A small new eatery in Asheville, North Carolina has somehow made its way out into the mainstream as one of the best best new restaurants in the United States. The New York Times just released “The Restaurant List 2023,” and guess what? Neng Jr.’s made it, recommended by 12 critics, reporters, and editors who evaluated hundreds of eateries across the U.S. “It’s safe to say there is nowhere else in America like Neng Jr.’s, a tiny, freewheeling restaurant where a bold new cuisine marrying Filipino recipes with Southern ingredients is cooked by Silver Iocovozzi and delivered with panache by [his] husband and co-owner, Cherry Iocovozzi,” the endorsement reads in part. The cozy, Filipinx establishment has astoundingly earned high marks from other national publications, including Esquire and Bon Appétit. 

Even the entrance of Neng Jr.’s is artfully crafted in the back of a building - how can we miss this beautiful mural on Jarrett Street?
Nang Jr.s/Submitted
Follow it to a red door in the alley marked Neng Jr.'s and go upstairs to be met by one of the awesome staff members pictured here, including Chef/co-owner Silver Iocovozzi (center left) and his husband co-owner, Cherry Iocovozzi (center right.)
Neng Jr.’s is the first Filipinx restaurant of its kind in Asheville, NC, which officially opened on July 1, 2022.
R dL/Google
The former arcade offers a warm vibe with an intimate dining room (18 seats) and a generous open kitchen where we are invited to enjoy the show.
Order an elegant hand-crafted cocktail while you wait, and these drinks aren't ordinary.
Johnny Autry/Submitted
The Sour Sazerac is made with duck fat rye, sweet and sour syrup, bitters, and an absinthe rinse.
The menu regularly changes based on the availability of items sourced from hard-working farmers and producers which inspire the staff.
Johnny Autry/Submitted
While you're deciding, start off with the traditional Filipino Pork Lumpia filled with the freshness of local produce and savory meat, hand-rolled, crisply fried, and served with a side of house-made sauce.

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Never short on flavor, the scallops are always excellent, sauteed with fresh herbs and spices, including Chinese pumpkin.
Johnny Autry/Submitted
And speaking of seafood, when it's offered on the menu, order it because it is the freshest around.
Johnny Autry/Submitted
And if you don't try anything else, taste the Duck Adobo, with creamy, fat meat; and tons of garlic that will leave you wanting to lick the plate.
Johnny Autry/Submitted
Finish off this exquisite meal with one of the fantastic dessert options.
Johnny Autry/Submitted
Queso ice cream is the bomb.

For more information about one of the best new restaurants in the United States, visit Neng Jr.’s website. And while you’re in Asheville, stay the night in a lovely hotel. Also, discover more reasons why this charming town is an awesome weekend getaway in North Carolina.

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Neng Jr.'s, 701 Haywood Rd Ste 102, Asheville, NC 28806, USA