Asheville Food Guide
Where to eat in Asheville
For a town of Asheville's size, it clearly punches above its weight when it comes to food. With its diverse array of restaurants, cafes, and eateries, there's something for everyone. Whether it's classic Southern cuisine, organic farm–to–table dishes, or international flavors, Asheville offers up an incredibly varied culinary experience. Its restaurants have been critically acclaimed for their use of locally–sourced ingredients and unique menus, so you can be sure that wherever you dine will be an unforgettable experience. Whatever you're in the mood for, this guide will point you in the right direction.
Breakfast
- Biscuit Head - serves up fresh-made, massive biscuits, topped with goodness. They even offer their own gravy flights!
- Taco Billy - offers the best breakfast tacos in town. We highly recommend the Mama's Favorite – chorizo, sweet potatoes, and goat cheese in a homemade sweet plantain tortilla – drool.
- Hole Doughnuts - fries up handmade doughnuts right in front of your eyes. Eat them there to get them at their freshest.
Barbecue
- 12 Bones - has the best pulled pork in town in our opinion, but everything there is made from scratch.
- Bear's Smokehouse - is conveniently located on South Slope, so it's a great place to get a good base layer in the stomach before a day of breweries.
- Iron & Oak Brisket Co. - serves up mouthwatering brisket and other smoked meats in a casual, welcoming atmosphere.
Hispanic
- Little Chango - is a casual Hispanic kitchen serving up open-faced arepas and numerous sides.
- Salsa's - is an Asheville staple that has been around for more than 20 years. They turn fresh local ingredients into elevated Latin dishes, and the servings are huge!
- Papa's and Beer - offers authentic Mexican cuisine with generous portions and a lively atmosphere, perfect for both casual dining and special occasions.
Burgers
- The Vault - has won 'Best burger in Asheville' multiple times, and we cannot disagree. Stick around for a drink too, as The Vault doubles as a great dive bar.
- Baby Bull - is the casual burger spin-off from Bull and Beggar. These burgers used to be restricted to Mondays at the main restaurant, but when Baby Bull opened, we all won!
- Burgerworx - offers a different type of burger – the Smash burger. Their menu is small, but they do it all well, and it's one of the few spots where you can grab a quick bite downtown.
Asian
- Chai Pani - recently won a James Beard award for Outstanding Restaurant, so it may be a longer wait to get in, but they won the award for a reason.
- Heiwa Shokudo - is a traditional Japanese restaurant run by a Japanese owner. It's a small building, so get there early!
- Gan Shan - located in West Asheville, serves Asian comfort food, from ramen to rice bowls.
Vegetarian
- Plant - is an all-vegan restaurant using local organic ingredients and building creative dishes completely from scratch.
- Rosetta's Kitchen - is a cozy stop with a casual vibe for vegetarian & vegan comfort foods, with gluten-free options.
- Laughing Seed Cafe - is a warm cafe & bar serving organic, locally sourced international vegetarian & vegan fare.
Pizza
- 828 Pizza - recently won AVLToday's crowd-sourced contest for Best Pizza in Asheville. This family has been serving New York-style pizza since 1933!
- Asheville Pizza and Brewing - is located just down the street from the hostel, and is the only place in town where you can get fresh pizza, their own craft beer, and watch a movie!
- Pie.Zaa - is located in the heart of South Slope and their massive slices serve as a great base to soak up Asheville's beer!
Eclectic
- Nine Mile - serves up creative Caribbean-inspired dishes with a focus on fresh, local ingredients and bold flavors.
- The Admiral - housed in a former 1940s diner, this intimate spot combines vintage charm with modern culinary innovation. The dimly lit space and eclectic decor create a speakeasy-like atmosphere perfect for special occasions.
- Stoney Knob Cafe - this Weaverville favorite offers a warm, casual atmosphere with a creative menu that blends Southern comfort food with global flavors. Their outdoor patio provides a perfect setting for enjoying their seasonal dishes.