Dining in Asheville? The area has a multitude of first-rate restaurant options, from casual pizza joints to upscale fine dining establishments to food-sensitive spots that pack in the flavor. We're not the only ones that rave about the restaurants and food in Asheville—just take a brief look at the press these places get, and you'll get the idea.
We have several local chefs and restaurants that have been nominees for James Beard Awards, and we've earned the #1 spot on PETA's Top 10 Vegan-Friendly Towns and Small Cities list as well. Below, you'll find a list of some of our favorite Asheville restaurants serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.
Asheville Breakfast and Brunch
Sunny Point Cafe
Not only does this West Asheville hot spot use all local ingredients, but it also sources some ingredients from its own garden. Breakfast all day and delicious dinner options too. Try their Huevos Rancheros or "The Breakfast Sandwich." Expect a line, especially on weekends, but they've got you covered with the essentials while you wait in the courtyard area -- hot coffee will be ready to go.
Tastee Diner
Tastee Diner was opened in 1946 and reimagined by Chef Steven Goff in 2022. Keeping the structure and bones of a 40's diner, Chef Goff created a casual atmosphere to enjoy creative diner food during the day and upscale tapas-style plates at night. Tastee is not your typical diner, which is why it stands alone in its uniqueness and eclectic charm. While you can eat there throughout the day, we love it for breakfast or brunch. Grab a mimosa and a Smoked Pork n' Congee brekkie bowl and enjoy the hip West Asheville vibes.
Regina's
Created by local legend Elliott Moss (a co-founder of Buxton Hall BBQ and previous chef at The Admiral), Regina's was created to pay homage to the greasy spoon diner. Recently opened in 2023, the pink-clad diner in West Asheville serves up elevated versions of favorite classic cuisine like Fried Chicken and Waffles with Whipped Butter along with sandwiches like the Burrata, Prosciutto, Calabrian Chili, and Cantelope Jam on Sourdough. It's a must-try for those who want to step back in time for brunch.
All Day Darling
All Day Darling is an Asheville family-friendly restaurant located in the Montford neighborhood that serves an all-day menu of market-focused foods. It's open seven days a week to serve the community fresh daily baked goods, hearty salads, bowls, toasts, seasonal dinner specials, and snacks. Their beverage menu is driven by Counter Culture coffee, unique house tonics, signature cocktails, smoothies, draft wines, and craft beers. While they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, they are a beloved brunch spot. We recommend an iced Golden Mocha with the Shakshuka or Frittata. No matter what you order, we think you’ll love this darling, little place.
Biscuit Head
Expect a line out the door on weekends...and with good reason. This restaurant is entirely dedicated to carefully crafted and delicious ...biscuits. Biscuit options range from sizable portions with mimosa fried chicken, brisket, catfish, country ham, or fried green tomatoes. Local coffee from Bean Werks is served and they also proudly serve Hickory Nut Gap and Joyce Farms meats. Don't forget to fill up at the homemade jelly/jam bar. If you're headed to West Asheville, don't miss out on trying out this place. Headed closer to downtown? They also have a Biltmore Ave. location.
Corner Kitchen
Food is art at Corner Kitchen. This historic house/restaurant has roots that started growing with the Vanderbilts (of the Biltmore Estate) and was known as the "Biltmore Cafe in the 1930s. The setting itself makes eating here enjoyable and the food is also excellent.
Vortex Doughnuts
For you doughnut lovers: this is paradise. Vortex was named one of "America's Best Doughnuts" by Food & Wine Magazine in 2015! Try out the ever-changing doughnut selections. They are also coffee fanatics (and make a really good cup of joe).
Early Girl Eatery
Who doesn't like breakfast all day? You've got that and "normal" lunch and dinner options at Early Girl. Many of their vegetables, cheeses, and meats are produced/raised locally. Early Girl Eatery has had media mentions in publications such as Bon Appetit, The New York Times, and Southern Living.
Hole Doughnuts
This "hole in the wall" doughnut shop stays small with its doughnut selections, and we don't think you'll mind. They've got a few regular selections and then a revolving door of creative donuts such as Saffron Almond, Salt and Peppercorn Maple, and Bourbon Milk Punch...who knows what will be available when you visit. Bon Appetit magazine voted Hole Doughnuts Best Dessert of 2016 and they were included in the Food Lover's Guide to Asheville by National Geographic. Their little shop and the people that work there make you feel right at home.
Tupelo Honey Cafe
While you can visit any of its numerous locations sprinkled throughout the U.S., the original cafe was established in Asheville, NC in 2000, making our city the place to sample the traditional Southern cuisine with a healthy twist. Now home to Chef Eric Gabrynowicz, a four-time James Beard Award semifinalist who was named Top Newcomer from Zagat and voted Food and Wine Magazine’s “Peoples Best New Chef (New York),” this cafe is a delightful favorite of tourists and locals alike due to their scratch-made Southern food that revives and reimagines classic dishes.
Our favorites include the Fried Green Tomatoes, Fried Chicken & Cathead Buttermilk Biscuits (topped with homemade blueberry jam and whipped butter to add some Southern sweetness), and the 'Old Skool' Breakfast Bowl complete with a creamy heirloom grit base that perfectly compliments the parmesan & rosemary potato cracklins and roasted red pepper sauce.
Check out Greybeard's best Asheville breakfast blog for more info!
Casual Asheville Lunch and Dinner
12 Bones Smokehouse
12 Bones Smokehouse is a popular choice for slow-cooked BBQ and ribs in Asheville. They have a location in the River Arts District beside The Wedge Brewery's new location as well as a South Asheville location. See what all the hype is about and then purchase their famous Blueberry Chipotle or Sweet Tomato sauces for the drive home.
The Gourmet Chip Co.
Known for its In-House Gourmet Potato Chips and Gourmet Pressed Paninis, this downtown staple is a must-try. We love their pressed Parisian Melt with brie, smoked bacon, and Granny Smith Apples and their Nori potato chips with a red chili Aioli Drizzle. If you find yourself craving their delectable chips after your AVL vacation, you'll be happy to know that they have an online store so you can get their potato chips delivered to your door!
HomeGrown + HomeGround
Established with the principle of serving local food at affordable prices, this certified green restaurant specializes in locally sourced American dishes to be enjoyed in an artsy atmosphere. We recommend their Pimpin' Fried Chicken Sammich with pimento cheese or Catfish Po'Boy for meat eaters, and their Quinoa Bowl or Tempeh Patty Melt for the veg heads. There are two different locations (one on Merrimon near downtown and one in North Asheville), and they have a sister restaurant called HomeGround Coffee Bar which offers an expansive breakfast menu of baked goods, pastries, and platters.
Huli Sue's BBQ & Grill
Located in the historic Grove Arcade, Huli Sue’s BBQ & Grill is serving up a fresh Big Island spin on Texas Barbecue and Hawaiian-inspired dishes. Dine on island time enjoying Hawaiian flavors, fresh fish, poke, signature island cocktails, big country cakes, and the best BBQ in Asheville. Mahalo!
Loretta's Café
Located in downtown Asheville on Lexington Ave, this local & tourist favorite spot serves up the best house-made soups, fresh salads, delicious sandwiches, local craft beer, and freshly baked sweet treats. We recommend one of their Reubens (there are 5 different kinds to choose from) or a combo with a cold sandwich and a cup of soup. It's the perfect spot for a quick and delicious lunch between shopping and activities.
White Duck Taco Shop
This is just one of our all-time favorites. It's got a great name, is affordably priced, and has delightfully unique taco mixtures with a good feel for Asheville! Try the Bangkok Shrimp or Jerk Chicken taco. If you're not feeling courageous, their Steak and Cheese tacos are equally as delicious. The original location is in the River Arts District on Roberts Street. The second location is on Biltmore Ave. in the heart of downtown Asheville.
Chai Pani
Opened in 2009 by chef Meherwan Irani and his wife, Molly, Chai Pani was named Outstanding Restaurant by the James Beard Foundation in 2022 which has made it an even more popular spot. The name Chai Pani translates to “tea and water” and is slang in India for going out for a cup of tea, a tasty bite, a snack, or “a little something.” In Downtown Asheville, it means groundbreaking, fun, affordable, delicious, and “mind-blasting” Indian street food that’s changing the perception of Indian cuisine in America. There are no reservations accepted here, so be prepared to wait!
Pack's Tavern
Located in downtown Asheville in the aptly named Pack Square, you'll find this local, family-owned eatery with food as rich as its history. The building is made up of a "South" side constructed in 1907 and a "North" side constructed in 1912. As one of the oldest buildings in Asheville, it offers a fascinating look into the past. After Prohibition in January 1920, the basement was used as a clandestine distribution center for moonshine.
The Lumber Supply served as the front, and the business thrived with the use of its “loading dock” on the side of the building and its underground tunnel across Eagle Street. With its storied past, Pack's Tavern is also seen as a haunted hot spot in Asheville and is a stop along the many ghost tours. Stop in to enjoy "over 35 rotating taps, live music & eclectic eats!"
The Cantina at Historic Biltmore Village
The Cantina at Historic Biltmore Village is conveniently located right outside the gate of the Biltmore Estate and offers some great "Fresh Mex" Mexican food ranging from quesadillas to burritos, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. If you're looking exclusively for gluten-free dining, check out our Gluten Free Asheville page for inspo. Cantina also has a cool "Skip A Side" program where you can skip one of your sides that typically comes with your entree, and instead, donate it to our local Manna Food Bank.
Asheville Fine Dining
Curate
With placements in the Wall Street Journal, Food & Wine, Conde Nast Traveler, and much more, there's a lot of hype around Curate's great food. Chef Katie Button was named a James Beard Rising Star Chef Semi-Finalist for three consecutive years. Come enjoy tapas!
Rhubarb
Rhubarb is located in the heart of downtown Asheville and serves Appalachian cuisine and cocktails. Opened in 2015 by five-time James Beard Foundation finalist chef John Fleer, Rhubarb has become a legendary spot beloved by tourists and locals alike. Since the menu changes seasonally, you'll experience something new and delicious every visit.
Limones
Come enjoy an inventive cocktail and modern Mexican/Californian cuisine at this Asheville hotspot.
Bouchon French Bistro
It's not open for lunch, but plan a dinner outing to Bouchon French Bistro while you're in the area! There's nothing like some locally sourced French comfort food to end the day.
Jettie Rae's Oyster House
Listed as the #1 place to eat in the Eater Carolinas, you'll enjoy the finest oysters and freshest seafood available at this Asheville gem (or should we say pearl?). The menu is a celebration of coastal cultures inspired by the Gullah Geechee, French, Native American, and Spanish culinary traditions. The food is made even better knowing it is sustainability sourced and that the families and individuals who make their living from coastal waters are supported and honored by this establishment.
The Bull and Beggar
Okay, so the River Arts District isn't exactly known for its fine dining, but The Bull and Beggar is a delicious exception. Their mantra is "European-inspired Appalachian cuisine" and includes menu options ranging from oysters, octopus, venison, and lobster, to bone-in ribeye. Headed there for Sunday Brunch, if you're not feeling breakfast foods, their B&B Double Cheeseburger may be the perfect choice.
Chestnut
Centrally located on Biltmore Avenue, this popular Asheville restaurant serves American cuisine and creative cocktails in a refurbished space that reflects the 1920s, the era when it was built.
Zambra
Zambra Tapas, Wine, and Bar offers farm-to-table tapas (small plates) with tastes of Spain and North Africa and hundreds of wine options from the Iberian peninsula.
Table Asheville
Jacob Sessoms, the head chef of Table Asheville, was the first chef in Asheville to be nominated for a James Beard award. This New American restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Asheville and has a revolving (and ever-evolving) menu. Sessoms' goal from the beginning has been to support and showcase regional and sustainable agriculture. Table also boasts its upstairs cocktail and charcuterie lounge, The Imperial Life.
Red Stag Grill
The Red Stag Grill is located at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Asheville's Biltmore Village and offers a classy steakhouse option with a romantic ambiance.
Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse
Inspired by the comfort of Japanese street food and a passion for American BBQ, this upscale restaurant offers an impressive cocktail menu along with menus of traditional sake and Japanese whiskey. If visiting for the first time, we recommend their Prix Fixe menu (choice of beef or seafood) with a drink pairing to try the best chef-curated flavors.