Asheville, North Carolina, has long been famed as a top Blue Ridge Mountain destination known for its chill, laidback vibes, breathtaking mountain scenery, and plethora of year-round outdoor recreation and adventures. However, in recent years, the cool city has been making its mark in the culinary world, too—the perfect complement to an already top-rated brewery scene that’s known for its local flavor and hip hangouts.
From Southern staples to inventive takes on classically authentic fare, these Asheville restaurants make the cut when it comes to hearty hospitality and delicious down-home dining.
Cúrate: A Downtown Staple
The James Beard award-winning downtown destination Cúrate is more than just a simple restaurant; it’s an entire brand: from the flagship restaurant to La Bodega (café/market/wine bar), to a wine club and Cúrate Trips (culinary tours), the enigmatic Asheville institution has it all. However, it’s the flagship restaurant that put this Spanish staple on the map with its authentic and creative tapas menu.
- Address: 13 Biltmore Avenue
- Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 4 PM-10:30 PM; Friday through Sunday, 11 AM-10:30 PM; Closed Mondays
- Reservations: Yes, via Tock
- Price: $$$+
- What To Try: Patatas Bravas; Butifarra à la Plancha; Almejas; Matrimonio; Turrón de Suchard
Chestnut: Classic & Cutting Edge
For ten years, the downtown destination Chestnut has been wowing diners with their inventive take on classic dishes and their local flavor. Cozy, warm, and inviting, the atmosphere also plays a part in Chestnut’s charms—the perfect side dish to their sophisticated cocktails and elevated, fresh flavors.
- Address: 48 Biltmore Avenue
- Hours: Open daily @5PM
- Reservations: Yes, call (828)-575-2667
- Price: $$$-$$$$
- What To Try: Scratch-Made Lobster Bisque; Autumn Mussels; Caramelized Apple Turnover; Pretzel Crusted Pork Schnitzel
Tupelo Honey: Sumptuous Southern Staples
With a dedication to a tradition rooted in Southern cooking and a menu loaded with scrumptious mountain classics, Tupelo Honey has long been considered one of Asheville’s best restaurants. Think made-from-scratch goodies like fried chicken and house-made fried pickles; here, every dish is thoughtful and made with a healthy dose of Southern hospitality.
- Address: 12 College Street
- Reservations: Yes, via the website
- Hours: Monday through Thursday, 10 AM-9 PM; Friday through Sunday, 9 AM-9 PM
- Price: $$$+
- What To Try: Famous Fried Green Tomatoes; Country Style Fried Chicken and Waffles; Original Honey Dusted Fried Chicken; Tupelo Shrimp & Grits
Daddy Mac’s Down Home Dive: Tradition, Hospitality, And Great BBQ
The OG Daddy Mac’s in Farragut, TN, was such a rousing success that the down-home destination opened a new location in Asheville last year. However, nothing has changed: the menu is still steeped in the family tradition and made-from-scratch goodies that are a deliciously modern take on Southern faves.
- Address: 161 Biltmore Avenue
- Reservations: N/A
- Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 AM-12 AM; Friday through Sunday, 11 AM-1 AM
- Price: $$+
- What To Try: Daddy’s Original Pimento Cheese; Burnt Ends Mac; BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders; The Big Country with Handcut Potato Chips
The Admiral: Cozy, Quirky, And Creative
A self-described “New American Neighborhood Classic,” The Admiral is all about surprises: from its boxy, cinder-block exterior to its inventive dishes full of flavor and flair. Whether it's the homey restaurant’s cozy indoor space that’s rustically charming or its picnicky outdoor patio perfect for socializing, this West Asheville spot’s vibes (and menu!) is sumptuously spot-on.
- Address: 400 Haywood Road, West Asheville
- Reservations: Yes, via Resy
- Hours: Thursday through Monday, 5 PM-10 PM
- Price: $$-$$$$
- What To Try: Pork Belly; Short Rib; Poached Turnips; Parisian Gnocchi; Pumpkin Cake
More Asheville Culinary All-Stars
Vacationers who want to fulfill their dining destiny have plenty of spots to choose from in Asheville—and these restaurants are just a taste of what the popular mountain town has on the menu.
- The Corner Kitchen is farm-to-table at its finest, with a sumptuous, sophisticated menu that’s down-home delicious. 3 Boston Way, Historic Biltmore Village $$$-$$$$
- White Duck Taco Shop is à la carte tacos that are deceptively simple and devilishly delicious—and with three super-chill Asheville locations, visitors are never more than a few minutes away from a tantalizing taco. Downtown Asheville 12 Biltmore Avenue $$
- Chai Pani serves up authentic Indian street food that’s colorful, flavorful, and bold. 22 Battery Park Avenue $$
- Sunny Point Café dishes up comfort food (and breakfast!) all day long with their creative menu that’s full of delish diner classics. 626 Haywood Road, West Asheville $$+
Asheville has long been known for its amazing craft brew scene, all the better to sip and savor while maxing and relaxing in the fresh mountain air. But, in recent years, the NC darling has also been recognized as an up-and-coming dining destination, too—thanks to its plethora of downtown staples that perfectly blend the area’s quirky, cool vibes with classic Southern hospitality. A dream vacation for any foodie looking to add the area’s best bites to their travel itinerary, these Asheville gems are all welcoming, homey, and undeniably hip—just like the city itself.