Asheville Restaurants

Because of the large number of visitors to Asheville and the many upscale retirees who've moved here, the city has a dining scene that's much more vibrant and varied than its size would suggest. You'll find everything from Greek to Vietnamese, Nepalese to Southern soul food, and barbecue to sushi. Asheville has more vegetarian restaurants per capita than any other city, and there are local coffeehouses on many corners. Most of the city's many craft breweries also serve food.

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  • 1. Chai Pani

    $$

    In 2022, this unassuming storefront Indian street food eatery stunned the culinary world by winning the James Beard Award for Most Outstanding Restaurant in the country. Fortunately, the accolade hasn't changed the laid-back delightful experience of dining here. Chef-owner Meherwan Irani draws inspiration from his hometown near Mumbai in dishes like bhel puri (crispy puffed rice with a tamarind sauce) or chicken pakoras (savory fritters).

    22 Battery Park Ave., Asheville, North Carolina, 28801, USA
    828-254–4003

    Known For

    • Shareable dishes
    • Vegetarian-friendly menu
    • Reasonable prices
  • 2. Cúrate

    $$

    If you have the blahs, Cúrate, with its extraordinary authentic tapas and fun atmosphere (they won the 2022 James Beard Award for Best Hospitality—in the country) is the cure. The kitchen showcases the flavors of Spain over two dozen snacks and small plates, with special attention to cured Iberian ham dishes and seafood such as octopus and calamari.

    13 Biltmore Ave., Asheville, North Carolina, 28801, USA
    828-239–2946

    Known For

    • Spanish sherries and wines
    • Convivial atmosphere
    • Selection of hams

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon., Reservations essential
  • 3. Plant

    $$

    Don't let the pig statue out front full you—this is sophisticated vegan dining with a menu of frequently changing dishes from different cultures and cuisines. A typical menu might include seitan chili with cheese, lasagna with raw vegetables, smoked portobello mushrooms, and delicious coconut milk ice cream for dessert.

    165 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, North Carolina, 28801, USA
    828-258–7500

    Known For

    • Biodynamic cooking methods
    • Industrial-chic setting
    • Organic wines and local beers

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch
  • 4. Session at Citizen Vinyl

    $$

    Set in the ground floor of the historic Asheville Citizen Times Building, Citizen Vinyl is one of the South's foremost vinyl record producers. It's also a lounge, bar, coffee shop, and an excellent café, Session. Opt for a chicken salad melt, a breakfast sandwich with fried eggs and chili crisp, or sip a negroni and enjoy the classic playlist. 

    14 O'Henry Ave., Asheville, North Carolina, 28801, USA
    828-515–3090

    Known For

    • Biscuits-and-gravy specials on Mondays
    • Amaro cocktails
    • Former home of WWNC Radio, where Bill Monroe popularized bluegrass
  • 5. 12 Bones Smokehouse

    $$

    The lively crowds at this BBQ hot spot range from hippie potters to downtown suits—former president Barack Obama made 12 Bones his first stop on multiple trips to Asheville—who come for the ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket, sweet vinegar slaw, and corn pudding. On a sunny day, grab a seat at the picnic tables outside and take in the murals that cover every wall in the vicinity.

    5 Foundy St., Asheville, North Carolina, 28801, USA
    828-253–4499

    Known For

    • Smoky baby back ribs
    • Waitresses who call you "sweetie"
    • Collard greens and other Southern sides

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sat. and Sun.; closes at 4:30 on weekdays
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. La Bodega by Cúrate

    $$

    The perfect stop for chic picnic provisions, a memorable lunch, or a lively pintxos (small bar snacks) dinner with friends, fans of Cúrate are thrilled to find many of its specialties available at this sister establishment, including cured meats, cheeses, sangria—even paella. The "La Bodega Experience" is one of the best prix-fixe menus in town.

    32 S. Lexington Ave., Asheville, North Carolina, 28801, USA
    828-630–0330

    Known For

    • Nicely curated selection of European foodstuffs
    • Gourmet sandwiches
    • Perfect for picnics
  • 7. Laughing Seed Café

    $$

    This vegetarian-vegan eatery is a longtime Asheville favorite on charming Wall Street. The extensive menu ranges from banh mi sandwiches and a vegan sweet potato Reuben to dinner specialties influenced by the flavors of India, Cuba, Thailand, Mexico, and Morocco. There are also several raw entrées.

    40 Wall St., Asheville, North Carolina, 28801, USA
    828-252–3445

    Known For

    • Thai panang curry
    • Cold-press juices and other beverages
    • Breads baked in-house

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues. and Wed., Reservations not accepted
  • 8. Mela

    $$

    Rather than specialize in one type of Indian cuisine, Mela offers dishes from across the country. The traditionally prepared tandoori dishes (chicken, shrimp, and lamb) are especially delicious, and at lunch there's an inexpensive buffet.

    70 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville, North Carolina, 28801, USA
    828-225–8880

    Known For

    • Classic dishes nicely presented
    • Bright and airy dining room
    • Vegetarian and vegan options
  • 9. Sunny Point Café

    $$

    Sunny Point serves food that's simple, well prepared, and not too expensive. Herbs and some veggies come from the restaurant's organic garden next door. Don't pass up the shrimp and grits or meat loaf (regular or vegetarian) with buttermilk mashed potatoes and sautéed greens.

    626 Haywood Rd., Asheville, North Carolina, 28806, USA
    828-252–0055

    Known For

    • Perfect intro to West Asheville
    • Great breakfasts served all day
    • Covered outdoor patio dining

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner Sun. and Mon., Reservations not accepted
  • 10. Zambra

    $$

    Sophisticated tapas—think grilled octopus in black ink sauce, pistachio-crusted veal sweetbreads with blackberries, and squash gnocchi—have made Zambra one of the most interesting restaurants in Asheville. Moorish colors, dim lighting, and an underground setting create a romantic atmosphere.

    85 W. Walnut St., Asheville, North Carolina, 28801, USA
    828-232–1060

    Known For

    • Spanish and North African tapas
    • Intimate romantic atmosphere
    • 200 Spanish wines and sherries

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