25 Essential Asheville Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of Asheville.
Posana Downtown
North Carolina
Contemporary American cuisine featuring local ingredients served in a chic space with a patio.
Biscuit Head
North Carolina
Casual breakfast & lunch hub serving massive biscuits with a variety of toppings & pairings.
Blue Mountain Pizza
North Carolina
Lively joint for pizza & American fare, plus live music, in a classic, Main-Street-USA saloon space.
Fresh Wood Fired Pizza & Pasta
Asheville, North Carolina
Artisanal, wood-fired pizzas, locally grown produce & craft beers in rustic little house & patio.
Ruth's Chris Steak House
Asheville, North Carolina
Outpost of upmarket steakhouse chain known for sizzling, butter-topped beef in an elegant setting.
Stoney Knob Cafe
Asheville, North Carolina
Imaginative American fare with a Mediterranean twist served in a trendy locale with whimsical decor.
Moe's Original BBQ
Asheville, North Carolina
Easygoing chain serving Alabama-style pulled pork & other meats smoked in-house.
The Med
Asheville, North Carolina
Long-running diner with booths & counter stools dishing up familiar Greek & American plates.
Bear's Smokehouse Barbecue
Asheville, North Carolina
Local BBQ outpost serving smoked meats & sandwiches, plus comfort sides, in a low-key setting.
Jerusalem Garden Café
Asheville, North Carolina
Nothing-fancy cafe serving a Moroccan & Mediterranean menu in a space with stained glass windows.
Cornerstone
Asheville, North Carolina
Established American restaurant offering burgers, steaks & seafood in an airy, rustic-chic setting.
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co
Asheville, North Carolina
Funky, upbeat spot specializing in locally brewed beers, starters & specialty pies.
Mellow Mushroom Asheville
Asheville, North Carolina
Funky, art-filled chain pizzeria featuring craft beer, calzones & creative stone-baked pizzas.
Pack's Tavern
Asheville, North Carolina
Modern restaurant in a restored historic building with over 35 rotating taps & an eclectic food menu.
Chai Pani Asheville
Asheville, North Carolina
Indian chaat (street snacks) plus homestyle platters (thalis) in a funky, laid-back space.
Biscuit Head
Asheville, North Carolina
Casual breakfast & lunch hub serving massive biscuits with a variety of toppings & pairings.
The Pure & Proper
Asheville, North Carolina
Service options: Outdoor seating, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great beer selection, Great cocktails, Great coffee.
plant
Asheville, North Carolina
Creative all-vegan cuisine, craft beers & biodynamic wines served in a spare, modern setting.
Black Bear Pizza
Asheville, North Carolina
Casual stop for Italian basics such as subs, salads, baked pasta & pies with creative toppings.
Beach Mountain Diner Waynesville
Asheville, North Carolina
Service options: Outdoor seating, Drive-through, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Fireplace, Great cocktails, Great coffee.
Zambra
Asheville, North Carolina
Global wines & locally sourced Iberian tapas in a rustic space with Spanish & Moorish accents.
Haywood Smokehouse
Asheville, North Carolina
Service options: Outdoor seating, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great beer selection, Great coffee, Great dessert.
Mela Indian Restaurant
Asheville, North Carolina
Indian hub known for a lunch buffet & tandoori dishes offered in an airy, modern setting.
Bee Thai Kitchen
Asheville, North Carolina
Traditional Thai dishes & drinks served in a casual, relaxed setting with outdoor seating.
French Fryz
Asheville, North Carolina
Burgers, hot dogs & sandwiches, plus a variety of fries, in a bright, '60s-retro counter serve.