If you like great food, lots of choices, and local flavor, then you have come to the right place. Here are our top picks for the best restaurants in Asheville near our Asheville rentals. We have really enjoyed putting this list together because eating out is a pleasure here. The farm-to-table culture has taken root here, and you will find a stunning array of local produce and meats on your menu. Asheville is a mecca for creative people, and the chefs who create the exquisite dishes you will find are some of the most prolific artists in town. This makes dining here a unique experience that you will want to explore again and again.
Bold Rock With their new location at 39 Lexington Avenue downtown, the Bold Rock cidery and taproom is one you don’t want to miss. Come down and meet the nicest folks in the Asheville restaurant scene. Enjoy Chef Mark’s amazing cuisine and try some cider. It’s so good, and they have a great selection of beer as well! My favorite strategy is to get a mixed flight of beers and cider. We recently had our wedding reception here and it was hands down the best party we ever threw. The space is amazing and the people are all great. We know you will love this one.
Cucina 24 We recently had dinner here. They offered a regular menu, but we were intrigued by the Chef’s Tasting Menu so we ordered it. All I can say is, wow! Dish after amazing dish was served with a bewildering array of local produce, homemade cheese, grilled meats and seafood, piquant sauces, colorful accents, and lots of great dialog with our server as we discussed each course. A little pricey but a wonderful experience and highly recommended!
Bouchon A lovely Lexington Avenue establishment, Bouchon offers “French Comfort Food” and that is an understatement. Our recent experience there was so satisfying! Great staff, great service, and good selection of classics like Boeuf Bourguignon, Steak Au Poivre, and their Famous French Fries. Lots of specials are also offered, and a good selection of wines. All are served by a friendly staff in a relaxed, intimate setting that you are sure to love.
King Daddy’s John and Julie Stehling own and manage this restaurant and Early Girl downtown. We love these folks and we love these Asheville eateries! During my most recent visit to King Daddy’s in West Asheville, I got soaking wet from a hard rain shower on the way from my car. The first thing they brought me was a towel! This place is staffed by some of the nicest people you will ever meet, and the food here is terrific. If you like chicken and waffles, this is the place to be. Lots of super good sandwiches, salads, soups, and a dizzying array of sides and desserts, all topped off with a full bar and terrific prices.
Early Girl is in downtown Asheville on Wall Street. I love their farm-to-table theme, featuring Southern Comfort food made from locally sourced ingredients. My most recent meal there was the catfish sandwich with a salad and a side of collard greens. Yummy and the prices can’t be beaten.
Posana The Posana restaurant in downtown Asheville features a farm-to-table theme. Many of the vegetables they serve are grown in their own garden in West Asheville. For a truly delicious experience, try the sunchokes. Beautifully done food, great service, and a fun location.
White Duck Taco Shop White Duck has elevated tacos to an art form. Their prices can’t be beaten, and they offer an amazing variety. The standard procedure is to order at least two tacos. You take a number and they bring your tacos to your table. My dinner companion once told me, “I knew this would be good, but I never expected tacos to rock my world!” Enough said.
Mela Indian Restaurant A great place for lovers of Indian cuisine, Mela offers a great menu as well as a reasonably priced lunch buffet. Great downtown location and beautiful dishes served by friendly staff.
Chai Pani Offering Indian Street Food, Chai Pani is a unique take on Indian cuisine. Located downtown near the Grove Arcade, this funky, unique restaurant is a great find.
Tupelo Honey The original Tupelo Honey located downtown is one of Asheville’s most popular restaurant destinations. The menu and the ambiance make for a wonderful experience. They also have a South Asheville location.
Buxton Hall Barbecue at its finest. The chefs at Buxton Hall bring you the most traditional Southern cuisine. Get ready to dig in!
Luella’s Bar-B-Que Luella’s is a great favorite. Located in North Asheville close to the entrance to UNCA. You will love this place!
Twelve Bones With two locations in the River Arts District and South Asheville, Twelve Bones is a great place for ribs. They also serve barbecue and great sides. Lunch only with take-out from 4 to 6.
The Bull and Beggar A high-end European-style restaurant in the River Arts District. An amazing menu. For an affordable option check out Burger Mondays for the best burger ever made. Also serving Sunday brunch.
Smoky Park Supper Club Open to the public despite its clubby name, this unique establishment is built right beside the river. Their building material? Repurposed shipping containers! A high-end menu featuring masterfully crafted dishes, and offering a nice little park beside the river.
Avenue M If you are looking for an affordable alternative to the downtown offerings, North Asheville’s Avenue M is where you’ll find it. The locals know this is the place for high-end dining without the hefty price tag. With a full bar, a relaxed atmosphere, and friendly staff, we find ourselves making this a regular stop.
Vinnie’s Italian Great Italian food served by attentive friendly folks. Another North Asheville favorite where you get great value. This is another one of our regular haunts, and we think you’ll like it too.
