I'm looking for recommendations for some good, reliable restaurants in Asheville. I'm familiar with Grove Park Inn and Richmond Hill restaurants; I'm interested in good food and nice "ambiance," but not stuffy or pretentious. The type of food and the price are not as important here as the quality. Thanks!

Had a very good "upscale" dinner at The Market Place Restaurant recently. And Barley's Tap Room is great for pizza and microbrews - about as unpretentious as you can get.

We've had our best meal in Asheville at The Market Place- great wine by the glass list and wine/food pairings.

I just got back - liked Vincenzo's (Italian) but eat downstairs where they had great music and all the locals. Also - for casual but great is Tupulo Honey (only beer and wine)- early girl eatery is also wonderful for breakfast but don't know about anything else. We had fresh squeezed apple juice there - don't think I have ever been anywhere that did that.

Thank you all for such helpful responses. It's a birthday celebration (mine) as well as a little reunion with my sister & brother-in-law, and since I'm planning it, I'd like it to be nice. Sounds like the Market Place is winner. The second night we'll wing it. We'll take good looks at Vincenzos, Barley's, and Tupelo Honey. Thanks again.