We have so many wonderful, local restaurants in the Asheville area, especially downtown. Our chefs rock! They are passionate about local food, so you have no trouble finding a farm-to-table dining experience. Here are our favorite and best places to eat - in no particular order. Since many restaurants take reservations, we highly recommend them especially on weekends. Find great outdoor dining options - including dog friendly patios. Also see our lists for breweries & pubs, cocktails, breakfast and coffee shops
Dining on Biltmore Estate
Experience Biltmore's legacy of food and wine inspired by their heritage of fine dining and sustainable agriculture, with finest ingredients from their pastures and gardens. Dine at the Bistro, Cedric's Tavern, Deerpark Restaurant, Stable Cafe and the Dining Room at Inn on Biltmore Estate. Admission ticket or annual pass is required to dine.
Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack
Feast on some “Tennessee style” hot chicken and southern soul food. They prepare their unique fried chicken to order so it’s not spicy unless you want it that way! Ingredients are sourced locally and classic American recipes are made from scratch daily. Two locations in Asheville: West at 1455 Patton Avenue & South at 3749 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden
The Omni Grove Park Inn Dining
Four restaurants! Sunset Terrace serves the finest prime beef and seafood on the outdoor veranda. Blue Ridge Dining Room specializes in farm-to-table comfort cuisine, served a la carte or grand buffet. EDISON, craft ales + kitchen focuses on local beer, cocktails, and Southern comfort food. Vue 1913 is an American twist on a European style restaurant. 290 Macon Ave
Jerusalem Garden Cafe
Transport your senses to faraway lands with authentic made-from-scratch Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes. On Friday and Saturday nights, enjoy belly dancing and live music. Lunch and dinner every day. See our Jerusalem Garden Cafe feature with pics and video. 78 Patton Avenue
Tupelo Honey Café - South Asheville
The same fabulous Tupelo Honey food is served South in a fun setting of screen doors, Southern folk art and conveyor-belted ceiling fans. This location also offers reservations, a full bar with ample drink specials and ample parking. 1829 Hendersonville Road.
Isa's Bistro
Executive Chef Duane Fernandes brings culinary finesse to the table preparing innovative, seasonally inspired New American cuisine. Located downtown, they have a covered sidewalk patio for great outdoor dining. Friendly bar. Private dining in The Cellar for groups of 12-120. 1 Battery Park Avenue (at Haywood)
Red Stag Grill
Located inside the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Biltmore Village with contemporary food, an extensive wine by the glass menu, and a lively bar within a casual setting. The beautiful dining room features hand-hewn beams, distressed oak floors, handmade wooden tables, an intimate bar and cozy booths. Traditionally prepared European comfort food is updated with local ingredients. 11 Boston Way
Tupelo Honey Café - Downtown Asheville
Their original downtown location is one of Asheville's most beloved restaurants. It's considered a must-do when you visit this mountain town, as much for its color and personality as its iconic New South cooking. Be sure you try the famous Sweet Potato Pancakes with Peach Butter. 12 College Street
Twisted Laurel Eatery and Lounge
Enjoy fresh Italian and Greek dishes with an American twist. Their downtown Asheville (130 College Street) has dog-friendly outdoor dining and upstairs bar with music. Also find them in artsy Weaverville at 10-A South Main Street.
Jack of the Wood
Since opening in 1996, this has been one of Asheville’s favorite places to relax, listen to music, and enjoy fresh, locally sourced pub fare. The original home of Green Man Brewing, the pub specializes in hand crafted English ales and weekly traditional jam sessions in a charming old world atmosphere. Open until 1 AM weekdays, 2 AM weekends. 95 Patton Avenue
Corner Kitchen
Housed in a 118 year-old house in charming Biltmore Village, the Corner Kitchen serves breakfast, lunch, dinner & weekend brunch. Open 7 days a week. Cool, comfortable farm-to-table cuisine and cocktails. A favorite since 2004. Great patio! 3 Boston Way
STORM Rhum Bar & Bistro
Find a warm, cozy atmosphere where the food and service will delight your senses. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails, ample wine offerings, a selection of local draft beer, an extensive rhum list, and of course, delicious food prepared by Chef Owen McGlynn. Free parking in their private lot downtown. 125 South Lexington Avenue
Chestnut
Since 2012, Chestnut has delighted with classics done right with a touch of cutting edge. Unwind with carefully crafted cocktails made with in-house elixirs, shrubs, and syrups. Open 7 days a week, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. 48 Biltmore Avenue, downtown Asheville
Strada Italiano
This favorite Italian restaurant downtown is filled with the aromas of fresh baked artisan bread and mouth watering cuisine. Focuses on local ingredients, biodynamic and organically produced wine selections with traditional recipes from Italy, featuring hand tossed pizzas, savory pastas, housemade desserts, gluten-free and vegetarian options. 27 Broadway
The Esmeralda Restaurant
Enjoy lunch or dinner in the shadows of Chimney Rock. Carefully crafted dishes feature many local ingredients and freshest seafood possible. For the ultimate romantic surprise, ask about reserving the chef's private table. Patio seating have cliff views. Exceptional wine list. Reservations recommended. Open Tuesday-Saturday.
Calypso
Take a trip to the Caribbean. Enjoy home-made, authentic St. Lucian soul food with the traditions of English, French, and African inspired dishes, especially seafood and West Indian curries. Unwind with Island Craft Cocktails. 18 North Lexington Avenue
Unforgettable Dining at Mountain Magnolia Inn
While the setting is elegant and the food exceptional at this 5-Star TripAdvisor restaurant, the atmosphere is relaxed and the dress is casual. Cuisine features herbs grown in the inn's garden and mostly organic ingredients. It's a perfect evening after a soak at the nearby hot springs. Reservations recommended. 35 miles north of downtown Asheville at 204 Lawson Street, Hot Springs.
Creative Mountain Food Tours
Take a 2-3 hour fun-filled guided walking tour, especially appealing to foodies and history buffs. Enjoy food, beverage and dessert tastings at least five local and unique eateries. Stroll, sip and taste while going behind the scenes to hear insightful tidbits of Black Mountain’s culture, history and cuisine.
Picnics by The Rhu
Take in the sights and mountain views with a picnic basket from The Rhu cafe in downtown. Picnics include house baked breads and pastries, local cheese and meats and salads made from fresh local produce. Many choices! Order in advance for quick pick-up. 10 South Lexington.
Laughing Seed Cafe
Asheville's original vegetarian restaurant downtown serving local organic cuisine with an international flair for more than 20 years. Farm to table lunch and dinner every day except Tuesdays. Sunday brunch too. 40 Wall Street, downtown
Rhubarb
At the heart of Asheville on Pack Square is this comfortable place for friends, families and strangers to simply lean in and enjoy the company-a place where food and drink is at its uncomplicated best. Chef John Fleer's menu is inspired by seasonal, local ingredients and pays homage to the bounty of regional and American cooking. A wood-fired oven and grill complement the rustic creations. 7 Pack Square
Dobra Tea
This authentic tearoom and organic vegetarian cafe serves 100+ imported loose leaf teas sourced directly from the gardens of the East. Iced Teas & Bubble Teas. Gluten free desserts and organic food served at all three locations: Downtown Asheville, West Asheville and Black Mountain.
Season's at Highland Lake
Located on the grounds of historic Highland Lake Inn & Resort, only five minutes from Hendersonville and 30 minutes from Asheville, find inspired seasonal cuisine and impressive wine list in a relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy a casual lunch, romantic dinner or Sunday Brunch. 86 Lily Pad Lane, Flat Rock
Salvage Station
Just a mile from downtown Asheville is a new riverfront complex on the French Broad with restaurant and concert/event venue with great indoor and outdoor spaces. The menu includes sandwiches plus some hearty meat-and-three selections. Full bar. Dinner Tuesday-Sunday plus lunch Friday-Sunday. Live music and concerts many nights. 468 Riverside Drive
The Market Place
A world-class favorite located on charming Wall Street. Chef William Dissen's inventive menu features seasonal and organic ingredients from area farms plus an extensive wine list. Recommended by The Food Network, USA Today, The New York Times, Southern Living and more. Live music every Thursday, Friday, & Saturday in the bar & lounge. Reservations recommended. 20 Wall Street
Carmel's Kitchen and Bar
With a prime corner location in the beautiful Grove Arcade in downtown Asheville, find superior local and organic produce and meats for a bounty of fresh flavors with contemporary style. Lunch features soups, salads, hand-tossed pizzas and burgers. Dinner offerings range from mussels and calamari to locally sourced steaks and pork, along with signature cocktails and local brews. Prime outdoor dining patio. 1 Page Avenue
Pack’s Tavern
Established as a go-to spot in downtown for good beer, delicious food and a great view overlooking Pack Square Park in a beautifully restored 1900s building offering multiple dining spaces: expansive North Bar with 32 taps and big TVs, South Bar with TVs and free live music every weekend, and the romantic outdoor patio. 20 South Spruce Street
Social Lounge
This premiere craft cocktail bar is a great place eat, drink, and be social. Find original cocktails, fine wines, local brews, and creative food with local ingredients in a contemporary space that is stylish and intimate. The rooftop patio is just the spot to unwind and elevate your spirit. 29 Broadway
The Blackbird
Cooking grounded in the traditions and ingredients of the Carolinas creating an affordable and vibrant menu – Modern Southern with a “nod” to tradition, with seasonal farm-to-table menus, fresh catches from the coast of the Carolinas as well as the many micro-brews and wines. 47 Biltmore Avenue, downtown
Wasabi Sushi
Inventive sushi and Japananese cuisine with specialties from the hibachi grill. Local's favorite sushi restaurant with the freshest ingredients: including bluefin o toro, conch, live scallops, king crab, bronzini, live lobster sashimi and fresh oyster. 19 Broadway, downtown
Gàn Shān Station
This local's favorite is in a renovated gas station near downtown. The Asian Southern fusion food by Chef Patrick O-Cain features locally milled flour for house-made noodles and dumplings, along with trendy bar. 143 Charlotte Street
The Lobster Trap
Dedicated to offering fresh seafood, Captain Tom sends them lobsters in the morning right off his boat in Portland, ME. Their trout comes fresh from the Shining Rock Wilderness area of Pisgah National Forest. Wine list features 80 bottles. 35 Patton Avenue, downtown
Pisgah Inn Restaurant
Open April-October, Pisgah Inn is only the restaurant on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville. Located near Mt. Pisgah at 5,000 feet elevation, the Inn serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days per week. Windows surround the main dining room and overlook a panoramic mountain view. You can also pick up a picnic-to-go. Located between milepost 408 & 409.
Asheville Beer & Brewery Guide
Downtown Asheville is the epicenter of the local craft beer explosion. See a complete list of the craft breweries, pubs, taverns, taprooms, brewery tours and more in our Asheville Beer Guide.
Bouchon
Quintessential bistro with French comfort food using local ingredients, with a romantic, intimate and charming setting. Fresh mussels prepared multiple ways, including Moule Frites North Carolina with fresh mussels steamed in Pabst Blue Ribbon. Dine al fresco along bricked walkways reminiscent of Paris with hand-selected French wines. 62 Lexington Avenue
Sunny Point Café
Discover the best place for breakfast in West Asheville - and you can order breakfast all day long. Lunch and dinner menus also. The large patio is a local favorite, especially on weekend mornings. Menu features very creative concoctions with many local and organic ingredients. Outstanding desserts. 626 Haywood Road, West Asheville
Bryson City Restaurants
For a small town, you'll find a nice variety of restaurants, ranging from southern home cooking to a brewery and gourmet dining. A nice reward after a day of exploring the Great Smokies and Nantahala River.
Salsa's
If you're looking for authentic and creative Caribbean food with a Mexican flair, Salsa's is your place. The food is prepared with locally grown organic produce and health conscious products. Big flavors in a tiny place. Lunch and dinner every day. 6 Patton Avenue downtown
Roux
Roux fuses southern comfort with modern sophistication, dishes inspired by the chef’s grandmother’s kitchen, then spiced with locally farmed ingredients. Located in the Hilton Asheville in Biltmore Park, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. 43 Town Square Blvd, Asheville
Posana Café
100% gluten-free menu! Every plate and drink is expertly crafted from scratch with premium ingredients. Contemporary American menu is sourced from over 30 local farms, reflecting the season’s best local specialties. 1 Biltmore Avenue, downtown on Pack Square
Chai Pani
Innovative, fun, affordable and delicious Indian "street food" features chaat - crunchy, spicy, sweet, tangy, brightly flavored Indian street snacks. Plus, enjoy thalis - traditional family meals highlighting India's amazing culinary diversity, sourcing from local farms. 22 Battery Park Ave, downtown
Mela Indian Restaurant
Authentic Indian food made from scratch with local and organic ingredients. Lunch buffet with a range of delicious options including chicken and naan cooked in an authentic tandoor oven, raita prepared with house-made yogurt, and seasonal vegetarian specialties. Dinner specials include such favorites as pistachio lamb and spinach and goat cheese naan. 70 Lexington Avenue
Over Easy Cafe
A local's favorite for breakfast! Focusing on supporting local farmers, they use seasonal ingredients with organic, free-range eggs and antibiotic and hormone-free, organic meats. And don’t forget the organic fair trade coffee! 32 Broadway St, downtown
Buxton Hall BBQ
The long awaited, huge BBQ mecca by Chefs Elliott Moss and Meherwan Irani opens August 28. Wood-smoked pork is the star, along with seasonal sides from local farms. In South Slope near downtown at 32 Banks Avenue
Farm Burger
Best burgers made from 100% grass-fed, all-natural beef that is dry-aged and ground fresh. Seasonal menu is sourced from local farms. 10 Patton Avenue, downtown
Zambra
Very romantic Mediterrean setting! This long-time favorite date spot features tastes and flavors of Spain, Portugal, Gypsy, and North Africa. Tapas menu selections are based on locally available ingredients, combined with the finest imported ingredients and wine. Dinner only. 85 Walnut Street (under Malaprops), downtown
Red Ginger Dim Sum & Tapas
New for 2016! Beautiful, authentic restaurant downtown that delivers traditional, healthful, and elegant Chinese-style tapas and dim sum. Instead of a rolling cart, it's interactive with a big open kitchen. 82 Patton Avenue
Harrah's Cherokee Restaurants
A variety of restaurants satisfy any craving or appetite, all adjacent to exciting casino action. Chefs Stage Buffet is sure to please even the pickiest eaters with interactive stations with tastes from around the world with Italian, Mexican, Asian, barbeque, a soup & salad bar and desserts. Other options include Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Selu Garden Café and BRIO Tuscan Grille.
Lorettas Café
Downtown vegetarian staple since 1998, offering delicious soups, salads, sandwiches and more for lunch. Everything is made from scratch, including fresh baked bread. 114 N. Lexington, downtown
Suwana's Thai Orchid
Authentic Thai cuisine, fusing high-quality ingredients from various other ethnic cuisines into the warm, smooth, and savory flavors of Thailand with and a balance of spice and sweet. 11 Broadway Avenue, downtown
Modesto Trattoria
Located in the Grove Arcade with great outdoor dining, enjoy upscale wood-fired Italian menu that changes daily with fresh seafood, fine meats, and house made pastas. Pizzas are hand-tossed and cooked in a wood fired oven made in Italy. 1 Page Avenue
Banner Elk Restaurants
This small town high in the mountains has become a culinary hot spot. Whether you’re looking for an upscale meal for a special occasion, a hearty sandwich after a day outdoors, or a casual steak dinner, check out their locally-owned innovative restaurants.
Crêperie Bouchon
This Parisian café features both savory and sweet crepes, along with salads, soups, sandwiches, and fresh mussels offered five ways. Other favorites include their Croque Monsier, Croque Madame and Toasted Cochon with brie-topped, sage-roasted pork loin and garlic-apple chutney on a baguette. 68 North Lexington Avenue
Limones
Downtown Asheville restaurant with an inspirational upscale mix of Mexican and Californian cuisine along with inventive bar selections served by a warm, professional staff. Great margarita list! Dinner nightly. Reservations recommended on weekends. 13 Eagle Street
Green Sage Cafe
Find delicious healthy food using local, organic, all-natural, non-gmo, humanely-raised ingredients. Organic farm-to-cup coffee/espresso drinks, whole-leaf teas, fresh-pressed juices, whole-fruit smoothies and scratch-made meals with vegan and gluten-sensitive options. 3 Asheville locations: Downtown, Westgate and South
Early Girl Eatery
A Farm-to-Table Southern comfort food experience in a casual, charming atmosphere. The menu relies heavily on the high quality local produce, cheeses and meats area by family farms and changes periodically with the seasons, while the specials change daily. Great weekend brunches! 8 Wall Street, downtown
Lexington Avenue Brewery Pub
Locals just call it "LAB," home to unfiltered beer crafted in-house and a meal featuring the freshest food, with beef on their own farm. Comfort foods and bar favorites with a delicious twist. Live music. 39 N Lexington Avenue, downtown
Curate
Authentic Spanish tapas with traditional cuisine, unrivaled hospitality and festive, energetic atmosphere. From jamón Ibérico to croquetas de pollo to flan with caramel sauce, those who have traveled to Spain will instantly be transported back to one of the lively tapas bars beloved throughout the country, one plate at a time. 11 Biltmore Avenue, downtown
Smoky Park Supper Club
The nation’s biggest shipping container restaurant has been built on the French Broad River near downtown Asheville with the ultimate farm-to-table menu featuring wood-fired foods with an accent on classic American fare and seasonal offerings. 350 Riverside Drive
Table
Intimate “urban” comfortable setting with welcoming service and farm-to-table New American cuisine. The daily written menu covers the bases of fine dining style cuisine. Sit down at the mahogany and maple bar or one of the hand-made maple tabletops. Sunday brunch. 48 College Street, downtown
Dig Local Asheville Dining App
Download the free Dig Local Asheville app and use their Daily Scoop feed to see the most current live music calendar, menu specials and more, updated every day. Then use their interactive map to find your way. Other info on the app includes beer, art and more.
The Admiral
This five-star dive is big on food in their unpretentious cinderblock building with eclectic decor. Find gentle service and inventive cuisine. Make your reservations well in advance. 400 Haywood Road, West Asheville
12 Bones Smokehouse BBQ
A local's favorite in the River Arts District near downtown Asheville, their menu features a range of tasty slow smoked meats as well as vegetarian items. Specialty is slow-smoked, babyback ribs with a variety of sauces. Open for lunch on Monday-Friday.
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