Historic Biltmore Village getting new restaurant: What to know

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The historic Biltmore Village is gradually reopening, with a longstanding favorite eatery among the latest comebacks.

ASHEVILLE – A West Asheville restaurant is packing up and moving across town to the historic Biltmore Village in a strategic move to revitalize the storm-battered district.

In September 2022, Gemelli, an Italian eatery, debuted at 70 Westgate Parkway in the Westgate Shopping Center.

By as early as this fall, Gemelli will be relocated to 28 Hendersonville Road in the historic Biltmore Village.

Andaaz occupied the site until the Swannanoa River flooded the Indian restaurant during Tropical Storm Helene, which arrived in Western North Carolina on Sept. 27. The Swannanoa River crested at a record 27.33 feet.

“We’re really looking forward to being part of the renaissance of Biltmore Village following Helene and the opportunity to bring New Italian American dining to the Village,” Chef Anthony Cerrato, who owns Gemelli, as well as Strada Italiano and the Social Lounge downtown, said in a news release.

Cerrato’s plan to be a part of Biltmore Village’s comeback is amid a long-term recovery as businesses in the neighborhood, which is situated outside of Biltmore Estate’s main gate, gradually rebuild and reopen.

Andaaz’s owner Raj Singh told the Citizen Times in August that he would reopen the restaurant at 15 Page Ave. downtown, joining his other businesses: Laila, an Indian eatery on Biltmore Avenue and Jazmin, a Pan Asian restaurant on College Street, opening this fall.

Gemelli is intended to move into the renovated Biltmore Village space between November and spring 2026. The restaurant will continue to operate as usual at the Westgate Shopping Center until that time.

The hours are 3-9 p.m. Monday, Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Gemelli’s new space is planned to occupy the lower level for its dining room, adding a separate entrance for its gelateria, serving house-made gelato and coffee. Falcon Construction and Rhythm Interiors are overseeing the project.

Executive Chef Gabe Cerrato (Anthony Cerrato’s son) and Chef de Cuisine Chuck Baudendistle (formerly Executive Chef at The Admiral) will remain at Gemelli, creating housemade pastas and more classic and elevated Italian dishes. Chef’s table dining will be offered in the kitchen.

Gemelli’s menu features charcuterie, salads, Italian desserts, wine and more. Brunch and dinner service are offered.

For more details, visit gemelli.restaurant and follow @gemelli.avl on Instagram.

Tiana Kennell is the food and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Tips, comments, questions? Email tkennell@citizentimes.com or follow @PrincessOfPage on Instagram. Sign up for AVL Bites and Brews, our weekly food and drink newsletter here.