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Asheville Restaurants: Best Places to Eat in WNC

Asheville doesn’t just serve food—it curates an experience, one plate at a time. Here, chefs aren’t just cooking; they’re storytellers, historians, and artisans, crafting meals that honor both the land and the hands that tend it. The city’s reputation as a culinary destination isn’t hype—it’s the natural result of a deep-seated commitment to local farms, seasonal ingredients, and a kitchen culture that treats food with reverence.
 

That commitment extends beyond Asheville’s city limits, stretching into the hills and hollers, the historic Biltmore Estate, and the small mountain towns where culinary traditions run just as deep. Whether you're craving a thoughtfully plated, chef-driven dish or a simple meal made with care and history, this region offers something singularly Appalachian yet endlessly innovative.
 

To help you navigate, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite spots. From dog-friendly patios to the best places for small plates, grits, and doughnuts, we’ve got you covered. And if you're in the mood for a sip to go with your bite, don’t forget to explore our lists of must-visit breweries, craft cocktail bars, and the best spots for breakfast and coffee. One thing’s for sure—whatever you’re craving, Asheville serves it with soul.

Indulge in some true “Tennessee style” hot chicken and southern soul food, where every piece of fried chicken is made to order.

Step into Biltmore’s rich culinary legacy, where food and wine are all about honoring its fine dining history and commitment to sustainable agriculture.

Inside the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Biltmore Village, this restaurant offers a contemporary twist on European comfort food, specializing in game meats and prepared with locally sourced ingredients.

Tucked near the Biltmore Estate, this spot has quickly become the go-to for Southern eats in South Asheville.

Want to know downtown Asheville’s best crêpe secret? It’s Crêperie Bouchon! What used to be Bouchon has flipped into a fresh, French-inspired spot serving up crêpes (both sweet and savory), croques, soups, sandwiches, and—because life is better with fries—pommes frites.

Listen, Tupelo Honey isn’t just a spot, it’s a staple. Since 2000, this Asheville gem has been dishing out Southern comfort food that’s as real as the Carolina mountains it’s inspired by.

This Mediterranean spot in downtown Asheville serves up a Middle Eastern-inspired menu featuring a variety of dishes with the ultimate grab-and-go convenience.

Strada is that downtown spot where you can’t help but breathe deep and smile—because the aromas of freshly baked artisan bread and savory Italian dishes hit you as soon as you step inside.

Get ready to savor some seriously delicious Southern cuisine, where fresh, local ingredients come together to create bold, inspired comfort food.

Nestled inside the charming Orchard Inn, this farm-to-table gem offers a prix-fixe menu that changes weekly, showcasing fresh, organic produce from their own garden.

At The Rhu, tucked into downtown Asheville, a picnic isn’t just a meal—it’s a gesture. A way of saying: slow down, take it in.

Head to Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure for a laid-back lakeside dining experience, where you can relax by the private beach and soak in the stunning views.

Housed in a lovingly restored early 1900s building, this downtown spot didn’t just set out to be another place to grab a beer—it aimed to anchor itself in the rhythms of the city.

The Social Lounge in Asheville is the perfect place to eat, drink, and connect. Enjoy a creative menu of original cocktails, fine wines, local brews, and delicious dishes

Perched 5,000 feet up in the Great Smoky Mountains, The Swag offers an unforgettable dining experience at its secluded mountaintop lodge.

Located on a prime corner of the Grove Arcade, this spot showcases local and organic ingredients with a fresh, contemporary touch.

Craving something delicious? You’ve got options—plenty of them—all just steps away from the thrill of the casino. The Chef's Stage Buffet will have even the pickiest eaters smiling,

Open from April to October, Pisgah Inn is the only restaurant along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, offering a rare opportunity to dine with stunning mountain views. Located at an elevation of 5,000 feet,

You might have to stand in line for a minute, but trust me—it’s worth every second for this beloved local BBQ spot. The pitmasters here do things the right way: slow-smoked, Southern-style barbecue with sides made from scratch. But don’t linger too long deciding—when they’re out, they’re out, and the doors shut till next time.

In the heart of downtown Asheville’s historic Pack Square, this contemporary farm-to-table restaurant brings together local, seasonal, and sustainable cuisine in a way that feels both elevated and grounded. Every dish is 100% gluten-free

Downtown Asheville Restaurants

 

Since we have 75+ locally-owned places to eat downtown, we suggest you walk around and see what appeals to you! Many post menus by their front door. Some honorable mentions include:

  • Cúrate: Chef and Owner Chef Katie Button excites and thrills your tastebuds with her

  • incredible Spanish tapas, charcuterie boards, and imported wines at this well-known local spot in the heart of downtown Asheville.

See Restaurants by Category. 

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