13 Best Restaurants in Asheville (2022)

Nestled in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a mountain town with a vibrant dining scene. Playing off of the city’s innovative spirit, Asheville restaurants are known for their creative take on Southern fare, as well as global cuisine. Whether you are looking for a Friday night dinner spot for special occasions or a casual Sunday brunch that features Southern comfort food, it’s all here. Local farms often are the source of ingredients, creating a truly farm-to-table seasonal menu. Here are the best restaurants in Asheville that should be on your list.

Downtown Asheville

Chai Pani

There is no shortage of national acclaim for chef Meherwan Irani’s inventive restaurant – from winning the James Beard Foundation’s Outstanding Restaurant Award to being recognized on the New York Times American’s Favorite Restaurants list. Specializing in chaat – Indian street snacks that are bold in flavor, and thalis – traditional homemade meals that highlight India’s impressive culinary diversity, it is easy to see why this restaurant has been a longtime favorite.

Crowd favorites include Bhel Puri (a popular street food made out of puffed rice, flour crisps, roasted chana daal, and chickpea noodles), the Sloppy Jai (their take on a Sloppy Joe with spiced lamp hash), and the Butter Chicken. The mango lassi balances out the spice well and adds a bit of its own flair with a touch of cardamom.

There is both indoor and outdoor seating, with heat lamps outside for when the weather cools down. Get there early to be put on the waitlist or join the waitlist via Yelp if you are close by.

22 Battery Park Ave,

Asheville, NC 28801

Tupelo Honey Cafe

For a truly memorable Southern meal, this restaurant impresses with its creative and responsibly-sourced menu helmed by executive chef Eric Gabrynowicz. The kitchen is open for brunch, lunch, and dinner and prides itself on infusing Southern hospitality into the meals, which are meant for guests to linger with family and friends.

Start out your meal with the Cast Iron Pimento Cheese Dip, all made from scratch and served with seasoned tortilla chips. The Famous Fried Green Tomatoes with a panko crust and roasted red pepper sauce over grits is also a stand-out. For your main entree, there are plenty of options, but you cannot go wrong with Tupelo’s Famous Fried Chicken (get the honey dusted). If you prefer a more brunch-oriented option, the Fried Chicken & Biscuit doesn’t disappoint.

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. There is both indoor seating and a covered patio outside. Brunch is served all day. There is a second location in South Asheville.

Downtown

12 College Street

Asheville, NC 28801

South

1829 Hendersonville Road

Asheville, NC 28803

Early Girl Eatery

Featuring seasonal, organic ingredients from local farms, this restaurant takes care of where their food is sourced from, including their delicious grits that are from a family-owned farm in Marshall, NC, and their fresh jam from Imladris Farm in Fairview, NC. This eatery has been a beloved spot in Asheville for over twenty years that offers a wide range of gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options.

Bow to the King is one of their most popular breakfast items, which has Southern fried chicken tenders and homemade cinnamon buttermilk biscuits, topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream. Another favorite is the Yam Scram, with sweet potatoes, pork sausage, applewood bacon, and shitake mushrooms. For something a bit more decadent, order the 12-Hour Slow Roasted Porky Breakfast Bowl which is a savory blend of pulled pork, home fries, scrambled eggs, and cheddar, all topped with a smoky bacon gravy.

A full menu including breakfast, lunch, and dinner is served all day, every day. Reservations ahead of time are not accepted. There is indoor and outdoor seating at all locations. There are branches in West and South Asheville.

Downtown

8 Wall Street

Asheville, NC 28801

West

444 Haywood Road #101

Asheville, NC 28806

South

1378 Hendersonville Road, Suite A

Asheville, NC 28803

Rhubarb

Five-time James Beard award finalist chef John Fleer creates a simple, but memorable dining experience that draws from local farms and his past experience cooking in rural settings across the Southeast. Along with the main restaurant, there is also a private event space that hosts workshops, cooking classes, and other private events. The Rhu is the restaurant’s adjacent cafe, pantry, and bakery where guests can grab a casual breakfast or lunch, including picnic boxes for hikes in the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway.

The seasonal menus are always changing, so make sure to check their latest offerings before you visit. Current highlights for the dinner menu include Pimento Cheese Hush Puppies to start your meal and the Colfax Creek Farms Pork Chop as an entree is sure to satisfy. Order one of the craft cocktails, like their Asheville Grey Fog (earl gray gin, oat milk, and almond orgeat) that will complement any dish nicely.

Reservations are recommended. There is both indoor and covered outdoor seating available.

7 SW Pack Square

Asheville, NC 28801

Baby Bull

Brought to you by the same people who are behind The Bull & Beggar, this fast-casual spot has arguably some of the best burgers in town. Their menu is small but mighty with the most popular being the Double Cheeseburger that has two Certified Angus Beef patties. Gluten-free buns are available. The other choices are more seafood oriented, with the Lobster Roll a pleasant surprise with its chilled butter-poached lobster on a New England roll. Make sure to order a side of hushpuppies or pork rinds straight out of the oven.

Head over for Burger Mondays, where you can get burgers, fries, and a drink for a steal (including beer or Lambrusco). There is both indoor and outdoor seating available.

1 Roberts Street

Asheville, NC 28801

Curate Bar De Tapas

Located in a remodeled 1927 bus depot, this Ashville fine dining staple is helmed by chef Katie Button and has been serving up Spanish tapas for over a decade. The restaurant also has La Bodega on the property, which is a Spanish-style cafe with a pintxo (small plates) and wine bar, as well as a market to bring edible souvenirs home. This past June, Curate was awarded the James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Hospitality, an honor that reflects the warm atmosphere and the staff that make this restaurant feel instantly like home.

It is hard to go wrong with anything on the menu, but some popular dishes are the Pan con Tomate (bread with tomato) with Manchego cheese, Berenjenas con Miel (fried eggplant with honey), Secreto Iberico (charcoal-grilled Iberico pork skirt steak with herbs), and Almejas (clams steamed with pork belly). The Pincho Moruno (lamb skewers with Moorish spices) is a solid choice if you want a larger dish.

Reservations are a must (make them as far in advance as possible). If you did not secure a reservation, there is always a chance there is a spot at the bar, where you get a front-row seat to the magic that happens within the kitchen.

13 Biltmore Avenue

Asheville, NC 28801

French Broad Chocolate Lounge

It is hard to go wrong with this sustainably sourced chocolate factory that gets its produce from local farms and cocoa from South American farmers whom they have developed personal relationships with over the years. Drop by the cafe to indulge in chocolate-centric desserts, from decedent layered chocolate cakes, and housemade ice cream to a variety of drinking chocolates. There are gluten-free and vegan options available as well.

If you are curious about how the chocolate is made, reserve a spot on the 45-55 minute tour to learn how beans are transformed into bars or attend a wine and chocolate tasting, where you will sample different pairings (tour not included). Reservations are required for both activities.

10 South Pack Square,

Asheville NC 28801

River Arts District

White Duck Taco Shop

For tacos with a creative twist that is inspired by either global or American flavors, this lively spot is not to be missed. It’s a great place to grab a casual bite with a view of the scenic French Broad River. Crowd favorites are the Crispy Pork Belly with the pickled watermelon rind, the Lamb Gyro with tzatziki, and the Korean Beef Bulgogi topped with kimchi. The Chicken Tikka Masala is also a memorable dish with fried chickpeas. The White Peach Sangria is a great compliment to any selection.

The restaurant is counter service. There is both indoor and outdoor seating available Dog-friendly. There are more shops in Downtown and South Asheville.

388 Riverside Drive

Asheville, NC 28801

Downtown

12 Biltmore Avenue

Asheville, NC 28801

South

16 Miami Circle

Arden, NC 28704

12 Bones Smokehouse

Follow the scent of grilled meat to this beloved BBQ joint, where everything is made from scratch. The menu is a blend of old family recipes and new twists on tradition, not being tied down to one style of barbeque. With humble beginnings in an unassuming shack, 12 Bones has grown to have fans that include the Obamas who have returned for their delicious ribs.

The baby back ribs are the star here (get them smothered in blueberry chipotle), but with an ever-changing menu, there are plenty of other options to tempt you. The pulled pork is no slouch either (get it either in a sandwich or plate) or the sliced brisket. For sides, their smoked potato salad and collard greens are excellent. They also brew their own beers on-site.

The restaurant is counter service. There is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Dog-friendly. There is another branch in South Asheville.

5 Foundy Street, Suite 10

Asheville, NC 28801

South

2350 Hendersonville Road

Arden, NC 28704

West Asheville

Sunny Point Cafe

One of the most popular brunch spots in the city is this family-owned cafe that serves up Southern classics with local ingredients, including produce from their on-site garden. This cafe is deeply involved in its community, supporting nonprofits like Southern Restaurants for Racial Justice and Dine IN For Life (WNCAP’s annual fundraising event that supports community-based organizations that help serve individuals living or impacted by HIV).

For brunch, their Chicken & Waffle Sandwich is a top item, with pimento cheese, jalapeno jam, and bacon (get it with a side of cheese grits). Another popular dish is the Huevos Rancheros (Huevos Fucheros is an alternative meatless version) with black bean cakes, chorizo, potatoes, and feta, and topped with green salsa and cilantro crema. For something sweet, the Carrot Hotcakes is a must, that taste like carrot cake if it were a pancake with maple syrup and sweet cardamom cream cheese.

Breakfast is served all day. Dinner specials start at 4 pm, Tuesdays – Saturday. There is limited indoor and outdoor (heated) patio seating.

626 Haywood Road

West Asheville, NC

Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack

Whether you prefer your fried chicken plain, sweet, or mouth-achingly spicy, you can personalize your meal to your liking at this lively spot. There is a variety of chicken, whether you prefer wings, tenders, grilled, half a rotisserie, or in a sandwich. The chicken pot pie is also a fan favorite. The sides are not to be missed, especially the fried pickle chips, sweet potato casserole, and mac and cheese poppers. The banana pudding for dessert hits the spot.

Counter service. Indoor and outdoor seating. There is another shack in South Asheville.

1455 Patton Avenue

Asheville, NC 28806

South

3749 Sweeten Creek Road

Arden, NC 28704

North Asheville

Luella’s Bar-B-Que

There is some delicious barbeque in Asheville and Luella’s is undoubtedly one of the best. Named after the grandmother of the owner Jeff Miller, this beloved BBQ joint feels like family the moment you step through the door. The restaurant staff is not only committed to making sure guests are happy and satisfied, but also supports the larger local community around them including K-12 education programs.

Start with the Better Than Dad’s Devil Eggs and then get an order of the Chopped Pork BBQ that has a touch of vinegar in its sauce to bring out the perfect tang of flavor. For sides, the Mac ‘n Hoop Cheese is the star of the show, but the hushpuppies that are included with all BBQ trays are a close second. Get a pitcher of freshly brewed sweetened iced tea to wash it all down.

Dining is counter service. There is both indoor and outdoor (dog-friendly) seating. There is another branch in South Asheville.

501 Merrimon Avenue

Asheville, NC 28804

South

33 Town Square Boulevard

Asheville, NC 28803

South Asheville

Biscuit Head

With a commitment to share their love of Southern cuisine, Jason and Carolyn Roy opened the original Biscuit Head in Asheville and have since expanded to around the city as well as Greenville, South Carolina. They pride themselves on giving back to the community, sourcing ingredients from local farms, and creating a minimal carbon footprint at all their locations.

If you want to go all out, get The Filthy Animal with a buttermilk biscuit, fried chicken, scrambled eggs, pimento cheese, and bacon covered in gravy. If you want to keep it simple, try the Full Breakfast which comes with a biscuit, two eggs, and two sides (try the pimento cheese grits). Get their cinnamon sugar-dusted donuts with lemon curd. Make sure to order a biscuit on the side to sample their impressive jam selection, including peach rosemary. Gluten-free/vegan biscuits are available.

This location is a bit difficult to find as it is in an office building. The interior is small, but the line moves fast (or you can pre-order). There is outdoor and indoor seating available. There are additional locations in West and South Asheville.

417 Biltmore Avenue, Suite 4F

Asheville, NC 28801

West

733 Haywood Road,

Asheville, NC 28806

South

1994 Hendersonville Road,

Asheville, NC 28803

Corner Kitchen

Located in a picturesque Victorian cottage in the historic Biltmore Village, this restaurant is one of the best places to experience sustainable and locally-grown ingredients in a setting rich with history. It is a great spot to stop before or after visiting the nearby Biltmore Estate. Corner Kitchen opened in 2004 when co-owners Joe and Kevin decided to join forces after meeting at their sons’ YMCA program.

Both brunch and dinner are served and are equally delicious. Brunch standouts include Boozy French Toast with Grand Marnier batter and Bourbon sorghum and Crow’s Famous Chicken N’ Waffles that is topped with chipotle honey and black pepper sausage gravy. Their enormous cinnamon roll is also a real treat. For dinner, start out with some creamy corn and crab chowder and then move on to CK Shrimp & Grits which includes a decedent creole butter and local Benton ham.

Reservations are highly recommended. There is both indoor and outdoor covered patio seating.