As far as opinions of native North Carolinians go, Asheville is widely known as a melting pot of international cuisine. The entire state, in fact, has a plethora of interesting and flavorful food choices for when you’re in the mood to go out for dinner. However, when it comes to authentic cuisine served in a setting that’s pretty spot-on for an immersive dining experience, the following restaurant in Asheville belongs at the top your list.
The Jerusalem Garden Cafe is located in the heart of Asheville's downtown, where it's been delighting locals and visitors for more than 20 years.
In fact, there's a little known "secret" about this international restaurant: it has a bit of a hidden "tent room" at the end of a corridor at the far end of the main dining area. THE TENT ROOM is where you want to dine.
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It's unlike any other restaurant we've encountered in North Carolina!
The walls are adorned with a colorful "tent" — including the ceiling. In true Mediterranean fashion, you can choose to sit at one of the floor tables. Pull up a cozy cushion and dig in!
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For the most part, if you want to be assured you'll dine in the tent room or at one of the many floor tables, we would advise making reservations (see the end of the article for more info).
The tent room does offer seating for singles and couples, but it's also very popular for groups and for local businesses who want to schedule a one-of-a-kind lunch meeting for a group.
Whether you're eating in the main dining room (with regular table seating) or in the tent room, you're sure to go wild over the Mediterranean food at Jerusalem Garden Cafe.
The hummus is probably the best you'll ever taste in the U.S. Get the sampler plate with has a little taste of everything if you don't want to miss the best of the best appetizers.
Also on the menu is a wide variety of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food. You won't leave here disappointed or hungry.
If you already love Mediterranean cuisine, and even if you don’t, a visit to Jerusalem Garden Cafe in Asheville is an experience to remember. Don’t forget to ask for a floor table in the “tent room!” The restaurant is open six days a week: Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8:30 pm., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Learn more and make a reservation for the tent room on the official website here – and go here to follow them on Facebook! Bonus: On most Friday and Saturday nights, they have bellydancers! (See the Facebook page for dates!)
Keep reading here to learn why Asheville is one of the top foodie towns in North Carolina!
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