The Best of Asheville - by Deanna Wellman
Favorite Restaurants - Breakfast
Best Breakfast in Town!
Seating is limited, so make reservations! Brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays, only. Don't skip the cocktails, they're the best part! Go for one of the inventive margaritas, you can't go wrong!
279 locals recommend
Limones Restaurant
15 Eagle StSeating is limited, so make reservations! Brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays, only. Don't skip the cocktails, they're the best part! Go for one of the inventive margaritas, you can't go wrong!
An Asheville staple, you must visit Sunny Point at least once during your trip! The very definition of "service with a smile," and the food is perfection!
They do NOT take reservations and the lines can get VERY long, so I recommend going early (as soon as they open). If you're not an early riser, be prepared to wait an hour or more for a table, or you could try for lunch instead.
587 locals recommend
Sunny Point Café
626 Haywood RdAn Asheville staple, you must visit Sunny Point at least once during your trip! The very definition of "service with a smile," and the food is perfection!
They do NOT take reservations and the lines can get VERY long, so I recommend going early (as soon as they open). If you're not an early riser, be prepared to wait an hour or more for a table, or you could try for lunch instead.
Tupelo Honey is another Asheville institution. The Shoo Mercy Sweet Potato Pancakes are to DIE for! And most likely the BEST fried chicken you've ever had in your life!
They do take reservations, and they just expanded their dining room, so you don't have to wait quite as long for a table now! If it's a nice day, ask for outdoor seating, it's in a popular part of downtown (Pritchard Park), so it's fun to people watch!
305 locals recommend
Tupelo Honey
12 College StTupelo Honey is another Asheville institution. The Shoo Mercy Sweet Potato Pancakes are to DIE for! And most likely the BEST fried chicken you've ever had in your life!
They do take reservations, and they just expanded their dining room, so you don't have to wait quite as long for a table now! If it's a nice day, ask for outdoor seating, it's in a popular part of downtown (Pritchard Park), so it's fun to people watch!
I recommend this place for people with dietary restrictions, the health-conscious, and/or if you're in a hurry.
It's also a nice place to grab a cup of coffee (or tea) and a snack! Or use it as an internet cafe! Lots of folks like to bring their laptops and work here.
47 locals recommend
Green Sage Cafe Downtown
5 Broadway StI recommend this place for people with dietary restrictions, the health-conscious, and/or if you're in a hurry.
It's also a nice place to grab a cup of coffee (or tea) and a snack! Or use it as an internet cafe! Lots of folks like to bring their laptops and work here.
Two words, cathead biscuits. This is where the name comes from because their biscuits are the size of cat heads! Seriously!
Take your time at the Jam/Butter bar and choose your samples wisely.
No reservations, stand in line to order. Again, go early if you don't want to wait!!
472 locals recommend
Biscuit Head
733 Haywood RdTwo words, cathead biscuits. This is where the name comes from because their biscuits are the size of cat heads! Seriously!
Take your time at the Jam/Butter bar and choose your samples wisely.
No reservations, stand in line to order. Again, go early if you don't want to wait!!
The best kept brunch secret in Asheville! They serve brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, only. They DO take reservations, but it most likely won't be necessary. They have traditional Southern breakfast options and pancake/waffle specials, but go for the Middle-Eastern/Mediterranean fare and you won't be disappointed!
74 locals recommend
Jerusalem Garden Café
78 Patton AveThe best kept brunch secret in Asheville! They serve brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, only. They DO take reservations, but it most likely won't be necessary. They have traditional Southern breakfast options and pancake/waffle specials, but go for the Middle-Eastern/Mediterranean fare and you won't be disappointed!
The BEST restaurant on the East-side! They serve brunch on Sundays only, but if you can't make it for breakfast, go for dinner! The crispy brussels sprouts are the best I've ever had!
87 locals recommend
Copper Crown
1011 Tunnel RdThe BEST restaurant on the East-side! They serve brunch on Sundays only, but if you can't make it for breakfast, go for dinner! The crispy brussels sprouts are the best I've ever had!
Favorite Restaurants - Lunch
BBQ, Burgers, Tacos and more!
Award winning desserts, so save room for pie! Bon Appetite's list of top five fried chicken sandwiches in America! Vintage vibes, serving retro soft drinks and located in an old roller rink with original wood floors! Try the Bourbon/Cheerwine slushie... soooooo good!
144 locals recommend
Buxton Hall Barbecue
32 Banks AveAward winning desserts, so save room for pie! Bon Appetite's list of top five fried chicken sandwiches in America! Vintage vibes, serving retro soft drinks and located in an old roller rink with original wood floors! Try the Bourbon/Cheerwine slushie... soooooo good!
Best burgers in town, in my opinion. And their fries are delicious too! They have daily specials, and they do have tasty salads for those who are less carnivorous.
151 locals recommend
Farm Burger Asheville
10 Patton AveBest burgers in town, in my opinion. And their fries are delicious too! They have daily specials, and they do have tasty salads for those who are less carnivorous.
Lunch is a great time to visit Mela because they serve a buffet of all kinds of Indian dishes. It's perfect for sampling different kinds of foods that you may not have tried before!
191 locals recommend
Mela Indian Restaurant
70 N Lexington AveLunch is a great time to visit Mela because they serve a buffet of all kinds of Indian dishes. It's perfect for sampling different kinds of foods that you may not have tried before!
Another Indian food option, but this place is geared more toward Indian street food, small plates and snacks. They also have my favorite Chai tea!
311 locals recommend
Chai Pani Asheville
22 Battery Park AveAnother Indian food option, but this place is geared more toward Indian street food, small plates and snacks. They also have my favorite Chai tea!
They also have a location on Montford, and both places are amazing! All the island feels, Jamaican/Carribean, lots of pasta and rice options or opt for zucchini noodles for the carb-conscious. Most dishes are dairy-free, lots of veggies, spices and chicken/fish/seafood optoins.
589 locals recommend
Nine Mile
233 Montford AveThey also have a location on Montford, and both places are amazing! All the island feels, Jamaican/Carribean, lots of pasta and rice options or opt for zucchini noodles for the carb-conscious. Most dishes are dairy-free, lots of veggies, spices and chicken/fish/seafood optoins.
White Duck is so popular it has THREE locations, but our favorite is this one - right on the French Broad River.
Order first, then grab a picnic table outside. There's a "beer bus" outside or get one of their delicious margaritas when you order inside.
These tacos are nothing like you've had before, from lamb gyro, to shrimp and grits, to korean bulgogi beef, you will not be disappointed!
440 locals recommend
White Duck Taco Shop
388 Riverside DrWhite Duck is so popular it has THREE locations, but our favorite is this one - right on the French Broad River.
Order first, then grab a picnic table outside. There's a "beer bus" outside or get one of their delicious margaritas when you order inside.
These tacos are nothing like you've had before, from lamb gyro, to shrimp and grits, to korean bulgogi beef, you will not be disappointed!
Also on the Breakfast list. Try the fried chicken!! Sit outside on a nice day, and anything labeled "Shoo Mercy" is not for the faint of heart... bring your appetite!
305 locals recommend
Tupelo Honey
12 College StAlso on the Breakfast list. Try the fried chicken!! Sit outside on a nice day, and anything labeled "Shoo Mercy" is not for the faint of heart... bring your appetite!
If you can't make it for breakfast, at least go for lunch! It's less crowded for lunch, but the food is just as tasty! Definitely an Asheville MUST-eat.
587 locals recommend
Sunny Point Café
626 Haywood RdIf you can't make it for breakfast, at least go for lunch! It's less crowded for lunch, but the food is just as tasty! Definitely an Asheville MUST-eat.
A modern-day food court filled with the order-at-the-counter version of local restaurants (Like Buxton Hall BBQ) and anchored by Highland Brewing
43 locals recommend
The S&W
56 Patton AveA modern-day food court filled with the order-at-the-counter version of local restaurants (Like Buxton Hall BBQ) and anchored by Highland Brewing
Favorite Restaurants - Dinner
This list could get exhaustive... So many places to eat, not enough room in the belly!
MAKE RESERVATIONS WAY IN ADVANCE! Basically, unless you get really lucky, if you don't have a reservation, you won't be eating here.
Quite possibly THE best restaurant in Asheville. Spanish cuisine, tapas, pork is their specialty!
Order the fried eggplant with rosemary ice cream for dessert. It's not on the menu as a dessert, but #protip. Believe me. Just do it.
518 locals recommend
Cúrate
13 Biltmore AveMAKE RESERVATIONS WAY IN ADVANCE! Basically, unless you get really lucky, if you don't have a reservation, you won't be eating here.
Quite possibly THE best restaurant in Asheville. Spanish cuisine, tapas, pork is their specialty!
Order the fried eggplant with rosemary ice cream for dessert. It's not on the menu as a dessert, but #protip. Believe me. Just do it.
French comfort food at its finest. I'm going to go ahead and say they have the best fries in the city. You're welcome!
145 locals recommend
Bouchon
62 N Lexington AveFrench comfort food at its finest. I'm going to go ahead and say they have the best fries in the city. You're welcome!
Our favorite Italian restaurant in Asheville! Homemade pastas, delicious entrees, and romantic ambiance. This is a go-to date night spot for us!
85 locals recommend
Cucina24
24 Wall StOur favorite Italian restaurant in Asheville! Homemade pastas, delicious entrees, and romantic ambiance. This is a go-to date night spot for us!
This may be a little bit of a secret spot in Asheville. They do take reservations. Delicious Southern appetizers, small plates and entrees.
They are known for their Rum selection, hence the name.
37 locals recommend
Storm Rhum Bar & Bistro
125 S Lexington AveThis may be a little bit of a secret spot in Asheville. They do take reservations. Delicious Southern appetizers, small plates and entrees.
They are known for their Rum selection, hence the name.
If the weather's nice, you can't beat the views from this rooftop restaurant! Make reservations and ask for outdoor seating. The paella is excellent!
98 locals recommend
Hemingway's Cuba Restaurant & Bar
15 Page AveIf the weather's nice, you can't beat the views from this rooftop restaurant! Make reservations and ask for outdoor seating. The paella is excellent!
Authentic Mediterranean/Middle-Eastern fare (I believe the owner is from Jordan?). It's such a unique place, and they have live music and belly dancer on Friday nights! It's a fun dining experience that you won't find anywhere else!
74 locals recommend
Jerusalem Garden Café
78 Patton AveAuthentic Mediterranean/Middle-Eastern fare (I believe the owner is from Jordan?). It's such a unique place, and they have live music and belly dancer on Friday nights! It's a fun dining experience that you won't find anywhere else!
There are a lot of sushi restaurants in Asheville, and we've tried them ALL. This place is by far our favorite! It's not the hippest of locations, but you won't be disappointed.
48 locals recommend
Greenteasushi Japanese Restaurant
2 Regent Park BlvdThere are a lot of sushi restaurants in Asheville, and we've tried them ALL. This place is by far our favorite! It's not the hippest of locations, but you won't be disappointed.
Your local Asheville hipster joint, cool vibes, good food, great live music most nights. There's always something going on here!
87 locals recommend
Ben's Tune Up
195 Hilliard AveYour local Asheville hipster joint, cool vibes, good food, great live music most nights. There's always something going on here!
Gourmet Hawaiian cuisine owned by a masterful pastry chef, so the desserts are to DIE for! Go hungry and save room for dessert!
41 locals recommend
RosaBees
27 Foundy StGourmet Hawaiian cuisine owned by a masterful pastry chef, so the desserts are to DIE for! Go hungry and save room for dessert!
This places has amazing small plates and the most delicious craft cocktails. To make it even better, it’s also a bakery/cafe during the day, so there are lots of delicious pastries to choose from for dessert! It’s also super close to our house!
87 locals recommend
Filo Pastries & Post 70 Indulgence Bar
1155 Tunnel RdThis places has amazing small plates and the most delicious craft cocktails. To make it even better, it’s also a bakery/cafe during the day, so there are lots of delicious pastries to choose from for dessert! It’s also super close to our house!
Inventive cuisine melding Japanese flavors with American smokehouse techniques.
25 locals recommend
Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse
121 Biltmore AvenueInventive cuisine melding Japanese flavors with American smokehouse techniques.
Restaurants for Special Occasions or Fine Dining
The creme de la creme
The historic Grove Park Inn is a beautiful setting and a great spot to visit while you're in town!
Vue 1913
290 Macon AveThe historic Grove Park Inn is a beautiful setting and a great spot to visit while you're in town!
Inside the Grand Bohemian Hotel, the decor alone is worth going to see! Everything I've tasted here is delicious.
25 locals recommend
Red Stag Grill
11 Boston WayInside the Grand Bohemian Hotel, the decor alone is worth going to see! Everything I've tasted here is delicious.
Inside the Biltmore Estate, it's the perfect ending to a long day of touring the house and gardens!
Deerpark Restaurant
65 Deer Park RdInside the Biltmore Estate, it's the perfect ending to a long day of touring the house and gardens!
Bistro
225 Winery RdAnother Biltmore Estate dining option!
The most inventive tapas experience in Asheville! Get out of your comfort zone and try something new!
316 locals recommend
The Admiral
400 Haywood RdThe most inventive tapas experience in Asheville! Get out of your comfort zone and try something new!
This restaurant is on the more casual end of the fine-dining restaurants I've listed, but still a great choice for a good meal!
149 locals recommend
Chestnut
48 Biltmore AveThis restaurant is on the more casual end of the fine-dining restaurants I've listed, but still a great choice for a good meal!
Restaurants for Dietary Restrictions
Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Vegetarian, Vegan
Green Sage Cafe Downtown
5 Broadway StPosana Restaurant
1 Biltmore AveNine Mile
233 Montford AveCopper Crown
1011 Tunnel RdLaughing Seed Cafe
40 Wall StPlant
165 Merrimon AveAsheville Breweries
For a full list, visit this website: http://ashevilleblog.com/asheville-brewery-list/
We've listed some of our favorites here:
Best music venue! They have an outdoor and indoor stage, plus a rooftop bar, and food trucks! It's like three or four different venues in one!
349 locals recommend
Highland Brewing Company
12 Old Charlotte HwyBest music venue! They have an outdoor and indoor stage, plus a rooftop bar, and food trucks! It's like three or four different venues in one!
This is not necessarily my favorite "venue" but it is my favorite local beer. Go for the taste!
182 locals recommend
Green Man Brewery
27 Buxton AveThis is not necessarily my favorite "venue" but it is my favorite local beer. Go for the taste!
Very kid-friendly. Grab a pizza next door at Pizza Mind! It goes great with the beer.
106 locals recommend
Archetype Brewing
265 Haywood RdVery kid-friendly. Grab a pizza next door at Pizza Mind! It goes great with the beer.
Best place to go if you're looking for great food to go with your beer! Also a great music venue.
726 locals recommend
Sierra Nevada Brewery
100 Sierra Nevada WayBest place to go if you're looking for great food to go with your beer! Also a great music venue.
Favorite Cocktail Bars
When a beer just doesn't cut it
Capella on 9
10 Broadway StHotel rooftop bar, also serves small plates. Great drinks!
Arguably the best view in town! This rooftop bar is in The Montford Hotel.
109 locals recommend
The Montford Rooftop Bar
199 Haywood StArguably the best view in town! This rooftop bar is in The Montford Hotel.
Romantic, inventive cocktails, it never fails to disappoint. If you're after quality drinks, this is the place to go! It's a unique spot above the Thirsty Monk downtown. There is a "Membership Fee," but it's only $1 and it is WELL worth it! Nice views on the patio as well!
43 locals recommend
Top of the Monk
92 Patton AveRomantic, inventive cocktails, it never fails to disappoint. If you're after quality drinks, this is the place to go! It's a unique spot above the Thirsty Monk downtown. There is a "Membership Fee," but it's only $1 and it is WELL worth it! Nice views on the patio as well!
Inside the newly renovated S&W building, this place has vintage, art deco vibes. Lovely drinks and even lovelier ambiance.
25 locals recommend
The Times at S&W
56 Patton AveInside the newly renovated S&W building, this place has vintage, art deco vibes. Lovely drinks and even lovelier ambiance.
Sovereign Remedies
29 N Market StInventive cocktails and great food too!
Order your drinks and head up the stairs to the rooftop to enjoy them! It's usually not too crowded, especially on week nights and it's a nice quiet spot to people watch and has an almost European vibe up top.
P.S. You can also order off the food menu of the Italian Restaurant next door, Strada.
28 locals recommend
Social Lounge
29 Broadway StOrder your drinks and head up the stairs to the rooftop to enjoy them! It's usually not too crowded, especially on week nights and it's a nice quiet spot to people watch and has an almost European vibe up top.
P.S. You can also order off the food menu of the Italian Restaurant next door, Strada.
Deliciously inventive craft cocktails and it’s super close to our house!
87 locals recommend
Filo Pastries & Post 70 Indulgence Bar
1155 Tunnel RdDeliciously inventive craft cocktails and it’s super close to our house!