Little D's — Restaurant in Asheville

It feels like it’s time to review Little D’s. This is our fave neighborhood haunt. We have been several times. I’m always a little worried when I write a review that others will discover what a secret gem this place is, but I will write one nonetheless because Little Ds Deserves recognition. So what is to love? The bartenders! We always sit at the bar. The bartenders are excellent, and I enjoy the vibe of the bar. It is lit perfectly and we can talk to the bartenders about our favorite potions and tonics and they are quick to make a beautiful drink. In the winter time, I enjoyed a wonderful winter daiquiri, and now that it is spring, there’s a daiquiri called “Torrents of Summer“ that is similar but also distinct from the winter version. So many other creative cocktails to enjoy. Including one recently that had Matcha in it. These are true mixologists! The focaccia! This is unlike any focaccia we’ve ever had. Throw away all your notions of focaccia, except for the soft inside. This has a wonderful flavor and the softness of a traditional focaccia, but boasts a surprising crunch on the outside. This is the best focaccia I’ve ever had. And we make a lot of bread at home as well. That is high praise indeed. We always order the shareable plates. The beef tartare is enough for a meal. Pair it with the focaccia, and you actually have some bread to take home. Other favorite shareable plates include seasonal gnocchi and beets; there is also usually some sort of shrimp or scallop offering. At one point, they had a foam that was on the scallops that was amazing. The menu changes seasonally, and there’s always something new to try. The portions are usually generous. Something like a shareable scallop dish would certainly have fewer scallops than a main course, but again, paired with the focaccia or a salad, and you have a full meal. They have gender neutral bathrooms! Yay. As someone who works a great deal with the trans and non-binary community, you have no idea how important this...

I’ll be honest, Little D’s was not on my top 5 list of places I haven’t tried yet in Asheville that I wanted to try. It’s in a nondescript shopping center with a grocery store, a nail salon, and a pet store, and had never caught my attention. A friend ate there and liked it, and suggested it one night when we were going out to dinner. I’m glad he did. We tried it … and we liked it so much that we went back again a week later.

Little D’s is not very large. There are several tables and a few seats at the bar. The service is excellent … friendly, helpful, and attentive. The menu is fairly small with maybe 12 to 15 appetizers/shareables and 5 or 6 main courses plus a couple of daily specials. I’d never had an old fashioned … not sure why because I’m a bourbon guy. Bartender Andrew made me one and now I’m an old fashioned guy. We started with the roasted butternut squash focaccia and fried oysters, and both were delicious. For main courses, my wife and I both ordered the stuffed butternut squash (see photo). It’s a butternut squash cut in half and stuffed with kale, white beans, onions, walnuts, goat cheese, and a fig balsamic topping. My wife is pescatarian (or is it presbyterian?), so it was a logical pick for her. I’m not pescatarian, but I saw it delivered to another table and it looked really good, so I decided to try it too. How good was it, you ask? So good that when we went back a week later we ordered it again. Friends that were with us ordered the lamb special and the mahi mahi, and they both gave their entrees a thumbs up as well. In my view, the food is outstanding.

If you’re looking for a place to eat in North Asheville, you should definitely consider Little D’s … who knows, we might...

Little D's is truly a gem in the culinary scene. Every visit is a delightful experience for the senses. The menu is a treasure trove of flavors, where each dish is thoughtfully crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Their attention to detail and passion for food shines through in every bite. From the first appetizer to the final dessert, each dish showcases the chef's creativity and expertise. One cannot help but be impressed by the diverse range of options available, catering to various tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you are a meat lover, a seafood enthusiast, or a vegetarian, there is something for everyone at Little D's. The flavors are bold, the presentation is exquisite, and the portions are generous. The service at Little D's is equally exceptional. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure a memorable dining experience. The warm and inviting ambiance of the restaurant adds to the overall charm, making it a perfect setting for any occasion. Overall, Little D's is a culinary haven that never fails to impress. It is a place where food is not just a meal but an experience to be savored and remembered. For those seeking a remarkable dining adventure, Little D's is undoubtedly a must-visit...