Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian South and Jettie Rae’s Oyster House Are Ranked Among America’s Best in Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best Awards

The Scheffer Group is proud to announce that Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian South and Jettie Rae’s Oyster House have both been recognized in Tripadvisor’s prestigious Best of the Best Awards. Vinnie’s South earned the #6 spot and Jettie Rae’s ranked #8 in the highly competitive Casual Dining category, recognizing them as two of the finest dining destinations in the United States.

The Best of the Best Awards honor the top 1% of Tripadvisor listings, celebrating establishments that consistently deliver outstanding culinary experiences. Vinnie’s South and Jettie Rae’s Oyster House are now both nationally recognized for their inviting atmospheres, outstanding food, and commitment to exceptional hospitality.

Vinnie’s South, led by Executive Chef George Ettwein, Sous Chef Ethan Keeter, and General Manager Nan Lynch, has remained  #1 out of 598 restaurants in Asheville on Tripadvisor, a feat not easily achieved. Jettie Rae’s, led by Executive Chef Will Cisa, Chef de Cuisine Antonio Perez, and General Manager Emily Abernathy, has now ranked as a Top 10 Restaurant in the United States for the second year in a row.

Guided by the visionary leadership of Owner/Chef Eric Scheffer, The Scheffer Group has consistently delivered exceptional hospitality that leaves a lasting impression on guests. From the comforting Italian-American flavors of Vinnie’s South to the expertly crafted seafood dishes at Jettie Rae’s, every dining experience is thoughtfully designed with exceptional care and passion.

"We are truly humbled by this recognition," said Eric Scheffer, founder of The Scheffer Group. "Having not one, but two of our restaurants ranked among the best in the nation is an incredible achievement. It’s a testament to the unwavering dedication of our remarkable teams, who work tirelessly to deliver unforgettable dining experiences every day."

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the Asheville community has faced a monumental hurdle: a clean water shortage impacting many of its beloved local restaurants. The Scheffer Group has played a pivotal role in securing clean water access for not only their restaurants but for nearly a dozen other restaurants in Asheville as well. Large water tanks are stationed outside their establishments, filled with potable water delivered by Baytown-based Topwater Energy Solutions. Moody Plumbing, a local company, installed pumps that channel this water directly into buildings, while UV filtration systems provide an additional layer of safety. Serving as the primary liaison among plumbers, water delivery teams, and Asheville restaurateurs, The Scheffer Group has streamlined logistics, coordinated routes, and introduced cost-effective solutions, such as smaller tanker trucks, to enhance accessibility across the area.

As Asheville reopens, supporting local restaurants like Vinnie’s South and Jettie Rae’s has never been more meaningful. The city is eager to welcome visitors back to its vibrant dining scene, and the recognition of Vinnie’s South and Jettie Rae’s as top restaurants in the nation underscores Asheville’s place as a premier food destination, where resilience and hospitality go hand in hand.