Tall John's

Tall John’s is an absolute must try! It’s one of my favorite restaurants in Asheville. The neighborhood is gorgeous, and the interior is cozy, inviting, and aesthetically beautiful. It feels intimate , like you’re right at home , making it perfect for a special occasion, birthday, or date night. The service is truly immaculate. The food is delicious, comforting, and consistently amazing. The cocktails and mocktails are incredible, and the desserts are decadent. We’ve tried multiple dishes and every single one has been to die for, but I always come back to the roasted half chicken with potato purée…it’s just that good. Another perk: small and medium plates are half off during happy hour! We usually start with the Parker House roll and the Caesar. For drinks, I highly recommend the piña nolada for a mocktail, and the espresso martini for a cocktail. The menu changes slightly with the seasons, but every visit is a hit. Highly recommend!

Just perfection all around. The lamb shank was one of the most unique and fresh tasting meals I've had in some time, and the steak was just as on-point. Hard to choose between all the great salads - roasted squash, beets, etc. - but any one of them would've been a match for the season. We sat at the chef's counter and enjoyed watching the system that this team has completely dialed. And simultaneously, they're all so calm and friendly while working their magic - it's evident how passionate they are about their ingredients and cooking. If you're looking for a pre- or post-dinner drink, check out Little Jumbo nearby for a proper cozy cocktail spot.

Tall John’s is super quaint and incredibly cute—the kind of place that feels special the moment you walk in. We sat at the bar and had excellent service from a very friendly, welcoming staff. Jacob was phenomenal—attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely made the experience even better. The Perisian gnocchi was good, but the roasted winter squash absolutely stole the show—it was amazing. Perfect balance of flavors, a beautiful mix of spices, and very generous portions. Everything felt thoughtful and well executed. I will definitely be back and can’t wait to try more options on the menu. This place is a true gem—cozy atmosphere, great service, and food that clearly has heart behind it.

I went for brunch last Sunday with friends and walked out genuinely blown away. If you’re even remotely considering it, go! It’s one of those Asheville spots that feels effortlessly cool yet intensely dialed in when it comes to food. Start with a mimosa at the chef’s bar. Trust me, watching the chefs craft every dish right in front of you adds a whole new level of appreciation! It’s literally breakfast theatre. They move with precision, everything is plated with care, and there’s this quiet confidence in the way they work that makes you even more excited for what’s coming. My friends and I ordered the Croque Madame, Dutch Baby, Sweet Potato Hash and the Classic Breakfast Plate. Everything was cooked to perfection. 5 stars. Would go back tomorrow.

We had a great time here last night- (11/11/25) . Very cozy atmosphere. Our fellow diners seemed to be having a good time. Staff were all very friendly; I had the drum with fennel, green harissa , and carrot puree. Delicious, sumptuous. Maggie, our server was wonderful.

Really tasty dishes and drinks, fantastic service, super cute space. Dishes I loved when I visited: - Parker House Rolls - Ricotta Gnocchi with sweet corn butter - Duck Breast served with spaetzle, corn, and blackberries Chef Trevor Payne, who spent time at Le Pigeon in Portland, Oregon under James Beard-winning chef Gabe Rucker, and later at Little Bird Bistro moved back to Asheville where he grew up and opened this spot. So awesome to have him in the city!

Had a great time at Tall Johns the other night. Feels like an upscale spot, but definitely has a local neighborhood vibe. Started with a Steak Tartare app, and then the wife and I shared an amazing Caesar salad, steak and fries. Parking was a little difficult, but we were able to grab a spot on the street. Service was great, hostess, waitress, and cooks, all checked on us multiple times, and were very engaging without being overbearing. Food was 4.5 out of 5. Everything including cocktails were great, but I was not super impressed with the steak. It was not bad by any measure, but I just like mine seared with more of a crust. Everything else was fantastic. Price was not bad either. It's not a cheap spot, but most of the time eating out in this town leaves me feeling ripped off, Tall Johns felt much more reasonable for what we got. Availability is a bit tough, so I'd recommend a reservation or calling ahead first. Some of the counter and bar spots are walk-in only, and we were able to slip in there at short notice.

My husband and I went for a walk-in on a Monday night in early January. We got there just after the restaurant opened. We were greeted warmly and seated within 10 minutes at the cooking bar. Our server was prompt and helpful. We chose from the small and medium plates to enjoy the happy hour specials. Our choices were beautifully presented and so tasty and watching the cooks make the food was fascinating. Our eyes were bigger than our stomachs, but we managed to power through our choices. We have been to Tall Johns before with reservations, but allowing the flexibility of a walk in was fun and a completely different experience in a wonderful local restaurant. We will return.

I had a delicious dinner here a few months ago. I sat at the bar, and enjoyed the company. My dinner was well prepared, my beverage was excellent, and the prices were a little on the high side, but well worth it. I hope they have weathered the storm and come through it successfully.

Delicious meal at Tall John's! Walked in & got a kitchen side seat in less than 20 min. We had a beverage, mussels to start. Mains pork chop & Collette steak. All cooked well & very flavorful. The curry mussels were my favorite! No room tonight for dessert but they had several options.

An awesome place and a must to include if you are in Asheville!! The staff is awesome up front and at the bar. The food will not disappoint. There is such a positive vibe during dinner. It can be packed but the noise is NOT overwhelming, it just creates such a positive vibe.

Tall John's is a fantastic spot in the Montfort neighborhood of Asheville. Close to downtown, but mostly a locals joint. There is a kitchen bar (our favorite), regular bar seating and tables if the bar is not your thing. Always an interesting and diverse menu with something for everyone. Parker House Rolls is a must and great cocktails and wine list. The staff and service are top notch.

I'm in love with Tall John's. But when I stepped in which is around 4:15pm. We told the hostess table for two. It's very empty. Then she proceed to ask for my phone number, and full name. Taken back from it.. Because I feel like she will call us when there's a table ready when the whole dining room is empty. But when I saw how you can sit at the bar to watch the chefs make magic. I opted for that instead. And she can care less about my name or phone number. That night happy hrs was 1/2 price appetizers. So we went the mussels and Burrata. But were really good.. enjoyed every bit of it.. Main course, my date and I shared the trout. It was epic. Nicely paired with the kale, perfectly fried and seasoning was on point. And to top everything off. I had two espresso martinis. I have to make sure I come back here every time I'm in Asheville

Food and atmosphere are great. Very little selection in a static menu. Service is wonderful. Get the chef to up the offerings so we want to more frequently visit!

Food was phenomenal for brunch! Probably the best French toast I've ever had. Great service and good vibes. Hope they can keep the pace - looking forward to the dinner menu. Excellent place!

Have you ever had a meal that you can't stop thinking about? Tall Johns was that for me. It's in the cutest old church in Montford and it's tiny and cozy which makes for a great ambiance to have a glass of wine and a good meal in. Everyday from 4-5 you can get all their small and medium plates half off. $8 steak tartare, yes please! Their croquettes were packed with ham and cheese and came with a tangy dipping sauce. Their little gem salad was one of my favorite things. It had sweet snap peas and a creamy dressing which brought everything together. We finished with the cheeseburger and steak tartare which were also top notch. Trust me, you'll be thinking of this meal for awhile!

We visited this restaurant while visiting Asheville. Love the building and the warm atmosphere. We started with a small (when you look at the menu you'll understand)...Gruyere and Green Olive Croquettes...creative and delicious. Then a medium...mussels in a creamy sauce...I was looking forward to having the sourdough bread but they had tomato bread instead, still very good. Then came our talls. My husband ordered the Roasted Half Lemon Chicken, he said it was the best chicken that he has ever eaten. I thought about the big pork chop but it sounded like too much for me to eat so I had the Flat Iron Steak. Perfectly cooked, smothered in mushrooms and Diane sauce. Service was excellent. I definitely recommend Tall John's.

Always amazing service, food and atmosphere! We love it here! Best place to spend a nice birthday dinner or just any given Sunday Dinner!

Cool vibe! Everything about this place is cool! The outside? Adorable and beautiful! Inside? Friendly faces, genuine welcome, knowledgeable waitstaff. We arrived in early evening on a Thursday and were immediately seated. The simple menu presented several tempting choices. We chose the big pork chop, the radicchio Waldorf salad, beets with goat cheese, and the grilled trout. Everything was delicious. Everyone in our party had to taste the pork chop ~ and there was plenty to go around. It was perfect!! Incredibly moist with a delicate caramelized sear in places. Soooo good, and tender! Served with broccoli ~ yum! Two diners had the trout with delicata squash, kale, a bit of sweet onion, and orange. I dare say some butter also crossed somewhere in there. Trout was perfectly grilled ~ not overcooked. The blend of flavors was satisfying and inspiring at the same time. Who knew that goat cheese brightens and freshens the taste of beets? Someone here does! Our party ate every bite of this dish. Finally, the Croquettes ~ no need to be snarky ~ they were yummy, but we missed the advertised olive yet thoroughly enjoyed the glorified "fried cheese." Some would say (our innkeeper did) this place is upscale. It kinda is ~ definitely black-clad waitstaff and chefs dressed well for work ~ and what looks for all the world like a shrimp cocktail gets called poached shrimp and mashed potatoes gets called potato puree. But you can do that when the food tastes this good, your establishment is clean and beautiful, and your staff is attentive, knows all the answers to all the questions, and looks like they love coming to work! Definitely recommend! Give them a try if you're in the neighborhood!

Our first visit last week for our anniversary dinner. We were seated at the bar since we were unable to secure dining room reservations. The best part of Tall John's is their service - it is impeccable!!! The hostess and especially the bar staff were very attentive and responsive - they took care of refills etc without having to ask. Drinks were good - the bartender didn't hesitate when I asked to add alcohol to a non-alcoholic drink. We ordered the beets with goat cheese for an appetizer - they are THE BEST!!! My husband really like the Ceasar salad. We ordered the pork and chicken. Hubby really liked the pork that was served over corn. The chicken had a great sauce and was very tender but had no accompaniments. We didn't realize that so after receiving our entrees we ordered a side of pureed potatoes. We were almost finished with entrees when it was served. There was a huge serving and very pretty - individually browned on the ceramic plate, however they were bland. I took a few bites with the sauce from the chicken. We may try it again but there are lots of other highly rated restaurants in the area that we want to try first.

This is a perfect date night spot!! We walked in and were immediately greeted with friendly service and a lovely ambiance. We chose to sit at the kitchen bar and watch the chefs, prepare everything which was a great experience, in itself. Caleb was our server and extremely attentive and friendly. Per his recommendation, we started off with the warm beets and goat cheese, and they were so flavorful, we will be ordering this every time here forward. My husband had the lemon chicken, topped with a green chimichurri , and it was excellent. The skin was perfectly crispy and chicken was tender and just the right amount of lemon flavor. I had the gnocchi and mushrooms, and it was one of the best meals I've had! The texture, the flavor, and visually, it was perfection. All were paired with a delicious bottle of Tempranillo. We can't wait to go back!

A gem of a neighborhood bistro in Montford. Like much of Montford it is a pricey, classic example of its genre populated by many affluent retirees. The meats and veg were all very fresh and well prepared. The only thing I didnt like was the homemade Mayo served with the pork schnitzel. It was too runny. The staff was the best in town. Intelligent, engaged and friendly with non of that smirk you get in downtown tourist restaurants. This is the sort of place that you find in nice hotels in larger cities serving folks on a business travel budgets. I wish it was a touch cheaper but excited it is here.

This was recommended by our B&B. What a delightful find! We liked it so much we went two nights in a row, having different food and drinks the next night. The staff is pleasant, they have walk in reservations, the food is outstanding and the cocktails, wow! The Camarillo is superb! The only meh was the dessert, the soft serve theme just isn't my thing. Overall absolutely wonderful!!

Omg! This place is absolutely fantastic! The food and service were 10+! I'm visiting from SoutherCalifornia and it's truly one of the best restaurants I've been to in a long time!

My god the roasted chicken is by far the best roasted chicken we've ever had! What a find off the busy path of DT Asheville , which makes it even cooler! We sat at the chefs counter what a fun show!

Menu prices are not inclusive of an extra kitchen fee. Very deceptive. The price you see should be the price you pay. It should not be up to the customer to calculate what each item costs with the fee added.

Naomi was our great server. Very good food. Asparagus special with crawfish was so good my sister ate it all!! I had the schnitzel with the Dijon vinaigrette sauce and fennel salad. I was surprised by the fennel salad and the Dijon vinaigrette. Schnitzel was huge covered the entire plate and was cooked perfectly. My wife had the pasta dish w/asparagus and peas. Very tasty. We loved the atmosphere. Not too loud. Outstanding service.

Fantastic food, great service, and very chill vibe! One of my favorite restaurants in Asheville and I love that it's not downtown.

I have only been here once but it was great. We sat at the bar and watched the chief at work. The steak was perfect and the wine was great. The wait staff was very nice. I will go back next time I am in Asheville. Tall John's is off the beaten path in Montford. They had outdoor seating but none for me that night. Sitting at bar was fun.

Great food, ambiance, and service. Not all the dishes are 100%, but definitely more hits than misses!

Delicious food. Great ambiance. Great service. They serve a proper dirty martini. Only thing that could improve it is if they bring back the schnitzel.

This place makes an excellent martini (with blue cheese olives). It's a cool environment, somewhat crowded, but the busy-ness adds to the appeal. I think they shine more in cocktails than in food. The burger is made with American cheese, to its detriment. Burrata was good, and the table tried some small Spanish-style fish. We had another OK pasta dish as well. Less likely to return for a meal but happy to come for drinks + apps.

I loved tall John's, it was fun sitting at the kitchen counter and watching the chef cook all of the delicious dishes. I only wish I could've eaten more. One of the things I really like are all of the sauces that they use on each dish. I can't wait to go back.

Like the vibe. Great food and atmosphere. Will be a regular for me when in Asheville.

It's pretty good overall. First time we went was exceptional in both food and service. Second time the food was OK but given just the food, I would rate this place a 3 star for my last visit. The service, however, was top notch on both visits thus the 4 star rating. I greatly appreciate what they are doing, and hope this was just an off night in the kitchen.

Parking near Tall John's was easy. Staff were super nice and attentive. Food was superb! Great ambience.

A delightful and delicious space on Montford neighborhood. We called ahead since they don't take reservations and were seated almost right away when we arrived. Service, ambiance, food, and drinks were DELISH! It was my favorite meal of the weekend. The roasted eggplant with yoghurt was incredible as were the Parker House rolls. My fish was cooked perfectly, and they know their wines. We went to the Vue at Grove Park In. The next night and honestly, I preferred Tall John's by quite a bit!

Met some friends at Tall John's tonight. We finally made our way here after talking about it since July! Love the vibe when you walk in the door. Since it has been renovated from its former self (Chiesa) it has taken on a seriously warm & welcoming environment. The neighborhood haunt with flair. They don't take reservations but if you call ahead, they'll let you put your name on a wait list before you come. Warm wood tones with a comfy contemporary feel. The bar spans almost the length of the space and there's plenty of seating if you can't snag a table. It's an open kitchen concept which makes it active and interesting but doesn't take over your evening. Our friends come here on a regular basis and our server knew them by name. She was delightful and extremely knowledgeable about the wines, cocktails and menu items. She even remembered what they ordered last time they were in! On top of that, she genuinely looked like she was happy to be there! Now on to the food: We ordered the smoked ham and Gruyère croquettes which were crispy and delicious (didn't get a pic bc we devoured them before I could pick up my phone!); Classic Caesar salad which was a CLASSIC CAESAR SALAD! Haven't had a real Caesar for years with real anchovies!There is nothing like it, and you know it when you get it!; Clams,leeks, watercress and toast (except they changed out the clams for mussels) it was a nice dish, maybe a bit bland but the mussels were fresh and plump Two of us had the Perfectly Roasted Chicken- which was, well...perfectly roasted! Crisp, flavorful & tender- just like it should be. No sauce necessary even tho it came with a salsa verde- I actually preferred it plain; I wished it did have a little side salad or something- it's a lot of meat!; Striped Bass with carrot purée and fresh spinach- a nice portion, all cooked to perfection and kicked up a notch with the house made harissa; and Pork Schnitzel, pounded to almost paper thin and so big it was falling off the plate, crispy pan fried and tender served with lemon and a delicate little fennel salad on the side. This is one of my favorite dishes and they did it right! We all shared the Glazed Beets & Goat Cheese, which for some reason I thought was going to be served cold, but I was happily surprised that they were hot from the oven right from the oven, cut into big delicious chunks and the fresh goat cheese just melted on top. Absolutely divine!!! We ended the meal with one shared dessert: Olive Oil Cake with pistachio & citrus segments. Not overly sweet (good thing!), savory and satisfying. I have to say that dinner tonight at Tall John's was the best meal we have eaten in and around town in the last month or so, and we can't wait to return! Recommend it highly!

Appetizers are much better than main course. Shrimp Scampi was amongst the best I've had. Pork Schnitzel was way over salted and a section of it came out raw. I will try again since the quality of the pork was good, just no need to sprinkle additional salt on top of a fried entree.

Had a very nice dinner here. Menu items aren't exotic but are all elegant and excellent. Really interesting wines by the glass, which always speaks well of a place, and our server was really knowledgeable and enthusiastic. I am not a local but I would go here again if I was (and may extend time in AVL).

Best restaurant went to in a while. Great atmosphere and greeting were awesome. We sat at the top tables where we could see the cook preparing. Great place to be. The food was awesome I had the trout and husband had the beef. We loved it. We were visiting out of town. Local gave us this recommendation. Awesome job!!

I ate and drank at the bar. The bartender, food, and wine were superb. What I don't appreciate was the deceptive business practice of the restaurant. I was charged a 5% "kitchen fee" which equates to 14.5% of food items the kitchen prepared. When i viewed this surprise fee on my bill I immediately inquired with my bartender and with the man whom appeared to be next in charge. He said the fee was advertised on both the menu and website. This information is in fine print at the bottom of the menu. I find it insulting that a restaurant puts the onus on customers to search a menu's fine print for additional fees/charges. I dine out to relax, not to hunt for ways I'm potentially being ripped off. I told the staff that the owner should simply raise the menu prices. I was met with resistance. I won't be bac

Incredible dinner. The chicken and trout were fabulous. Beets soooo good. Our server was helpful and delightful. Highly recommend.

This is probably my favorite brunch place on the weekends these days. The cocktails are awesome as well. I love sitting at the bar because the bartenders are also awesome. Definitely a thumbs up.

Best restaurant in asheville! I dined here today and I was happy my entire meal. I grew up in asheville and I have high standards lol I am happy to return to this place as often as I can afford to. Cheers!

Spectacular farm to table food. Special was squash fries that were crisp and tender and perfectly seasoned. Glazed beets were delicious and so was the half chicken. Martini was also quite yummy.

Open kitchen. Team works well together. Delicious food with high quality ingredients.

Such a great neighborhood spot to get tasty food and drinks. Welcoming. Savory menu. Knowledgeable and super friendly Bartenders. We love coming in and sitting at the bar for a drink or a full meal. Feels like a communal gathering spot with real people who appreciate good food and libations.

Went with family for the first time, and really found the food, vibe, everything so refreshing. We shared a lot of dishes...the pork was a highlight for me, loved their desserts as well. Great fresh food and hit the mark flavors. The decor was very cool too, check out the wallpaper in the restroom if you have time- too cute. Everyone was very attentive and friendly. Nice ambience.

Went back, tried more of the menu and it all hits. Beets, short rib special, roast chicken, shrimp, tartare, a few specialty cocktails- all great. Service was still great, busy on a Friday night and very homey.

Everything about Tall John's is exceptional. I can't wait until we return to Asheville so that we can visit this restaurant again!

Good signature cocktails, service is good, hip ambiance, and the food is spot on. Bonus, sit at the kitchen bar and watch the chefs do their thing!

Food and service are great! Highly recommend roast chicken and burger was outstanding.

My husband and I had a wonderful dinner here tonight! We sat at the counter where we could watch the chefs prepare the food. They moved in a perfectly orchestrated dance as plate after plate of delicious food was executed and presented. My husband had the cheeseburger and fries. He LOVES crispy fries and these did not disappoint. The burger was cooked medium well, moist and topped with grilled onions, pickles and Mayo. It was served in a grilled sesame seed bun. I had the pork chop with grilled peach and a side of potato purée (super light yet creamy version of mashed potatoes). The pork chop was about an inch thick and huge! It was also cooked perfectly. It had a mustard sauce which complimented it perfectly. The grilled peach was a nice sweet element and would have only been better if it also came with vanilla ice cream. . Julian was our server. He was engaging and attentive without getting in the way. When I asked what he would recommend he took the time to ask what I was considering. Class move! The ambiance was friendly casual and welcoming. Definitely a place we will return to. Well done Tall John's!

Something for everyone on this menu - from adventurous eaters to those with more straightforward tastes. Love their patio. Nice service too!

I had a delicious meal and outstanding service. Sat at the chef's counter and was impressed with all the food preparation! Atmosphere was perfect for an enjoyable evening. Music is in the background and not so loud as to interfere with conversation. Drinks and food were top notch!

Cold, drafty restaurant with high prices and adequate cuisine. Our salads were salted, the $33 Branzino a mere 3-4 oz. Sides are separate. A 5% gratuity is automatically added for the kitchen. One saving grace: a good martini albeit served in a wine glass. Our recommendation is to stick with the burger (which comes with fries) and a beer and frequent this establishment in warmer weather.