Cúrate Bar de Tapas
Spanish restaurant · Asheville ·
Authentic Spanish tapas, expansive wine list, open kitchen
Authentic Spanish tapas, expansive wine list, open kitchen
"High-end tapas spot Cúrate was one of the restaurants that put Asheville’s food scene on the map when it opened in 2011. This retrofitted 1920s bus depot has a magnificent marble bar and open kitchen where you can watch dishes like gambas al ajillo, fried eggplant, and rossejat get prepared in real-time. If you can’t manage a reservation (they’re notoriously difficult) or are dining with a larger group, head around the corner to La Bodega, Cúrate’s all-day pintxo and wine bar. They usually have plenty of space for walk-ins along with a bottle list that’s fairly pricey but filled with a fun selection of natural and orange wines, sherry, and vermouth primarily from Spain." - laura hackett
"A beloved downtown restaurant known for its Spanish tapas and led by 2015 F&W Best New Chef Katie Button. The restaurant recently hosted a Pintxo Party to welcome visitors back to Asheville after Hurricane Helene." - Kayleigh Ruller
"An Asheville restaurant co-owned by chef Katie Button, engaged in community support through events and collaborations, especially after the impact of Hurricane Helene." - Kayla Stewart
"While Cúrate remains a prized reservation for visitors, Button and Félix Meana’s La Bodega, where Spanish aperitivo culture shines with tapas and pintxos, is a more relaxed option."
"A downtown tapas restaurant helmed by a chef honored among 2022’s best, this Spanish spot delivers traditional tapas with precise, modern flair. Expect classics like croquetas de setas (creamy mushroom croquettes) and pan con tomate with manchego alongside more adventurous plates such as rossejat negro, a squid-ink, paella-style dish made with thin noodles instead of rice. The menu emphasizes shareable, intensely flavored small plates that reflect careful technique and regional Spanish influences." - Julie H. Case
