MAGURO | asheville, nc
- WineCheeseScallops
- Sep 15
- 4 min read
Lunch at Maguro – A Surprise Find in the Heart of Asheville
Downtown Asheville has a charm all its own. Strolling the streets, you’ll find a mix of art galleries, boutique shops, craft breweries, and a dining scene that’s as eclectic as it is inviting. The energy is vibrant—street musicians filling the air with sound, local artists displaying their work, and historic architecture blending seamlessly with modern storefronts. Whether you’re in town for the mountains, the culture, or the food, Asheville’s downtown is always buzzing with life and possibility.
For our anniversary getaway, we decided to spend part of the afternoon exploring downtown Asheville. After shopping, taking in the sights, and wandering through the colorful streets, we decided it was time to find lunch. That’s when Maguro caught our eye.
From the outside, Maguro immediately pulled us in. Its sleek exterior with dark colors and a bold, bright logo was modern and inviting. When we peeked inside, the décor sealed the deal—we knew right away this was the spot.
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A Warm Welcome | MAGURO
At the entrance, red velvet ropes lined the doorway, giving us the feeling that we were about to enter someplace special. As we pushed through the large, heavy door, we were greeted by one of the friendliest hostesses we’ve ever met. We asked to sit at the sushi bar—our favorite spot at any sushi restaurant—because it gives us a chance to meet the chefs, watch them create their art, and hear about their experiences.
The dining room was just as captivating as the entrance. Bright red tones contrasted against dark flooring and furniture, with a stunning red Asian-inspired mural stretching across the back wall. A large framed geisha robe added to the elegance, while soft but vibrant lighting set a calm, comfortable atmosphere. Every staff member we encountered was genuinely friendly, making us feel like welcomed guests rather than just diners passing through.
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To our surprise, we were immediately given a complimentary welcome appetizer. It was a thoughtful touch, and the dish itself was as beautiful as it was delicious. The flavors were layered and balanced, and the contrasting textures gave us an early hint that this meal was going to be something special.
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Starters – Pork Gyoza
We officially kicked things off with the Pork Gyoza. Perfectly pan-seared with a golden, crispy edge, the dumplings gave way to a tender, savory pork filling. Each bite carried the comforting richness of slow-cooked pork paired with a subtle hint of garlic and ginger. The dipping sauce elevated it further with a salty-sweet balance that tied the flavors together beautifully. It was the kind of appetizer that makes you want to slow down, savor, and order a second round just to relive the experience.
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Entrees We Shared
Sycamore Kisses Roll
This roll was a showstopper. It combined spicy tuna and shrimp tempura at its core—already a winning combination of heat and crunch—before being topped with a trio of salmon, tuna, and yellowtail. Each piece was a perfect bite of creamy, crunchy, and fresh, with wasabi mayo adding a touch of zing, eel sauce lending a smoky sweetness, and tobiko giving little pops of texture. The thin shreds of kizami nori on top tied it all together, making this roll both bold and beautifully balanced.
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Cadillac Roll
The Cadillac Roll felt luxurious from the first bite. Inside was a spicy yellowtail and cilantro mix that brought both heat and a refreshing herbal lift. On top, delicate slices of albacore tuna and salmon melted into the roll, while the garlic ponzu sauce added a tangy, slightly smoky depth. It was bright, flavorful, and layered—each ingredient playing its part in harmony without overpowering the others.
Toro Sashimi
The star of the meal was without question the Toro Sashimi. This tuna belly sashimi was melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Rich, buttery, and unbelievably tender, each slice offered the kind of delicate texture that makes toro such a prized delicacy. It didn’t need anything extra—the purity of the fish spoke for itself. Velvety, clean, and indulgent, it was the kind of bite that makes you pause just to appreciate it.
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Wrapping Up
Our lunch at Maguro was an unexpected gift. What started as a quick stop based on curb appeal turned into a dining experience full of flavor, warmth, and hospitality. We left feeling thankful that we had stumbled upon this gem, and it set the perfect tone for the rest of our anniversary day. With our bellies happy and our hearts full, we walked back into downtown Asheville even more excited for our dinner reservations at The Corner Kitchen that evening.
Phone: (828) 412-3380
Address: 14 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC, 28801
Hours of operation:
Mon - Thu: 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Mon - Thu: 4:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Fri: 11:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Sat: 12:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Sun: 12:00 PM - 9:30 PM
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