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Dining & Nightlife

With over 250 independent restaurants, Asheville has earned the respect of food enthusiasts nationwide and its restaurant community is well-known for its ethos of using locally grown, raised, and sourced ingredients.
Whether you venture downtown, to the River Arts District, South Slope, West Asheville, or near Biltmore, there are plenty of fantastic eateries to tempt any palate. From good old southern-style comfort food and exquisite BBQ, to fine dining and hand-made desserts, Asheville has it all.
Showcased here are some of our favorite places to eat in the area, as well as a bit of background for each to help you decide which places fit your dining preferences.

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  • International

    • Cúrate

      The award-winning restaurant celebrates and serves authentic Spanish cuisine in the form of small plates and tapas, along with an extensive selection of Spanish wines. Reservations are not required, but are usually necessary.

    • Chai Pani

      Named an “Outstanding Restaurant” by the James Beard Foundation, this colorful Indian street food restaurant is a local and national favorite. Be sure to arrive early - it’s guaranteed to be busy no matter the day or time.

    • Luminosa

      Italian restaurant with fresh pasta and produce sourced from local farmers, plus it’s a Michelin Green Star and Bib Gourmand honoree.

    • Mela

      Mela serves Indian food from all regions of that country, using locally sourced fresh, organic ingredients. It’s well known for a lunchtime buffet that lets diners sample much of the regular menu.

    • Mamacita’s Taqueria

      A local favorite for fresh Mexican food downtown. It’s locally owned and consistently voted the “Best” of Asheville.

    • Nine Mile

      With three locations, the menu here features pasta and rice dishes inspired by Jamaican cuisine.

    • Strada Italiano

      Menu items inspired by the head chef’s and owner’s family recipes, fresh and made to order.

    • Green Tea Sushi

      Fresh sushi with numerous options, as well as hibachi and regular Asian specialties.

    • Gypsy Queen Cuisine

      The home of Eastern Mediterranean food in Asheville, with menu favorites like falafel, hummus, shawarma, and more.

    • Ghan Shan West

      Asian-inspired food with only locally sourced ingredients. Specialties include ramen and small plates.

    • Addissae

      The only Ethiopian restaurant in Asheville features family-style dinners with gluten-friendly injera, and vegan and vegetarian options.

  • Barbecue

    • 12 Bones Barbecue

      Everything at 12 Bones is made from scratch, and the meat is hardwood-smoked. The 2 locations are only open for lunch, so be sure to check the website before going.

    • Luella’s Barbecue

      Another spot for hand-pulled, scratch-made barbecue, inspired by family recipes.

  • Vegan/Vegetarian/Gluten-Free

    • Plant

      All-vegan, multi-cuisine restaurant with fresh and locally sourced, 90 percent organic ingredients.

  • Breakfast

    • Biscuit Head

      The biscuits are “as big as your head,” and the most local, fresh ingredients are used for southern-inspired breakfasts and lunches.

    • Sunny Point Cafe

      A family-owned, independent restaurant serving upscale comfort food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Everything is made from scratch, and they take pride in their farm-to-table approach.

    • Early Girl

      With an emphasis on Southern-inspired comfort food and farm-to-table ingredients, Early Girl has been a local favorite for nearly 20 years.

    • All Day Darling

      Although the restaurant’s hours are true to its name, breakfast starts at 7 a.m. and includes traditional fare and a few morning surprises.

  • Misc.

    • Rhubarb

      The cuisine at this downtown eatery blends Appalachian culture with a worldly flair, using local ingredients. The combination has earned the restaurant a place in Southern Living’s list of “100 Best Restaurants in the South”.

    • Posana

      The “Contemporary American” cuisine at this downtown restaurant is sourced from local farms and gardens with an ever-changing menu.

    • The Bull and Beggar

      If you crave unique tastes (veal brains or charred octopus, anyone?), this is the restaurant to find them. Lauded by the national and local press.

    • The Admiral

      Often named one of the best restaurants in Asheville, The Admiral’s unassuming exterior hides inventive and creative small plates and entrees.

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