Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Asheville and across the river from West Asheville, the River Arts District is known for its graffiti-clad warehouse buildings full of artist studios and galleries. Read more on Asheville’s River Arts District.
Over the years, new restaurants opened their doors with creative cuisines, paving the way for a now flourishing restaurant scene in this local art community. From fine dining to riverside tacos the River Arts District restaurants offer a unique setting and exceptional food.
Don’t forget beer! River Arts District is home to the two locations of the Wedge Brewery, one of Asheville’s beloved breweries, which features exceptional food trucks any night of the week. In the spring, summer, and fall, their sprawling outdoor space hosts one of the Asheville area’s farmers markets —showing their commitment to local, seasonal fare.
In the warmer months, don’t miss the River Arts District Farmers Market, Wednesdays from 3-5 PM next to All Souls Pizza (175 Clingman Ave). Local farmers and artisans provide an array of fresh local fruits and veggies, hand-crafted products including jams, fresh baked breads, local cheeses, handmade soaps and more.
River Arts District Restaurants
GRIND Coffee
Located in the River Arts District, GRIND offers a plush, sophisticated place for good coffee, co-working, community gathering, and hanging out. Enjoy local coffee and a wide variety of donuts, pastries, ready-made sandwiches, and hot-press Paninis. The creation of entrepreneur and nonprofit leader J Hackett and chef and Black business community leader Gene Ettison, GRIND is the first Black-owned coffee shop in Asheville. Open 7 AM-10 PM, daily. Grand Opening: Sept 26, 2020.
Vivian
This award-winning restaurant pulls influence from rich European cuisines for their big flavor American dishes. Enjoy the intimate atmosphere with a glass of wine and dishes like beef tartar, smoked oysters, steak and desserts like chocolate mousse torte. Thursday fried chicken dinner and Sunday brunch are local favorites. Open Tue-Sat, 5-10 PM, Sunday Brunch 10:30 AM-2 PM. 348 Depot St
The Grey Eagle Taqueria
This taqueria located in The Grey Eagle Music Hall & Pub, features Latin-American cuisine with gluten-free and vegan options. Enjoy local brews or a fresh-made margarita with tacos, burritos, rich soups, fresh guacamole and more. Open daily 11 AM-8 PM. 185 Clingman Ave.
RosaBees
For a taste of the big island, this newcomer eatery crafts Hawaiian dishes (including poke), cakes, and pastries paired with specialty cocktails. Their Synergetic Smores feature marshmallows in rotating flavors, and house-made Graham crackers and chocolate. Open for lunch and dinner Tues-Sat, 11:30 AM-3 PM, 5-9 PM, Sunday 11:30-3 PM, 5-9 PM. 27 Foundy Street, Suite 20
Ultra Coffeebar
Located at the corner of the 5 points intersection in the heart of the River Arts District this specialty coffee shop offers a full espresso bar, pastries, paninis, bagels, salads and more. Vegan and gluten-free options available. Enjoy Open Mon-Fri, 7 AM-5 PM. Sat/Sun, 8 AM-5 PM. 242 Clingman Ave
All Souls Pizza
This beloved pizzeria specializes in heavenly woodfired pies with seasonal ingredients, and a masterful crust (they mill their own flour with local grains). They also offer an array of salads, polenta and pasta dishes. Family-friendly! Open for lunch Fri-Sun 11:30 AM-5 PM, Dinner Tues-Sun 5 PM-10 PM. 175 Clingman Ave
Summit Coffee
This buzzing coffee house invites you to stop in or stay all day in their creative multi-level space near 12 Bones and The Wedge Brewing in River Art’s District. Menu includes pour over coffee, well-crafted espresso drinks, seasonal beverages, bagels, pastries baked in-house, craft beer and wine. Open Mon-Wed, 7 AM-5 PM, Thurs/Fri 7 AM-7 PM, Sat 8 AM-7 PM, Sun 8 AM-5 PM. 4 Foundy St.
Smoky Park Supper Club
Enjoy scenic views of the French Broad River in an elegant and airy space made from shipping containers on two acres of land. Grab a drink and watch the sun go down over the river on their sweeping deck (your dog is welcome outside, too!), and enjoy inventive seasonal, woodfired American plates. Open Tues-Thurs, 5-9 PM, Fri/Sat 4-10 PM, Sun 10:30 AM-9 PM. 350 Riverside Dr.
Broth Lab
This friendly new ramen-style restaurant features hot, warm and cold ramen style bowls. Enjoy traditional ramen like shoyu egg or build your own bowl with your choice of broth, noodle, protein and toppings. Open daily (except Tuesdays) 11:30 AM-9 PM. 1 Roberts St
12 Bones Smokehouse
The lines may be long, but it’s worth the wait for this locally loved BBQ joint. Enjoy the Southern style, slow-smoked barbecue and scratch-made sides while they last- when they sell out, they close up! Opened only for lunch Mon-Fri, 11 AM-4 PM. 5 Foundy St
Bull & Beggar
Savor high-end, European inspired Appalachian cuisine with a raw bar and craft cocktails at this popular restaurant next to the Wedge Brewery. Or go casual with the popular “Burger Mondays” for a half-priced double cheeseburger and fries. Be sure to make a reservation, they fill up! Open daily 5 PM-10PM, with brunch on Sundays 10:30 AM-2:30 PM. 37 Paynes Way
Fresh West
A little further into the RAD, Fresh West offers woodfired pizza in a casual environment, with a great menu of local brews, fresh salads, soups and specials. Open Mon/Wed/Thurs 11 AM-9 PM, Fri/Sat 11 AM-10 PM, Sun 12-9 PM, Closed Tuesday. 342 Depot St
White Duck Taco Shop
This popular riverfront taco shop located in the River Art’s District of Asheville is a casual, kid & dog-friendly restaurant with a large outdoor space with picnic tables. Order tacos at the counter and enjoy them riverside. 388 Riverside Dr
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