Salsa's — Restaurant in Asheville

Not your free typical chips-and-salsa place. Seasonal locally-inspired, an Asheville institution.

We have been to Salsas many times over the years. In fact, it was one of the first restaurants that we visited when we moved back to Asheville, over 15 years ago. They have been around a long time, and thus, have worked hard to really understand who they are. They are part of the restaurant group with Modesto and Bomba and even so, they don’t suffer from the “sameness” that sometimes happens when multiple restaurants are under one umbrella.

The good: Salsas has always had big portions, although several years ago, I heard a patron complain that the portions were smaller than they were years prior, but I can’t imagine what that would look like. The portions fill the plate.

The food is always beautifully presented. My husband had the Ropa Vieja and I had the African jerk tuna special. The tuna was a tad bit overcooked, although they said it was seared. The first bites were specially overcooked, as they were the outside edges. But there was quite a bit more pink once I broke into the interior of the dish. Like many of the dishes, it was served with rice and beans and chimichurri and plantains.

The fresh flavors and Caribbean accents, ensure that this is not just a typical “burrito“ place. Salsas feels fusion. But not in an over-the-top way. The actual salsas and toppings themselves, for instance, have lovely elements of fresh fruit, which brings a brightness to all of the dishes and compliments them.

Cons No reservation policy, but, we decided to go the day after Valentine’s Day, which was a stroke of genius, because they were completely packed for Valentine’s Day, but very few people decided to come out on the 15th.

Our server was, “OK“ but I saw other people flagging her down for the bill. She wasn’t super attentive, but she wasn’t completely absent. She checked all the boxes, but was not available if we wanted a refill of something. I also deeply do not like it when the servers do not offer Water. While I understand that it’s important for the restaurant to sell drinks, and the markup and margin on drinks is important to the bottom line, it should also be standard practice for the server to say “please take a look at our alcoholic beverages and also would you like a glass of water?” In fact, many tables did not have water, and I saw a few tables trying to flag servers down to ask for a glass of water. I understand that some restaurants find it wasteful to automatically have glasses of water on the table that nobody ever drinks, but I am enjoying the trend toward two empty glasses and a bottle of tapwater on the table if you need it. At a very minimum, the server should bring it up as an offering. I know this sounds like I’m picking on something silly, but people start drinking, especially tourists in town, and they forget to have water, and it’s just not a good combination.

Tips on Seating and reservations: It’s a small place, so it is Cozy, and somewhat tight. Try to sit in one of the corners, if you’re sitting in the aisle or especially near the bathroom it gets a bit busy and bustling and annoying.

Although they do not accept reservations, they will try to accommodate large parties if you call ahead.

Tips on Ordering: The paellas are all excellent.

There are a few standard menu items, but don’t get your heart set on something that you have and expect to see it every time on the menu, as it changes seasonally. Chef very much relies on local and seasonal ingredients, which is a blessing. That’s what makes it so lovely. Branch out! Try something new. Try the specials! Get out of your comfort zone!

The margaritas here are the best in town. Especially when you order a margarita that has some sort of fruit element to it. In other places, there is often a hint of fruit, but here you really see the muddled fruit and can really...

Title: The Irresistible Charm of Salsas: A Culinary Journey through a Beloved Mexican RestaurantIntroduction: Salsas, a Mexican restaurant nestled in the heart of our town, holds a special place in my heart for numerous reasons. From its vibrant atmosphere to the tantalizing aromas that greet you at the door, Salsas has become more than just a place to dine; it's a sanctuary where culinary delights and cherished memories converge.Authenticity: Salsas embodies the essence of authentic Mexican cuisine, transporting patrons to the bustling streets of Mexico City with each bite.Flavorful Selection: The menu at Salsas boasts a diverse array of dishes, each carefully crafted to showcase the rich tapestry of Mexican flavors.Salsas: The namesake of the restaurant, the salsas served here are unparalleled in their freshness and complexity, adding a burst of flavor to every dish.Variety of Salsas: From the fiery heat of the habanero salsa to the refreshing tang of the pico de gallo, Salsas offers a wide range of salsas to suit every palate.Customization: One of the things I love most about Salsas is the ability to customize my meal with different salsas, allowing me to tailor each bite to my liking.Fresh Ingredients: Salsas prides itself on using only the freshest ingredients, sourced locally whenever possible, ensuring that every dish is bursting with flavor.Family Atmosphere: Whether dining with friends or family, Salsas provides a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes every meal feel like a special occasion.Friendly Staff: The staff at Salsas are always welcoming and attentive, adding to the overall dining experience.Cultural Experience: Dining at Salsas is not just about the food; it's about immersing oneself in the vibrant culture and traditions of Mexico.Vibrant Décor: From the colorful murals adorning the walls to the lively music playing in the background, Salsas exudes a festive...

Let me start with the good part first: Our waitress treated our group of six (traveled from Virginia) with exceptional service, a warm smile, attentive nature, and a genuine personality, elevating the dining experience to a delightful level. How ever - the restaurant opened the doors late for a scheduled reservation. The owner (who opened the doors) did not even apologized to the crowd waiting out side. Next the owner the owner's discourteous demeanor was evident - as he failed to respond in the language he was addressed, displaying a lack of consideration and respect in the communication exchange. It was well noted as both my wife and I spoke to him in Spanish - he kept responding in English. We found that ironic as he was communicating with others in Spanish. Lastly - Some of us were charged a different price (on the higher side) than what was listed on our menu, and when questioned, the waitress explained that the discrepancy occurred due to a mix-up with their menus. Owner never approached us for an apology - nor did they offer us to pay the price listed on the Menu handed over to us. As I stated - food was great, waitress liked her job , she moved from California - as she explained it to us in SPANISH (her second language). VERY DISAPPOINTED in the handling of owner and we plan to go back to Asheville in the future - but, not to eat there. Lots of other places around this nice small town - if you plan on visiting the Biltmore Estate and have...