Cucina 24, Asheville

This is not your typical American Italian restaurant, it is classic Italian which does not come around often! If you are expecting or wanting lasagna, stuffed manicotti or spaghetti and meatballs, I suggest a place like Nona Mia on Patton Ave. The food here is excellent, honest and simple, my only complaint is that it's under seasoned more often than not, just a bit of salt is what it needs most of the time. Don't get me wrong, it is better to under salt than to over salt, however I always feel bad when I ask for the salt and pepper which are not readily available at the table. The brick oven is a gem, the thin handmade pizza's are gorgeous uncluttered and topped with simple ingredients like arugula, prosciutto, fresh mozzarella and mushrooms, my favorite is the wild mushroom (taleggio and truffle oil pizza). The prices are reasonable considering what you are getting, entrees start at $10 for a pizza and up to $27 for an entree like osso bucco. The antipasti menu starts at $4 and up, the price drops if you combine more. The cocktails are creative and tasty, I highly suggest you start with one. Cucina 24 offers a great wine list and make sure to save room for dessert! The service is always excellent and the staff is well informed and has extensive knowledge about things that make you go hmm, what does that mean? The restaurant is warm, modern and raw, definitely one of my favorites in Asheville.