Kipper S.
Yelp
Contrada has quickly become one of my favorite places to grab a bite in downtown Asheville.
If you have enjoyed Chef Brian Canipelli's Cucina 24 in the past, you owe it to yourself to grab a bite and a drink at Contrada. If you have ever wished for a place you could pop into and grab a glass of wine and a perfectly delicious small plate of European flair on the streets of downtown Asheville, you owe it to yourself to visit contrada. If you have longed for deliciously crispy and suculent porchetta on top of freshly baked focaccia while sipping on a draft negroni, my friend, you owe it to yourself to stop by Contrada.
While not a restaurant, Contrada offers some of the best flavors and bites in downtown Asheville. Some people may be deterred by the lack of seating, or the intimacy of the space. But others, like myself, will relish in it. Show up, order a drink and some small plates at the bar, enjoy yourself and a great conversation, then move on to whatever else the night may hold for you. Or perhaps you'll be captivated by just how delicious everything is and find yourself adjusting your plans to stay for another 15 minutes, hour, or two.
Contrada is a welcome change of pace from your standard upscale eatery, with premium small plates and drinks, served in a hyper casual environment. Share the space, meet new people, judge everyone that peaks in the window but doesn't commit to coming in, with your own complete knowledge of exactly what they're missing out on.
Don't miss out!