Asheville Restaurants

We’ve compiled the best of the best in Asheville - browse our top choices for Restaurants during your stay.

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  • 1. All Day Darling

    $

    Breakfast is the champ at this bright and airy in-demand spot for biscuits, smashed avocado toast, and frittatas, but it's also worth a visit later...

    Breakfast is the champ at this bright and airy in-demand spot for biscuits, smashed avocado toast, and frittatas, but it's also worth a visit later in the day for delicious bites like fried halloumi with honey and capers.

    102 Montford Ave., Asheville, North Carolina, 28801, USA
    828-505–3701

    Known For

    • Quick counter service
    • Hemp lattes
    • Breakfast sandwiches overflowing with goodness
  • 2. 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...

    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
  • 3. 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...

    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
  • 4. Dining Room at the Inn on Biltmore Estate

    $$$$

    Romantic, impressive, delightful: that just begins to describe the field-to-white-linen-tablecloth dining experience at the Inn on Biltmore Estate, featuring lamb and beef from the estate's...

    Romantic, impressive, delightful: that just begins to describe the field-to-white-linen-tablecloth dining experience at the Inn on Biltmore Estate, featuring lamb and beef from the estate's own farm and vegetables from its gardens. Afternoon tea is a favorite event.

    1 Antler Hill Rd., Asheville, North Carolina, 28803, USA
    828-225–1699

    Known For

    • Asheville's most elegant dining
    • Impeccable service
    • Estate-grown ingredients

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential
  • 5. Jargon

    $$$$

    This charming intimate space features handmade shadow-box art from the 1950s, a collection of mirrors, and retro lava lamps above the bar. The menu is...

    This charming intimate space features handmade shadow-box art from the 1950s, a collection of mirrors, and retro lava lamps above the bar. The menu is equally eclectic, with small and large plates, including deep-fried deviled eggs, calamari in a garlic marinara sauce, roasted octopus with fava beans, duck and andouille gumbo, elk meatballs, and trout with fennel.

    715 Haywood Rd., Asheville, North Carolina, USA
    828-785–1761

    Known For

    • Creative takes on traditional dishes
    • Craft cocktails like the Ice Breaker
    • Outdoor courtyard
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. 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....

    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
  • 7. Ruth's Chris Steak House

    $$$$ | Biltmore Village | Steakhouse

    This outpost of the international restaurant group has sizzled its way to the top of the red-meat venues in Asheville. It may be a chain, but...

    This outpost of the international restaurant group has sizzled its way to the top of the red-meat venues in Asheville. It may be a chain, but prime steaks here are the best in town (by far), the atmosphere is upmarket, service is doting, and the wine list is sophisticated if pricey. Parking is limited, so use the complimentary valet.

    26 All Souls Crescent, Asheville, North Carolina, 28803, USA
    828-398–6200

    Known For

    • Serious USDA prime steaks
    • Big steak-house sides
    • Scotch-and-cigar nights on the patio
  • 8. 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...

    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
  • 9. Smoky Park Supper Club

    $$$ | River Arts District | American

    The restaurant itself is creatively constructed out of stacked shipping containers, but dining and drinking at this hip, young spot is best...

    The restaurant itself is creatively constructed out of stacked shipping containers, but dining and drinking at this hip, young spot is best done outside, where you can choose a high-top on the deck, grab a picnic table on the lawn, or drink your cocktail in lounge chairs set up right along the river. This is one of those special places where the food is just as good as the atmosphere; affordable dishes highlight local ingredients like trout and ramps, and ordering the smoked burger is never a mistake.

    350 Riverside Dr., No. 3141, Asheville, North Carolina, 28801, USA
    828-350–0315

    Known For

    • Wood-smoked, farm-to-table ingredients
    • Great atmosphere any time of day, from family fun to romantic
    • Scenic views of the French Broad River

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.–Wed.
  • 10. The Admiral

    $$$ | Metro West | Eclectic

    Don't be put off by the dowdy cinder-block exterior or the louche neighborhood. Inside this dimly lit, little restaurant that feels like a dive...

    Don't be put off by the dowdy cinder-block exterior or the louche neighborhood. Inside this dimly lit, little restaurant that feels like a dive bar you'll find some of the most creative cooking in town, with a dinner menu of small and large plates that changes daily. Expect dishes such as elk loin with root vegetable hash or grilled salmon with pumpkin risotto. Advance reservations are a must.

    400 Haywood Rd., Asheville, North Carolina, 28806, USA
    828-252–2541

    Known For

    • Dive bar atmosphere
    • Super creative chefs
    • Surprising flavors and unusual combinations

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch
  • 11. The Bull and Beggar

    $$$

    The Bull and Beggar is decidedly warehouse hip, with brick walls, old wood floors, and high ceilings. The French-inspired menu plays like an upscale steakhouse,...

    The Bull and Beggar is decidedly warehouse hip, with brick walls, old wood floors, and high ceilings. The French-inspired menu plays like an upscale steakhouse, and the surf-and-turf theme extends to the mollusks, which include raw oysters and escargot. Their 30-seat nearby spinoff, Baby Bull, now hosts their popular Burger Monday, with deals on fabulous double-patty burgers.

    37 Paynes Way, Asheville, North Carolina, 28801, USA
    828-575–9443

    Known For

    • An incredible 34-oz. dry-aged ribeye
    • Excellent surf, as well as turf
    • Sunny patio

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Wed.
  • 12. The Junction

    $$$ | River Arts District | American

    Hip and artsy, the Junction is the quintessential River Arts District dinner spot, with industrial exposed ducts and concrete floors softened...

    Hip and artsy, the Junction is the quintessential River Arts District dinner spot, with industrial exposed ducts and concrete floors softened by original art on the walls. Chefs in the open kitchen create locally sourced dishes, usually with a Southern twist, such as sweet tea–brined fried chicken on braised collards. The craft cocktail menu is innovative.

    348 Depot St., #190, Asheville, North Carolina, 28801, USA
    828-225–3497

    Known For

    • Creative Southern dishes with locally sourced ingredients
    • Artsy atmosphere
    • Imaginative craft cocktails

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
  • 13. 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...

    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
  • 14. BattleCat Coffee Bar and Tiger Bay Cafe

    $ | Metro West | Café

    BattleCat Coffee Bar is one of the funkiest local coffeehouses in Asheville, in a boldly painted, old wood house with a porch and ample picnic...

    BattleCat Coffee Bar is one of the funkiest local coffeehouses in Asheville, in a boldly painted, old wood house with a porch and ample picnic tables that draws those who like the relaxed ambience, free Wi-Fi, and Counter Culture coffee. Tiger Bay Cafe shares the space and kitchen here, serving generous bagel sandwiches and breakfast burritos.

    373 Haywood Rd., Asheville, North Carolina, 28806, USA
    828-713–3835

    Known For

    • Plenty of outdoor seating
    • Black-owned business
    • Local art on the walls
  • 15. BimBeriBon

    $ | West Asheville | Eclectic

    Look past its location in a strip mall, because light-filled BimBeriBon brings fresh Asian, South American, and Middle Eastern flavors to the...

    Look past its location in a strip mall, because light-filled BimBeriBon brings fresh Asian, South American, and Middle Eastern flavors to the West Asheville restaurant scene. The café and bakery focuses on healthful, gluten-free, and mostly organic salads, sandwiches, bowls, and baked goods.

    697 Haywood Rd., Asheville, North Carolina, 28806, USA
    828-505–0328

    Known For

    • Interesting flavors that are like a party in your mouth
    • Everything gluten-free
    • Wines and craft cocktails but no beer
    • Flavors are like a trip around the world
    • Great wines and craft cocktails
    • Health-conscious dishes
  • 16. Bouchon

    $$$

    A French-style bistro, Bouchon ("cork" in French, and a type of Lyonnaise restaurant) serves simple Gallic comfort food, such as steak frites, bouillabaisse, and a...

    A French-style bistro, Bouchon ("cork" in French, and a type of Lyonnaise restaurant) serves simple Gallic comfort food, such as steak frites, bouillabaisse, and a version of chicken cordon bleu in a lemon juice, white wine, and butter reduction. The owner is from Lyon, and the casual spot fills up due to its prime location on Lexington Avenue.

    62 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville, North Carolina, 28801, USA
    828-350–1140

    Known For

    • French fare like steak frites and escargots in garlic butter
    • Steak tartare and ris de veau (sautéed sweetbreads) on Thursdays
    • All-you-can-eat mussels in savory sauces

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch.
  • 17. Buxton Hall Barbecue

    $$

    In what was once a wood-floored skating rink in the South Slope district, this sprawling eatery serves traditional whole-hog, slow-pit barbecue in the eastern North...

    In what was once a wood-floored skating rink in the South Slope district, this sprawling eatery serves traditional whole-hog, slow-pit barbecue in the eastern North Carolina style, infused with vinegar-based sauce. The pulled pork is king here, but don't overlook the BBQ hash poutine with pimento cheese or the mussels with bacon and roasted lemon.

    32 Banks Ave., Asheville, North Carolina, 28801, USA
    828-232–7216

    Known For

    • Catawba Brewing in the same building
    • Industrial-chic decor
    • Banana pudding pie
  • 18. Chestnut

    $$$ | Downtown | American

    At this consistently good restaurant on Asheville's thriving "restaurant row," the food is local and seasonal, the prices are reasonable, the...

    At this consistently good restaurant on Asheville's thriving "restaurant row," the food is local and seasonal, the prices are reasonable, the service is agreeable but not fawning, and there's a buzz without being overly loud. Chestnut is in a delightfully refurbished 1920s plumbing supply shop, updated with art from a nearby gallery. A selection of medium- and large-size plates will suit whether you're hungry or just want a light meal.

    48 Biltmore Ave., Asheville, North Carolina, 28801, USA
    828-575–2667

    Known For

    • Dependably good farm-to-table dishes
    • Lively spot
    • Moderate prices for small plates
    • Delicious farm-to-table dishes
    • Lively spot for a bite
    • Moderate prices
  • 19. Chiesa

    $$ | Montford | Italian

    Named for its location in a former church, Chiesa feeds body and soul with heavenly Italian classics served under high vaulted ceilings. Pasta...

    Named for its location in a former church, Chiesa feeds body and soul with heavenly Italian classics served under high vaulted ceilings. Pasta is certainly the focus here, be it house-made fettuccine, angel hair, or orecchiette, served with flavorful Sicilian red tomato gravy and paired with sweet Italian sausages or meatballs.

    152 Montford Ave., Asheville, North Carolina, 28801, USA
    828-552–3110

    Known For

    • House-made pastas
    • Friendly, neighborhood feel
    • Tasteful, understated decor in former church
    • Friendly neighborhood feel
    • Wonderful wines
    • Patio seating

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch.
  • 20. Corner Kitchen

    $$$

    Entrées such as pecan-crusted mountain trout with ginger sweet potatoes grace the frequently changing new American menu at this charmingly renovated Victorian cottage with wood...

    Entrées such as pecan-crusted mountain trout with ginger sweet potatoes grace the frequently changing new American menu at this charmingly renovated Victorian cottage with wood floors, plaster walls painted in serene colors, and a fireplace in one dining room.

    3 Boston Way, Asheville, North Carolina, 28803, USA
    828-274–2439

    Known For

    • Innovative versions of Southern and American favorites
    • Charming Biltmore Village location
    • Farm-to-table menu

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