Jettie Rae's — Restaurant in Asheville

There's probably little question that the Asheville area is a foodie mecca. But is Jettie Rae's the capital city or one of the major thoroughfares where foodies come to die? I say that in the best possible way, and my answer is found in the question itself. Firstly find your way to the marble countertop part of the bar or request that small stretch of what I wish were the complete bar as it was so warm and complimentary to the service, ambience and food. Once here you'll feel the difference and know that you're ready for the experience to come. Its also the most regal feeling part within the non-stuffy environment. Shy of dining outside in the various options, I'd say it's the best seating in a house meant for the gastronomique. Now, speaking selfishly here, but the bartender, Brie, who sadly is leaving October 20th for NYC, was the next great compliment to place, food, cocktails and overall evening. She was graceful, genuine and transformed into a near flamenco dancer when prepping drinks. Not sure how to keep such a spirit there but she greatly belongs and will be a sweet sorrow departure. Now, we were fortunate enough to also garner the attention of another waiter, Ed, who was just as savvy and hospitable and between he and Brie, we kept all of the food and life conversation in synch with the magical cuisine. Ed knows his way around the menu and bar area so find him if you can! A lot of places offer oyster shooters, but these were another level. Both the Bloody Mary, and tequila variety were worth the admission price. The HOJO inspired crab strips were borderline calimari, delish. Smoked Mackerel Dip? So fresh felt tableside made. Oysters Bienville? Yes. Dripping with flavor, perfect temp. Smoked Oysters? Yes. Beautiful dish with a knife to perfectly split for two. Bread service with sea salt trout roe, whipped butter? It was too much but we had to and no regrets. Entrees. Spanish Octopus is now a personal challenge. If a place has it I want to see where it compares. Jettie's made my Top 3. Made with love and knowledge. No easy thing in my book. The Outer Banks Scallops was like food museum worthy. Was the roasted summer squash meant to be the natural born soul mate of the scallop? If so, the chef succeeded here in his experiment, mating them to beyond perfection. Goodness! Dessert consisted of blackberries bursting with flavor over butter pecan ice cream and to that it was cue credits - EL FINE. The cocktails and company of Brie were really the true icing on the night. She'll be missed and so glad we had the chance to meet her! We thank all of the other "food angels" who kept cycling out of the kitchen serving up flawless dishes the whole evening! Their website has beautiful photos of everything I've discussed so check it...

Honestly, slightly generous on the stars, given the nearby competition.

So, we were looking forward to this date night, given the Google ratings. It was a little weird as soon as we got there. They open at 4:30....our reservation was at 4:45....we arrived at 4:40. Upon our arrival, we were told to go sit at the outdoor tent area in the plastic seats until we were summoned. We chose to go use the bathrooms instead. We walked past what would ultimately be our table twice... Once going there, once coming back. After going outside and sitting in the plastic seats for 3 minutes, they brought us to the very table that we'd already walked past twice.

Regardless, we sat down and ordered drinks. They were decent. We also ordered the Blue Cheese Chips. The plate arrived with way more chips than sauce/dressing and very little in the way of blue cheese crumbles. And, after the very top layer, it was basically dry chips. Disappointing.

Next, we ordered the Smoked Trout Dip. What arrived was a very pasty clump of trout dip with the same chips from the Blue Cheese Dip. Not flaky, tasty fish. Pasty stuff that tasted like fish. Again, disappointing.

Next, we had the Oysters Rockefeller. Given that this is an oyster themed restaurant, we had high expectations. Unfortunately, what we received were very small, dry oysters, with a clump of processed spinach on top. No hollandaise, no fresh shredded spinach, no big, juicy oyster. They were the worst Oysters Rockefeller I've ever had, and that's a myriad of Oysters Rockefeller. I'd say the spinach mixture seemed like something frozen & the oysters were just shriveled up things.

Finally, my wife had the Kale Salad. It was the best part of the meal, & worth a bonus star in this review.

Basically, we were very much looking forward to this date night, were pretty much let down across the board, & are very unlikely to return. 2 stars plus a bonus star for the...

Our evening at Jettie Rae’s Oysters was nothing short of spectacular, thanks in large part to the incredible Melvin. Sitting at the bar with Melvin is a must for anyone visiting. We’ve had the pleasure of encountering Melvin at various places over the years, and his presence is always a guarantee of a memorable night. His extensive knowledge of the menu and his ability to perfectly convey the chef’s vision make every dish come alive. Melvin’s charisma and enthusiasm are infectious, turning a meal into a true culinary adventure. He’s the kind of bartender who transforms dining into an experience worth seeking out.

Joining him behind the bar was his equally talented buddy, Mitch. The chemistry between Melvin and Mitch is phenomenal, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere. Mitch’s skill in crafting perfect drinks complements Melvin’s food expertise, making them the dynamic duo you never knew you needed. Their banter and teamwork add an extra layer of enjoyment to the evening.

Emily, the GM, is exceptional as well. She not only touches every table, ensuring every guest feels welcome, but also jumps in to run food with the rest of the team. Her leadership is evident and greatly enhances the overall dining experience.

The environment at Jettie Rae’s is perfect for a Friday night out. The ambiance is inviting and vibrant, making it an ideal spot to unwind and enjoy some of the best seafood in western North Carolina. The food, as always, is out of this world. The oysters and other seafood dishes are fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented.

Jettie Rae’s Oysters is a must-visit in Asheville. If you’re looking for an unforgettable dining experience, make sure to visit Melvin at the bar. We can’t...