Asheville, North Carolina, the culinary jewel of western North Carolina, has long been a tourist magnet, attracting low- country residents to cooler mountain climes since the 1880s, but its transformation to a foodie mecca has a more recent, vibrant history. Set on the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, local food culture has grown to national prominence as visitor numbers keep rising.
The mix of modern Appalachian and traditional Southern cuisines, as well as an array of global culinary offerings that would make many larger cities proud makes this a jewel for visitors and local diners alike. The panoply of restaurant choices meshes with the rest of the vacation spot’s all-ages appeal—the city and surrounding area town are rich in local culture, art and music to the point it’s rare for popular parks and stages to be silent during peak season weekends and evenings.
Regardless of what lures folks to Asheville, no visitors need go hungry when they’re there. From barbecued ribs fit for a president to fine dining in the baronial splendor of a Vanderbilt family vacation estate, this is a place to chow down. It’s also a brewing and distilling mecca, making it easy and tasty to chase farm-to-table meals with top-notch craft beers, or enjoy locally distilled spirits that hearken back to an Appalachian heritage of mountain-made moonshine.
Early Girl Eatery, Downtown Asheville, Southern Comfort Food
What Makes It Unique?
Focusing on farm-to-table dining, Early Girl Eatery offers a comforting glimpse into Southern cuisine with a modern twist. Since its 2001 debut, it stands out for its all-day breakfast and commitment to local organic ingredients. Their motto, “More than made from scratch” reflects the restaurant’s role in supporting the local farms and breweries that make western North Carolina a distinctive, delicious destination. Signature dishes Chicken and waffles, the Yam Scram breakfast, pulled pork sandwich.
Cúrate, Downtown Asheville, Spanish Cuisine
What Makes It Unique?
Helmed by Chef Katie Button, a James Beard Award winner, Cúrate brings authentic Spanish tapas to the heart of Asheville. The restaurant’s dedication to authenticity and quality ingredients has made it a staple in the Asheville dining scene. It a tapas bar that has become a staple in Asheville’s food culture since it opened in 2011. Cúrate means “cure yourself” in Spanish, and if your woes can be treated by a freshly shaved leg of Ibérico ham sitting on the bar you’re in luck. It’s an authentic splash of Spanish flavor in the mountain south. Signature Tapas: Jamón Ibérico, patatas bravas, and gambas al ajillo.
French Broad Chocolate Lounge, Downtown Asheville, Desserts and Chocolates
What Makes It Unique?
This lounge is a dessert mecca, with offerings to satisfy any sweet tooth. It was founded with a bean-to-bar ethos that prioritizes sustainability and the finest quality cocoa – a surgary version of the farm-to-table concept that sets Asheville’s restaurant scene apart. French Broad Chocolate Lounge remains a beacon for dessert lovers exploring the city’s downtown. Its ice cream menu, full of old reliables and exotic flavors like cardamom and rosewater, is not to be missed. Signature Dishes: Liquid truffle, and the Mocha stout cake.
12 Bones Smokehouse, River Arts District, Barbecue
What Makes It Unique?
Known for its slow-cooked meats and distinctive Southern sides, 12 Bones Smokehouse embodies the essence of American barbecue with a North Carolinian twist. Its dedication to craft and flavor has made it a legend in the Asheville food scene, pulling in locals and the occasional celebrity visitor (President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama made it their first stop on a 2010 trip). The dry rub, Carolina-style ‘cue is one of the greatest examples of regional cuisine around, and the menu, heavy on ribs, brisket, chicken and pulled pork attracts connoisseurs of the slow-cooking craft. Signature Dishes: Blueberry chipotle ribs and corn pudding.
Chai Pani, Downtown Asheville, Indian Street Food
What Makes It Unique?
Chai Pani delivers a vibrant splash of Indian street food’s colorful, spicy, and savory flavors, diverging from the typical Indian restaurant fare. Its innovative approach to a broad range of South Asian dishes has garnered national attention, including a James Beard Foundation award for Outstanding Restaurant. It’s a standout example of the diversity of Asheville’s restaurant scene, offering visitors consistently good options from varied world cuisines. Don’t miss their iconic bhel puri, an Indian street snack that’s hard to push aside to get to their excellent main courses. Signature Dishes: Okra fries, masala fish rolls, and butter chicken.
Where to Stay: Editor’s Picks
Consider these three hotels known for their exceptional bars, kitchens, or prime locations:
The Omni Grove Park Inn
Known for its stunning views, luxurious spa, and impressive dining options, this historic resort offers an unforgettable Asheville experience, hearkening back to the city’s earliest days as a tourist destination with its old-school grandeur and elegant decora.
Hotel Indigo Asheville Downtown
With its modern design and central location, Hotel Indigo offers easy access to Asheville’s best restaurants and bars, including its own farm-to-table bistro. It’s an excellent base for exploring the city’s vibrant downtown scene.
The Foundry Hotel Asheville, Curio Collection by Hilton
This boutique hotel blends Asheville’s historical charm with luxury, featuring an excellent on-site restaurant that emphasizes local ingredients and Southern cooking. Located just outside the city center, the repurposed industrial chic meshes with the rest of Asheville’s welcoming vibe.
