We have many wonderful, local restaurants in the Asheville and surrounding areas, including downtown, Biltmore and surrounding towns. Many chefs are passionate about local food, so you will have no trouble finding a farm-to-table dining experience. Here are our favorite 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.
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.
Bouchon
Longtime local favorite, a French bistro with comfort food using local ingredients. A romantic, intimate and charming setting. Enjoy fresh mussels prepared multiple ways, Escargot, Burgundy’s signature stew Boeuf Bourguignon and their famous fries. Dine al fresco along bricked walkways. Pair hand-selected French wines. 62 Lexington Avenue.
Isa's Bistro
Executive Chef Duane Fernandes brings culinary finesse to the table, preparing innovative, seasonally-inspired New American cuisine. Located downtown, the covered sidewalk patio is great for outdoor dining. Friendly bar. Private dining in The Cellar for groups of 12-120. Complimentary valet parking. 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.
Dining on Biltmore Estate
Experience Biltmore's legacy of food and wine inspired by their heritage of fine dining and sustainable agriculture, with the finest ingredients from their pastures and gardens. Dine at the Bistro, Cedric's Tavern, Deerpark Restaurant, Stable Cafe and the Dining Room at the Inn on Biltmore Estate. Admission ticket or annual pass is required to dine.
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.
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, and South at 3749 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden.
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 plenty of parking. 1829 Hendersonville Road.
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.
Unforgettable Dining at Mountain Magnolia Inn
While the setting is elegant and the food exceptional at this TripAdvisor 5-Star restaurant, the atmosphere is relaxed and the dress is casual. Cuisine features herbs grown in the Inn's garden and mostly organic ingredients. It makes 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.
Picnics by The Rhu
Take in the sights and mountain views with a picnic basket from The Rhu 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.
Rhubarb
In the heart of Asheville in Pack Square is this comfortable place for friends, families and strangers to simply lean in and enjoy each other's 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.
Twisted Laurel Eatery and Lounge
Enjoy fresh Italian and Greek dishes with an American twist. Their downtown Asheville location (130 College Street) has dog-friendly outdoor dining and an upstairs bar with music. Also find them in artsy Weaverville at 10-A South Main Street.
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 for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. 48 Biltmore Avenue, downtown Asheville.
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.
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.
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.
Calypso
Take a trip to St. Lucia. Enjoy authentic Caribbean food with the traditions of English, French and African inspired dishes. Specialties include rotis and West Indian curries. Unwind with Island Craft Cocktails. 18 North Lexington Avenue, downtown.
The Blackbird
Cooking grounded in the traditions and ingredients of the Carolinas create an affordable and vibrant menu. Modern Southern with a “nod” to tradition, offers seasonal farm-to-table menus, fresh catches from the coast of the Carolinas, as well as the many microbrews and wines. 47 Biltmore Avenue, downtown.
Laughing Seed Cafe
Asheville's original vegetarian restaurant downtown, has been 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.
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 and some hearty meat-and-three selections. Full bar. Dinner Tuesday-Sunday, plus lunch Friday-Sunday. Live music and concerts many nights. 468 Riverside Drive.
Season's at Highland Lake
Located on the grounds of historic Highland Lake Inn & Resort, you will find inspired seasonal cuisine and impressive wine list in a relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy a casual lunch, romantic dinner or Sunday Brunch. Only five minutes from Hendersonville and 30 minutes from Asheville. 86 Lily Pad Lane, Flat Rock.
Biltmore Village Food & Spirits
Find a variety of great restaurants in this charming historic village outside the entrance of Biltmore - including breakfast, lunch and dinner. Try local brews at several breweries. Located just two miles south of downtown.
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 and Saturday in the bar and lounge. Reservations recommended. 20 Wall Street.
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.
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 a romantic outdoor patio. 20 South Spruce Street.
Corner Kitchen
Housed in a 118 year-old house in charming Biltmore Village, the Corner Kitchen serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Open 7 days a week. Cool, comfortable farm-to-table cuisine and cocktails. A favorite since 2004. Great patio! 3 Boston Way.
The Esmeralda Restaurant
Enjoy lunch or dinner in the shadows of Chimney Rock. Carefully crafted dishes feature many local ingredients and the freshest seafood possible. For the ultimate romantic surprise, ask about reserving the chef's private table. Patio seating has cliff views. Exceptional wine list. Reservations recommended. Open Tuesday-Saturday.
Strada Italiano
This favorite downtown Italian restaurant is filled with the aromas of fresh baked artisan bread and mouth watering cuisine. Focuses on local ingredients, biodynamic and organically-produced wine selections. Offers traditional recipes from Italy, featuring hand-tossed pizzas, savory pastas, housemade desserts, gluten-free and vegetarian options. 27 Broadway.
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 five or more 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.
Golden Fleece
Mediterranean meets mountains! Wood-fired Greek recipes served in a romantic, old-world setting mixed with modern design in lovely Grovewood Village. Tucked behind Grove Park Inn - just a few miles from downtown Asheville. Lunch and dinner. Closed Monday. Parking, outdoor dining, sculpture garden.
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 and Bubble Teas. Gluten-free desserts and organic food served at all three locations: Downtown Asheville, West Asheville and Black Mountain.
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 by nearby family farms and changes with the seasons. Specials change daily. Great weekend brunches! 8 Wall Street, downtown.
Harrah's Cherokee Restaurants
A variety of restaurants satisfy any craving or appetite, all adjacent to exciting casino action. Chef's Stage Buffet is sure to please even the pickiest eaters, with interactive stations that offer tastes from around the world -- Italian, Mexican, Asian, barbeque, a soup and salad bar, and desserts. Other options include Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Selu Garden Café and BRIO Tuscan Grille.
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.
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.
Curate
Authentic Spanish tapas and 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.
Buxton Hall BBQ
Wood-smoked pork is the star, along with seasonal sides from local farms. Not to mention their famous pies, with much acclaim for Chef Elliott Moss. In a former roller rink in South Slope near downtown at 32 Banks Avenue.
Red Ginger Dim Sum & Tapas
Beautifully designed modern space in 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.
Farm Burger
The 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.
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.
Pisgah Inn Restaurant
Open April-October, Pisgah Inn is the only 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 mileposts 408 & 409.
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.
12 Bones Smokehouse BBQ
A local 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.
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.
Roux
Roux fuses southern comfort with modern sophistication. Dishes are 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.
Lexington Avenue Brewery Pub
Called "LAB" by locals, you are sure to find unfiltered beer crafted in-house and a meal featuring the freshest food, with beef from their own farm. Comfort foods and bar favorites with a delicious twist. Live music. 39 N Lexington 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.
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 and innovative restaurants.
Downtown Asheville Restaurants: Since we have 70+ places to eat just in downtown, we suggest you walk around and see what appeals to you! Many post menus by their front door.
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