Welcome to Market Place Restaurant

In the center of downtown Asheville, surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains The Market Place opened in June 1979. The vision was to bring to the table creative cuisine, based on the traditions of Europe and balanced by an American sensibility - produced with fresh local ingredients. At the time, considering the state of the city and demise of the American farm, this was a big dream. 28 years later, Asheville is now the rival of any city in America, with an eclectic blend of music, art, crafts and food. In those intervening years we have worked closely with our local farms and gardeners to rebuild the local agricultural community, as well as bringing quality foods and wines from around the country and the world. We continue to provide a seasonal menu based on local ingredients prepared with the hands of a craftsman, welcoming patrons and new clients in the heart of the city. Underlying our friendly, professional service is the idea that we treat our clients as though they were a guest in our home. From the fertile earth, through the hand of the farmer to the hand of the chef; then the hand of the server to the table - we celebrate the bounty of vine and garden, build bonds of friendship and encourage slowing down; taking time to savor. The table sits at the center of culture and civilization. Cooking is an expression of joy, food a miracle of life. Dining is one of the great, simple pleasures - our aim is to share that when dining at The Market Place. Our approach to the menu respects the season and a locality of source. While the techniques of cuisine easily cross borders, we think food should reflect a taste of the region - a ham of Tennessee is not a ham of Parma - nor should it try to be. We think of wine the same way - great wine is made where ever great grapes are grown - good wine making offers a unique expression of place, as well. We also think it is 'food and wine', with the emphasis on the two together, one enhancing the other, leading to a more memorable meal.