Nestled in a vibrant alley in Asheville, Neng Jr.'s serves a delightful blend of Filipinx and Southern flavors in a cozy, art-filled space crafted by chef Silver Iocovozzi.
"Dip down a West Asheville side street and enter through the back door to discover the warm and utterly unique dining experience that chef-owner Silver Iocovozzi brings to life in a colorful, 17-seat space at Neng Jr.’s. Drawing inspiration from his Filipino roots, the chef delivers a rotating parade of vibrant offerings such as adobo oyster accented with cured quail egg yolk and the subtle, saline pop of sea grapes, crab fried rice, sinigang (sour broth) smoked wings, and a sculpted longanisa sausage pithivier. The cheese ice cream is a dessert favorite. The friendly staff carefully explain each dish to guests, so there’s no need to Google unfamiliar items." - Gina Smith
"A West Asheville establishment that is back in business after the hurricane." - Kay West
"A restaurant offering Filipinx cuisine, founded by 2024 F&W Best New Chef Silver Iocovozzi. It was closed for 75 days in the wake of Hurricane Helene but is now part of Asheville's cultural revival." - Kayleigh Ruller
"Neng’s is a queer-owned restaurant that packs in a ton of bright colors and tenderness—think emerald-tiled walls, a Christmas-red countertop bar, and a massive painting of the chef’s mother—into its stylish 17-seat dining room. The menu features heartfelt notes from the chef, whose food often blurs the lines between Filipinx and Southern cuisine, fine dining, and home cooking. A few staples include the adobo oyster, pork lumpia, and the funky, unforgettable queso ice cream. Iced beer is a charming pairing with any meal, and the cocktail menu is also killer, with savory, briny drinks like the soy-washed adobo martini and Thai chili-infused whiskey collins. " - laura hackett
"Neng, Jr’s is a restaurant founded by Chai Pani alumnus Silver Iocovozzi, which was named as a finalist for the 2023 James Beard Foundation Award for Best New Restaurant."
