Some restaurants serve food.
Others create experiences.
And after our recent visit to The Market Place Restaurant in downtown Asheville, led by Chef William Dissen, we’re convinced that this beloved local institution has elevated itself to an entirely new level.
That’s why The Market Place Restaurant takes our top spot and earns 1st Place for June 2026.
Now, we’ve been around the block. Actually, many blocks. We’ve dined at restaurants, cafes, eateries, hidden gems, and culinary concepts across Asheville and beyond. Through all the changes in the local dining scene, The Market Place has always stood out. But what we experienced recently wasn’t simply dinner—it was a full culinary performance.
From the moment we sat down, it was apparent that every detail mattered.
Then came the Pork Coppa.
Slow-roasted Cheshire Farm pork accompanied by Mexican street corn, charred shishito peppers, coriander crema, and spicy tomato relish. Rich, tender, flavorful, and beautifully balanced, this may very well be one of the finest pork dishes we’ve enjoyed in recent memory. Every bite delivered layers of flavor that kept us coming back for more.
Next up was the Joyce Farms Half Chicken.
Prepared with lemon herb jus and served alongside a spring green and strawberry panzanella with cornbread croutons, the dish was both elegant and comforting. Moist, perfectly seasoned, and bursting with fresh seasonal flavors, it was another standout in an evening filled with memorable plates.
Wanting a little seafood on the table, we couldn’t resist the mussels, and we’re glad we didn’t. Beautifully prepared and absolutely delicious, they added another layer of flavor to an already incredible meal.
But one of the biggest surprises of the evening was the Wild Mushroom Gratin.
Featuring wild foraged and locally sourced mushrooms bathed in truffle cream and finished with herb persillade and parmesan, this dish was pure comfort and sophistication rolled into one. Served alongside slices of toasted sourdough baguette, every bite was earthy, creamy, and deeply satisfying. It’s one of those dishes that makes you pause for a moment and appreciate just how magical simple ingredients can become in the hands of talented chefs.
And then there were the beverages.
Whether you’re enjoying one of their thoughtfully crafted cocktails or opting for a sophisticated mocktail, The Market Place has created a beverage program that complements the food perfectly. Every sip was balanced, refreshing, and crafted with the same attention to detail found throughout the menu.
But dessert sealed the evening.
A Chocolate Crème Brûlée featuring silky chocolate custard paired with a delicate rose cardamom cookie.
Dessert perfection.
Smooth, rich, and beautifully nuanced, it was the kind of finale that leaves you lingering at the table, savoring the last bite and already planning your return.
Chef William Dissen has long been recognized for championing local farms and sustainable cuisine, but what impressed us most during this visit was how seamlessly everything came together. The service, the atmosphere, the presentation, and above all, the flavors created an experience that reminded us why Asheville remains one of the great food destinations in the Southeast.
The Market Place isn’t chasing trends.
It’s perfecting the art of hospitality.
And in a city packed with incredible restaurants, that’s no small accomplishment.
If you’re hungry in Asheville, head downtown and treat yourself to one of the finest dining experiences the city has to offer.
Because sometimes a meal isn’t just a meal.
Sometimes it’s unforgettable.
Congratulations to Chef William Dissen and the entire team at The Market Place Restaurant for earning our #1 spot for June 2026.
Thank you for an incredible evening—and we’ll see you again soon.
