It’s very hard to keep up with all the new restaurants that are constantly opening up in Asheville. The list below is fairly complete for downtown, and it’s becoming more and more complete for the entire greater Asheville Area.
Click on the links below to visit each venue’s FaceBook page.
~ LAST UPDATED: Feb 6th, 2022 ~
Table of Contents:
I. Downtown Asheville, South Slope & Montford
II. River Arts District & Riverside Road
III. West Asheville
IV. North Asheville / Woodfin
V. East Asheville / Swannanoa / Black Montain / Fairview
VI. South Asheville / Biltmore Village / Arden / Hendersonville
VII. Food Trucks
I: DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE, SOUTH SLOPE, SOUTH FRENCH BROAD & MONTFORD
A
Addissae – Asheville’s only Ethiopian restaurant. Off the beaten path, behind the International District. Gluten free, windowless, dark, soothing.
All Day Darling – The former Todd’s Tasties has morphed and merged with High Five and Table to bring you this small, neighborhood cafe and restaurant.
Aloft Asheville Downtown – WXYZ, Asheville Bar, re:Mix, and re:Fuel are all inside of this hotel on Biltmore.
Aloha Cafe – New sandwich and poké place. It’s good!
Asheville Beauty Academy – Cocktail bar with live music, small food menu, and fun events throughout the year!
Asheville Brewing – An Asheville local fave. Many popular local beers, OK food at OK prices. Giant jenga and corn hole. Kid friendly.
Asheville Pinball Museum – Yep. It is what it sounds like and they have a full bar with booze and bags of chips and stuff.
Asheville Proper – A steakhouse, where you choose your cut, and add sides a la carte
Asheville Wine Market – You can do free wine tastings and sample local cheese, buy stuff, hang out, eat drink. Good place. Nice people.
Asheville Yacht Club – Slick Willy’s Good Eats is in the Asheville Yacht Club. Straight forward bar food 4pm to 1am everyday.
Aunt Mary’s Catering Kitchen – Italian catering and event space. AWESOME food by Mike and Jon from Manicomio pizza, Veggie lasagna to die for, and more!
B
Baba Nahm – Middle Eastern Street Food.
Bargello – Mediterranean restaurant located on the first floor of the Hotel Arras.
The Barksdale – Beer, booze, and hot dogs in a private setting.
Barley’s Taproom & Pizzeria – Big, hardy pizza, and other standards. Beer on tap. A local fave. Family friendly.
Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar – Most unique atmosphere in downtown. Small snacks, cheese boards, wine, coffee, sweets, and champagne.
Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ – Brisket, wings, bear balls, meatless meatloaf is phenomenal! Great food on Coxe Ave, South Slope.
Bebettes Grove Arcade – Very authentic & delicious beignets, made to order, as well as coffee and other things.
Bens Tune Up – Asian fare and locally brewed beer and saki! Good deep fried things. Live music and other events. A local fave.
Benne On Eagle – Located in the historic neighborhood known as The Block, Benne is co-owned by James beard nominated Chef John Fleer. Best of Asheville
Bhramari Brewhouse – In-house brewed beer, full menu, great burgers, good brunch, live music, outdoor deck. Best of Asheville
The Bier Garden – An Asheville standard from back in the day. Full menu. Bar food. Drinking crowd. Drink your way “around the world.”
The Blackbird – It looks like the Aloft hotel restaurant, but it’s not, it’s indie.
Blind Pig Supper Club – Owned and operated by Darlene and Chef Mike Moore, an Asheville tradition. Follow them on Facebook!
Blue Dream Curry House – International curry in the AVL International District. Great people, family friendly, big space, curry, and Asian food. Get yer pho here!
Bold Rock Hard Cider Asheville – Hard cider and a full kitchen.
Bomba – Tacos and much much more. Great food. Teeny tiny space. Also great espresso, sweets, and other fare. Best of Asheville
Bouchon Bistro – French food. The last time I ate there, I had an artichoke that was the consistency of a pine cone. I’ll have to go back and try again.
Brasilia Churrasco Steakhouse-Asheville – Meat meat meat and more meat!
Broadway’s – A dive bar / private club / local favorite and a classic of olde school Asheville. They pho, and Sundays are burger night with the famous Burger Gang.
Burgerworx – Great, greasy, flat, soft-bun burgers, with your choice of toppings, wrapped in foil, served with awesome fries. I love their burgers!
Burial Beer – Always has a food truck bolted to the side of it.
Buxton Hall Barbecue – Fantastic Carolina style BBQ, very authentic, the real deal, no joke. Chef Elliot Moss and crew are some of the Best of Asheville. I<3 It.
C
Cafe 64 – Decent food at decent prices. Quiet, friendly, sincere. Never at the top of my list, but I should go more often.
Capella on 9 – Locally-sourced menu featuring Chef Rakim Gaines.
Carmels Kitchen & Bar – Some of the best outdoor seating in Downtown. Good pizza, decent food at decent prices. Full bar, full menu.
Chiesa – Located on Montford Ave in an old church, this Italian restaurant is a unique neighborhood favorite.
Chai Pani – Indian street food from Chef Meherwan Irani and crew. Good golly, that’s good thali! Best of Asheville.
The Chemist – Gin distillery with meat boards and such in the tasting room.
Chestnut‘s – Lunch, Brunch, Dinner, Drinks. Comfortable, nice, great service, great desserts. A great place to bring a group of people in mixed age brackets.
The Chocolate Fetish – Awesome truffles and other chocolate delights. Check out the chocolate sculptures, and “I Love Lucy” conveyor belt!
Chop House Asheville – Steaks and such. Went once, long time ago. Will have to go back.
City Bakery – Best house cup of coffee, consistently great sandwiches and other breakfast, lunch fare. Baked goods. Counter service. Fast, reliable. Best of Asheville.
Claddagh – Not the most authentic Irish Pub I’ve ever been to.
The Collaboratory – Several micro-breweries under one roof. Full kitchen. Try the crispy grilled cheese!
Conundrum Asheville – As if it weren’t difficult enough, this escape room has an absinth bar.
Crave – It’s a dessert bar with cocktails! Or is it a cocktail bar with desserts?
Crow and Quill – Cocktail bar.
Crocodile Wine Bar – Haven’t been here yet, will have to update later.
Cucina 24 – Among the cream of the crop in downtown eateries. Chef Brian Canipelli and crew bring creative, high-end, intelligently sourced ingredients to Italian cuisine. Best of Asheville.
Cultivated Cocktails – Local distillery tasting room and cocktail shop
Cultura – New restaurant from Wicked Weed brewing. Best of Asheville.
Cúrate – Chef Katie Button‘s first restaurant remains one of the Best of Asheville. Spanish style tapas.
D
Dssolvr – Brewery located on Lexington Ave,
District 42 – Full bar and small menu located on the first floor of the Arras Hotel.
Dobra Tea (Asheville, NC) – Tea, snacks, and groovy feelings. Though a Nat’l chain, the calm, peaceful, atmosphere is some of the Best of Asheville.
Double D’s Coffee and Desserts – Not a place for a latte and lap-dance, as the name might suggest, but Asheville’s most unique cafe is inside of a doubledecker bus! Best of Asheville.
The Dweller by Green Man – Suds ‘n’ such.
E
EarlyGirlEatery – One of the oldest downtown eateries is still so popular, there are lines out the door nearly every day. Home-style cookin’ in a big, noisy space.
En La Calle – Bar and restaurant located in downtown Asheville, NC.
F
Farm Burger Asheville – Another small chain that kinda fits in with Asheville. It’s a great tourist sponge, sucking them up, and keeping them out of other local faves.
Farewell Coffee – Coffee, Pastries, nice atmosphere, nice people.
Five Points Restaurant – Real diner food in a real diner. Five points is an old school Asheville eater favorite.
5 Walnut Wine Bar – Wine, cheese, nuts, people. Always packed with downtownies having fun. Live music. Tiny space.
Foggy Mountain Brewpub – Dark & quiet inside, great outdoor seating. Off the beaten path. Fantastic chicken Alfredo. Chicken wings are some of the Best of Asheville.
Foundry Hotel Bar – A swank bar in a luxury hotel.
French Broad Chocolates – You’ve read about it, you’ve heard about it, you’ve dreamed about. Well, this it. Chocolates, coffee, and other stuff. Best of Asheville.
French Broad Chocolates Cookies & Creamery – The South Slope location is smaller, with more of a concentration on the house made ice creams, including soft serve.
French Broad Food Co-op – Primarily a small, healthy convenience/grocery store, FBFC also has a nice little hot bar featuring local restaurants, plus coffee, and 3 tables.
G
El Gallo Asheville – Mexican restaurant / taco bar.
The Gourmet Chip Company – Potato chips and more. Full lunch menu.
Green Sage Cafe – Coffee, snacks, sandwiches, more. Completely mediocre in my opinion, but a local fave none-the-less.
H
Hana Japanese Restaurant Asheville – Popular Asian restaurant.
Holeman & Finch – Public House / Gastro Pub by James Beard Award winning chefs and restaurateurs from Atlanta.
H&H Distillery – Distillery tasting room right downtown
Harvest Pizza Asheville – Artisanal pizza and more on the South Slope
Heiwa Shokudo – Asheville’s oldest sushi place is still a local favorite. Tiny space, outdoor seating, kid friendly.
Hemingway’s Cuba – On top of the Cambria hotel, authentic Cuban food, cocktails, drinks, outdoor seating on the patio.
High Climate Tea Company – Great tea room with very nice decor and very knowledgable staff. Small menu of tasty, locally made treats.
High Five Coffee – Best espresso drinks in downtown Asheville according to Chef Joe. Great snacks, sweets, paninis, etc. Beer and soda too. Best of Asheville.
Hopey & Company – There’s a cafe inside the Hopey and Co on South French broad. Espresso drinks and snacks and sandwiches available.
Huli Sue’s Hawaiian BBQ – Hawaiian influenced BBQ, burgers, sandwiches, fried chicken, full bar, desserts.
I
The Imperial Life – Owned and operated by Chef Jacob Sessoms of Table and Tod’s Tasties, Imperial Life is one of the cooler cocktail bars in town, with a great menu. Best of Asheville.
Isa’s Bistro – Big, open, spacious, great service, great food by Chef Duane Fernandes and crew. Great place for brunch.
Izzy’s Coffee Den – Truly den-like, windowless coffee joint, with very limited snacks. The stereo music is usually some of the Best of Asheville.
J
Jack of the Wood – An Asheville staple. Irish-themed food, burgers and such. Beer beer and more beer, plus live jig music sometimes.
Jerusalem Garden Cafe – Downtown Asheville’s only Middle-Eastern restaurant, great atmosphere, great decor. In the international district!
K
Karen Donatelli Cake Designs – Karen’s pastries are the Best of Asheville! Plus coffee, and light lunch fare like chicken salad on a croissant.
Kathmandu Cafe – Tibetan food in the international district. Great decor and atmosphere.
Kilwin’s Chocolate’s, Fudge, and Ice Cream – This is a chain, but it’s one that I happen to like. I always thought it must be fun to work at a Kilwin’s.
L
La Bodega by Cúrate – Get the things you love at Cúrate packaged to bring home! Plus great burgers, sandwiches, pastries & more!
Laughing Seed Cafe – An old Asheville fave. Vegan and Vegetarian fare in a large, interesting space. Outdoor seating.
The Lazy Diamond – Dive bar.
Liberty House Cafe – Located on liberty street, serving PennyCup and 1,000 Faces coffee and light snacks.
Limones – California style Mexican food. Small room, nice decor, great service.
Little Bee Thai – Thai restaurant in Asheville.
Little Chango – Very tasty arepas & more from this tiny little spot on the South Slope. Try the flan!
The Lobster Trap – Fresh lobster flown in daily from Maine, yo. Great food, great lively atmosphere, super nice people, including Chef Mike McCarty.
Loretta’s Cafe – An old Asheville fave! Great people, lot’s of space, healthy food, and beverages.
M
Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe – Enjoy coffee, and light snacks while surrounded by books, nerds, and old people.
Mamacita’s Taqueria – One of the locals’ all-time forever-faves. Great, healthy, Mexcian-style food at very reasonable prices. Best of Asheville year after year.
Manicomio – The “Mad House” features authentic pizza, subs, and more in a casual setting with indoor and outdoor seating and of course, pizza to go! Best of Asheville.
The Market Place Restaurant – Chef William Dissen‘s venue on Wall Street is HUGE and really nice inside. Locally sourced, farm-to-table food.
Mayfel’s – Very popular with tourists, offers outdoor seating and “NOLA” style fare. I happen to think they also have the most effed-up hours in downtown Asheville.
The Mediterranean Restaurant – One for the TRUE downtownies. Open at 6am, and serving traditional diner-style Greek and American food. Great basic burger.
Mela Indian Restaurant – Big space, good Indian food. Full bar. Nice atmosphere.
Mellow Mushroom Asheville – The BEST Mellow Mush in the country, Yo! Our Mellow Mushroom is something special, and for families especially, it is Best of Asheville.
Modesto Trattoria – Outdoor seating on Page Ave in the Grove Arcade building.
Mother’s Sweet & Salty – Sweets, snacks & desserts inside the Grove Arcade.
Moge Tee Asheville – Bubble, boba, and milk tea.
Montford Rooftop – Drinks and light fare with best views in all of downtown Asheville.
Mountain Madre – Mexican cuisine for lunch and dinner.
N
Nani’s Rotisserie Chicken – Tiny venue with amazing chicken and sides! Excellent chicken salad. Casual /to-go.
Nine Mile – Casual, full-service, vegetarian friendly, Caribbean / Jamaican restaurant. A local favorite! Best of Asheville
Noble Cider – Nobel hard cider’s tasting room, full menu.
Noodle Shop, Asheville – Popular downtown standard barer has been in business for 20 years.
O
Old Europe Pâtisserie – Great sweets and coffee! Really nice people! Best of Asheville.
oneFIFTYone Boutique Bar & Kitchen inside the Hotel Indigo – Serving breakfast & dinner, open to “anyone who’s hungry.”
One-Stop at Asheville Music Hall – Serving burgers, tots, nachos, and more until 2am.Live music 7 days a week. Best of Asheville.
Over Easy Cafe – Limited hours. Selection of yummy breakfast standards. Limited space indoor and out. Nice decor, nice people.
P
Packs Tavern – Frickin’ HUGE space, great booths, family style, sports-bar-ish. The food used to be better, but for family night out, it’s fine.
PennyCup Coffee at the YMI – Great coffee, super nice people, light snacks, big space, in Asheville’s historic YMI Building. Check out the mural! Best of Asheville. Listen to an interview Master Roaster Bill Tanner by clicking HERE.
Polanco – Elevated Mexican fare in a cozy unique setting with Chef Ricardo Carrasco.
Pollen – A very cute florist & cafe on South French Broad Street with small treats and great coffee.
Posana – Chef Peter Pollay and crew make food that is truly some of the Best of Asheville. Great atmosphere, great location, nice people. Great for brunch.
R
Rankin Vault Cocktail Lounge – Great space, small & cozy, sit inside the vault if you can. Outdoor seating is usually smoke-filled :( Their burger is the Best of Asheville,
Roman’s Deli Asheville – An old-school holdout. My friend/official co-stalker Rick says “If you don’t love their burger, I’ll pay for it!”
Red Ginger Dim Sum & Tapas – Authentic Dim Sum in the heart of downtown Asheville.
The Rhu – Beautiful space, lots of room and sunshine. Deli style service, featuring the food of Chef John Fleer and crew, from Rhubarb.
Rhubarb – Chef John Fleer and crew live here. One of Asheville’s top-rated venues. Good place for brunch. Great place for dinner. Best of Asheville
Rosetta’s Kitchen – Another old Asheville locals’ fave that’s been around for a million years. Great, healthy food, really nice people.
Rowan Cafe – Cute little cafe located on Broadway. Last chance for coffee before leaving downtown.
S
Salsa’s Mexican Caribbean Restaurant – For over two decades Salsa’s has been an Asheville standard. Large, creative dishes in a small, busy space.
Shanghai Dumpling House – New Dumpling House on Biltmore Ave, right where Doc Chay’s used to be.
67 biltmore downtown eatery + catering – Fresh, healthy food, served deli style, dine-in, take out. Big, sunny space, kid friendly, nice people! Best of Asheville
The Social Lounge – Great craft cocktails, nice little bar menu, cozzy interior, awesome little rooftop bar. One of Asheville’s hidden-in-plain-sight downtown gems.
The Soda Fountain – Located inside Woolworth Walk, great traditional soda fountain food. Get a hot dog and milkshake. The most bad-ass chicks in town work here.
Sonora – Mexican food, beer, wine, cocktails in the Heart of Asheville.
South Slope Cheese Co. – Cheese and stuff on the South Slope. Yay!
Sovereign Remedies – Great space, super-nice people, GREAT food and drinks. Lunch, brunch, dinner, bites. Farmer Sunil’s Sunday Supper is something special. Best of Asheville.
Storm Rhum Bar and Bistro – Chef Jay Medford and crew are keepin’ it real. Quiet, dark room, great food, full bar, burger special on Monday nights.
Strada Asheville – Chef Anthony Cerrato’s family Italian joint. Try the Florentine ravioli and if you like wine with dinner, these folks know their wines. Best of Asheville.
Sunshine Sammies – YAY! The fan fave food truck and push cart moguls and amazing ice cream sandwich makers finally have a brick and mortar!
Suwana’s Thai Orchid Restaurant – People frickin’ love this place. I can take it or leave it. Nice space, good service, but mediocre food in my opinion.
T
Table Asheville – Chef Jacob Sessoms‘ Table restaurant is definitely one of the Best of Asheville, Fancy eatin’, elegant atmosphere, great service, great food!
Times at S & W – Located in the historic S&W Cafeteria building in Pritchard Park, this craft cocktail bar also has a small menu.
Trade and Lore Coffee – Brand new! Great space, great coffee, sweets, nice people. Best of Asheville
Tupelo Honey restaurant – The lines to get into this place are crazy. It’s completely worth missing if you ask me. Pricey, mediocre food from a small chain.
Twisted Crêpe – Good crepes! Good prices. Kind of a depressing atmosphere, but whatevs. It takes, like 2 seconds to eat a crepe, and then you’re outta there.
Twisted Laurel, Downtown Asheville – Chef Tom LaFauci is keeping it old school and making me very happy! Steaks, burgers, seafood, fried things, & a little bit of Jersey-style Italian fare!
U
Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse – Excellent, high-end Japanese food. Great service. Great vibe.
Underground Cafe – Home of Chef Jay Medford’s “Doughp” doughnuts and so much more! Burgers, meatloaf, pork belly, YUM! Best of Asheville.
Urban Orchard Cider Company South Slope – The famous hard cidery’s South Slope location has small bits, like Roots hummus and bread.
V
Vortex Doughnuts – My guys at The Vortex’s make coffee that is some of the Best of Asheville, and the donuts are getting better and better. Now I want one.
W
Wasabi Asheville – Voted “best sushi in Asheville” 17 years in a row by the readers of the Mountain Xpress. Best of Asheville
Water Street Asheville – Bar & Grille
Weinhaus – Wine shop with a bar, and regional cheeses and bread. Live music!
Well Bred Bakery in The Grove Arcade – Great chicken salad sandwiches and other light lunch items, as well as coffee, pastries and snacks. Home of the legendary “Mountain Eclair.”
White Duck Taco Shop – Pretty good tacos in wacky combos. Big, bench-style seating . Lines out the door most of the time. Closed on Sundays.
White Labs Kitchen and Tap – Beer, pizza, soft pretzels, more. Loads of parking!
Wicked Weed Brewing – Super-popular. Outdoor seating galore. Craft kitchen. Full kitchen.
Wicked Weed Funkatorium – An offshoot of Wicked Weed Brewing, this seems to be the mellower little sister of the two.
Y
Yum Sushi Burrito & Poke – Coming to Asheville soon.
Z
Zambra – An Asheville classic, and a personal fave of mine and my GF’s. Great food, great atmosphere, great service, truly one of the Best of Asheville for sure.
And there you go. That is officially an assload of eateries in our tiny little downtown area! I’m sure I left some spots out, so please let me know in the comments section if I’ve missed any. Below is the start to an even more monumental task of cataloging the eateries that are all over the rest of Asheville!
II: RIVER ARTS DISTRICT & RIVERSIDE ROAD
12 Bones River – Asheville’s favorite Barbecue joint, and President Obama’s too! Best of Asheville.
All Souls Pizza – One of my past Restaurant of the Year winners, Chef Brendan Reusing and crew are making amazing salads, sides, entrees, desserts, and of course pizza! Best of Asheville.
Bottle Riot – Fun and popular wine bar with live music, small food menu, and events!
The Bull & Beggar – Hidden in RAD is one of the best restaurant sin Asheville, or the country. Chef Matt Dawson and crew helped lead the way for our food scene. Best of Asheville.
Don’s Kitchen at Green’s Mini Mart – Some say it’s the best fried chicken in town!
Fresh Woodfired Pizza – Good folks making good pizza in the fanciest, jewel encrusted pizza oven in Asheville!
Grey Eagle – Asheville’s oldest music venue with a full bar and taqueria inside
Grey Eagle Taqueria – Some of Asheville’s best tacos for lunch, dinner, and late night when there’s an event / live music on stage. Best of Asheville.
Nourish and Flourish – Very calming and peaceful juice bar, with one or two small things to eat, like granola bars and such.
Olde London Road – British-style pub with soccer and stuff.
Ole Shakey’s – Dive bar / biker bar / hipster hangout with outdoor grills. Bring your own meat. Home of the annual Jerk Off beef jerky competition.
PennyCup Coffee Co. – Roastery and original cafe for the award coffee. Some in-house baked goods, breakfast tacos from Tacobilly, bagels form Joey’s NT Bagels. Best of Asheville.
Pleb Urban Winery – Small batch, craft winery using local grapes. Taproom also offers a selection of guest wines, beers on tap, cider, and prepackaged snacks.
Rosabee’s – Cocktail bar, restaurant, dessert shop.
Salvage Station – Live music and events, full bar and kitchen, past winners of the Battle of the Burger.
Smoky Park Supper Club – Headed by Chef Michelle Bailey, excellent menu, great atmosphere, wonderful outdoor seating, hard to miss, as it is made out of shipping crates.
Summit Coffee – Located in the Foundation aka “Foundy” area of the RAD, featuring great coffee, some small bites, great atmosphere.
Ultra Coffeebar – Smack dab in the middle of the RAD. Breakfast and lunch items, great coffee, and house-made baked goods!
Vivian – My 2018 & 2019 Restaurant of the Year winner. French and Northern European fare from Shannon and Chef Josiah McGaughey. Best of Asheville.
Wedge Brewing / Wedge at Foundation– Brewery with two locations in the RAD, one Roberts Street, the other in Foundy. Were there be breweries, there be food trucks.
Yuzu Patisery – Wonderful little Japanese cafe located inside of the Akira Sataki ceramics studio in the Foundy section of the RAD.
III: WEST ASHEVILLE
The Admiral – One of Asheville’s first 3rd Wave great restaurants, still going strong with high-end takes on classic food in a dive-bar atmosphere. Best of Asheville.
Asheville Sandwich Company – Makin’ the sandwiches.
A Taste of El Salvador – El Salvadorian food.
BattleCat CoffeeBar – Hipster haven and smokers’ paradise! One of Asheville’s best and last truly bohemian cafes.
Biscuit Head – The famous home of “cathead biscuits” and gravy flights!
BimBeriBon – Vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, dairy free? They got you covered.
Bonfire Barbecue – BBQ on Patton Ave.
The Desoto Lounge – Cocktails, bar food, dim lights.
Doc Brown’s BBQ – 100% wood cooked BBQ and scratch-made Southern fare. Best of Asheville.
El Que Pasa – Great Mexican food!
Favilla’s – Pizza served with NY accents. Some of Asheville’s favorite. Try the “Grandma” pie.
Flora / Forage – Super cute little flower and plant shop with a cafe in it.
Foothills Butcher Bar – Great spot to grab linch or dinner. Try the blue plate specials, go for the burgers, the brisket, the mac ‘n’ cheese. I really love this place!
Gan Shan West – Ramen and other Asian fare.
Green Tea Sushi & Japanese Restaurant – Holy moly, what a great place! Amazing atmosphere, professional servers, amazing food. Best of Asheville.
Griff’s Kitchen & Bar (Candler) – Excellent, chef driven eats!
Gypsy Queen Cuisine – Yay, Chef Suzy Salwa! Her Lebanese food is famous in here in the small Appalachian town of Asheville, Western North Carolina!
Haywood Common – Great American fare and full bar right on Haywood Ave. Outdoor seating.
Haywood Lounge – Best wings in Asheville according to some folks.
Happy Hill – Family style diner.
Hole Doughnuts – Deep fried to order. Ah. May. Zing.
Homegrown West – West Asheville location of this local favorite.
The Hop Ice Creamery – One of Asheville’s first and best local ice cream makers. The creamery is open to the public, serving… ice cream!
The Hop West – The Hop’s West Asheville retail location. Cute. Full of children.
Isis Music Hall – Food & music in the historic Isis Theater built in 1937.
Itto Ramen Bar & Tapas – I had really good ramen here once, and I plan to go back.
Izzy’s Coffee House – Specialty coffee drinks, house made baked goods, bagels, wine and beer.
Jargon – Seasonal innovative food, creative cocktails and a diverse wine list in a cozy and eclectic setting.
The Madness – Sushi, Burger & Bar
The Malvern – Neighborhood gastropub specializing in locally distilled liquors, local craft beers on tap, and food.
The Mothlight – Music and drinks.
Neo Burrito – Locally run, fast-casual restaurant focused on sustainability.
New Belgium Brewing – Year-round and current seasonal offerings are always on tap + food trucks.
Nine Mile West – Casual, full-service, vegetarian friendly, Caribbean / Jamaican restaurant. A local favorite! Best of Asheville
Odd’s Cafe – Cafe with food, outdoor seating.
OWL Bakery – Amazing food, cute atmosphere, outdoor seating at Chef Susannah Gebhart’s award winning bakery and coffee shop.
OysterHouse Brewing Co. – Oysters and more! My Burger of the Year winner 2018! Best of Asheville.
Pizza Mind – Pizza and such on Beecham’s Curve.
Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack – Hot fried chicken and sides. An Asheville favorite for many years!
Sand Hill Kitchen – Great food by Chef Jamie Wade. Burger, Sandwiches, amazing fried chicken. One of Asheville’s “hidden” gems.
Sawhorse – Northern comfort food by Chef Dan Silo. The maple eclair is outstanding! Best of Asheville.
Short Street Cakes – Cake, cupcakes, pies, and more at one of Asheville’s best bakeries!
Simple Juice Bar & Cafe – Organic cafe and juice/smoothie bar in West Asheville. Locally owned, responsibly sourced, fresh cold pressed juice, vegan and gluten free, smoothies, healthy food, salads, sandwiches, soup, breakfast.
Standard Pizza Co. – Neighborhood pizza joint on Haywood Ave.
Sunny Point Cafe – One of the best and busiest restaurant sin all of Asheville. Winner of my “Lifetime Achievement” award for their legendary shrimp ‘n’ grits! Best of Asheville.
Sunflower Diner – Breakfast and lunch made from scratch with a focus on vegan, local, sustainable, and non-GMO food.
Sweetheart Bakery – Local bakery vending at the WAVL Farmers Market.
Tacobilly – Great tacos on Beechham’s Curve!
Tacos Jalisco Mexican Restaurant – Great tacos and more! One of Asheville’s favorite spots.
Taqueria Munoz – Asheville eaters’ most popular and favorite tacos are right here.
The Tastee Diner – Old school diner with great burgers and fries and other diner fare. Best of Asheville.
Tiger Bay Cafe – Breakfast serve breakfast all day, plus lunch. Located inside BattleCat coffee shop.
The Universal Joint – American / New American pub with burgers, tacos and such.
Urban Orchard – Hard Apple Cider bar with a kitchen and small menu.
West Asheville Lounge and Kitchen (WALK) – Full bar, full menu, taco Tuesdays are famous here.
West End Bakery – West Asheville favorite bakery / cafe. Family friendly.
West Village Market & Deli – Healthy food, and groceries.
Westville Pub – Neighborhood bar and grill with full menu, micro-brewed beers & handmade cocktails.
Wynn’s Diner – Old school family style diner.
IV: NORTH ASHEVILLE / WOODFIN
Avenue M – Neighborhood restaurant, bar, and gathering place.
Baked Pie Company – Pies and more! A local favorite.
Baked Pie Company Woodfin – Woodfin location of this local fave.
Barrelhouse – Neighborhood pub in North Asheville featuring bar food and local musicians.
Bavarian Dining – I’ve never been here, but I’m going to take a wild stab that it’s Bavarian food.
Bone and Broth – Neighborhood restaurant and bar.
Charlotte Street Pub – Classic neighborhood watering hole, with award winning wings and other bar food.
City Bakery – The North Charlotte street location is the original, and a wonderful bakery / cafe! Award winning pie and coffee!
Del Vecchios – New York Style pizzas, Chicago style pizza, calzones, and strombolis. All made to order with local/fresh ingredients.
Early Girl – The Merrimon Ave location of this long-time downtown favorite
Elements Real Food – Vegetarian/Vegan restaurant, smoothie & juice bar, w/ live & raw food.
Geraldine’s Bakery – Local favorite, award winning family-run bakery. Best of Asheville.
High Five Coffee – One of Asheville’s favorites! Award winning coffee, with a location on Broadway just outside of downtown. Best of Asheville.
Homegrown – Award winning fried chicken, some of the best food in town! A personal favorite of mine. Best of Asheville.
Liberty House Coffee & Cafe – Really nice atmosphere, great coffee and food.
Luella’s Barbecue – Classic southern style BBQ and a neighborhood favorite
828 Family Pizzeria – née Marco’s. New name, same pizza and Italian entrees. An Asheville favorite.
Mr. Sushi – Family owned Japanese restaurant.
Plant – Excellent, award-winning Vegan food that even your non-Vegan friends will love! An absolute MUST for any Vegans visiting Asheville.
The Scarlet Bee – Restaurant & bar w/ Mediterranean Mezze & an herbal-focused menu of house sodas, tonics, & cocktails.
Taco Temple – Mamacita’s North Asheville Taco shack with a full bar.
Ultimate Ice Cream – YUM! Some of my personal favorite stuff on Earth right here.
Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian – Italian food.
Whit’s – Frozen custard. This is a franchise, but it’s still awesome!
YoLo – Frozen yogurt, also awesome! Self-serve, pay by the ounce, get a little or a lot!
V: EAST ASHEVILLE / SWANNANOA / BLACK MOUNTAIN / FAIRVIEW
Asian Golden Buffet – Chinese-Thai buffet. All you can eat!
Apollo Flame – Family owned Greek restaurant.
Athens Pizza – Family owned and operated restaurant with Greek, Italian, and American food.
Black Bear BBQ – Chef AJ Gregson’s latest venture. I love his cookin’! Try the stuffed baked potato!
Black Bear Tavern – “Multi-Cuisine,” serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks and coffee.
Breakfast Shoppe – Locally owned mom and pop restaurant that’s been around for over 15 years located at the shell station off exit 59.
Cocula Mexican Restaurant II – “Mexilicious” Spanish / Mexican restaurant, bar & grill. Independently owned.
Copper Crown – Great food, lively atmosphere, eclectic menu. A piece of downtown in East Asheville!
Cornerstone – Local, indie, American restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner.
Creekside Taphouse – Barbecue / American restaurant, bar & grill.
Dönor Kebab – THEEE best thing at the Asheville Mall. Great gyro-style sandwiches. Four stars from me.
East Village Grille – Good old fashioned pub food. Sticks to your ribs at a good price. Try the cheeseburger pizza.
Filo Pastries – Bakery, coffee shop, restaurant.
Foothills Butcher Bar Black Mountain – Cozy restaurant, bar and friendly neighborhood butcher shop. Featuring lunch, dinner, cocktails, local brews, and Sunday Suppers.
Highland Brewing Company – Asheville’s Original Craft Brewery!
Hot Dog King – The name says it all.
JImmy’s on the River – Sports bar, lunch & dinner.
El Lemon – Authentic Mexican food serving tacos, empanadas, gorditas, enchiladas, quesadilla, burritos, ceviche, lamb, fresh soups ,menudo,pozole, tostadas.
Louise’s Kitchen – Traditional American breakfast and brunch made with the best local ingredients available.
Mac’s – Hand-pattied burgers, cheesesteaks, all beef chili dogs & fresh hand cut fries! Open Tu-Sat 11-2:45pm
Mama’s & Beer – Independently owned, Mexican food.
Moments Coffee Bar & Eatery – “Multi-Cuisine” cafe / restaurant / bakery serving breakfast, lunch, drinks and coffee.
Native Kitchen & Social Club – Local and seasonal menu year round, food, drinks, lunch, dinner, live music,
Okie Dokie’s BBQ – Local, indie BBQ joint.
Papa’s & Beer – Popular locally owned Mexican restaurant and bar.
Phil’s BBQ Pit – Barbecue and burgers. Parking.
Post 70 Indulgence Bar – “FILO Pastries by day, Post 70 Indulgence Bar by night.”
Rendezvous – Bouchon’s sister restaurant! Full bar, affordable French wine list, patio dining.
Rise Above Bakehouse – Scratch-made bakery and coffeehouse.
Root Bar – “East Asheville’s most unique dive bar and the headquarters of Root Ball.”
Sake-Sushi Black Mountain – Sake and sushi in Black Mountain, NC!
The Social – Neighborhood restaurant and bar, serving lunch& dinner w/ late night entertainment 7 days a week.
Ultimate Ice Cream – Ice cream made in Asheville with Local milk and the finest local ingredients. One of my personal favorites!
Woodfire Bar & Grille – Yes, it’s located inside of a hotel, but the last time I ate there, it was fucking excellent!
Worldly Wieners Wings and Things – Restaurant & bar w/ 15 rotating taps, a full bar, gourmet hotdogs & smoked wings.
VI: SOUTH ASHEVILLE / BILTMORE VILLAGE / ARDEN / HENDERSONVILLE
Abeja’s House Cafe – Mexican / Health Food restaurant.
Another Broken Egg – Micro-chain with 10 locations, serving southern-inspired entrees for breakfast, brunch, and lunch.
Apollo Flame Bistro – Family owned Greek restaurant. Old School Asheville.
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company South – Pizza and beer. It’s not complicated, but it is popular! 2rd location for this local favorite.
Asheville Sushi & Hibachi – Independently owned sushi and Japanese fusion bar, featuring local organic steak & vegetables, natural chicken, and wild caught seafood.
Baan Thai Kitchen – Authentic Thai Food. Chef Noi is an Asheville food scene stalwart, originally from northern Thailand, Udon Tani.
The Baker’s Box – Small, locally owned bakery, sandwich shop serving scratch made pasties, desserts, breads, gourmet sandwiches, wraps, & salads.
Bean Vegan Cuisine Asheville – 2nd location for this Vegetarian/Vegan American restaurant / cafe started in Charlotte.
The Beehive Coffee Bar – Locally owned coffee Bar featuring an assortment of baked goods and locally roasted organic coffee & tea.
Biscuit Head Biltmore – Mission Hospital District location of this long-time local favorite.
Biscuit Head South – Hendersonville Road location of this long-time local favorite.
Burgerworx South – 2nd location of this great local “fast food” joint!
Cafe Verbena – “Scratch kitchen at MAHEC’s Biltmore campus, serving up unique sweets and eats Monday-Friday!”
The Cantina at Historic Biltmore Village – Mexican restaurant & tequila bar.
Catawba Brewing Company Biltmore – One of WNC’s oldest breweries, craft beer, food trucks.
La Carreta – Mexican restaurant, bar, and grill.
El Chapala Mexican – Family-style, Tex-Mex restaurant, bar, and grill.
Cinnamon Kitchen – Indian food. A local favorite.
Copper River Grill – American restaurant, bar & Grill
Corner Kitchen – Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch in a lovely 100+ year-p;d house in Historic Biltmore Village. Open 7 days a week
Elena’s Mexican Grill – Mexican restaurant.
Farmburger – Burgers and dogs and fries and such from this micro-chain.
Fig Bistro – Exquisite food from Chef Tracy Taylor and crew!
Forestry Camp – Basque-inspired cuisine with Carolina ingredients.
French Broad Brewing – Local brewery.
Green Sage South – South Asheville location of a longtime local favorite.
Hillman Beer – Local brewery w/ Rise Above Deli inside.
Hi-Wire Brewing Big Top – Local brewery.
Hot Dog King Arden – He sits on a throne of buns.
Ivory Road Cafe & Kitchen – Small, independent cafe, bakery, & tea room w/ seasonal, local, mostly organic menu. Breakfast all day, lunch and dinner.
JK’s Kitchen – American / Family-style restaurant.
Lenny’s Grill & Subs – Serving “World Class Philly Cheesesteaks” and other deli sandwiches and salads.
Little Pigs BBQ – Old school Asheville BBQ favorite.
Luella’s South – 2nd location for this popular local BBQ joint.
Milk and Honey Farm Kitchen – Organic cold press juice and cafe.
Monk’s Flask – Neighborhood cocktail bar wi/ classic & craft cocktail menu, wine list, Monk beer & spirit pairings, & food menu.
Mr. Sushi – 2nd location for this local, family owned Japanese restaurant.
Neo Burrito Biltmore Park – Mexican restaurant.
131 Main – Classic American cuisine cooked over a Hickory wood fire grill .
Pacific Pagoda Sushi & Grill – Sushi / Chinese / Asian fusion cuisine for lunch & dinner.
Papa’s & Beer II – Popular locally owned Mexican restaurant.
Post 25 Kitchen & Lounge – American lunch and dinner, local beers, craft cocktails.
Postero – Casual, upscale, New American / French Culinary Technique restaurant serving lunch, dinner, and drinks,
El Rebozo Mexican – Independent Mexican restaurant, bar, & grill, serving lunch and dinner.
Reza’s Pan Mediterranean – Greek, Middle Eastern, French and Spanish cuisine, for over 17 years. Offering lunch, dinner and casual wine bar.
Rise Above Deli – Local indie deli featuring house-made stuff from corned beef & pastrami to mayo, mustard, ferments & pickling.
Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack South – “Tennessee style” hot chicken and southern soul food. Local favorite, Personal fave of mine.
Round Earth Roasters – Independent roaster and cafe, excellent coffee, cute setting!
Sovereign Kava Bar – Serving the tradition S. Pacific drink. Live music.
Standard Pizza Company – Indie pizza joint. Pizza, subs, and such.
Stone Bowl – Korean food, independently owned.
TreeRock Social Cider & Mead bar and Patio – 30 ciders, 30 meads,10 beers, fire on our patio. Outside food is welcome.
Tupelo Honey – South Asheville location of this local favorite tuned micro-chain.
12 Bones Smokehouse South – Second location of long-time Asheville favorite. President Obama’s favorite too!
Typhoon Noodle – Sushi and Korean restaurant.
Village Wayside Bar & Grille – American restaurant, bar& grill, local favorite.
Well-Bred Bakery & Cafe in Biltmore Village – Biltmore location of this long-time downtown Weaverville favorite.
White Duck Taco Shop South Asheville – The SAVL location of this local favorite turned micro-chain.
Wild Ginger Noodle Bar – Chinese / Pho / Soup restaurant. Excellent, local favorite.
Ziggy’s Bakery & Deli – Boiled bagels, house baked breads, sandwiches, hoagies, deli meats & cheeses.
VII: FOOD TRUCKS (in progress)
Appalachian Chic Food Truck
Appalachian Smoke
Ash & Brine
Ashe Hole
Asheville Taco Truck
Avery’s Hot Dogs
Baa’d Sheep Burritos
Baires Food Truck
La Bamba
Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ
BirdUp Food Truck
Blasian Seoul
Blessed Soul
Blue Collar Diner
Blue Smoke Express
Bold Rock Brewery
Bridge and Tunnel Coffee Co.
Buggy Pops
Bun Intended
Bun It LLC
Carolina Ace BBQ
Carolina Epanada Co.
Cecilia’s Kitchen /Cecis’ Culinary TOUR
The CHEEF
Chop Shop
Ciao Y’all Truck
Cooking With Comedy Catering
CREAM WORKS
Daddy D’s On Wheels
Deli Llammma Food Truck
Deli Volv
Dirty Gertie’s Taco Stand
Doc Brown’s
Dreadlife Kitchen
El Kimchi
El Querubin
Fat Buddy’s
Feta Flav
FoodStop
Foothills
Fuego
GQC Deli,Market, Food Truck
Grey Eagle
Grill Jamaica
Grush’s Cajun Dino Grill
Hangry Food Truck
Hashi Hana
Haus Heidelberg
Heidi Ho On the Go
Hit The Pit BBQ Co.
Island FT
Juju’s Craft Cookery
Kinfolk AVL
Le Bon Café
Levi’s LunchBox
Lobster Dogs
Local Buggy
Los tacotes food truck
Luscious Liquor Ice Cream
Mama Bear’s Food Truck
Melt Your Heart
Mojo Kitchen & Lounge
Molka GT
Never Blue
Olive Catering
Papas Express
Pho yo Belly
Pig in a Basket BBQ
Pizza Daddy
Proving Grounds Coffee Bar
Purple People Feeder
Queens IslandCuisine
La rancherita taqueria
The Rice Wagon
Root Down food truck
Rositas
Sabora
Scarlet Bee
La Semilla
Smoking Onion
Som Tum Pok Pok
Soul On The Road
Southern Hawg BBQ and Catering
The Spotted Banana
Sugar & Snow Gelato
Sunshine Sammies
Sweet Cheesus
Sweet Plantain Food Truck
Sweet southern funk
Tacos La Joya
Taqueria El Tapatio
Taqueria Muñoz
Tin Can Pizzeria
Trashy Vegan
Umami Mami
Usual Suspects
Vaz Bros
Well-Bred Bakery
Whachewant
Wicked Good Pretzels
Zia Taqueria Asheville
Ziggy’s Wings and Things
If you have questions for me, about where to eat, or what to eat, just PM me through my FaceBook page!
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Stu Helm is an artist, writer, and podcaster living in Asheville, NC, and a frequent diner at local restaurants, cafes, food trucks, and the like. His tastes run from hot dogs and mac ‘n’ cheese, to haute cuisine, and his opinions are based on a lifetime of eating out. He began writing about food strictly to amuse his friends on Facebook.
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External links:
youtube.com/channel/stuhelmfoodfan
wpvmfm.org/show/asheville-food-fan
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Stu Helm: Food Fan 