoroughly enjoyed her Manhattan for dessert, which she had preceded by a sidecar that was also to her liking. We shall definitely return hopefully to get some of our favorite tapas again and explore the menu further. Really a 4 plus star place, but in the context of our whole trip to Asheville I must keep it a 4 for now.
(4)Sarah B.
absolutely delicious! loved the chicken fritters and lamb skewers the most but everything was scrumptious!!!
(5)Jay T.
Oh hell yes. Iberico ham, iberico lardo!??! Absolutely! Octopus was great. Salad amazing. Such a great selection, such high quality. Wish I lived closer.
(5)Rich K.
Hands down the best tapas I've ever had! Eric was extremely knowledgeable and offered wonderful recommendations. The garlic soup with crab is silky and delicious! Eggplant with honey and rosemary was the best eggplant I've tasted. The pork belly really does melt in your mouth. It also has a nice, upscale atmosphere. We'll be back - so far, the best food in Asheville we've had!
(5)Marci E.
Move over, Jose Andres, I have a new favorite tapas place! I had been waiting to try Curate for a couple of months (ever since I decided to "swing by" Asheville on my way from WA to SC ... and it did not disappoint. Here are the two reasons I'm not giving it a perfect five stars: (1) too much "light as air mayo" with the white asparagus (but the lemon vinaigrette was delicious) and a little underwhelming on the meatballs (the tomato sauce was amazing, but the meatballs just didn't quite do it for me) and (2) as a single diner, I really don't like being put all the way in the back corner of the dining room. Having said that, the octopus was amazing. Amazing. Extremely tender, slightly smoky (from the paprika), and just amazing. Service was great too.
(4)stephen N.
Still as amazing as ever!! The core menu is fairly similar, and for the best reasons. New additions, the Lardo from Iberico pigs is sinfully good, new for me us the Bocata de Gallego--Spanish tuna, hard boiled egg, Tapenade on grilled baguette, muy rico! Butternut Squash soup is a great winter addition, the smoked paprika is subtle and perfect. The new charcuterie plate is very solid, and the Brandade of salt cod and potato still my favorite all-around dish. The Cocktails are top notch, and word on the playground is there might be more news about cocktails and more in a near by locale (pregame!!) Stay tuned in early 2014.
(5)Cynthia T.
Although we are always tempted to try another great Asheville restaurant for lunch I never can stop myself from picking another selection of fabulous tapas from Curate. Today was lamb kebabs, sauted mushrooms, gazpacho, three choices of ham and miel y mato for desert. Fabulous never disappointed. Thank you.
(5)Jessica L.
I LOVE tapas restaurants. This is by far the BEST tapas restaurant I have been to. You could taste the freshness of the food. My husband, daughter and I ordered about 8 small plates. That definitely enough for the 3 of us but i really wish we would have had room for more as there were more things on the menu I wanted to try. Service here was also excellent.
(5)Julia T.
Excellent! The dishes were well seasoned, nicely porportioned, and fresh. I had the mushroom, octopus, plus the red pepper filled with cheese tapas. I would recommend this restaurant, but you definitely need reservations and you need to be prepared for a bustling atmosphere vs quiet romantic evening.
(5)Ryan M.
Amazing! Service was quick and the waiter (we had Michael) was great! I definitely suggest to order the warm octopus and the croquetas. The red wine sangria was amazing too. Definitely worth making a reservation before your next trip to Asheville!
(5)Janelle D.
I'm sure the people next to me thought they had gone back in time to the set of "When Harry Met Sally." For serious. One of the best meals I've ever had. We went to Asheville for the first time this week and many people recommended this place. To start with, I love the atmosphere and design. There's a nice long bar with lots and lots of bar stools, and there's lots of pretty features all over, from the colored bar stools to the tile to the floors. We had excellent beers - a Green Man Porter and High Gaelic Ale, and we started with Patatas Bravas. It was just potatoes covered in one of their specialty sauces, and I didn't expect too much because I figured there are only so many ways to cook potatoes. However, I've never had potatoes like THAT. Perfectly cooked - crisp outside, softer inside - and perfectly seasoned. I didn't know potatoes could be that exciting! SO. GOOD. We also tried the Bocadillo Serrano: Tomato bread with olive oil, jamón & serrano, manchego cheese. Such simple food, and so so delicious. Their use of quality ingredients is very evident. This was about the time that I reached out to my inner Sally. When I didn't think it could get any better, it did. We had the lamb skewer in moorish spices and it was a 12 out of a 10. Perfectly cooked and seasoned, not gamey, not tough to chew on, and the seasonings were a fantastic blend of spice and flavor. (photo included) Ya'll, THIS is what food should taste like. I needed a cigarette after eating here, and I don't even smoke. Hot damn.
(5)Eric S.
This is the best of modern Spanish cuisine, in an unlikely spot. We stopped in on a road trip, after reading Yelp reviews, and were not disappointed. Huge selection of Spanish ham, standbys like tortilla española, along with more innovative tapas. Drink menu looks very interesting, although being on the road, we didn't indulge. Look forward to detouring through Asheville for a more leisurely dinner after Christmas.
(5)Anna J.
Delish!!! Totally worth the hype. Had the fried eggplant, the goat cheese stuffed peppers, and the cheesy pork, beef, and chicken liver
(5)Lucia M.
During our visit to Asheville on a Saturday, we made reservations for 3pm, just in time to get the brunch and the lunch menu. They offer an amazing selection of tapas. We were in a group of hungry 4 and we asked for the spanish tortilla, the bacalao, the garlic shrimps, the croquetas, the jamon... all very nice. The red wine sangria was amazingly delicious and Neal (our waiter) prepared it at our table. Service and ambience are a must. Highly recommended.
(4)Marina M.
Not bad but not worth all the hype. Run of the mill tapas place.
(3)Basshector J.
Overrated. Everything was over salted or drowned in olive oil. I love salt, I promise. I go over the American Heart Association's recommended allowance about 10 fold each day. The octopus and pureed potatoes were OK but not good. The iberico and toast was missing something. We tried several tapas, the only I remember being good was the peppers stuffed with goat cheese and the fried eggplant with honey. The fried eggplant with honey (recommended to be paired with the rosemary ice cream by our waiter) was by far the best thing all night. It was delicious. By far, the worst was the calamari sandwich. Friend calamari in between two slaps of mayo and bread. It was just so salty. That sandwich desperately needs something to cut the saltiness and neutralize it. I hate to write bad reviews but it was disappointing considering we drove from Charlotte as well. The chocolate napkin dessert, while neat looking, wasn't all that tasty. I boxed it and gave it to a homeless man who was sitting in the rain on Biltmore. He later opened it and probably went "wtf?" The parron was a neat drink to share, it comes in a vase that I will not even try to describe. There was no heads up on how it was gonna be but I welcome alcohol related surprises with my open gullet.
(2)S K.
Really, really loved our dinner last night. Food was exceptional, wait staff was attentive and available throughout the meal. Highly recommended.
(5)Michael U.
Items selected: Lardo and Paprika Crostini Brandade Pork Meatballs in Tomato Sauce Chicken Croquettes Eggplant with Local Honey and Rosemary Pistachio Cake with Blueberry, Lemon Thyme Ice Cream Were it not for GQ I'd have never guessed that there was a young American woman turning out impeccable authentic Spanish tapas in Asheville North Carolina but having read the article and investigating a little further her small restaurant, Curate, immediately climbed to the top of my 'must visit' list - and really, to those who don't know the story I'd strongly suggest checking out the "About" section on the restaurant's website. A family run affair with ties to both Jose Andres and the team at El Bulli the layout of Curate is rather simple with a large marble bar lining the open kitchen up front and a small, heavily wooded seating area in back - my lunch taking place at the former by choice so that I could watch Chef Button and her team work first hand on a collection of thirty or so plates as the restaurant slowly filled to capacity. A lively space, with excellent service my meal consisted of a half dozen items and beginning with eight pieces of crispy bread draped with lardo onward to supple pork meatballs in spicy tomato sauce and then transitioning to some of the most creamy brandade I've ever experienced the meal was largely excellent, only the oily overly salted croquettes anything less than I'd have expected given the chef's pedigree - a small aberration I was happy to forgive moments later when crispy, thin eggplant drizzled in honey arrived followed by a light sponge of pistachio topped with whole pistachios, a dense cake of the same, and local blueberries both raw and cooked all brought to a bright, herbal exclamation point by Lemon-Thyme ice cream.
(4)Elena S.
Pleasant family dinner! So many delicious tapas to choose from! Kids loved octopus and potatoes bravos while we were thrilled to taste gourmet cheeses and meats. Cured pork is exceptional! We also enjoyed few desserts and even dessert wines. The only reason why I would not give it 5 stars is because of service. At one point we thought they forgot about our wine...
(4)Christina O.
Cúrate is a Spanish tapas bar in downtown Asheville. As my degree from College of Charleston is in Hispanic Studies, I was excited to experience some traditional Spanish cuisine. Cúrate, meaning "cure yourself" had just what we needed: delicious food and wine. To drink, my grandmother and I both had a glass of the 2010 Peitán, Albariño, which is similar to a Pinot Grigio. Grandpa had a Highland Gaelic Ale and Jake had not one, but three Coca Colas. Oh, teenagers. Out of all the tapas, I was most impressed by the garlic shrimp. The sauce was so good, I kept dipping extra bread in it. I also really loved the Summer salad and would like to recreate that at home while watermelon is still in season. The Spanish tortilla tasted just like ones I'd had with friends from Spain. The eggplant was the most unusual dish, and I mean that in a positive way. I've never thought to drizzle eggplant with honey or rosemary. Before our meal, my grandfather was sweet enough to mention that I had a Charleston-based food blog. Thanks to that, two of the dishes (the Summer salad and eggplant) were sent out on the house. The head chef, Katie Button, came out to introduce herself as well. She was sweet and seemed very glad we were there. I was impressed by her generosity and taking the time to come say hello. It's the little things that make a restaurant special. We'll definitely be back!
(4)Sheena D.
Yum! We recently moved to Durham and visited Curate as a weekend getaway, and were blown away! My husband usually gripes about tapas places because he leaves needing more food, but we were completely satisfied. In fact, a manager offered us an additional order of croquettes because of a 'delay' with our food that we hadn't even noticed whatsoever (we declined because we were so full from the delicious meal, but still - what service)! Terrific ambience as well. It doesn't get better than this! Highly recommend trying to grab a lunchtime reservation in the event getting in for dinner proves too difficult; it was amazing.
(5)Annie E.
Ahhhmazing food with vibrant flavor. My hubby isn't big in tapas, but he was satisfied and filled up.:)
(5)Rohit T.
Excellent and unpretentious food, great service, playful ambiance. We had been wanting to try Curate for a few months and were happy when a reservation opened up over the holiday weekend. We were seated without a wait. The restaurant's ambiance is certainly not for those who want a quiet, formal meal; it's casual, loud, active and packed (as all good tapas places should be). Food - the summer salad with watermelon, mixed greens, heirloom tomatoes and sheep cheese was a delicious and refreshing way to start off the evening. The lamb skewers with moorish spices were delicious as well - perfectly seasoned and tender. The octopus was also fantastic, flavorful and cooked perfectly so as to be soft and moist without feeling underdone. We rounded out dinner with the gambas (subtle flavoring but perfectly cooked) and the eggplant, pepper, and onion with Spanish anchovies. The highlight for us was the miel y mato desert - a refreshing watermelon sorbet with honey and goat cheese "snow" - delicious! Service was excellent, our waitress was knowledgeable about the entire menu, made great recommendations, and was friendly and helpful without being obtrusive. I'd return in a heartbeat!
(5)Danielle S.
This place was highly recommended by friends and obviously gets a lot of rating love. Happily, it didn't disappoint. The food was tremendous. I highly recommend the roasted piquillo peppers stuffed with Spanish goat cheese. It was the last plate we ordered, and the best of the night. The grilled chorizo was a highlight as well. The patatas bravas get a lot of buzz, and they're good, but boring. Branch out and leave room for the more exotic dishes! You definitely need reservations on most evenings and the place is crowded. It's a cute restaurant and service was good, if a bit indulgent. They know the food is good, and our waiter just seemed a little cocky. The only other slight disappointment was the sangria. We had a white sangria, and the pitcher was so full of ice it became watery very quickly. Overall, a real tapas treat in a city with lots of food gems.
(5)Adam B.
Came in here for lunch after a frustrating morning with GPS and left very happy indeed. The menu is pretty large, even for a tapas place, but all the usual suspects are here along with some signature stuff. Suffice to say we tried a good percentage of the offerings and did not find any disappointments at all. Special recommendations would be the Spanish potato salad (with tuna) and the lamb skewers. The chef was just nominated for a James Beard award as Rising Star chef--and deservedly so. Wonderful flavors everywhere, a very knowledgeable waitstaff and a good vibe. It's a long, narrow space with a large community table up front, lots of four-seaters along the right wall and a long bar on the left. I could probably go here ten more times, get completely different items, and still be happy.
(5)Chrissy C.
I'm really not sure how to review this restaurant. I love the atmosphere and the waitstaff was knowledgeable, friendly, and patient with us. However, I'm not sure if my palate is just not as adventurous as I thought it was or if Spanish inspired cuisine is not for me but I have no desire to repeat any of my selections. It was definitely an interesting dining experience. We did enjoy the cocktails!
(3)Frank D.
Spend a fortune - leave hungry. Make no mistake, the food was very good. The tapas were unique and flavorful. The service was impressive. But the portions were tiny. I've paid more for dinners than I paid here, but didn't feel like I needed to make a fast food stop on the way home. Felt a little ripped off, I guess. I don't think this is a place I would visit again.
(2)Aaron W.
Good food, nice atmosphere, but the management could be improved. The pulpo was excellent, I don't know if we will ever return.
(1)Lauren H.
I'll make this short and sweet. Was in town for a wedding and came here for Sunday brunch. It was just me and my boyfriend and we sat at the bar, which was entertaining, watching the chefs flambé and stuff. Everything was phenomenal. The food, drinks, service, and atmosphere. But the most important thing: I will never, ever, ever forget the Canelones de Carne. Ever.
(5)Wendy Y.
I've visited twice with family. The food and service were excellent both visits (one for a birthday dinner, and another for happy hour and snacks). Servers are well-informed and friendly - happy to explain specialties to the uninformed diners among us! Excellent wine list.
(4)Richard M.
As good as it gets. I have been fortunate to eat at some amazing restaurants and Curate rates with the best of them. In fact I told the chef that as an experience it reminded me of Le Bernadin minus the whole silent symphony of course. By this I mean each and every dish left us both saying wow & wanting more! We sat at the bar and ended up sharing with our neighbors in true tapas style! Both Katelin and Jess at the bar where not only extremely warm but great at making recommendations and encouraging a communal feel. We ate for over two hours but everything is so delicious and fresh that you do not feel the weight of the meal. We are only in Asheville for 5 days but I'm sure we will be back!!
(5)Dan F.
We've heard so much about this place from friends and had to try it. I hate waiting so we decided to try a late lunch and the place was nearly empty. As I understand it, ever since Anthony Bourdain gave it his blessing it is tough seating at prime times. In case you don't already know Curate is a tapas restaurant with an emphasis on the originator of tapas, Spain. The menu is a little difficult to get through and understand in places. I think that if I had the opportunity to eat there on multiple occasions, I would be able to find those items that best suit my palate and return again and again to savor some of the sublime flavors that are hard to find in most restaurants. My wife and I went together. Since she isn't that adventuresome, we had to pick a few "safe" items. I think this restaurant is best explored with at least four people since each tapas plate seems to give at least four people a taste. She had the chicken croquetas, and they were as described, "traditional creamy chicken fritters." They were quite good for what they were, crunchy crust with a creamy chicken paste that was perfectly seasoned. I had the smoked lardo, sliced paper thin served over crispy toasts, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt and smoked paprika. I was in heaven. The delicate creamy and rich texture with the salt, oil and crisp baguette toasts was perfect for me. I could have eaten two servings easily. She then had the grilled lamb skewers with Moorish spices. It was exactly as describe with the flavors you would expect--not very exciting, however. I had one of the sandwiches, all of which are served on a wonderful toasted baguette. It was a "bocadillo gallego" roasted onions and red peppers with a black olive spread, hard boiled egg and Spanish bonito tuna. It was delicious, but the tuna it turns out seemed more like canned than what I assumed would be something more exotic--my fault for not asking. It was very good and satisfying, however. We split a dessert that was truly inventive, unusual and a nice finish for our lunch. I uploaded a picture. It was called miel y mato, watermelon, roasted strawberry and rose' cave sorbet with mint goat cheese snow and local honey. The "snow" was cold and really had the texture of snow, and somehow it all worked. If I get a chance to return in the future, I will spend most of my time in the charcuterie part of the menu and will likely sigh throughout the meal.
(5)Carol G.
Great tapas! Try the charcuterie, the chorizo wrapped in potato chips and the grilled shrimp. All were delicious, plus great service and rosemary ice cream for desert.
(5)Simon N.
Arguably (and I will argue firmly) the absolute BEST food in Asheville. Every single dish simply melts and yet somehow simultaneously erupts with delicious flavor. That little army on the line is clearly top-notch. The servers are impeccably trained and highly knowledgeable. As an unofficially self-proclaimed casual local loving stuff my face with food Asheville foodie, I can confidentially say this: Eat here. You should probably make a reservation right now.
(5)Laura M.
My husband and I went here last week and loved it! We had a later reservation but got hungry early and they were very accommodating and seated us right away. There is an open kitchen so you can see your food being cooked....very cool. We ordered the octopus, the ham plate and the pork....get the pork! All the dishes were delicious but the pork was unbelievably good. If we come back to Asheville we will 100% be eating here again.
(5)Kay C.
This place was great! Wasn't expecting to find a good tapas spot in Asheville but this was really nice. We were lucky to not have to wait and got the communal bar table at the front. We tried so much stuff - they had padron peppers on special which I love - these had a twist with the bonito flakes but I liked it. My favorites were the jamon plate, mushrooms, squid ink noodles, lamb skewers ... I thought the shrimp was just so so. Too bad I wasn't feeling up to it or I would have loved to try their drinks! Overall, highly recommend :)
(5)Rachel H.
Hard to choose one favorite since Asheville has so many restaurants to offer but definitely in my top 3. Great Spanish style tapas that are best shared family style. Love that the sangria is made right in front of you!
(5)Kaitlyn H.
Whether you want to fill up or enjoy some tastings this place has succeeded in satisfying your taste buds. The cocktails were wonderful and the variety of good was great. We went in around 8:30 and didn't have a wait. It was a great place to take in some Spanish tapas. Would definitely go back!
(5)Katie W.
We weren't overly hungry so went for a late bite. We had lamb skewers, garlic shrimp and the squid ink paella. It was hard to decide our favorite dish because they were all so great! The paella was so creative and we still talk about how good it was. Let down your guard and order something you've never tried before- you will not be disappointed!
(5)Rachelle L.
By far hands down best dessert I ever had!!!!! Helado de Romero con almendras was really to die for! I almost ordered two. The creamiest rosemary ice cream with salted almonds and sponge cake and a taste of orange. We also had Pan con tomate and manchego cheese. YOU MUST ORDER. So tasty, it was my favorite. The lamb was so tender and had excellent flavor, other than that we had the patatas bravas and a sampler of olives. We had heard a lot about the Croquettas de pollo which were sold out on the night we went. So we came back the next day to order some. They were good, but nothing out of this world. I was expecting a little more, and I think they actually might of needed a little salt. Might be because I live in South Florida and are used to eating authentic Cuban croquettas. Very fun to sit at the bar and watch them prepare your food! Great experience, you must visit Curate!
(4)Fred O.
Exceptional quality, exquisite tastes. If you have much of an appetite, you will spend at least $30 per person to not walk away hungry. However, it is well worth every penny.
(5)Staci B.
Phenomenal. We had a group of 10 which did not phase our server - she was fantastic. The food was amazing and not over priced which was refreshing. (I live in Charleston which has some expensive dining as you can imagine) I liked every single thing that we ordered. They are known for their pork dishes (and rightfully so) but the patatas bravas were like crack, definitely order those! I'd go back in a heartbeat and wish we had something similar in Charleston!
(5)Katherine R.
Happy to find a restaurant on yelp that far exceeded my expectations! I went to Curate for a birthday dinner with my boyfriend and parents and we all left pleasantly surprised. We had never experienced eating at a Spanish tapas bar, and my parents even admitted afterward that they had such low expectations, that they had kept a reservation at another restaurant just in case! The service was very good, but I would definitely recommend a reservation, we were there at 8:30 on a Sunday night and the place was packed, but we got in right away because we had our reservation. Dishes Ordered- - Crema de Calabaza (Butternut squash soup): This was a very good, creamy soup, with a nice flavor, and I really enjoyed the addition of the pumpkin seeds and hazelnut oil on top - Ensalada de Invierno (Salad): Crisp salad with an interesting dressing, but the highlight was the crunchy/juiciness of the pomegranate seeds - Pan con Tomate (Tomato Bread): This bread was WAY better than tomato bread should be. We chose to add the manchego cheese on top, which was fantastic, paired with the fresh tomato spread on top of perfectly toasted bread. - Tabla de Jamon (Plate of Ham): This trio of ham, was the best ham I have ever had. I will admit that the portions are quite small considering the amount of meat received, but the meat is fantastic, each with its own distinct flavor. (Also, I was worried about this being overly salty because it is cured meat, but it really wasn't) - Gambas al Ajillo (Sautéed Shrimp with garlic): It is mentioned on the menu that this is one of their most popular dishes, but while the shrimp are good, they are not extraordinary. However, the broth in the bottom was delicious, especially on the bread that they served with the dish. Honestly, I could have ate a bowl of the broth as a soup! - Bocadillo Catalan (Sausage and Onion Sandwich): The star of this sandwich was the caramelized onions which added good texture and sweetness to the sausage. This was a great sandwich. - Cerdo Iberico (Skirt Steak): Again, a small dish for the price, but well worth it. The meat was so tender, perfectly cooked, and had fantastic flavor! - Migas de Invierno (Brussel Sprouts): This was my parents dish but when I got a taste of it, they were very good brussel sprouts, but the warm root mousse served with them was a bit odd. - Dessert: We actually ordered one of every dessert on the menu (including a hot chocolate)! I know, pretty crazy, but we all wanted different ones. I had the Catalan Cream, which was delicious, but the other desserts were pretty great too, especially the Lemon-Thyme ice-cream! Fantastic meal! I will absolutely be back when I return to Asheville!
(5)Mjp H.
I stopped in with my husband after a recommendation from some local art store owner. Everything was so good we drove back to thank him. I do have a bias for tapas style restaurants- even the best plate can taste the same after the 4th bite, so variety is key! This place is a little expensive but the service was great. I'm glad we were the first ones in because the line was extended pretty far out the door by the time we left. I had the "brandada de bacalao", "chistorra & chips", and "gambas al ajillo". All were delicious, but the brandada, a cod and potato puree was definitely my fav, I feel compelled to learn how to make this at home. I don't remember the actual name, but try the grapefruit mimosa with the lemon mist, it gets an A+
(5)Sarita B.
Absolutely amazing. The staff was very courteous and friendly. The food was delicious. The peppers with goat cheese was superb. It was only meant to be a lite meal but the food was so good we kept ordering more. I will definitely return.
(5)Brian N.
Excellent tapas and expansive menu. Gambas and garlic sauce, stuffed red pepper, tortilla espanola, lamb... Lots of traditional tapas plus modern twists make it interesting to keep going back. Try going at lunch if you can't get a dinner reservation, there is often demand for tables. Occasionally servers are pulled thin and you need to flag them for service.
(4)Miller C.
Probably one of my favorite meals in a very long time! Here's what we tried: -almendras fritas -- simple and good -tabla de jamon -- excellent way to try three delicious meats with generous portions -pan con tomate w/ manchego -- amazing, especially the bites that had a little more tomato -barenjenas la taberna -- wonderful flavors and a great way to end the meal even for those who don't usually get eggplant -gambas al ajillo -- deliciously garlic and perfectly cooked! -rosemary ice cream -- very good, but expect strong rosemary flavor
(5)Beth B.
Everything about Curate was fabulous from the food to the wait staff. Our waiter, Eric, went over the menu and was helpful with recommendations. Every dish we tried brought on a new taste delight. I actually asked if they bottled the sauce that went with the green asparagus. The chocolate and raspberry sorbet dessert was a great way to finish this meal. Cost is relative. The more you sample the higher the tab. Be sure to make reservations to insure Curate is on your list when you visit Asheville. One other tip...bring a pen or pencil to help you narrow down your choices. The menu is paper so you can write all over it!
(5)Kim W.
Our service was excellent and the food absolutely wonderful. Recommendations: pimientos, Gambas, the pulpo was fair, the bocadillo Serrano, and the water melon ensalada with sheeps milk queso. Very delicious meal. Bravo!
(5)Gina G.
I absolutely love this place! The portions are perfect, the food is delicious, the service has always been terrific, and the cocktails are superb. I could eat here every night and never get sick of it. I LOVE IT!! I highly recommend the Watermelon Heirloom Tomato Salad, Gambas al Ajillo, and I've also heard the lamb is wonderful as well.
(5)Stephen S.
Had dinner Thurs 5/16. Service by Jessica at the bar was excellent. She helped us and made drinks and Sangria for the rest of the house all without missing a step.. Neat and clean decor...not quiet but not overly loud...busy up front but tables in the back looked like they had more of a sedate feel... Barb started with a sidracar..asturian cider with grand marnier and fresh apple air and I had a fino sherry.. watched amazing Sangria being made but did not sample it this time.....We brought wine in ($18 corkage)... great glassware and service provided made this a reasonable charge....very interesting and deep wine list with a lot in the $25-45 range.....all Spanish I believe...some real gems Menu was well done and clearly identified gluten freee, lactose free, vegan and nut free (not that I avoided any of these!!) Then the food started....everything was hot, fresh and had a great presentation...Jessica helped pace us over 2 hrs Para el aperitivo Almendas fritas/fried marcona almonds with sea salt....yummy Tabla de Jamon/jamon serrano fermin, jamon iberico fermin and jamon iberico de bellota ...the first 2 were awesome, the last was a bit mild but good...served with tomato bread Embutidos y quesos setas al jerez/ sauteed mushrooms with a splash of sherry....excellent tabla de quesos....great variety, generous portions Salteados Gambas al ajillo/sauteed shrimp and sliced garlic (10 shrimp for $11!!)...wonderful...the garlic was to die for Pimientoas de piquillo con queso de cabra/piquillo peppers stuffed with spanish goat cheese....amazing a la plancha y al grill Canelones de carne/pasta filled with chicken liver, ground beef and pork topped with bechamel and manchego....WOW....little pillows of excellence Postres I finished with raspberry and apricot sorbets....great texture and flavor...well done.. A restaurant NOT TO BE MISSED...BRAVO......
(5)Shawn S.
Hard to only give this place four stars but here is why I did. 1. RUDE : The greeters/hostesses at the front desk had that especially annoying version of condescension that you find in really hot restaurants occasionally. Instead of politely welcoming us we were treated as though we were fortunate to spend money at the place they created. She actually said, " you are welcome to go have a drink somewhere else and come back at your reserved time". (no shit, the customer is always welcome to spend their money somewhere else and when enough of them do you go out of business. welcome to capitalism) So we left and had a drink elsewhere only to return and find our table not ready at the reserved time and seats waiting for us at the bar. This gave us an opportunity to watch a very polished kitchen staff work their magic. Very talented folks in this kitchen. 2. LOUD : We endured the loudest table of drunk jackasses ever - literally screaming over one another in a fine dining setting. It went a long way toward ruining an otherwise great experience. Our server was first rate and the food was some of the best I have ever had (do not skip the octopus "pulpo"). We will go back but this experience was less than five stars.
(4)Tim F.
My wife and I showed about 15 minutes early for a 5:30 Thursday reservation and were seated promptly. The restaurant was maybe 1/3 full. We ordered the patatas bravas (potatos and sauce with a slight kick) and were blown away. The patatas paired nicely with the toasted bread with manchego cheese. The patatas bravas was a very healthy portion and helped to fill us up. The toasted bread with the smooth cheese was very nice and included four portions. We then had some pork paired with a plate of sauteed spinach, raisins and apples. Wow! My wife shies away from meat that is not well done. Only a few portions of the pork were cooked to her liking. Several pieces were rare. It was hard to leave any pork on the plate though. My wife had a $9 drink (I don't remember exactly what). I had diet coke. Total bill was ~$61. We left a packed restaurant about an hour after arriving. We had the experience we hoped to have at Curate. I am not saying it was life changing but it sure was an exceptional meal. We hope to return with any of our many friends and family who we think would enjoy the setting and a tapas experience. I read many of the reviews that complain about higher prices and small portions. Given the quality of the food, I am good with the price. As for portion sizes, we were happy with what we were served. Curate is not something I would recommend to everyone for just any occassion. Personally, I would reserve it for special occassions and groups who would embrace the idea of sharing and sampling many different foods.
(4)bany e.
Amazing food!!! Feels like you are eating in Spain - really authentic! The eggplants were nice, even though fried very light...but a bit on the sweet side. The lambs were worthy of all the raving .... Very juicy and flavorful. The octopus was so tender and not chewy at all. If you ordered the pork pair it with the mushrooms. The mushrooms were just heavenly! And the grilled shrimp was light and delicious. Since it was my husband's birthday we got a complimentary "hazelnut and fruit Spanish handkerchief" dessert which was great fun to eat! Loved everything about this place - a must visit!!!
(5)Marilyn S.
The BEST! We love this place from the service to the Spanish Martinis and Sangria to the food. If there is one TINY flaw it's that usually our first tapas arrives BEFORE our drinks. We are going next week and we know what we are ordering because they have their menu online. We are going to ask them to please NOT bring out the food before the drinks this time. We have been here many, many times and the food never lets us down. A TIP for you, Bring a pen and check off on the paper menu what you order and cross it off as it comes out. It's easy to forget what you ordered here as it comes out random.
(5)CK K.
What a find in Asheville! It was the best tapas meal that we've had anywhere. We ordered 8 items and everything was delicious. The octopus was so yummy. The hake in the tomato broth was so good that our youngest diner (6) requested a second serving. The squid ink pasta was uniquely great. Another stand out was the pork "skirt steak" - simply delicious. Our waitress was excellent as well and knew how to pace and order the progression of the meal. The meal was memorable enough that I've been reading up on the chef - Katie Buttons. We'll definitely be back anytime we're back near Asheville. It may even prompt us to plan a trip to the city.
(5)Lissete D.
Maybe my expectations were too high based on the reviews but I did not find the food to be as good as the reviews claim. I love Spanish food. I know Spanish food. Not only am I of Spanish descent, but I have traveled to Spain, primarily Barcelona many times. Most items on the menu are Spanish. But the taste, leaves a lot to be desired. Except for the chicken croquettes which were delicious. The pan con tomate was good and pretty hard to mess up. The patatas bravas were ok, but some pieces were undercooked. The gambas were okay and the butifarra was okay. For the price point, I expected way more than okay. Our biggest disappointment was with the Sangria. It was pretty bitter. I make a killer Sangria and have had Amazing Sangria all over Spain. This, my friends, does not even come close. And at $30 for a pitcher, it was a huge let down. Oh, and the Crema Catalana? We were served milk with a pretty design on top. It was literally liquid. We could have drank it! Service was friendly and efficient. We met the owner, and he was very nice as well. I appreciated that the dishes came out one or two at a time, and not all at once. The place is small, but comfortable and the location is great. I really wanted to love it. But sadly, we were disappointed. I'm giving it 3* because the service was good and the food was ok but I have definitely experienced better.
(3)Scott S.
Oh, I've been looking forward to writing this review for a while now. Ever since Katie Button burst onto the scene in the last couple of years, I've been very much aching to get in there and see what she had to offer, and I was not disappointed. A true tapas experience, my wife and I ordered 8-9 dishes between us, plus a dessert each, and a couple of drinks, all for about $115. Some of the dishes, you feel like you're getting a little more for your money than others (e.g. $5 will either get you two pieces of bread with tomato, or a gigantic plate of incredibly good fried potatoes). The lamb skewer I had was arguably the most perfect piece of meat I have ever had the pleasure of eating. Some things were fantastic, others were mind blowingly good, nothing was anything less than above average. Servers were incredibly knowledgeable about the whole menu, service was quick, and we even got to meet Chef Button herself :) Pro-tip: Reservation. It's still the low season here and we had to make a reservation for a Wednesday night a week in advance because the next 3 weekends are booked solid.
(5)Harvey W.
My wife & I had dinner here on November 25,2014. Our waiter was very patient and made some recommendations on how to order. He was very helpful with ordering the wine as well. We started with their homemade bread with tomatoes, olive oil and Manchugo cheese. Almost like Italian bruschetta but much more flavorful. This was followed by the puree of Squash soup with candied pumpkin seeds and Spanish paprka- yummy. Next we enjoyed a salad with baby red & gold beets, crushed Nacona almonds, goat cheese and a beautiful vinaigrette.This was followed by skewers of garlic shrimps and skewers of marinated lamb. At the suggestion of our waiter we had the beautiful lightly battered egg plant with honey for desert. A great experience and a wonderful evening.
(5)Elizabeth F.
Great atmosphere, delicious food, and amazing and knowledgeable staff. I ate here with my mother and we sat at the bar for a late lunch on a Friday afternoon. We loved how the kitchen is open air and how you can watch the expert chefs prepare different dishes. Each staff member was friendly and knowledgable. I highly suggest asking the staff for recommendations on what to order and I recommend ordering a bunch of different dishes and sharing everything. My mom and I shared a special dish that had ramps and romesco sauce and the pimientos de piquillo y queso de cabra (grilled small red peppers stuffed with spanish goat cheese) to start. Then, we had the berenjenas la taberna (fried eggplant slices drizzled with honey) and the cerdo ibérico a las finas hierbas (grilled pork hanger steak with herbs). The Cerdo Iberico is a must-try; it is seriously one of the best meat dishes I've ever eaten. We split the crema catalana con frutas del bosque for dessert along with two cafe con leches. If you're in Asheville, Curate is a must-try!
(5)Erin L.
The hubs and I went to Curate this weekend for my birthday dinner and thoroughly enjoyed it. The tapas are truly Spanish and there's a nice vibe in the restaurant. The reservations were difficult to get... Made them on Weds for Sunday and all they had was 9pm. Tip: plan ahead! We started with the plate of Spanish ham and chorizo which was accompanied by tomato bread (my fav part of that dish)! We moved on to the calamari which was good. We also tried the goat cheese stuffed piquillo peppers - I loved it so much as soon as I got home I bought some goat cheese and peppers to replicate the dish (made it twice this week)! If you go here you must have the canelones de carne... Pasta stuffed with chicken liver, chicken and pork, smothered in cheese and white sauce! Orgasmic! We also sampled the pork sausage which was also good. Although I really enjoyed the food, it was a bit pricey -- a carafe of sangria at $30? A bit steep in my humble opinion. Another reason I didn't give 5 stars - we told the waiter it was my bday and he didn't remember! He brought out my dessert without so much as a candle :( In all it was a great place but I would go to Zambras first!
(4)Kathleen S.
We have been coming here for a while and the food and service never disappoints.However in the few years since they have been open, my life has changed. I now have a baby. I get that not all restaurants cater to families, but it still would be nice to have a changing station in the bathroom so in the event someone does bring in a child they can change the diaper with out having to get creative. We came for Brunch for Mother's day- I was so excited since we had not been here in a while but the mood was ruined as I struggled to change the diaper on my lap, the floor of the bathroom was not an option.
(4)Melissa W.
Just can't stay away! This time we sat at the bar to watch all of the workings of the kitchen. Very well run place. Servers, although relatively new, were well versed on everything. Met another couple who were traveling but had had lunch at Curate day before and come back for dinner. Smart folks know where to get the best of all worlds- food, service and ambiance! We missed the lamb skewers this trip since we were trying some different offerings, so guess we'll have to go back again. Sigh. ;) Bravo Curate!
(5)Benjamin G.
There's a reason a place lives in yelpy infamy and consistently receives 5 stars. Enter: Cúrate. A traditional Spanish Tapas joint that gives your taste buds a run for their money with every other gastro-enlightenmet they may have experienced in the past. Hard to get a reservation, always packed, and amazing once you get your table. We had heard about this place from so many of our friends, thus, we had to oblige with making this our dinner destination. We (somehow) scored a table for 630pm and sat amongst the full house of hungry eaters. We started with two cocktails -- eclipse de luna and the sidecar. Not your typical sidecar at all. The sidecar was like candy. Cider, grand marnier and a little apple. Eclipse de luna - Stick of cinnamon, moonshine, ginger ale, and a little grand marnier. One of the best cocktails I've had to date. Mulled cider and orange work well with the smooth flavor of the booze. Food - Fried Marcona Almonds. Pretty much exactly what you would expect. A little sleeve was brought to our table filled with these bad boys. Perfectly mild and smoky. Pan con tomate. We ordered two orders of this! Amazing tomato jam on incredible bread. Not sure if the bread was made in house, but it was spectacular. The tomato jam was of legend. Packed full of flavor and not overpowering. Endive salad - Great mix of endive, a light vinegar dressing, pomegranate, and other flavors. The bitter notes of the endive were actually quite nice. Spinach - sauteed with pine nuts. I would eat this every day. I've never had spinach so wonderfully soft, nutty, and seasoned. Ensalada de tomate y atun - A little salad, served in a long row, with tuna and compari tomatoes. Just brilliant. One of the biggest strengths of the menu is that some dishes can be made vegetarian or vegan. Look for the symbols on the menu to tailor your choices. There was nothing about this meal that we didn't enjoy. Though we forewent any options with beef, pork, or chicken, I'm sure next time I will partake. They all sounded incredible. Each item is priced fairly for how much thought goes into it. No complaints whatsoever. Our server was a great guy. Super helpful, circled things on our menu for us, visited several times to take additional orders, and kept our glasses filled. High fives all around. Each time I'm found in Ashevegas I'll be paying a visit. Cheers.
(5)Donna H.
Been to Curate. The food is exquisite, not your typical restaurant. So be prepared to taste food out of the ordinary. Which I love., instead of the typical cookie cutter restaurants. You must try this place. You wont be discourged.
(4)Sean C.
Awesome atmosphere, rustic-modern design. Menu is a little difficult to navigate/translate at first but once you understand what your looking at it's just a battle of deciding what to order. Super cool that you get to watch all of the amazing food prepared right in front of you, with no walls hiding the operation. Had the lamb skewers and garlic shrimp, both of which we prepared to perfection. Would definitely like to go back and try some more plates!
(5)Brian T.
We had a great meal here and the service was extremely friendly. I found the pricing to be just a bit high (hence the 4 stars) but overall it's what I would expect in a trendy town like Ashville. I would go back!
(4)Karmilla C.
Well, not gonna to explain all over again, check out all the food that I post !!!!!! Best dinner experience in our Asheville down town trip!!!!!! Absolutely bring my whole family back!!!!!!!
(5)Kristin L.
We only found out about Curate days before our arrival in Asheville, and as we were a group of 7, they had no tables available for Saturday night dinner. (Note: They only have two tables in the entire restaurant to accommodate groups that size, so book early if you are a large party.) But lo, they took brunch reservations (a novelty in my dining experiences), and so we booked a table for 11:30am (opening time) on Sunday. From the moment we sat down, we were not disappointed by a thing that arrived on our table. Everything is tapas style (even the soup if you want it to be), so we ordered 16 dishes for 7 people. Some dishes of note: the chicken fritters, the cannelloni with chicken liver, the butternut squash soup, the pan tomate with manchego, the roto huevos and the torjillas (which were custard-y, French toast-like deliciousness). Everything had a Spanish/Mediterranean flair, and there were several seafood dishes on the menu, as well (such as octopus, shrimp and squid ink). I had read about the rosemary ice cream on social media sites before our visit and am only bummed we had no room left in our stomachs once dessert rolled around. Our total bill came to $18 a person, which for the amount of dishes on our table was simply amazing. I was expecting it to be twice that. The service was friendly and kind, and the atmosphere was very sleek and seemed it would appear in a bigger city like Charlotte or Asheville. This would be my top rec for a place to go when dining in Asheville, so be wise and make a reservation in advance!
(5)Tom L.
I can't fault the food at all- it was delicious. We made reservations several days ahead, and after a day paddling the river were running a little behind schedule. When we got there the hostess said no problem- our table wasn't even ready for us yet. 20 minutes later, we were at our table and ordered a bottle of wine and a couple of courses of tapas. Before the first course was even finished, the house manager informed us that he was going to have to move us to the bar so he could seat the next reservation, due in a little over an hour! About 20 minutes later, we were shuffled off to the bar to get our second course. Feeling a bit put out, we finished our wine, finished our tapas and settled our check with the intention to finish our meal elsewhere. We headed for the door about 15 minutes after the time of the supposed "next reservation" and about 35 minutes after we'd been moved, and the table was still vacant- as were the 2 behind it. So in short, good food, but the experience was definitely tainted by the poor customer service. With all of the options for great food in Asheville, we'll be going elsewhere next time.
(2)Sean O.
I love this place. Great wine list. Lots of tapas options. Cool ambiance. We normally sit at the bar and watch the kitchen people do their magic. The kitchen runs like a well oiled machine .. I was amazed that everybody was busy with jobs, and would move from job to job without hesitation, knowing exactly what they were doing. Food was very good. Torta Espanola made in small cast iron frying pans was especially good. We dropped in without reservations in-between lunch and early supper and were seated at the bar immediately. Great place, will go back as often as we can.
(5)Oliver C.
Wow wow wow. Words can't even begin to describe the inexplicable experience my girlfriend and I had here the other night. Between the atmosphere, menu, and generosity of chefs and customers alike, this is definitely a bucket list worthy spot. The food is executed to pure perfection between the simplicity with everything containing no more than 5 ingredients; the chefs let the quality speak for itself. We were surrounded by customers with open arms practically BEGGING to let us try their food! The chefs were very informative and even took time out of their work to personally talk to us and give us background on the dishes. By far the best dining experience you could have with friends and family of all ages.
(5)Joanne R.
Great Anniversary Event We had my parents 60th(!) anniversary party here and we couldn't have picked a better place if we'd scoured the whole country. We rented the private party room, but came through the main dining room, which had a good vibe. The party room was excellent for our group of 17, and the service was impeccable. Given the crowd, we had a prix fixe menu, and not a single item disappointed. However, having surveyed the crowd, our favorites were the butternut squash soup (my nephew had five cups worth), the grilled pork and the cauliflower puree topped with roasted brussel sprouts. Oh, I forgot the eggplant, well loved by all. Our family has a lot of foodies in it, and we all agreed this beat any meal we could remember, including so-called five star dining in Manhattan. The price was wonderful for such a great variety of food. We will all remember our special evening fondly for a long time to come. Thanks to all at Curate.
(5)Michael H.
tomato bread with manchego - 7/10 roasted red peppers stuffed with goat cheese - this was their version of jalapeno poppers but not fried....super clean tasting...such a simple but great concept - 10/10 grilled octopus in olive oil lime juice with potato puree - 10/10 raw trout with vidalia onions and tomato puree - phenomenal - 10/10 lamb skewers in a moor sauce...very good but not very exicting...wish i would have tried something a little more "different" - 8/10 fried eggplant topped with honey and rosemary - dish of the night....11/10 pan seared mushrooms in sherry and olive oil - ....8/10
(5)Harp D.
Very pleased. I had a gift certificate. Typically out of my price range, however, the food was amazing. If you order the low cost dishes (2) for yourself you will get a good fill and an absolutely delicious meal. The frieds were great. I had a squid cooked in its own ink! How intimate, and creamy delicious. One thing I can tell is if food is fresh and exciting and yes, Very! Katie is a female cooking powerhouse recognize the skill and vast intelligence of women. rad and delish, u can afford it if u are careful. Thank you Curate.
(4)Phillip P.
Literally top 5 meals we have ever had. Had around 5 dishes: lamb, mushrooms, shrimp, Brussel sprouts, and cured ham (can't remember which one specifically.) For dessert we had the chocolate mousse and caramel cream dish. Drink was the "best gin and tonic" as it said on the menu. Every single thing we order was based on what our server, Brian, recommended. He was spot on. Every single thing was phenomenal. So good we will probably be back for lunch before we leave. Thanks for such a great meal and experience. Also we liked sitting at the bar as we could watch all the chefs.
(5)PSquare M.
Yum place!! Great priced tapas! We were vegetarians and they had so many options! Def Recc!
(5)Jason R.
Three of us dined at Curate last evening. We stumbled upon the restaurant after walking down Biltmore Avenue. We sat at the kitchen bar and the feast began. After ordering numerous courses, we ordered more. It was simply amazing. The potatoes with the oxtail and the lamb skewers were favorites. The cheese stuffed peppers and mushrooms received honorable mention. The wine didn't hurt either. We enjoyed the ambiance and were thrilled to have such a wonderful dining experience after an unexpected change in our plans.
(5)Ralph G.
GO! If you're like me and had high expectations of Katie Button, recently nominated by James Beard, hopefully you too will be blown away. First of all, tapas in NYC (where I'm from) generally means small portions and a high bill; in contrast, Curate provided great value given the time-intensive nature of tapas - both larger portions than I expected and reasonable prices yet it was still beautifully presented. The brook trout over crushed tomatoes was my favorite. I am not a fish guy, but I felt as though I was IN Barcelona, and yet it was paired with native trout. Brilliant. The purity of the presentation of the Iberian Pig paid homage to the perfection of its natural acorn diet. The watermelon and heirloom tomato salad with chèvre was just beautiful; I am more of a meat and potatoes guy, but this dish hit the spot right after the cured Iberian pig and tomato bread. The wine selection was very affordable and our server chose a blend that was rich and affordable (my preference) and spicy (my date's preference). Service was great all around, from reservations (which I changed 3x) to the table (we sat at the bar actually). Jessica our server was friendly yet invisible, keeping glasses filled and tableware fresh without us even noticing. Finally, we never waited long. The timing of each course was spot on, which i know personally to be a huge challenge for a packed restaurant. Bravo Chef Button and the Curate team! I'll be back.
(5)Niki C.
This restaurant came highly recommended and so we finally tried it out during our 3 week stay in Asheville and we already have another reservation to return tomorrow night! Our favorites were probably the meatballs and the shrimp ... the dessert we had with the pistachio cake and lemon thyme ice cream was quite incredible, too. Would love to come with a group and get the sangria, which looked very good!
(5)Cara A.
Make time (a couple hours) to sit back and relax while you receive some kick ass tapas. It might take a while but it is truly worth it! Be forewarned, all other tapas will disappoint you after Curate...
(5)Nima T.
We sat at the bar/counter - and they were the best seats in the house for a party of two. We could talk to the chefs and watch them preparing everything. We had the bread with tomato and manchego cheese. The bread is very light and it was quite good. Also had a special beet salad. Butternut squash soup was outstanding. The pork skirt steak was very good. The Estella beer was also good. We might go back tonight.
(4)Mark S.
Good, not great, tapas with the vegetarian options easily out shining everything with meat. The pan con tomate is wonderfully simple and delicious, but the chicken fritters and pasta dishes both tasted of raw flour from the goopy white sauces. Service was quick but apathetic. I would try it again, but would struggle to recommend right now.
(3)Stephen A.
I have fallen in love with this place. We visit Asheville at least once a year, and stumbled across this little gem thanks to you amazing folks on Yelp. We strolled in Tuesday around lunchtime. It wasn't too terribly busy, so I can't comment on how service is during a nighttime-OMG-we're-slammed time, but our server was great. She was also amazingly-knowledgeable on all of the dishes we ordered, which added immensely to our experience. She was very prompt and always made sure everything happening at our table went smoothly. Speaking of smooth, how about those drinks? They have a nice little cocktail menu, featuring about six to eight specialty cocktails. I went with the simple rum/coke (the "cuba libre," prepped near-perfectly with a smooth rum and lemon. And a nice little bottle of Coca-Cola for an extra touch. Unfortch, not Mexican Coke but I'm a forgiving person.) and a friend had a great drink with bitters and sherry. (A rebujito, my first experience with the drink.) My husband had a nice glass of wine, a wonderfully-recommended tempranillo/rioja that was served as the JUST RIGHT temperature. (A super-duper slight chill, I think riojas are to be served around 60 or 61 degrees.) That impressed me, as most restaurants can't seem to get that one right. Oh, and there was food! So much food! We tried the eggplant, which seems to be a favorite. I'll be honest, it wasn't the best dish of the meal, but it was still good. I thought it was a little on the salty side, but I know how those Spaniards love their salt, so I chalked it up to me being weird. The rosemary and honey were a nice touch, though. We started with the eggplant, the fried almonds (which were super-yummy), and the awesome chorizo/potato chips dish. Perfect blend of crunch and spice. Such a fun dish, and definitely one to start out with. Then we moved on to foodie nirvana. The next two waves (which were, admittedly, small since we were trying to do a light lunch) were what knocked our socks off. Next was the grilled asparagus with romesco sauce and sautéed shrimp and garlic. My gosh, talk about a mouthgasm. The shrimp was prepped perfectly and the asparagus was grilled just right. It was like a master-class in how to prepare food. Wonderful. Then the double mouthgasm happened. We order the lamb skewers, because we never pass up lamb, and something just as amazing: the canelones de carne. We seriously contemplated another round of these two dishes because they were so amazing. Those canelones were slap-your-knee amazing. This is the dish that convinced me that I need to learn how to prepare Spanish food. Dessert was wonderful, as well. If you're adventurous, go for the rosemary ice cream with almond sponge cake. But only get it if you like adventure, this dish is not for the faint of heart. If you're like that, stick with the chocolate mousse with raspberry sorbet and hazelnut spread. My husband picked the catalan creme mousse with berries and I thought his pick was best. Of course, he liked mine more. Our friend loved combining our dishes to create a beautiful mega-dessert that I will admit was deserving of the prefix "mega." This is a great place that be casual, or romantic. I can only imagine that the mood is much more romantic at night, with all that red wine and amazing food flowing. If you're looking for a great place to both treat yourself and sit back and take some time with some great food, this is the place.
(5)R P.
I'm not an expert in Spanish, but I'm almost positive the etymology behind Cúrate is Culinary-Karate. They also curate a delicious and innovate menu. Came here at 9:00 pm on a Tuesday night (it was packed) and sat at the bar. Great atmosphere and solid service, my new BFF Cliff took great care of us. Had or shared the following: Drinks: Sangria with sparkling cava, worth getting. Started with the tomato bread (Pan Con Tomate) White asparagus (Esparagos Blancos) was really good, a little strange/rare and the light air mayo plus lemon tarragon made it worth trying. Pimento de Piquillo was yummy, peppers stuffed with soft cheese, no more need be said. Pincho Moruno lamb skewers had a great flavor profile and cumin-y taste. Fun place for a great, somewhat fancy meal if you're in Asheville.
(5)Sharon R.
Had a spectacular meal/experience here. Brian was our server--very knowledgeable about the food and wine, steering our choices to be sure we got the best the kitchen had to offer. We trusted him so much that we let him talk us into ordering rosemary ice cream to eat on top our fried eggplant at the end of the meal. Even that improbable combination worked beautifully! Looking forward to my next trip to Asheville so we can come back and try out the rest of the menu (but will have to hsve the mushrooms again).
(5)Frederic S.
5 stars, no question, no hesitation, counting the days until we get back to Asheville and Curate. Sitting at the bar provided a front seat to how they realize such a triumph...the beauty of the tapas lies in the spectrum of flavors that the small plates afford. And Curate excels. Favorite dishes were the ham from the pigs who eat nothing but chestnuts (pure melt-in-your-mouth nirvana) and the unexpected whole-is-greater-than-sum-of-parts lightly fried eggplant with honey and rosemary. Also loved the meatballs as well as the trout ceviche. Make a reservation, otherwise arm yourself with patience. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Julie P.
Recommended by a dear friend, this place was really awesome! The atmosphere and service was nice. The cocktails were really nice: the ultimate gin and tonic was exceptional right down to the juniper berries and pansy. My husband loved the liquid cherry at the bottom of his curate manhattan. The porron was not something I expected when we decided to try Curate. it was exotic and refreshing. It would be a fun challenge for a group of friends to drink it without spilling. The food was equally great and the dishes were all exotic to us. We left full and felt the food was worth the price.
(4)Kris T.
Amazing meal! I sampled quite a variety of tapas, and there's still so much more on the menu I'd love to try. Whatever you do, don't miss out on the Ibérica jambon: it melts like butter. The lamb skewers were also exceptional: the lamb was perfectly cooked and seasoned. The porron used to serve a tasty beer cocktail is fun, but I never quite got the hang of using it, to the great delight of my dinner companion. It's an expensive treat to eat here, but well worth it for the quality of the food and the service. I can't wait to go back!
(5)Jay D.
Only being in Asheville for about 8 hours, I had to rely on Yelp to tell me what not to miss. So based on a couple good reviews, we picked Curate. I'm always skeptical about tapas restaurants based on my past experiences elsewhere, but we were blown away by how great everything was. We started with an great cup of gazpacho and an amazing tomato and tuna salad, perfect appetizer coming out of a long walk on a 90 degree day. For lunch, I ended up with the bocadillo catalan (sausage baguette), which was in fact probably the best sandwich I have ever eaten, no joke. Caramelized onions and peppers with an amazing piece of sausage. I could eat this every day, and it's almost worth flying back to Asheville just to eat lunch here. Top this experience off with a couple wonderful Rebujitos, a great glass of Green Man IPA, an informative server and a wonderful conversation with the wife... and this ends up being one of those lunch experiences you never forget.
(5)Virginia C.
Since it was my first time in Asheville. I had no idea where to go to eat, so i told my boyfriend "don't worry, we have yelp reviews" hehehe. So i came across curate and all the amazing reviews. Plus i love Spanish tapas-style restaurants. We went out of our way to find this place. Disappointing , Disappointing, Disappointing :( The sangria is not good here, for an Spanish place or any place, the Spanish tortilla was not the best. the chorizo was really good.The rest was JUST OK! I guess since i have been to so many Spanish tapas-style restaurant, my expectations were too high ...This one was not bad... but for sure not at all a 5 stars like i was expecting based on the reviews. I guess if is your first time eating Spanish food, you will find the flavors as something different, unique and really good. I asked my boyfriend what was his opinion. and he told me the same " is not a 5 stars and he will not go back again. You can watch them make your dish at the bar. The guy was stuffing peppers with no gloves, then he started texting with his iPhone, then kept digging in the stuffing with out washing his hands....ooooh lordy, lordy :/
(3)Reviewer R.
All the plates we ordered were delicious. The service was excellent. Be forewarned: it is a very expensive place to eat if you go in hungry!
(5)Clare M.
"service in support of great tapas is what makes Curate great. this place loves great food and loves to talk about it." -my mom
(5)Mike J.
This is a great spot for tapas in downtown Asheville. We shared a tasty charcuterie plate and gambas de ajillo (shrimp & roasted garlic), and I had a fantastic squash soup. Service is a bit slow and seating is somewhat cramped. But it's easy to overlook those negative points when you get perfectly-crafted, flavorful food at a very reasonable price (around $50 for 2 people!) We definitely will be back sometime soon.
(4)Adam M.
Wandered in looking for a bite this evening, not entirely sure what to expect. What I found was a foodie paradise! And not some snobby over the top foodie place, a place where you would want to pull up a bar stool and watch them make your dish while devouring little plate after delicious little plate. Forgive me for not remembering the names of things, but here's what I had. - Damn good beer. (a local porter) - Seared lamb skewers - Some sort of flash fried eggplant/honey thing which literally metled in my mouth. - Finely shaved Spanish ham - Noodles/prawn deliciousness - A chocolatey dessert with about 10 different unique flavors tucked inside My only description for each dish was "explosion of flavor." I also liked that they respected your palette enough to allow each dish to be unique. Reasonably priced. Hey, local beers for $3.50... you can't beat that.
(5)Susan P.
Wandered past here with a group of friends this past weekend. I had heard it was a go-to place in Asheville and I wasn't disappointed. We had a friend who is lactose intolerant in the group so we are very careful about where we eat. The menu is clearly marked on every item for Gluten Free, Lactose Free, and Vegan. Very helpful! Thank you!! Other restaurants need to follow that lead. We chose four LF items for our afternoon snack to accompany our grapefruit mimosas. They were all delicious. The servings are far more generous than at other tapas places I have visited. I highly recommend this restaurant!!
(5)Rachel M.
Yep. Lives up to the hype. My friend and I tried 5 different plates plus dessert. It was such a fun, unique, and tasty lunch...it wasn't just food, it was an experience. I think the watermelon salad was my favorite - it was crisp, sweet, and citrusy all at the same time...it tasted like summer. I also had the rosemary and honey fried eggplant, garlic shrimp, and stuffed peppers. Oh, and the sunburst trout...again - just so fresh and flavorful. I think it was probably my favorite. This place is just fantastic. Yes, expensive for Asheville, but so so worth it. The decor is great too; modern and bright but not pretentious. I also love that the servers wear jeans...it just adds to the casual atmosphere. I will definitely be back!
(5)Joe P.
Overall, this was a solid meal, with excellent food, service and pacing of the meal. The croquetas de pollo (chicken fritters) and rabo de toro (oxtail) were amazing. The cheese plate was excellent, too. However, a couple of other dishes had missteps that should not happen at a restaurant of this caliber. The setas al jerez (sautéed mushrooms) were on track to be our favorite dish, except that the mushrooms were over salted to the point that we were crunching on pieces of salt in the middle of the dish. The gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp), which is their number one dish according to the menu, had excellent flavor, but the shrimp were extremely overcooked and rubbery. Otherwise, both of those dished would have been top notch. The atmosphere inside is very nice, but was quite noisy.
(3)Sarah K.
This restaurant was fantastic! Our seat at the bar was a winner - so fun to watch all the action. Favorites included the iberico jamon, the asparagus (OMG ridiculously good), the tomato bread, the fried eggplant with honey. Desserts looked fantastic, but no room. Very authentic Spanish. My husband I have been lucky enough to dine at Jose Andres' restaurant in Vegas, and I kept commenting the whole time about how much this reminded me of that restaurant - the preparation, the presentation, the flavors. Come to find out the chef trained under Jose Andres - no wonder... so cool! Great way to experience fabulous tapas without paying the huge price tag. Definitely my favorite restaurant in Asheville. Up there among my top restaurants overall!
(5)Travis L.
Great, solid spanish food. Ambience is nice and a little trendy. Waitstaff s friendly and knowledgeable. White sangria is always a plus, and their meat tray with Ibiza pig was great. Favorites were the mushrooms and the brussel sprouts which were both a little different, but excellent.
(3)Aaron B.
Why Cúrate does not have only 5 star reviews is beyond me! I gave them 5 stars because the entire meal transcended amazing and ventured into a revelation through food!!! I will admit, I was on my honeymoon when we visited Asheville back in November 2012 so the euphoria may have been abnormally high at the time but I am still thinking about and craving the dishes we had there over 6 months later. What an amazing "meal"...we tried a lot of plates. One after another a work of art displaying that simple is not always easy but done properly even the barest of ingredient lists per plate can be sublime! The fact that the head chef was not even in that evening, she was away on a trip to the James Beard House (certainly would have been a telling sign for the caliber/quality of food we were in for) and the food that was delivered came out absolutely impeccable demands a 6th star for the restaurant. I can not say any more except for what has already been raved about by other Yelpers, Cúrate was AMAZING!
(5)Jeff S.
This place was excellent. Our only regret was that we couldn't try more dishes.
(5)Jasmine K.
I had never been to a tapas bar and my first time was great! The food was the bomb! We tried a lot on the menu and it was all so good! For a drink I would suggest the rosemary lemonade, very refreshing and a great pallet cleanser in between each heavy flavor appetizer. The pig that held the toothpicks was way too cute to pass up.. We bought it as a trinket to remind of us of our last meal in Asheville on our honeymoon. If you love authentic Spanish food and water from Spain come here. You will not be disappointed.
(4)Michele G.
I had a great time. Sit at the bar and watch the magic happen.
(4)Mary M.
I had wanted to go here for a long time as they get awesome reviews and I love tapas restaurants. I can say the service was above expectations but the food a bit too oily for me. Lots of selections but not many veggies. Fritters and strip steak were probably my favorites. Shrimp was undercooked and nothing exceptional. Would probably go back but with so many really great places to eat in Asheville, it wouldn't be my first choice - especially for the price.
(3)Jeff R.
Excellent tapas in downtown Asheville. Octopus and potato dish was fantastic. Bravas were fantastic. Beer selection nothing great. I was very impressed. My six year old gobbled up her food. My two year old played.
(5)Robin W.
I LOVED their butternut squash soup...so creamy! I was happy to find many gluten-free options on the menu. Thank you! With our party of four, we tried many dishes, and not one disappointed us. It was fun to share them all.
(5)Paul M.
If I didn't have to sit in back room and miss all the wonderful atmosphere, this would be a "5"!! Next time I will insist on sitting at the cook line. The best small plate experience I have had since Good Food on Montford. From start to finish the culinary experience was amazing. I didn't always agree with the flavor profile ambitions (seared scallops overwhelmed by two red pepper accents) but the execution of every dish was flawless. When you wake up the next morning and start thinking about dusted eggplant crisps and honey, you know your meal last night was incredible.
(4)Rick S.
This was awesome the good, service and just allot of fun! One of the best places and meals I can remember its also the place where everyone on Asheville wanted to be! I would call this a must stop while in Asheville!
(5)Frank A.
This is a gem. We had 6 plates -not as small as some tapas places we've been to. Beware of the bread ... It adds up and you can get really full. The ham sampler platter was great, as was the Spanish tortilla and the chirozo. Nothing was "bad." Would go back in a heartbeat if we lived nearby.
(5)Hannah J.
The menu can be overwhelming at first. It's also a but confusing if you have never had a tapas style meal like me. However, I urge you to ignore that and try this place. The food was wonderful. The server was able to help us decide what to order and make us feel comfortable with the menu. We had the patatas brava which are similar in size to breakfast potatoes, but totally different flavors. It was a great starter. We also had the eggplant with honey (I can't remember the Spanish name). I would say that the eggplant is must-have when eating here. We also had a few cocktails. They were great - light and fruity seemed to be the theme here. The main downfalls were the confusing menu and organization of the restaurant. For a date night restaurant, it wasn't cozy enough for me.
(4)John O.
Fantastic. My husband and I dined here for the first time tonight. We tried 6 tapas, and all were lovely. Our server was knowledgeable and very attentive. We had the sangria made tableside. Curate definitely lived up to its reputation.
(5)Amy P.
Food was very good but not restaurant seating was very crowded with waitstaff passing by our table constantly.
(4)Cindy N.
Amaze-balls... Chef Katie certainly deserves to win Best New Chef. Food was sublime, the goat cheese stuffed peppers and trout salad were highlights. Clean, fresh flavors. Come worship at the altar of Chef Katie!
(5)Craig M.
Wonderful service and food. The food was over salted so keep that in mind. Make reservations...you will not be disappointed!
(4)Doug V.
Went with the family and everyone found dishes they liked. Great variety and interesting food.
(5)Megan P.
Our server gave great suggestions! Food had such a unique but delicious flavor! Can't wait to go back!!
(5)W B.
Many Gluten Free options ( knowledgeable staff about allergy) Reasonably priced for the quality. Chic atmosphere, great food, wine and service sum it up at Curate. Dress nice or casual, no matter. Book reservations fast or you might not get a table. Or, belly up to the bar. Recommend the Octopus Tapas dish and the Lamb Tapas dish. We were stuffed so had no room for desert. Great and friendly service. Would definately visit again.
(5)Kate L.
I would love to give this more than 3 stars, but there is nothing about this place that totally blew my mind. Don't get me wrong, everything was DELICIOUS, I just feel like it was maybe missing a few points on the inventive side. Highlights: The cheese plate was an amazing selection, you can also buy these adorable clay pig toothpick holders. Downfalls: If you get there when the room is empty, it feels very un-cozy. Also, this wine list is great if you want a solid glass of something, but we were there for a special occasion and there was nothing truly exciting to choose. This is a fantastic place but will never compare to the all time best tapas restaurant, which is Mas in Charlottesville, VA. However, Curaté is still not to be missed on any Asheville getaway!
(3)Natalie M.
AMAZING!!! My boyfriend and I were in Asheville for our anniversary and we loove tapas! Ate here on a Friday night and there was a bit of a wait to we put our name on the list and went to a local bar for some drinks in the meantime. Came back and we sat at the bar top where the cooks are and everything was splendid! We got the pork steak dish which was very flavorful, the chorizo with mashed potatoes which was super yummy! We also got a dish with peppers and flaky tuna specs. The dish was very interesting because it looked "alive" when we got it. The mixture of the dry tuna flakes and the warm hot peppers is why! DEFINITELY a must to eat at!
(5)Steve L.
Had reservations for 9pm, got seated at 9.30. the host/owner wasn't overly concerned, seemed like he could have handled the situation better. The food was closer to the 4-5 star range. Nicely composed traditional riffs on spanish food and tapas. Very reasonably priced for the quality. The food is good enough to warrant going back, despite the 'we're good enough that you should be happy to wait attitude'.
(3)Shelley D.
This is some of the BEST tapas I ever had! I love Asheville and was there for a weekend. We asked a gallery owner where to eat and he suggested this place. The husband and wife team were both trained at the famous elBulli in Spain and it show. From the serrano ham to the sautes, there is nothing we didn't love. The white asparagus salad is AMAZING! You can't pass this up if you make a trip to Asheville.
(5)Mark H.
The food is absolutely fresh and creative in its presentation and taste...it is what we were expecting when we went to Spain last year...a trip we were very disappointed with food wise except or very few instances...This is very good and authentic...
(5)Seth C.
This has become our new favorite place in Asheville. There are so many unique and memorable dishes that its hard to pick a favorite but we always have to start with the pan con tomate with manchego cheese. From there, the best advice I can give is to trust your server. Curate has an outstanding staff that knows the menu backwards and forwards. So not only can they recommend dishes that you'll like, but they can help you pace the experience and choose the order best sequence of the dishes you order. So either just let the server guide you or order all of dishes at the beginning so you server can help pick the proper sequence of your items. The last time we were there, we ordered the fried eggplant with honey (one of our favorites) and our server was savvy enough to bring that out last because of the nature of the dish. Not only that, but he recommended pairing the eggplant with one of the dessert dishes, the rosemary ice cream. Would have never thought to do that ourselves but it was incredibly unique and is something we'll definitely order again.
(5)David B.
Wow. Tapas at its best. Great wine selections. Cheese sampler and pork sampler out of this world. Great in combination. Sat at the counter which was a nice change. Get reservations or plan on sitting at the counter. The lamb skewers are also not to be missed. Service was 1st rate and servers recommendations were spot on. Ask questions, try new things, you will not be disappointed.
(5)Jessie M.
Fantastic service and great food. Our favorites include the Tortilla Espanola, Pincho Moruno, and Bocata de Calamares. Have a couple glasses of wine, and usually 5-6 dishes are a decent start to get you a good taste of what Curate has to offer. Highly recommended.
(4)Paul A.
A truly remarkable restaurant experience. The owner introduced himself to us when we sat down. He and his family are from Barcelona, where he trained. The most succinct statement that I can make is this: Having eaten at Mario Battali's Casa Mono in Gramercy Park two weeks prior to visiting Curate, this restaurant is at the same level as Casa Mono. Everything was delicious: Jamon Iberico (pigs fed only acorns), Pimientos de Piquillo (peppers stuffed with goat cheese and grilled), Gambas al Ajillo (shrimp with sliced garlic), and the littleneck clams with wine and ham were all superb. The sauteed spinach with raisins and the sauteed muchrooms with sherry were also delicious. Final remark: We ate here twice on a three day visit to Asheville. We did eat at Zambra's for comparison and there is indeed no comparison. Asheville is truly lucky to have this little piece of Spain right on Biltmore street.
(5)Dan B.
there's a reason the chef is famous and there's a reason it's the best in a foodie town.... the food is GREAT!! strongly recommend the waiter's recs (our waiter was Brian and he was a pro) - so he basically served us - about 15 tapas for the 5 of us , and then 4 desserts...the chocolate mousse with raspberry sorbet, rosemary ice cream with fired eggplant, the mousse with caramel crust, and the watermelon sorbet, honey and flower,,,,,whoa.... not to mention the sangria and the wine.... i am stuffed!! i don't know how to describe the flavors, they just kept coming and every bite exploded in our mouths..... pretty amazing meal, busy and casual atmosphere and hard to get in (need to pan ahead....)
(5)Andy S.
WOW 3 in the afternoon is usually a slow time for a kitchen but we fought for seats at the bar and watched the flurry of magic being done by the talented staff. Everything was wonderfully tasty. We just wanted a bite and ordered several and wish we had time for more. Pedroia peppers with tuna flakes..... Amazing! Lamb skewers .... Spiced perfectly and succulent. Sweet red pepper of some type with goat cheese grilled was sublime. The ham from acorn fed pig was mouth watering. I will go back any chance I get!
(5)Bridget B.
I went here with a group of 10 for a friend's birthday. our waiter suggested that we allowed him to pick our small plates and pace our meal. The entire experience was amazing! Not only did he bring out things I would have most likely looked over, but I know I was getting the best of what the kitchen had to offer. Everything was AMAZING! We all left satisfied, full and were able to experience so many different items that were perfect for sharing! I highly recommend this place for a group. With pitchers of Sangria shared at the table, the ticket came out slightly over $100 a couple for some of the best food we've had in a while and a great assortment.
(4)Greg R.
Another Fabulous meal at curate! Suggestions by serving staff were exceptional, fun drink special and as always the food was terrific. The one tip I have is sitting at the bar (for us) is a much more awarding experience than sitting at a table. It's fun to watch the staff prepare the different dishes. Even the ones you are not ordering....you still feel as if you have experienced them a bit.
(5)Hans B.
Stopped in late for dessert. Sat at the bar and watched all the chefs preparing various tapas plates Anyways --the place is always busy since so be prepared ! I ordered a specialty beer and you drink it like it from a fountain. I believe it is called a Perron- well learning to drink it is fun and a bit messy at first --but also tasty beer as it is like a shandy. Ok to the desserts. 1.) chocolate mousse with raspberry sorbet was filling but not heavy and I would totally order again as this was delicious 2.) second dessert was their version of creme brûlée . It had a clear crystallized sugar shell on top of a very creamy base with some fruit on the bottom Again very tasty Interestingly--the desserts complimented each other in taste and were good to share . We will definitely be back !!
(5)Daniel P.
I'll just go ahead and use the word up front: Exquisite. The menu lineup consists of tapas found in high-brow AND low-brow tascas across spain. Frankly, I like the entire spectrum - since common and fundamental dishes can be found across it. The jamon iberico de bellota, in itself, is porcine divinity. Let's acknowledge that Curate has very little to do with the flavor bomb but that you're enjoying it here - at the bar - makes it all the more phenomenal. Our orders consisted of: Pan con tomate. perfectly done. grilled expertly with shavings of manchego, olive oil, tomatoes. Jamon Iberico de Bellota. The problem I ALWAYS have here is that any other "ham" becomes an immediate disappointment. It's not the other ham's fault, either. Order this with the realization that your notions of the perfect ham are about to be somersaulted. You know how you go on and on about how much you enjoy Prosciutto di Parma (the highest quality of it, to boot)? - well - the Italians can only wish to produce such hams as these. Pulpo a la Gallega. Blanched six times. quite nice. Esparagos blancos. very good - although the casera mayonnaise may have even dominated here. Patatas a la Brava (here called "Patatas Bravas"). Interesting take. I enjoyed it very much, and was glad that it was delivered lastly (because it was heavy). first time I've had it prepared this way (deep fried chunks of light/fluffly potato squares with a spicy sauce on top). I liked it - it's just that I've always only had this dish with boiled potato chunks. Pinchos morunos. Milagroso! Very much enjoyed a glass of El Maestro Sierra Palomino Fino to boot. It's very clear that Curate is a world-class restaurant. I learned that the owner also worked at El Bulli. That, alone, justifies it being on the front-lines of awesome restaurants.
(5)Michael N.
Let's do an exercise. Pretend you are a dove and say the word karate. Sounds like Coo-rah-tay doesn't it? Now you can pronounce the name of this very popular Spanish Tapas bar. I lucked out and walked by the restaurant on a Thursday around 4:30 PM - it wasn't crowded at all and I was seated right away. My waiter was very professional, pronounced the dishes correctly and did a nice job of describing some of the food. To start, I ordered the Ajo Blanco, a chilled almond and garlic soup poured over green grape granizado and Pedro Ximenez wine reduction. The textures were interesting and the soup element had good flavor but the green grape granizado was just plain weird and chaotic for me. I would have preferred the almond garlic soup by itself. This dish may be for the more adventurous foodies! Next, I ordered the Bocadillo Gallego. A delicious combination of bonito tuna and sliced hard-boiled egg with black olive spread, roasted onions and red peppers. The bread was fabulously crunchy and the flavors blended well. It is a heavy duty sandwich for being small; very filling indeed. I found it perhaps a bit oily, as both the onion/pepper mix and olive spread had olive oil in them; the bonito tuna had likely been packed in it as well. An ice cold Pisgah Pale took care of that with ease. Although it was not a five star experience, as many diners here, have had, I would definitely come back to try more of their menu items. I did have some flashbacks to the authentic tapas I've had in Spain, where you may fall in love with some items and not care for others; that's the beauty of tapas and sharing small plates.
(4)Dawn W.
I loved this place, a small tour of Spain right in Asheville! We had lunch reservations for Sunday at 11:30am and there was a line at the door. People with reservations get a table, everyone else is seated at the bar or in the three tables at the door. Be sure to get reservations if you have children or a disability and need a table. We have an infant and they were very accommodating since we had reservations. Our server was fantastic. He introduced us to the menu and made wonderful suggestions. Since we have been to Spain he helped us find our favorite foods and drinks quickly and was very knowledgeable. Through the next hour he paced our food and educated us on the specific characteristics of each plate. It was so much fun! The only thing we did not like were the olives. They were black in some parts and some were mushy. They seemed straight out of a jar that was sitting in the fridge too long. I loved the freshness of the pan con tomate and the amazing sauce on the potatoes! My husband loved the lamb and the pepper/goat cheese plates. We both loved the meatballs- they were heavenly with fresh tomatoes and toasts. The Spanish are known for their cheese and meats so I do not suggest eating here if you are vegan. You will miss out on the point of the Spanish experience. To drink they have the classic sparkling cava that made my heart happy.
(5)Lia M.
Let me just start by saying that this review is not for a full meal. So, perhaps if we'd had a full meal, I would've had a better experience, but I'm not impressed, and it shouldn't matter whether you have a full meal or just a few dishes. I was so excited to come to Cúrate--I mean, who doesn't want to eat a restaurant started by an elBulli trained chef? We grabbed a high-top at the bar, which was perfect for people watching. And watch people we did, because it took 15 minutes for a server to stop by, then another 5--10 for him to take our order. I desperately wanted a glass of sangria, as did my sister, but they only offer pitchers, so that was out of the question. I wasn't going to pay $34 to drink two glasses, though I did think about it for a while. We ordered three tapas to start, and planned to order more, but I have a leg injury that made the high-top super uncomfortable, so I couldn't stay any longer. My sister and I split fried eggplant, pan con tomate, and gambas al ajillo (my favorite). Everything was great. Fried eggplant was perfectly crisp and paired well with the honey. Pan con tomate was crusty and the tomatoes were super fresh. Gambas al ajillo was a little different than I'm used to, with the addition of a sherry vinegar to the oil, garlic, and herbs, but it was still tasty and I appreciated the bread to soak up the sauce. I asked for the bill when our last dish was served, because I knew it would take forever to get. I was given the wrong bill. From eavesdropping, I found out that the table in front of us was also given the wrong bill and that they table next to us had such a long wait for one dish, they opted to forgo it. While I didn't have any issue with the timing of our dishes, our service was awful. The bright spots were the food and the amazingly nice hostesses, who were so sweet. While the food was 4.5 stars, the overall experience is 3 stars.
(3)Heather K.
Amazing service! Great atmosphere! We did the 'Spanish experience ' for a late brunch and let the server pick foods for us. Brian did an amazing job. We got a fun tour around them menu. We tried everything from eggs over potatoes to octopus to peppers to eggplant and ice cream. It was a wonderful experience. I would recommend this to anyone visiting the area. Hint: do open table reservations; this place gets packed.
(4)Yemisi E.
I have been waiting two months to have a food experience that would make my 100th review worth it. This...THIS was it. This was everything. This restaurant will make you realize why food was created. Curate understands that food was meant to be savored and experienced. And heaven help me that is what I did. Here's the breakdown of what you need to do and what you need to eat: First, make a reservation. I made one on a Tuesday earlier in the day and they could barely get me in. This place is in a great location in Asheville. It's right next to bars and clubs so expect heavy traffic. Seating is limited. When you get inside the restaurant you'll see why it fills up quick. It is cozy. Correction, it is the coziest. Your table will be next to other tables, but you will not mind it because the wine and food will seduce you before you even get a chance to express discomfort. I had a nice malbec that paired well with everything I ate. The wine is pricey so I suggest going by the bottle instead of the glass. Choose your wine based on the food you'll be selecting. Trust me, the right pairing elevates the meal. My experience with tapas is that they usually don't go in any specific order. You pick out what you want and they bring out dishes based on what is ready first. Curate does it slightly different by bringing out dishes that they believe pair well. The wait staff is extremely knowledgeable and my waitress was happy to suggest pairings. There are a lot of options so it can be a bit overwhelming. Drink wine and take your time. Here's what I experienced: Pincho moruno & pimientos de piquillo y queso de cabra // lamb skewers with homemade pickles & peppers stuffed with goat chesse // I don't like pickles, but my boyfriend couldn't get enough. The lamb was fantastic and when I put some goat cheese on top of it I was transported to another world. The spices on the lamb mixed with the cheese made me want to live in their kitchen. Esparragos verdes con romesco & berenjenas la taberna // grilled asparagus with romesco sauce and olive oil & fried eggplant with honey and rosemary // these two came out separately but their tastes worked well together. The romesco sauce was a bit too nutty for my boyfriend to handle, but I loved it. He preferred the eggplant over me because I like honey, but not in large amounts. Still, each dish was creative and wonderful. THE BEST THING I HAVE EVER EATEN IN THE HISTORY OF EVER (drumroll): Canelones de carne // Pasta (in the shape of a canoli) filled with pork, beef, and chicken liver with béchamel sauce and manchego cheese // the description of this dish says "Spain's gift to Italy." Listen, Italy needs to give Spain the key to their entire country, because my life was given and taken away from me in this one dish. Do you get what I'm telling you right now? ONE. DISH. CHANGED. ME. Let me push this even further by announcing that meat is not my favorite thing. I was a vegetarian for years so I now limit the amount of meat I consume. I was even going to pass on this dish, because I had already eaten the lamb. Thank God I'm dating a carnivore. I took a bite of the dish intending to let him eat it all and I almost cried at what a fool I had been to not believe. Between the two of us we had five dishes and a bottle of wine. That should suffice two people on a date. We were full, but we still ate dessert bc America. I had an espresso and some dessert. I couldn't tell you much about them because my mind was still on the Canelones de carne. I visited a lot of places during my time in Asheville, NC and this one meal was my favorite experience, by far.
(5)Lea C.
First, start with the Iberico sampler plate.. If you have been to Spain, you will be happy. Tomato toast with Manchego was very good, but it would be better with a bit of sweet tomato jam. Order the watermelon salad, it was amazing. The chorizo wrapped in chips was a bit greasy, finale was the red peppers with Spanish goat cheese. These were very good but would be amazing if you added just a bit of bread/salt to balance (maybe a crisp on top?) $78 for the entire five courses plus two drinks each (wine and beer) plus two espressos Our service was fantastic, thanks Michael
(5)Maria E.
I'm tempted to issue three stars but I feel like that'd be unfair - this place is geared more toward carnivores hence the average experience. My friend (a vegetarian) didn't find too many options. She tried the fried eggplant with honey. It was overwhelming in sweetness - neither of us could finish it. I had the gazpacho (good) and garlic shrimp (also good). Wasn't blown away though. I will say that their menu is very well labeled in terms of the options that are vegan as well as gluten free, lactose free and such. Liked the atmosphere here. Friendly service.
(4)Kathleen D.
You know that thing on the eve of your thirty-eighth birthday where you you find yourself in the middle of an internal dialogue that goes a little something like: "Ok, maybe it's enough with your constant vegan dabbling stints over the years, you recall the ones? The ones that are periodically spiked with a three-cheesesteaks-in-one-day kinda binge? I mean, that 3-in-1 was spread out throughout the entire day... soooo... let's just calm down. But seriously. You do love a hoagie too, so don't let's not be rash about this. Whadda you gonna do about that? Anyway, you're just coming up with a gimmick cause it's the day before your birthday. You're goin down some kinda resolution making road. No, but you know you've been feelin it though. Just do it. Really this time. Stay vegan. Do it. Commit yoself. Hey, I wonder if that most recent Morrissey show finally flipped me for good? Is that the thing? ...But maybe just some fish every once in a while. I don't know. " No? Not familiar? We don't share the same brain? Oh, ok. So, the ole gal was having a debate with herself on the drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the way to Asheville, looking over the Curate menu. Checking out the menu led to wondering/announcing aloud, and over-dramatically, to my rollin buddy, "THIS will be my last ham!" Throwin around proclamations. Cause everything has to be a freakin ceremony, you know. I'm sure that you're very much aware of the treasure of a ham that is Jamon Iberico. I like knowing that these black footed pigs have been enjoying the high life and all kinds of special treatment, but yo, whadda you know bout how those 5J hogs are livin? Free range and acorns all day everyday, that's how. Purebred, pampered pigs just eatin acorns with abandon, on their way to glory and deliciousness. Unless they're secretly griping between each other, "Eh, you guys got anything back there besides acorns?" (No, I know that animals do not have the ability to speak, everyone. Though, it is fun to imagine them talking in gruff but lovable cartoon voices.) Anyway, look, I've heard about this celebrated and storied ham and had never had the ham opportunity to try it for myself. I'll tell you what. That 5J was extraordinarily tasty, to say the least. It was tender, and meaty-yet-melty, and flavorful and uniquely nutty.That was some charcuterie excellence right there, dudes. So what I'm saying is, if I'm done with ham, and meats for that matter, that Jamon Iberico de Bellota 5J was a damn good one to go out on, cause it'd be goin ou ton top. I'd definitely deem it, "Last-ham worthy." Damn good. Other than making weird faces of enjoyment over exceptional ham, we also found all the other many tapas we tried at Curate to be top quality. Every bite. For instance, one that stood out to us was the Esqueixada de Montana. This local rendition of a classic Catalan dish, which featured Sunburst Farms trout served raw atop a fresh tomato puree and scattered with, black olives, shaved sweet onion, and lemon vinaigrette, was a great one. That was definitely one of the favorites. Light, fresh, and flavorful. Summery. Galician octopus, olives, pan con tomate with a little manchego, that juicy kumato salad with preserved bonito and sherry vinegar... the creamy, creamy brandad de bacalao... and white asparagus... and I'm forgetting what else! Ham and more, and something for everyone: That's what I'm sayin. Oh and gluten free, vegetarian, vegan, tree-nut-free dishes are all clearly marked or suggested with alterations on the menu, for whatever your dining needs, by the way. We sampled so many other little bites along with a pitcher of sangira, and we loved it all up. Dessert too- We were all about that pistachio tarta. It was kinda a deconstructed deally with pieces of pistachio sponge cake, blackberry coulis, and lemon-thyme ice cream. Dug that it wasn't a straightforward end-it super sweet dessert, with some slightly sour notes and a touch of earthy herbaceousness. Gooood. Service was great, and the place was still energetically buzzin at 10 on a Sunday night. We would gladly return again. We'd love to. We were totally happy about our dinner at Curate. "Happier than a couple o' acorn-gobblin', black-footed pigs," as they say.
(5)Dawn L.
I've been dying to try this place out, the vegetarian boyfriend on the other hand, not so much. So when I came to Asheville with my foodie daughter, she couldn't wait to give this place a whirl!! She loved the Raw Trout, Galician Octopus and The Squid in it's Ink the most. Seriously, I've never had octopus cooked more perfectly, it was so tender it nearly brought tears to our eyes. This is also the first time she has ever liked eggplant. The fried eggplant in rosemary and honey was in fact, good, but I wouldn't order it again. Nothing about the flavors really stood out. The textures left a lot to be desired in my opinion as well. The Mushrooms in Olive Oil and Sherry? Not impressed. Some of the mushrooms had such an undercooked texture that I gagged a few times trying to chew them, and this is coming from the girl who people like to challenge with a game of "What Dawn won't put in her mouth for 5 dollars" The flavors were simple, very simple, just tasted as though raw mushrooms were splashed with sherry and then plated. Now, that Pistachio Sponge Cake with Lemon Thyme Ice Cream and Blackberry Coulis? I'm going to write a book about it, but in the meantime, until it's published, let me just say that you need to order this, perfect balance and combination of flavors. Holy cazolies.
(4)Peggy H.
Hands down the most exciting restaurant in Asheville! Wonderfully inventive tapas, expertly prepared. Don't be daunted by the extensive menu; just make a reservation at the bar (you won't get in without one!) and let your server and fellow patrons steer you toward an amazing meal. Start with one of their signature cocktails; I had the Spanish martini and it was delicious. Then take your time to browse the menu and watch the myriad dishes being prepared right before you. See something cool or smell something delicious? Ask your server to hook you up. Don't be shy if surrounding patrons are enjoying a dish; just ask what they are eating! Be sure to try the skirt steak and the lamb skewers in "Moorish spices." Enjoy the Spanish charcuterie and the gazpacho. You can't go wrong . . . Everything is delicious!
(5)Rich K.
I have been to Spain and love tapas, this place is so outrageously good cant wait to go back again. The service at the bar was also amazing. Only negative was the drunk guy sitting next to me who wouldn't stop commenting on every plate that arrived...
(5)Daryl M.
Overpriced and overrated comes to mind...over and over. This is our second visit to this highly recognized restaurant. It will be our last. We were rushed while the service was slow. The tapas are now reduced to tidbits while prices continue to climb. There are far better choices in Asheville. Pass this one by. P.S. We stopped at McDonald's on the way home....we were so hungry.
(2)Sarah F.
A charming little tapas bar with consistently good food. Anything you choose off the menu is meticulously cooked to perfection. The atmosphere is something to be mentioned.... Full of warmth and good company; you can easily find yourself memorized with the hustle & bustle here.
(5)Luciana B.
Whaaat? I haven't reviewed Cúrate yet? How can that be? It was one of the first places we went after we moved to Asheville. It is not a huge place so it's kind of hard to get a reservation. We have been there maybe 5 times already, and had the chance to try quite a few things. My favorites are the octopus and the squid ink "noodle paella". Their desserts are good too, We had the pistachio cake and the crema catalana. The vibe there is lively and warm. Service is usually friendly. Seating at the bar can be really fun, since you can watch a lot being done. I am amazed by those whole Spanish hams being sliced thinly. They are very good there. They also have a fun selection of drinks and changing specials daily. Solid!
(5)Connie L.
Gave this restaurant another try and I loved it! The eggplant w honey is delicious! Love the taste of the honey The migas- Brussels sprouts cauliflower raisins w celery root yogurt mousse is so delicious! So flavorful and love all the different textures! Pulpo- octopus was very tender and loved the subtle taste of the olive oil For dessert had the lemon thyme and rosemary ice cream.. Was nervous to try the Rosemary but server recommended it. I personally loved the lemon thyme, so refreshing and light! Rosemary was interesting and light too My friend lived in Spain for a while and he was absolutely in love with this place! He said most of the dishes are authentic or close to it! So glad I gave this place another chance!
(5)Kat H.
Delicious Jamon and sashimi tapas. Love the menu and the open kitchen. Everything came out fast and was yummy! I'm sorry pigs, but u guys are delicious when cured and salted :*( but Ashville ppl are smelly and annoyingly hipster or super trailer hicks
(4)Carole H.
By far the best Spanish tapas restaurant we've been to. We started with aceitunas cúrate, tabla de jamón, tabla de queso. We also had pulpo a la gallega, esqueixada de montaña - which was AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS, croquetas de pollo, gambas al ajillo- which truly is the number one tapa in asheville, if you like shrimp- pimientos de piquillo y queso de Cabral and pincho moruno. This restaurant was our favorite during our visit to Asheville.
(5)Carolyn B.
When I saw that Curate was nominated for James Beard awards, I knew I had to try it. I guess when the JBF says it's good, there should be no doubt. We were not disappointed. The place is kinda small (along with the incredible food) so I understand how reservations in the evenings are hard to come by unless you book in advance. Service was amazing. Our server was very knowledgeable and paced our plates out perfectly. Now onto the food. 6 out of 5. I mean just wow. Some people seem to think that Spanish food = Mexican or South American food as I have seen in other reviews and it is not. It is Spanish. We started out with lardo ibérico ahumado which is shaved slices of acorn fed Iberico ham with toasts. We had to try it because we had heard how much of a delicacy it was and boy was it good. If you are expecting thick slices, this isn't for you. It's shaved like prosciutto but the flavor sings through. Its something you should experience at least once. We then had croquetas de pollo which are basically chicken croquettes. Wow, they were great. There were 5 in a serving and it was a nice light starter as well. The filling was creamy and chickeny and the outside was perfectly crispy. No dipping sauces needed. Next we had setas al jerez which were mushrooms sauteed in olive oil, garlic, and finished with sherry. When something as simple as sauteed mushrooms taste that good, you know you have a talented kitchen staff. The sherry added a nice flavor but not was overpowering and you can always ask for extra bread to sop up the yumminess. We ventured into another new dish for each of us which was rossejat negro or squid ink pasta served paella style. Wow, wow wow wow. You could taste the subtle flavors of the crab and lobster broth it was cooked in but the pasta had such a nice unique flavor and the calamari rings were cooked perfectly. We were both afraid we would have black tongues after but never fear! Then we had almejas a la sidra which was clams with chorizo and apple cooked in cider. So much flavors going on here but they all worked well. The chorizo gave it a little heat while the apples gave it some tart and texture. The broth was wonderful, it had a touch of cinnamon in it, and I was all too happy to sop that up with the toast points. To finish we shared tarta de pistacho for dessert which was pistachio sponge cake with lemon thyme ice cream and a blackberry coulis. To sum it up, as the final bits were gobbled up, my partner said "I hate that it's gone." I can't even begin to explain how good it was. The presentation was like a work of art, for sure. The cake was so light and airy but tasted so good. The candied pistachios and caramel were out of this world. The blackberry coulis was so nice and tart. But the star was the ice cream. I mean, wow. It was not overpoweringly sweet or tart but instead had the right balance. And it was so creamy. I jokingly asked if we could get a half gallon to go. Epic desert. I know exactly why Katie Button has gotten the attention of the James Beard Foundation. 2 people, $100 with tip (no booze) is well worth the price.
(5)Stephanie L.
This was a really great place to grab some tapas and wine! Sat at the bar where Brian was my server/bartender. Gave me some samples of wine before I made my decision. Let me know what he recommended as far as tapas. I ended up ordering the summer salad which was delightful, the lamb skewers which had a nice little kick to them, the potatoes which were shamefully delicious, and the sauteed mushrooms. I was planning on ordering the garlic shrimp as well but I was just way too stuffed. Very pleased with this place and when I make it back to Asheville, I'll definitely be hitting this place up again.
(5)Laurie V.
Couldn't get a dinner reservation. But we got a lunch reservation and it worked out beautifully. The drive to Asheville took a little longer than expected, but Curate was generous enough to allow us to push back our rez 20 minutes or so. The lardo was my favorite. Thinly sliced. Pigs are fed chestnuts, giving it a rich nutty flavor. The cannoli stuffed with liver and covered in bechemel sauce and manchego cheese......this is making my mouth water to describe it.....the flavorful lamb skewers.....the potato chip wrapped chorizo......the tender octopus with the pureed potatoes.....everything......they even gave me a special birthday dessert. This chocolate brittle thingy with dried cherries, hazelnuts, and sea salt. Oh man. Goooood. Word to the wise: don't wait til last minute; there is nary a reservation to be available. Go here though. Yummy.
(5)Mark B.
So amazing. Best salad ever ! All good great. Atmosphere perfect. Food is so good !
(5)Hunter M.
The energy in this place combined with the remarkably good food make it my new favorite restaurant in Asheville. I was blown away by how delicious even the most simple dishes were. The pork flank steak was one of the best things I have ever eaten. While I hear reservations are hard to come by, we made ours pretty late in the evening and wanted to sit at the bar so getting a seat was no problem. Sitting at the bar allowed us to pick out our dishes as we went based on what looked good and also provided a nice show to go with dinner. While the tapas style menu can certainly add up in price, I'll be back here next time I make my way into the mountains.
(5)Kris D.
Whoa, baby. Churrrrrrrrros! Delicious churrrrrrrrrrros! I would give Curate five stars simply based on their fabulous churros. Luckily, everything else on the menu was equally fantastic. We sampled cured meats, olives, a delicious artichoke salad, skewers of meat, and tasty octopus. When we arrived on Saturday afternoon, Curate was fairly packed, and we were thrilled to get a comfy seat at the bar, which turned out to be a front row seat to their kitchen. I found myself mesmerized by an employee who spent the nearly the entire duration of our visit slicing minute, finger nail thin shavings of meat off a giant bone. It was akin to the garlic chopping scene in Goodfellas. By the end of the meal, i walked out of Curate in a daze. I don't know if I was hypnotized by the meat slicing or falling into a tapas induced coma of bliss but whatever it was.... it was delicious.
(5)Morganne B.
Best restaurant in Asheville. Perfect for an intimate date. Plenty of breweries nearby so that if you don't happen to have a reservation, you can put your name down and have them text you while you sip on one of Asheville's gazillion craft beers. Head back to Curate when your table is ready and continue with one of their porrons of sangria. Gotta get the tabla de jamon so yo don't have to choose between all their amazing cured hams; you won't regret it. Gambas al ajillo are a must--shrimp and garlic sounds simple but yeah, simply amazing. Can't wait to come back to this place!
(5)Gloria J.
Felt like I was in Spain. Between the 2 of us we had 7 dishes and cleared them all. You must order these plates: Tomato bread with cheese Esparragos blancos Migas Berenjenas la taberna Butifarra con monjetes
(5)Marco F.
THIS PLACE IS AMAZING...!! I tried making a reservation for this place a few days before I visited Ashville and of coarse they were all booked for the Saturday night I was coming to town (that's my own fault). However, I was happy to hear that if you walk in, they have a waiting list for bar seating which overlooks the kitchen/prep area. This ended up working out extremely well for us. We showed up around 7pm and were told there was a wait of about a hour to a hour and a half -- they would text message me when they were ready for us -- ok, perfect. I the meantime we went over to Top of the Monk for a cocktail (irrelevant to this review, but I highly recommend that as well). Once I received the text message we walked over right away and were seated as soon as we walked through the door. At first I was a bit disappointed to only get "bar seating" however, I think that I will request bar seating every time I go to this place. It's amazing to watch all the cooks perform magic. Its unbelievable, how fast & efficient they are while still being able to plate and present food in such an amazing way. I have always loved Tapas Style Restaurants. My biggest dilemma when going out to eat is not being able to decide on what I want - which tends to be more than one dish most of the time. With tapas, you can try a whole bunch of plates..in fact, you need to try numerous plates or you would walk out of the restaurant hungry lol. As far as the food goes at Curate, there is nothing I didn't like. Every dish we had was fantastic. My top 3 of the night would have to be: Shrimp w/ garlic, chorizo wrapped in chips & the tomato & tuna salad. The party didn't stop there. We also ordered the "pan con tomate", "tabla de embutidos ibericos" & "bocadillo Serrano" sandwhich. Every single thing we ordered was AMAZING. Also, this wont matter to many people, but they had "ESTRELLA" on tap. Estrella is a Spanish beer that's been around for over 100 years and they offer only 1 type of beer -- It's a Pilser and it's absolutely delicious. For those of you that have never tried it, I would say "Stella Artois" is Belgium's version of Estrella. I could go on and on...but I'll save you some time. CURTATE is absolutely amazing. I will recommend this place to anyone that is ever in the Ashville area. Order anything on the menu...I don't care what you order...but just make sure that you try this place out. And of course, don't forget to drink Estrella haha.
(5)Lauren R.
Best Tapas EVER!! From service to cuisine this place is impeccable. We went for lunch. The place was already packed within 30 minutes of opening so we ate at the bar. No problem there - you get an up close view of the kitchen at work. I enjoyed the aptly named "ultimate gin & tonic" which had fresh juniper and an edible flower. It was fantastic! My boyfriend and I shared a charcuterie plate, stuffed peppers with goat cheese, and a fish dish with a wonderful tomato broth base. So between the atmosphere, the drinks, and the food I can safely say this was one of the BEST restaurant experiences out there.
(5)Amanda S.
Love Tapas style eateries! Beautiful but simple decor. Table side or sit at the bar. They have so many wonderful things on the menu and I unfortunately don't remember the name of them all! (Sorry) The stuffed peppers- ahhhhhmazing Mimosas are delish.. a little small and pricey for what it is, but we have been spoiled coming from Florida ha The Ginger drink with the infused such and such. I can't say I want it now more enough! It was so tasty! I love ginger all together, but with the orange slice and the oil. Yummmmmy Desert!!! Holy cow batman! Pistachio ice cream and raspberries and more! Must have Our waiter was on top of his game and very efficient. He had a ton of tables and never skipped a beat. If you are looking for a beautiful place and tons of yummy eats. Then go here... If you are on a budget then you might want to go some other place. They are a little pricey due to it being tapas! Cheers
(4)Katelin R.
When my boyfriend and I decided to visit Asheville for our first time, everyone we asked recommended this place. We were not disappointed! It was Labor Day weekend and I tried to make a reservation, but they were all booked up. We asked if we could sit at the bar and they put our name on a wait list and got our phone number to text us when seats were available. We strolled along the street and when we wandered back, seats were available. We were pleasantly surprised to discover that a table was available for us, so we didn't even have to sit at the bar! The host staff was extremely friendly. Our waitress Mallory was very sweet and gave us some solid, honest recommendations. We ordered several plates, and all were delicious. My favorite was the Octopus. Mallory was very accommodating and attentive. The atmosphere was extremely warm and cozy, with fresh flowers and rustic lighting. We were very happy with our experience and we will definitely be returning, as well as recommending this gem to others!
(5)Starr P.
Absolutely the best food I've ever eaten. I eat there every time I'm in Asheville. Book ahead as reservations are required and it's a hot spot. And most importantly - step outside your comfort zone and try new dishes because you will fall in love with food you thought you didn't even like. The staff are so knowledgeable and friendly. Let them introduce your palate to the wonders of Spanish tapas.
(5)Adolfo D.
My wife and i enjoy Cúrate every time we come to Asheville. My wife, a gazpacho enthusiast sometimes orders double portions. We have been to some of the best Spanish Tapas restaurants in the US and she assures me the it's the best she's ever tried. As for myself, i love everything. I'm South American with Spanish background and attest that this is as good as it gets, outside of Spain. Just try everything, you'll never be disappointed.
(5)Melissa B.
Quite possibly... No, definitely, the best lunch I've ever eaten in my life! I cannot describe what I tasted, but every bite was amazing! I had the pleasure of trying about 6 or 7 items, and want to taste them all again, as well as taste everything else on the menu. My suggestion: go there with a party of at least 40 friends, so your table can order the entire menu, then walk around your entire table and graze off of each and every plate. Or, if you don't have that many friends, go there every day until you've tried every item on the menu... Then start all over again. If I lived in Asheville, I'd live at Curate!
(5)Mike S.
Oooh, why can't I give this 4.5 stars? I think what Curate is missing is some Hispanic flair. I joked with our blonde haired blue eyed server that my Wife pronounced the names of the dishes much better than he could (Alina is Cuban). But that's just my Miami roots showing through. What's important is the food, right? The meal? Que delicioso! I didn't order anything, I left that to my Wife. Her choices didn't disappoint. There was one I didn't try, I am not a fan at all of bacalao, but Alina loved it. She nibbled at the lamb skewers, she shies away from any meat other than cow or pig. I loved the lamb, it was my favorite of everything we tried. The chicken croquetas (fritters as the menu calls them) were creamy, and full of chicken. The order comes with 5, I'm still suffering from the pain of Alina's fork stabbing me when I tried to grab the 5th one. I don't remember anything after that, it was all a blur of plates coming full, and leaving empty. $75 later, the end finally arrived when churros con chocolate was brought to us. By that time, I was in a food coma, I'm not even sure how I made it to the car. We had a terrific time, sitting at the bar was fun because we got to interact with the servers. I liked how they explained each dish as they brought it to us. We were lucky to get in without a reservation, only a short wait and we were seated at the bar. Judging from the crowd when we left, we just got lucky in our timing. I don't do very many 5 star restaurant reviews, but Curate is definitely one of the best we have visited in Asheville. One of the best in the whole damn state actually.
(5)Brianne D.
First off, the food was wonderful! A great mix between American and Spanish, safe enough for even the most stubborn eater. With a menu ranging from soups and meat and cheese boards to sausage sandwiches and lamb kebabs you're bound to find something delicious. Second, the staff (wait and kitchen) were so cool and collected. With the volume of guests and the number of plates coming through they worked well together and created a calm atmosphere. If you go, make a reservation! And, well if you don't... have a seat at the bar. You'll be pleasantly distracted with the cooks!
(5)John S.
Enjoyable Spanish-style tapas that reminded us of how much we enjoyed a recent trip to Barcelona. Our server was very helpful, explaining how much we should order (2-3) plates per, and recommending a wine within our price range. Our favorites: grilled pork 'secreto', piquillo peppers stuffed with goat cheese, tortilla (egg and potato torte). We also loved the salad with compressed watermelon, gazpacho, and tomato bread. We left talking about how we might recreate some of these dishes on our own home.
(5)Megan P.
We loved it! We were able to squeeze in at 7:15 ( thanks Open Table). The hosts and servers were lovely and clearly took great pride in their work. The drink menu was well tailored. We loved the nod to the true meaning of "tapas" with the tiny lids and jar tops that were used to serve some dishes. The smoked jammon was a religious experience for my husband, while the sherry vinaigrette used in the tuna dad should be bottled as magic. We skipped dessert for other fare later but if you can order the Nutella napkin ahead of time. A group next to us had it and it looked outstanding. There is some much pride in the cooking and everything is reflected in the food and atmosphere.
(4)Justin H.
Super packed but instead of being turned off by this, we took it as a great sign! We put our name in and was told the wait would be 45-60 min - no big deal since they also take your phone number and text you when the table is ready. A perfect opportunity to check out some other bars in the area. We got our text and headed back and was promptly seated. Being tapas, the plates are small but very tasty. My wife had the calamari and a few other items that slip my mind. I had the ham platter with a salad and was very pleased with my selection. We sat at the bar and had constant attention. It wasn't overbearing or intrusive - but just enough. Next time we're in town, we're definitely hitting up Curate again!
(4)Tori H.
I had to process what I wanted to say about Curate for a few days after an amazing meal I had here with 12 friends. First of all- eating with 12 people at once and having an amazing meal is pretty hard to come by.. usually there's an issue or it's slow, or whatever. This was the perfect dining experience.. and I have been to some grandiose restaurants in Asheville and the Triangle area. The service was perfect. The waiters taking care of us were fast, helpful, and accurate. They were also chill & friendly. The food....oh my goodness.. the food was amazing. My friend who arranged the dinner picked our tapas to share....and that was such a fun idea. We had no idea what tapas we were about to be served! My friends shared about 12 different tapas x 3 (yes we were slammed full and hurting after 3 hours) but I will only write about the most incredible of the incredible ones... Berenjenas a taberna - fried eggplant with drizzled honey!!! I don't even LIKE eggplant and this was my favorite thing!! SO FLAVORFUL! Pimientos de piquillo y queso de cabra- peppers stuffed with goat cheese.. this melted in your mouth good! Gambas al ajillo - shrimp in garlic broth.. uhhh simple and AMAZING... you can dip bread in the garlic ... was divine! Migas- sauteed brussel sprouts, raisins, cauliflower, and a celery root yogurt mousse with croutons. Okay the funny thing here is I dislike all of these things.. but somehow paired together it was a food party in my mouth! Espuma de chocolate- the chocolate mousse was incredible.. the sorbet paired with this was just out of this world. My taste buds exploded! They also had a great wine list that had some reasonably priced glasses of wine on it. One of the best spots in Asheville! I cannot wait to return! Note- doesn't seem like the best place for large groups UNLESS you call ahead to work something out. Most tables are for 2-4 people.
(5)Doris P.
We really enjoyed this late afternoon stop after a nice day of shopping in Asheville. We started with a small dish of assorted olives, a glass of sparkling wine and a Spanish martini...refreshing! Toasted bread with tomatoes and manchego cheese...delicious and just enough! Next was the garlic shrimp...mmm good and tender, make sure to sop the bread in the juice, and last was the pork skirt steak, thinly sliced, tender and juicy! The great thing about this place is everything is small portions and reasonably priced so two can try a variety of menu items and leave feeling satisfied but not stuffed. Happy, Happy, Happy!
(5)Rob W.
We loved this Tapas bar. We had some of the best tastes ever here. You have to try the Octopus, absolutely one of the best versions ever, melt in your moth tender and so tasty. Everything we had at this popular spot was awesome. Make reservations or be prepared for a good wait for a table.
(4)Lianna N.
Whoa. Talk about first impressions. After this first date with Curate, I'm going to declare that we're headed straight for marriage. Where to even begin? This was the venue for my best friend's rehearsal dinner. After passing it along the street multiple times, I had no idea how we were all going to fit in there. Turns out there is a party room downstairs that easily fit the 35 of us. When you pass Curate (coo-rah-tay) on the street, what is most striking as you glance into the big glass street front windows is the full dining room with various types of seating, table, booths, and bar style for those diners that may enjoy watching the action in their state of art open kitchen. Modern and classy, elegant and romantic. All of those adjectives come to mind when I think about Curate. The food was a set menu, and M spared no cost in thinking about what to serve us. There were personal menus at each of our place settings naming and describing the 9 courses we were about to receive. They came out timed perfectly, and the wait staff was so accommodating and amazing. They described each dish as it was presented to us in a very professional manner. M also ordered white and red sangria for the whole party, a classy touch and went perfectly with the food. The cured hams were excellent, as well as the cod and potato puree with toast bits. The butternut squash soups was decadent and velvety smooth, and the shrimp was absolutely perfect--crunchy and blasted with lime and garlic flavor. The beet salad was AMAZING. After the 6th dish I really started to feel the pull at my waistband, but I really must say this is some of the best food I have EVER eaten. I would consider planning a trip to Ashville just to eat here again.
(5)Alan A.
A fabulous meal from beginning to end, with one little explosion of flavors after another. Our dinner started with the assorted cheeses and cured hams and ended with the chocolate mousse with raspberry sorbet. Everything in between - especially the pork "skirt" steak paired with the sautéed mushrooms and the lamb skewers coupled the piquillo peppers stuffed with goat cheese - ranged from very good to superb. Our server did a terrific job of helping us navigate the choices, and he suggested a Spanish red wine that perfectly complemented the meal. On balance, a really memorable dining experience.
(5)Michael N.
One of the best places to eat anywhere much less in Asheville. I can't recommend this place any higher.
(5)Davy S.
I had high expectations for this place and I was not disappointed. The service was excellent. Our waiter was charming and knew a lot about the food and the wine. The hostess was great and even got us a table for 2 without a reservation which was amazing. The food was all amazing except for 1 mediocre dish and 1 dish that I personally did not enjoy but I can imagine other people would. Spicy chorizo snack - Great way to start Cheese plate - Incredible. Wonderful selection of cheeses. Octopus - Fantastic, as expected from a highly reviewed tapas restaurant. White asparagus - We actually considered this to be quite gross. I'm not docking points for this because I believe that I just wasn't used to the strange texture and flavor combinations here and I want to encourage restaurants to try interesting combinations of things even if sometimes they weird customers out :) Shrimp - Excellent, unique flavor blend. Hake fish - Mediocre. Didn't really stand out. Catalonia "creme brule" dessert - Outstanding! All the drinks we had were also fantastic, particularly the Don Pedro sherry I had to accompany the dessert.
(5)Monica R.
Tapas are interesting and expensive but so worth it. The idea that everyone picks 2-3 dishes to try and then shares it with everyone is amazing and I'll tell you why. It makes you interact with everyone at the table, it makes it perfectly acceptable and not rude at all to eat off of everyone else's plate. It keeps everyone involved on all the coming and going and off of their phones. We went for my bf's dad's and brother's birthdays and had such a fun night! I am going to list what we had from most delicious to delicious. Oddly enough, the number one tapa in Asheville - Gambas al ajillo- was my least favorite BUT nothing here is not worth trying. Patatas brava - these were the best fried potatoes and the brava sauce sealed this deal. Also great because it goes well with any and all other plates. Pulpo a la gallega - this was the underdog winner! I didn't think I would like it because it wasn't breaded or fried and I could tell it was octopus buuuuuut my friends... Do not leave without trying this. Bocadillo Catalan and the pincho moruno tied for third. The sausage and onions made me want to go hug the chef and the seasoning on the lamb skewer was perfect. Escalivada con anchoas- not a fan of anchovies? This dish proves that a lot of your dislike has to do with preparation. I dare you to not like anchovies after trying this. Esparragos blancos - get this if you want to try the most delicious side of mayo ever! The asparagus was pretty damn good too Esparragos verdes con romesco- I don't know which of the two asparagus dishes I liked more but the sauce from this tapa with the lamb skewer made me forget my manners Chistorra and chips Jose's way- although this was very good it's not adventurous... If you happen to come with picky eaters because you can't leave them at home, order these! They are like pigs in a blanket but with potato chips! Berenjena la taverna - this eggplant was so effin good but order it towards the end as it is sweet. The worst thing about this dish is that now I don't ever want to eat eggplant if it ain't fried! Croquetta de pollo - this may not be fair as I was born and raised in Miami. The Cubans have mastered the art of the croquetta but if you can't make it to Miami, go ahead and try it you won't be disappointed. This is also good for that non adventurous person you should've left at home. Espinaca a la catalana - if you are on a diet and can't eat any of the above, get this. Warm Spinach salad with pine nuts and apples. Actually, if you are on a diet, just stay home. Before you judge me for trying so much food, I will say we had a large party. Tapas are GREAT FUN when you have a lot of people... Here are my tips for really enjoying this place. - make reservations - try to go with more than 3 people - be prepared mentally to spend money, not just on food, remember the gratuity. Please don't come to Asheville and miss out on this place.
(5)Roxanne B.
2 glasses of Rose ($11 each), 2 tapas, with tip and tax = $60. Phenomenal tastes, and phenomenal wine. Service just ok. I sat at the bar, and the bartender/waiter was slammed. He could have used some help. Maybe someone called in sick. Get the raw trout salad, and paired with the expensive Rose. Amazing! It's worth it, just go!
(5)Jesse F.
First off, trying to get a reservation for this place can be a challenge, but that could certainly be based on the positive feedback they get. My wife and I came to curate for her birthday and overall our experience was good, but I am not sure it was worth the wait to get a reservation. It is Tapas style, and the food was tasty, portions normal for tapas, and service was good as well. I was most impressed that I checked in on facebook and mentioned it was my wife's birthday and at the end of dinner they brought a special treat for her birthday. This is great use of social media to respond to your customers. Food: Good, a little overpriced, but not unusual for Asheville these days Restaurant: Clean Service: Good, even better that they responded to my social media check-in by providing us even better service. I would give 5 stars to service, 4 starts to food (only because the prices are a bit on the high-end).
(4)Richard P.
It has been a while since I had tapas I cared about, and these were very good. My wife and I had a fun time tasting all the different dishes. The bar program was very good too, creative and seasonal cocktails were available.
(4)David Y.
We snuck in here for an early afternoon lunch and got a couple of seats at the bar, which was a great place to sit and watch the chefs at work. We also had a chance to chat with one of the cooks who was prepping goat cheese stuffed peppers. My wife and I had the pan con tomate (bread with tomato fresco) and manchego cheese, gazpacho, and ensalada de verano (summer salad). The flavor of the gazpacho was very subtle as expected from the cucumber. The salad was a surprising delight, combining compressed watermelon, tomato, sheep cheese, corn nuts, and greens. I have never had a salad with watermelon, and it was a minor revelation. It's a dish I will search out in the summer. Overall, this was a refreshing and tasty late summer lunch. It's hard to give an overall rating to a lunch with an appetizer, soup, and salad, so I was torn between 4 and 5 stars. But in the end couldn't think of anything I would change and I would definitely go back so going with 5.
(5)Lisa L.
I was lucky enough to visit this place when it just opened, as I only lived in Asheville for a little less than a year. I'm not surprised at how much attention they're getting, as this place was phenomenal!! Sitting at the counter was great for our small group- the staff looks happy and everyone was better knowledgeable and helpful when it came to dishes and drinks that we weren't familiar with. I had my fist parron here, and it was fun and delicious! Can't wait to come back!
(4)Jeff S.
Ummm, the white sangria. It has gin, cognac, and a full bottle of cava. It has a few pieces of fruit. My wife and I shared a pitcher - mixed in front of us at the table. And it was amazing. Except it didn't taste like a pitcher of booze. We also had like 5 or 6 small plates. I recommend brining a third person to either help drink the sangria or to be available to drive/walk you home :) We walked in w/o a reservation and were able to get seated right by the front door/window. We had an excellent time, and I've send several other people there since and they've all reported back that the loved it.
(5)Aleks K.
Full again, greedy again, eating again. We were walk ins at 6p on a Saturday and grabbed two bar seats. Next time, I want a table because I felt like I was on top of the person next to me. The waitress was off putting and seemed like a know it all. When I try a new cuisine and you ask me if its my first time dining in this restaurant, maybe you should offer suggestions without me asking? We ended up getting three small plates, a hard cider and a ginger ale. The marcona almonds were good and what you'd expect. The green grilled asparagus came with a great tomato sauce - soft and nutty texture. We ate all the sauce even when the asparagus was gone. The last thing we got was the patatas bravas - do not skip these! They were perfectly soft in the center and crispy on the outside. I also finally had a Fever Tree ginger ale - worth every penny. Mild and lightly sweet, I'll be buying this next time I see it at the store. The menu is overwhelming and the small plates add up fast. Every item is described but then also has a marking for nut free, gluten free, lactose free. Seems like restaurants in Asheville have an interest in accommodating diners with food allergies. Overall, I'd eat here again just hungry and with a reservation at a table for two.
(4)Haeden G.
When we got there we were unsure about sharing tapas with only two people but it ended up being the perfect light lunch. We started off with bloody Mary's that were the best I've ever had--- and I'm from Louisiana so that's saying something. It had a horseradish froth on the top which was a really cool spin on it. Got the pork steak and the fried eggplant which completely exceeded my expectations. The waiter recommended sautéed mushrooms with the pork and it was amazing. It was more like juicy steak than pork. The eggplant was so sweet it was pretty mch dessert but better with sea salt and honey. The waiter was incredible also! Super helpful and made the daunting menu easy to navigate. Love this place and would most definitely eat again
(5)Laura T.
Amazing! Ate our neighbors papitas bravos by accident and turned out to be the best mistake of my life! Can't recommend enough!!!
(5)Eric M.
I like writing five-star reviews. Here's another one for Curate. From decor, to food, to drinks, to service, all hits and no misses. Never seen a cleaner open kitchen. Some of the best tapas I've had, beating places in NYC, Chicago and Atlanta. Was fun to sit at the bar and watch everything come together. Save yourself reading the 400+ other reviews and just go.
(5)Brannon G.
Great little spot and I certainly understand why it can be difficult to get in some evenings as it appears to always be full. The place is as advertised, a nice cozy little tapas joint with an extensive list of a variety of small plates. Everything we ordered was delicious, but I would like to see a few more adventurous items on the menu; such as some scallops or more seafood. The mood was great for an intimate evening and the service was great....not a place I am going to eat at all the time, but I will most definitely be back.
(4)Shane S.
Amazing! We got very lucky by finding seats at the bar. This is a sophisticated latin tapas eatery. The lamb. Was fantastc--juicy, tender and great flavor. The Serrano goat cheese peppers were great as well. The service was outstanding and extremely friendly. If you can get in this place; go!
(5)Ted Z.
Summary: money is greater than stars I am happy for the fact that they compost everything they see, and all their meat are free range farm raised within smelling distance or something. I have no problem with any of the food and drinks that were ordered. They're all delicious. I do have an issue with the fact after $100 later (1 beer only), we had to go next door for a second dinner. And no we are not 5'2 250.
(3)Linda A.
When a friend saw that my boyfriend and I were in Asheville, she suggested we have a dinner at Curate. I am glad we took her advice. We started with the lardo ibérico ahumado which was amazing. I had the tuna and tomato salad which had a perfect balance of flavors and the right amount of dressing. I loved it. We shared bocadillo catalan, again, the perfect portion and flavors. I had to take my friend's advice and order the fried eggplants, even though my boyfriend doesn't like eggplant. I wish I could have finished it myself. It's not listed as a dessert but provides a nice finish to the meal. The eggplant was almost like an unsweetened pancake, but with the honey, it was just perfect. If I ever find myself in Asheville again, I will go back to Curate.
(5)The Black Rabbit O.
Came here again and the food was just as good as always. I recommend the watermelon salad. Interesting combination of ingredients that work. The octopus was also delicious, soft and tasty. And, the dessert, the pistachio sponge cake with thyme ice cream, also excellent. The dishes are really creative. The only thing I would not order again was the lamb. The meat was too hard, and the seasoning overshadowed the taste of the meat. But overall, everything else surpassed my expectations.
(5)Aleaha R.
I have to be honest I can't figure out why this place is rated so high. We went while visiting and everyone in the party was disappointed. The server was really good and nice. Not one dish I tried did I saw wow that was awesome. We had the chicken fritters which were not good, the pepper with goat cheese was ok, the chorizo with potato chips was probably the best thing we had, the patatas had way too much sauce on them, my husband had the sausage sandwhich was ok. Nothing stood out and actually we didn't eat a ton and was still $90 per couple. There are way to many other great places to eat in this town. I think because it's all tourists rating it's higher than it should be. Just my opinion but have eaten at many tapas places when traveling and this one I would not return too.
(2)Theresa E.
Wonderful Experience! Reservations recommended on the weekend! This was my first trip to Asheville and we were not sure what we should eat. We decided on Curate and I couldn't be more happy! We had the Tomato and Tuna salad to start and it was fabulous. I wanted to lick the plate after we finished! Next up was the Pan Con Tomate with Manchego cheese. Honestly, I could have eaten that all night! For the second round we had the stuffed peppers and the shrimp and garlic and while the shrimp may be Asheville's most popular tapas, the stuffed peppers were, for me, significantly better. We aren't big eaters, so two rounds were enough. With one drink each, our ticket was just over $50. Definitely worth it! Based on our experience, I'm pretty sure there isn't a bad item on the menu. Traffic was brisk and many walk-ins were turned away. Curate is not to be missed when you visit Asheville!
(5)Alice H.
LITERALLY MY FAVORITE RESTAURANT EVER! I'm a complete food enthusiast and every time I go to Asheville I eat here like every night. You can't go wrong with anything on this menu. Trust me, do not miss out!!!!
(5)Amy L.
My boyfriend and I went here based on multiple recommendations while in town for a weekend. We had never had Tapas and were very overwhelmed by the menu. The server was a great help in making recommendations and being patient with us (for example, I'm a vegetarian). We liked everything we tried and it was unique fare. We walked in pretty early on a Sunday night and it was soon very busy (full!). This didn't delay our dishes from coming out well spaced. I tried the Butternut squash soup, the fried eggplant, and the goat cheese stuffed peppers. I liked it all, and my boyfriend like everything he got. He said the meat stuffed pasta was especially filling, which is nice for small plates. We left comfortably full each having two plates and splitting a third. This is a solid choice from some interesting food and good service.
(4)Tara S.
OMFG, this might have been the best meal I've had stateside. In a heartbeat, I would return. After hearing about this joint from my Husband's boss, we knew we had to make reservations. We started with the best sangria ever. Not too sweet and always a plus with some Hennessy in it. The dishes we had were: - jamon iberico fermin - melt in your mouth piggy goodness. I would gladly eat this every meal and never tire of it. - the ajo blanco with dungeness crab - cold almond and garlic soup? no the more amazing sounding food, but this was a revelation for me. It would be a perfect start for any meal on a hot summers day - chistrorra con pure de patats - the potato puree and the chorizo paired together perfectly. - ramps with tomato - I've never had ramps before, but now I am going to hunt them down with a vengeance. So delicious. - pimentos de piquillo con queso de cabra - the best goat cheese stuffed peppers I have ever had, and I have eaten my share! - setas al jerez - I will now only eat my sauteed mushrooms with sherry! - rossejat negro - described as "paella like" but so much better than that. I love squid and squid ink, so this dish was right down my alley. This was my favorite, and I pretty much ate the whole pan by myself. I was so great that Chef Katie came to our table to explain the dish to us. - tarta de pistacho - the lightest sponge cake I have ever had. I still dream about the Lemon thyme ice cream. One of my favorite desserts of all time. I need to find a reason to drive the 6 hours to come back soon so I can try the other dishes.
(5)Rachel N.
Really great food! Had about a 30 minute wait for bar seats for 2 adults on a Tuesday night but the wait was worth it! We went off bartenders recs for food and he did not disappoint! Every dish that came out of the kitchen looked amazing! The kitchen is uniquely set behind the bar so as we were sitting at the bar we got to see a lot of the food being prepared which was pretty cool too!
(5)Jim O.
Went here on a corporate outing for dinner. Six of us were up for an experience both with the company and the food. The food (and the company too) did not let us down. Our waiter was awesome and took total and complete care of us throughout the evening. He gave us the option of us ordering items that we wanted to or having him bring us whatever he wanted. After a few questions, he had enough of an idea I guess to start our feast for us. We had cured ham. We had the octopus. We had skewers of lamb. We so many different things off the menu without knowing what was coming or how much the items were. A fun way to eat though perhaps not the best way if you are on any sort of budget. Pimentos de piquillo con queso de cabra (piquillo peppers stuffed with spanish goat cheese) was quite possibly one of the best things I've had, along with the pork and mushrooms together were simply divine. Everything else was good; but these few were my absolute favorite. The fried eggplant drizzled with honey and rosemary ice creams is bizarre for sure; but it it a great way to finish off a fantastic dinner of tapas. The non-desert desert; but it worked and worked well. It was on our company's dime and we were thankful for that. About $409+ worth of tapas later. We were all full and quite happy with our experience here. Another great dining option in Asheville for sure. What a great culinary experience.
(4)Ben T.
My wife and I visited Curate on a spring Saturday evening after reviewing many restaurants in the area for our visit. The restaurant is located in the convenient busy center of Ashville. Coming from DC I was excited to read that Chef was originally trained with Jose Andres. There are many things to be excited about when planning your night here. I will recommend getting reservations early as it appears they fill up quick! Good drink selections are not hard to come by here. You can go in many directions but the cocktail and sangria list were more than adequate. Looking around the restaurant I could not help but wonder how many locals were in my presence. It does appear that Curate caters to tourist but this may be a rare time that I welcome the catering. Our service was informative and the waiter was familiar with the menu. Based on reviews it appears the offerings do not change frequently which given the size of the menu this was not an issue. We took almost every recommendation offered by our server and all were fantastic. This is your time to be gluttonous! Tapas in general are a great experience. The variety of flavors keeps the dining experience progressive both in time and savor. Don't waste your time trying to decide on what you want before like I attempted to do. Go with the server's blessings and your desire at that moment. Curate is just a fun place if I have to sum it up. Your palate will be delighted and you will forget you are currently in Asheville, NC. I have visited Spain twice and many people boast about its authenticity. I can't say I agree wholeheartedly on that however I do know what we had was original and tasty. Also coming from DC we were delighted for such a great meal at half the cost we are used too! This savings was passed on to our new tableside pig toothpick holder that I recommend everyone to purchase as well Thanks for a great meal and experience!
(4)Rich B.
You'll need reservations. After a few days of visiting family and eating questionable meals in my home state, Curate was this delicious breath of fresh air. PROS: Every dish we picked was delicious. The grilled octopus with paprika and sea-salt could easily be my favorite dish for 2014 (I know you were all waiting breathlessly for my annual pick). When octopus is done well, as it is often over cooked, it is one of my favorite things. Great wine + sherry + cocktails. Large menu of tasty bits. Attractive space and attractive and warm staff. Prices aren't bad. CONS: The day we were there, the pacing was a little off with the dishes. One dish seemed to have been misplaced. There were a few expanses of time where nothing showed up. Everyone was apologetic.
(4)Angie W.
We sat at the bar and enjoyed our lunch. The ginger ale was good. The lamb skewers were great. Fried eggplant was good (drizzled with honey) Olives were yummy. We also had a spinach salad with raisins and pine nuts- all good and a great pairing with the lamb. Overall good
(4)Faisal B.
My fav restaurant in Asheville. Creative, tasty dishes in the classic Tapas format. The last time I was here... We ordered about 10 dishes but wasn't too full and felt like we could've ordered at least two more :) however I didn't think the spicy lamb was all that... There were a lot of other items especially the seafood that were much better IMHO:)
(4)Dawn C.
Late night we got in at the bar. The tender was darling, friendly and very knowledgable about the food. I got the grapefruit, whiskey and honey cocktail. Perfect and not too sweet. My friend got the cocktail with Liquor 43 and orange. Sweeter and delicious. The ham plate, remarkably nice. Watermelon tomato salad- refreshing. Warm chocolate mousse with raspberry sorbet -worth the calories. Creative without being precious or contrived. No sour notes. Would go again in a minute.
(5)Kerrie P.
The atmosphere and staff dedication to the food and the menu only enhances the experience at Curate. Everything we tried from drinks to appetizers then entrees and dessert was excellent. The level of food preparation was devine! Will be back when we are back in Asheville.
(5)Erica L.
One of the best meals I've had in a long time! We started with the tomato bread and chorizo wrapped in potato chips, then enjoyed a sausage baguette, omelet, goat cheese stuffed peppers and garlic shrimp. Everything was outstanding. Our server was sweet and helpful (important for tapas rookies like us). Portions are totally reasonable for the price. I wouldn't change a thing- you will not be disappointed here.
(5)Alex M.
One of our favorite meals in Asheville! Every single thing we had was strong in flavor and unique but delicious! I recommend about 2-3 tapas dishes per person, but they're great for sharing. Dishes we had that we recommend: -charcuterie -white asparagus salad -mushrooms sauteed with sherry -shrimp with garlic -lamb skewers They're great about dietary restrictions. The menu denotes gluten-free, lactose-free, vegan, and nut-free options.
(5)Glenn G.
Would it be too bold of me to say "it took just one visit to realize this is one of my favorite restaurants" ? ! ? ! ? ! Well, it is... and all happened by chance. Walking down Biltmore Avenue to have a late night dinner at "Bistro 1896" only to find the chairs stacked, doors locked and seems Bistro is out of buiness. Down the block we see busy place called Cúrate and decided to check it out. 10 pm and people were still waiting for a table; rather than wait for a table we ate at the counter that wraps around the open kitchen... And what a show that open kitchen was.... the chefs made many of the dishes right in front of us; and at the same time making conversation with the counter guests. The layout is a long, skinny restaurant but they made good use of mirrors to give the appearance a roomier place... The ambiance is casual but sophisticated. The decor is simple yet elegant (truly loved the counter top along the kitchen bar.... perhaps quartz or white marble). And I'm pretty sure they have a private room downstairs. Cúrate serves traditional Spanish Tapas... and if you're not from Asheville (as I'm not), I promise you'll go home to wherever and search for a spanish tapas place upon your homecoming... they are that inspiring. OUR MEAL: Beside the local beers from Green Man Brewery and Pisgah Brewing, we enjoyed a REBUJITO (traditional drink from the south of Spain made from sherry, bitters, lemon and mint. Started off simple with PIMIENTOS DE PIQUILLO CON QUESO DE CABRA (piquillo peppers stuffed with spanish goat cheese)... excellent I nearly fell out of my seat with how delicious our PULPO A LA GALLEGA (galician style octopus over potato puree) It may sound "boring" but our SETAS AL JEREZ (sauteed mushrooms in a sherry broth) is the sort of dish that would turn any mushroom hater into a mushroom lover. Moorish spices and homemade pickles made our PINCHO MORUNO (marinated lamb skewer) unbelievably special. Another simple yet delicious veggie dish was our ESPINACAS A LA CATALANA (sauteed spinach with apples, raisins and toasted pine nuts. Last and taking top honors was the BUTIFARRA CON MONGETES (mild pork sausage served with white beans and aioli) ***salivating yet?*** and the sad part is... I won't be back for about a year since I live 700 miles away (GRRR).
(5)Aaron D.
Go for it. Here's my top 8. Cedro iberico "pork Skirt steak" Patatas bravas Gambas al ajillo Berenjenas la taberna Chistorra & chips jose's way Almendras fritas Pinco moruno Tabla de jamon
(5)Jennie L.
4.5 for sure. we didn't have a rez, but luckily they just text you, so we were able to hit a brewery to pass our 40 min wait time. really everything we had was great - hubby's fave were the lamb skewers, mine was dessert. also had good ham, good potatoes bravas, good shrimp, and chorizo wrapped in a potato chip - interesting, but tasty. had some caramel mousse for dessert - was like a frothy creme brûlée with berries, but was delicious. great bottle of wine - wine prices were pretty decent. also had a great server. all in all - great experience. (and they had Meyers soap in the bathroom and it doesn't get better than that for me - weird, but true) :-)
(4)Pan P.
Got all of the below. UNBELIEVABLE Migas Garlic shrimp Ensalada rusa Chicken croquets Esqueixada montana x 2 Pan con tomate w/wo anchovies Pulpo a la gallega Espinacas catalana Espuma de chocolate Berenjenas la taberna
(5)Nicole W.
Man oh man oh man. Curate lived up to its hype, and it's 4.5 star average rating. It was absolutely delicious from start to finish. Inside, Curate is inviting - a mix of industrial brick and exposed duct work with an open kitchen and long bar leading towards to back of the restaurant. Service was absolutely on point our entire lunch and our party of four truly enjoyed the experience from drinks to each plate. And because the menu is pretty deep and diverse, our server expertly led us through the selections. Here are the standouts I sampled... Brussel sprouts: Mouth watering, crispy brussels tossed with a light coating of fragrant oil, raisins and cauliflower. These little sprouts sidled up to an absolutely mouth watering celery root yogurt mousse. It was beyond good. Bread with tomato and manchego: Sounds simple, tasted divine. The bread was incredible fresh and pillowy, the tomato and manchego provided a nice salty but fresh taste to kickstart my tastebuds. Octopus: Spiced, grilled octopus (rings/circles) with the most delicious yukon gold mash on the side. These little sea creatures blew my mind they were so flavorful. Piquillo peppers with goat cheese: Exactly what it sounds like, and Curate did not go light on the goat cheese, which made me a very happy camper. It's worth noting that the menu is extremely accommodating for those with a gluten free, lactose free, nut free or vegan diet. Curate, you little minx you, next time I'm in Asheville I'm sure I'll visit again.
(5)Carey R.
Glad we made reservations for a Tuesday night dinner because this place was packed! There were so many choices on the menu that looked good it was almost too hard to decide. Our waitress (who was awesome) recommended we start with some sangria and chorizo wrapped with potato chips while deciding. It was a great start; the sangria was fresh and the potato chips were nice and crunchy in contrast with the warm chorizo. We asked lots of questions about the food and got really good answers, never feeling like we were being rushed. As a result, we felt like we ordered some of the best things on the menu: Piquillo peppers stuffed w/ goat cheese - Nice smoky flavor of peppers, cooked perfectly, with a creamy cheese Bread w/ tomato fresco and manchego cheese - Tomato fresco was super fresh. Get a 1/2 order so you don't fill up on bread. Lamb skewers - Tender and juicy. Similar to gyro meat. Sauteed brussel sprouts w/ celery root puree - The most surprising dish of the night. We ate this paired with the lamb skewers and it was great. The sprouts had a slight crisp and the raisins added a perfect sweetness. You must try this. Paella w/ squid in ink - If you can get past the black color, it really is a good seafood dish. It seemed bigger than the other dishes, but that could be because pasta is filling. Very fresh and worth trying something new. We highly recommend this place when in Asheville. Next time we will sit at the bar so we can see all the excitement in the kitchen.
(4)Angela R.
True Spanish style tapas! The chorizo wrapped in potato chips and the galician octopus are melt in your mouth amazing! I go here every time I'm in Asheville.
(5)David W.
Wow, Asheville really knows how to cook a good meal. Luckily, one of my friends knew to get a reservation far in advance. We literally couldn't stop ordering plates, because everything was so amazing. The drinks were awesome as well. I will make sure to come back here on my next NC visit!
(5)Ben N.
When I heard that Asheville had a restaurant called "Curate," I got really excited about trying some roast mutton and kidney pie, thinking we'd get to throw down like a nineteenth-centuty Anglican vicar raiding the collection plate. OK. That's really stupid. Stupid because I realized that there was an accent over the "u" in "Curate" and that the word actually has three syllables! So, HAI-YAH!! Wait a minute. That's "karate"? Yes, that's even dumber. Way dumber. I'm always writing Yelp reviews talking about how I cannot get this or that cuisine or food item in my current Ohio River Valley town. It becomes pretty annoying after awhile, definitely for me. But almost certainly for the readers--readers who are almost certainly a figment of my imagination. Anyway, Curate is another one: So how in the ham sandwich can a metro area of two million souls--namely, Cincinnati, Ohio--not have a straightforward tapas restaurant? Because our meal at Curate reiterates that every town, or maybe even every neighborhood, ought to have a high-quality basic tapas restaurant, i.e., one that's confident enough to execute the basics without resorting solely to the now-all-too-common "fusion," "updated" or "modern" tapas. Four of us shared the following: --Olives --Tortilla espanola --Lardo --Escalivada con anchoas --Croquetas de pollo --Stuffed piquillo peppers --Gambas al ajillo --Grilled asparagus with romesco sauce --Lamb skewers The big winners were the lardo--Curate offers some mouth-watering charcuterie, much of which is on display in the restaurant's open kitchen--and the lamb skewers, which had a wonderful North African flavor profile and were cooked a perfect medium rare. The anchovy salad and grilled asparagus were surprisingly good, too. (Only the croquetas might have been a little disappointing, with just a one-dimensional chicken flavor profile.) Service was polished and smooth enough that everything arrived successively in a perfectly-paced parade of culinary indulgence. Given the quality ingredients and the care given to the food, I thought $140 for four (we each had a glass of wine) with tax and tip included was very reasonable. Decor and atmosphere felt urbane enough without veering into pretension. It suited what Curate is trying to do with its food, which is provide a wide variety of gourmet-level small plates in a comfortable, casual setting. For what it's worth, "Curate" actually means "cure yourself." That's got to be the least interesting thing about this restaurant.
(5)Mateo B.
Curate punches above its weight. Best Tapas in the Southeast and maybe the U.S. That said, it's not for everybody. If you don't know what a Marcona almond is or Pulpo then you're better off at Rhubarb next door. But let's say you were amongst the 1 percent of 1 the percent who ate at El Bulli (finest restaurant on earth where owner/chef Katie Button once trained)--well, you're getting gold at bronze prices.
(5)Zack B.
I had really high expectations given the reviews and the accolades of the head chef. I can certainly say that the entire experience was everything it's cracked up to be. The tapas were all so different and so flavorful. Each took you on a new adventure. I would recommend curate to anyone!
(5)Kim N.
I never knew that Asheville has so many amazing restaurants and they get super busy. Getting a reservation at Cúrate was hard since we decided on visiting Asheville very last minute. After so many attempts to make a reservation, we got a table at 9:30 pm, which is way too late for me. We ended up just walking in around 6 trying to see if we can grab a table before 9:30; an hour later, we got a table! I love that we didn't really have to stand around waiting for our table; Cúrate called us when our table was available. I'm so impressed with the service at Cúrate; everyone was very nice and helpful. What we ordered for 2: ~ tabla de jamón - sampler of all three cured hams - our server thoroughly described the 3 different cured hams to us; they all tasted amazing and I don't even like ham! ~ almendras fritas - fried marcona almonds with sea salt - so simple yet delicious & addicting ~ chistorra & chips josé's way - spicy chorizo wrapped in potato chips - this was the perfect snack!! ~ rossejat negro - thin noodles, squid in its ink, garnished with aoli and salsa verde - this was the most unique item in my opinion and we absolutely loved every bite of it. I guess this can be an acquired taste... the couple next to us ordered this tapa and did not enjoy it as much as we did ~ canelones de carne - spain's gift to italy, pasta filled with pork, beef, chicken liver, topped with a creamy bechamel sauce, manchego cheese - this one was probably my least favorite, but my bf enjoyed it ~ espuma de chocolate - chocolate mousse, raspberry sorbet, and hazelnut praline - a lovely ending to our dinner! Cúrate is a very small restaurant that is quite popular. Reservations are definitely recommended. Street & garage parking available. Full bar. Many items have labels for gluten free, dairy free, nut free, or vegan if applicable. Prices are not bad but these are tapas so it can get pretty expensive depending on how many different items you order.
(5)Claire B.
Fairly good Spanish tapas. We got the octopus, stuffed peppers, shrimp, tortilla, patatas bravas, and the ham and manchego bocadillo. Everything was really great (wasn't a huge fan of the peppers however) and we left stuffed. Probably ordered a bit too much food but it was all delicious so it didn't matter. My favorites were the bocadillo and the patatas bravas. Definitely worth checking out.
(4)Adam B. J.
Expensive but good. Started off with a pitcher of the house made sangria (with sparkling wine instead of red). It comes 1/4 full of gin, fruit, and ice. Wow, what a way to start a morning. Way stronger than a mimosa. We had the white asparagus. I expect fresh food at these prices. The white asparagus was obviously canned. Everything after that was good. The highlight was the brunch item we got which was a potato, cheese, and chorizo omelet. It was perfect. Had the mushrooms from the grill and meatballs, as well as the serano sandwich. Enjoyed it all.
(4)Ashlee K.
Make sure you make a reservation or you'll be sitting at the bar. This place is definitely tiny, and you need reservations for a table, even on a Thursday night. These Spanish Tapas are authentic and insanely good. We tried lots of stuff (Cúrate recommends three tapas per person at the table). We had the crema de calabazza, which is a delicious butternut squash. It does have the appearance and consistency of mustard, so if you're a texture person it might not be your style, but it was so good. We shared the ensalada de invierno. Sweet and tangy, it was a perfect salad. The croquetas de pollo were standard, but tasty. The two highlights were definitely the piquillo peppers stuffed with goat cheese and gambas al ajilo, which was a garlic shrimp tapas. The menu says the shrimp is the best tapa in Asheville. It's REALLY must be. We also topped it all of with dessert. Cream mouse and pistachio sponge cake. The dessert wasn't as good as the food, but the ice cream on the sponge cake was can't miss. The service was on par, but the restaurant is very intimate. Be prepared to hear the conversations of the guests around you.
(4)Harlan U.
Always vibrant and delicious. It has become hard to order what I liked the previous time since I like everything new that I have tried. Watching the chefs prepare the small plates is like watching a ballet.
(5)Helen A.
Get the lamb, get the cheese plate, and finish with a cortado. you must go to curate if you are ever in the asheville.
(5)Taylor A.
I always save my receipts so I can write informative reviews, but lo and behold my receipt has all these food items written in SPANISH! Blast! Since I can't remember everything we had, I'll recommend getting whatever food you feel like getting since the menu is incredibly diverse. Wow, thanks Taylor A. for that amazing advice. One thing I do love is how their beer prices are super cheap. Drafts for under $4 is a steal. Though Curate is one of the more pricey places (plan $30-$40 per person), I thought it was worth it! Go, you'll enjoy yourself. Adios.
(4)Wendy L.
The most authentic tapas experience I've had outside Spain. It's a little pricey, but definitely worth a date night splurge. Use the Open Table app to make a reservation if you want to guarantee a table. Once they fill up they don't have a wait list.
(4)Brian S.
I never understood why Tapas were so expensive in the U.S. until recently. When I had Tapas in Madrid, they were so delicious and cheap but in America they're so overly expensive. Regardless, this restaurant had great food and drink choices that I have not seen in any other Tapas restaurant in the U.S. and I would highly recommend this place for a date or night out with a friend or two. This restaurant is a little pricey, so I wouldn't recommend going here every day unless you can actually afford it. Anyone who chooses to eat here will find a very attractive crowd here ;) and great choices of Tapas to choose from. BE AWARE for you Tapas newbies out there; the portions are small depending on what you get but be sure to share :)
(4)Nichole L.
Curate is one of Asheville's hottest restaurants right now, and it definitely lives up to all the hype! Chef Katie Button was a James Beard semifinalist for Rising Star Chef of the Year in 2013, and I was stoked to try her food. Where to sit: When you go, sit at the end of the bar. It's by far the best seat in the house! You're close to all the action (and close to the chef). What to drink: My husband ordered the Curate Manhattan with a crazy liquid cherry in the bottom! I was torn between the Sangria they make tableside and a glass of red. I let our server/bartender choose and she picked out an awesome glass of red, a 2008 Beronia Reserva. I loved it so much, I had a second glass! What to eat: There are so many starters, you'll panic. Ask the server to pick out a few. We had the charcuterie sampling and the cod and potato puree with toast. Excellent choices. If you're looking for an adventure, try the pulpo a la gallega or galician style octopus served warm with sea salt, olive oil, spanish paprika and yukon gold potato puree. The Oxtail special is amazing and the potatoes on this dish will change the way you make potatoes forever. Dessert is a must and if it happens to be your Bday, be sure to let someone know. There is a tasty, rich chocolaty treat in it for you! Lovely atmosphere. Casual dress (but I always dress up for the food. It's a respect thing.) For more on Chef Katie Button and Curate, see my post on GapCreekGourmet.com .
(5)Martin M.
One of the best dining experiences I've ever had! We let the staff recommend dishes, and all were amazing! A def must while in Asheville!
(5)Tom E.
Quite possibly the best meal I've ever EVER had. "Food to make your nipples hard" seriously oh my god food. I want to slap someone but don't wanna miss dessert.
(5)Paul S.
We weren't too fussed on the menu or food. Trout was nice but patatas bravos was ott on the sauce. Waitress was very abrupt and it was funny how the place looked empty but only bar seats available. We wouldn't go back.
(3)Mikee R.
Bring your wallet if you like to eat. This place has some exciting small plates and everything is delicious. The problem is that I always try everything... I am glad it is not my dime.
(5)Skeet L.
This was our first visit to Curate. I have to say it is an interesting experience. I had a Porron for my beverage--it is a flask of Spanish beer with sparkling lemon. The flask has a spout like a tea kettle and you are suppose to drink it by pouring it into your mouth! They will give you a glass if you prefer. I had several seafood tapas that were very good as well as their Spanish ham sampler. It is pretty expensive for the amount of food, but we enjoyed the relatively slow pace and the variety of taste.
(4)Katie S.
Amazing spot! Hurry make reservations now! We had to settle for a 430pm dinner time since we were visiting from out of town Table side prepared Sangria-offering sparkling or red Recommend 3-4 tapas per person "aceitunas curate" - 6 different types of Olives in a little jar-great small starter "esparragos blancos" White Asparagus Extremely tender,delicious with an amazing air light mayo "berenjenas la taberna" MUST try- eggplant with honey and rosemary, I was a bit suspicious of my boyfriend's pick but truly incredible! Could serve it as a desert, it melts in your mouth "Chistorra & Chips Jose's Way"-Spicy and very Salty chorizo wrapped in potato chips "Pimientos de piquillo y queso de cabra"-- Small roasted red peppers stuffed with creamy goat chess-incredible but wish I went for something a little more adventurous Best dish ever---"cerdo iberico a las finas hierbas" Free range-acorn fattened iberico pigs was delicious!!! served like a skirt steak with only a little bit of salt to season was simply incredible! Great very friendly and helpful staff with recommendations and descriptions. We sat in the back corner, so recommend trying to sit close to the kitchen/main room!
(5)Michael F.
Excellent service ,food, and wine list. Other than great barbecue and breakfast ,this was the best food we had during our stay .The food was perfectly seasoned and presented.
(5)Minnow N.
not that this place needs anymore reviews, but i was so overwhelmingly impressed that I have to add my two cents! being poor planners the only reservation they had the same night was at 845 pm at the bar. being from out of town, i didn't realize the "the bar" was really a kitchen bar rather than your traditional bar. You get to watch the grilling, the prepping, the bread toasting, everything being made in front of you! it's quite a wonderful experience. you almost feel like you're sitting at the Chef's Table! With that said, tapas for a late dinner was almost perfect. we had dessert elsewhere and had gone beer tasting too, so we weren't hungry for one large entree. and for a tapas place, they surely offer a wide variety off choices! Beverages: BF had the local brew on tap, and i had the special cocktail of the night, something cucumber with ginger something. it was refreshing and delicious! Garnished with an elegant flower Food: Ajo Blanco - the special of the night added dungeoness crab meat. WOW, this cold soup changed the way I feel about COLD soup! It was creamy and delicious, refreshing, and even though it was a tapa was just the right amount. This was probably one of my favorites of the night! Jamon iberico fermin - had to have at least one tapa with this famous cured meat. it really highlights a famous Spanish cuisine staple. Chistorra & chips - kind of a pigs in a blanket kind of tapa. Wrapped in a very thinly slice potato chip, it was light and had a good kick. good but not as impressive Berenjenas la taberna - fried eggplant with honey. Although the honey was absolutely delicious, I felt it overwhelmed the eggplant! This dish is most similar to fried plantains. I still loved it though! gambas al ajillo - garlic and shrimp, it's cooked in a sherry reduction. so simple and so delicious. We watched the chef fire it up right in front of us!! it's listed as the "favorite tapa in asheville". it surely lives up to it's name! overall, i wish i hadn't had the pre-dinner dessert. there's so much on the menu you are FORCED to go back just to try more! I highly recommend dining at the bar, it truly is a great experience. I can honestly say, this is my favorite restaurant i've eaten at in the entire state of North Carolina!
(5)Kim K.
Terrific Tapas! We were in the area but did not have reservations. We were happy to be able to get a very little round table by the front window. Curate was at the top of my list of places to try while in Asheville since it is ranked as number 1 restaurant here. Well deserved. It is a bit pricey but the food is excellent. The Pan Con Tomate with Manchego cheese was so good - crisp bread, fresh tomatoes, olive oil and very tasty cheese. Ensalada De Tomate Y Atun was also very fresh and light. The tuna had a great flavor and the sherry vinegar reduction was delicious. Patatas Bravas were so yummy!!! It's a larger dish and more filling than the previous two. The slightly spicy sauce and Spanish paprika that topped these little potato bites made the entire dish. I will have to order this again when we go back even though I prefer to try something new each time. Definitely recommend. Gambas Al Ajillo is listed on their menu as the number one tapa in Asheville, I haven't tried them all yet but it sure ranks high on my list. The sauteed shrimp is in a light sauce with sliced garlic. They give you bread to dip up what's left of the sauce and garlic. Absolutely wonderful!!! I can't forget to mention the service was excellent as well.
(5)Jason W.
We had 9 dishes between the two of us, all of which were very good, perfectly seasoned and the portions were just the right size for sharing. Service was excellent and our waitress was very knowledgeable, well trained and attentive. The white asparagus dish was amazing, loved the fried eggplant with honey & rosemary, the pork "skirt steak" was perfectly cooked & seasoned with a hit of wood smoke, the Spanish aged jambon was excellent, loved the sherried mushrooms that went beautifully with the pork. The desserts we had were delicious too. Definitely an enjoyable dining experience.
(4)Barbara W.
We stopped by Curate for brunch one afternoon (although we just missed the brunch menu because we were late...that's ok). We couldn't resist trying the sangria. What better way to test a Spanish-style restaurant? It is prepared tableside, which is a bit cheesy since really all they do is open and pour the wine into the pre-prepared carafe of fruits and spices, but it was fruity and refreshing. I prefer a sangria where all the flavors have had a chance to mingle more, but it was quite good nonetheless. We sampled from throughout the menu, and there were some hits and some not quite hits. The chistorra and chips, although an interesting idea, didn't quite deliver. The chorizo was not a standout. The octopus salad was quite good, as was the pan con tamate w/anchovies and boquerones. Yum! The true standout for us was the dessert. The crema catalana was spectacular. Worth a try even if you only stop in for a late night sweet.
(4)Sam H.
No complaints here! Friends brought me here the second I got into town. I let them do the ordering and couldn't tell you what all we had, but each plate was more delicious than the last. I especially remember this garlic almond soup with crab meat. To die for. And the sangria...oh the sangria :)
(5)Kim S.
Happy to report it lives up to the hype! Our server started the evening off right with thoughtful and unpretentious explanations to all of our questions. Our favorites were the lardo ibericos ahumado and the oxtail special! Yum!
(4)