Gemelli is now open at 28 Hendersonville Rd in Biltmore Village after moving from their previous location in Asheville’s Westgate Mall. Witnessing the Chamber ribbon-cutting and participating in the celebration on Thursday, April 16th, a day before opening to the public, was a special treat.
Gemelli (juh-MEL-lee) is a playful, intertwined pasta whose name means “twins” in Italian. It’s an ode to owner and chef Anthony Cerrato’s twin daughters and a celebration of bringing flavors and people beautifully together.
Anthony Cerrato, Chef & Proprietor, is the force behind Gemelli as well as his original Asheville eatery, Strada Italiano operating at 27 Broadway St since 2012. The addition of their Social Lounge rooftop cocktail bar next door followed. His son, Gabe Cerrato is Gemelli’s Executive Chef.
The transformation of this historic 1923 building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, after the complete devastating of Hurricane Helene, is amazing! According to Anthony, he was approached regarding purchasing the building and made the decision to do so. It was lovely before, but now it might just give you all the feels. Not sure the amazing transformation would have happened to a leased property?
Two other team members merit mention. Chuck Baudendistle, Chef de Cuisine and Mahsa Golabi, Executive pastry Chef & Baker. Baudendistle was Executive Chef at the Admiral in West Asheville from 2020 until joining the culinary team at Gemelli in 2025. Golabi has a fascinating, but not unheard of background in science, going from pursuing her medical degree in neurology to giving it up after falling in love with baking.
Dinner was lovely. See gallery below for images. Opening with house-made bread and olives, then a flavorful Kale Salad, Gemelli Alla Vodka pasta, and the finale, a very chocolatey Chocolate Torta. There’s no picture of the Torta. Any guesses why? Each course was served with a small sample of a different wine, except the torta, which was served on this occasion with a small espresso martini.
Anyone who knows me in person or follows Carolina Epicurean knows I’m a sucker for the sweet stuff. With an upcoming trip to Paris, I’ve already bookmarked over a dozen bakeries. 🙂 So when I tried Mahsa’s sample (1/2 size) Cannoli, I was eye-roll impressed. She makes the filling, but also the shell. Not so common these days.
When my daughter and I were visiting Boston’s North End Italian District 15 years ago, we went to every bakery and got their standard canolli. Then we found a spot to sit down and do a Cannoli Throwdown. The majority of those bakeries did not make their own shells. The ones that did, definitely stood out!
Speaking of sweet stuff, still to come soon is a cozy space (see gallery) also facing Hendersonville Rd, but with a separate entrance. Named Affogato, a gelato and espresso café. It’ll be open during the day for counter service, you’ll be able to pick up locally roasted coffee/espresso and house-made gelato to stay or go. Maybe more?
Gemelli’s menus can be found HERE. Not on the website, but in the gallery below, is their Drinks Menu. It’s fairly priced with amounts ranging average for our area. I asked the bartender what an Old Fashioned (not on the printed menu) made with top shelf Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon would cost. The answer was $17. Totally fair. They priced it on the fly, so if priced differently, please don’t hold them to the $17.
Bottom line, GO to Gemelli. You won’t be disappointed. Check their website for current open days and hours.
