Explore the Best Food & Drink in Asheville, NC

Asheville Brewing Company, founded in 1998, is one of Western North Carolina’s original craft breweries with two unique locations in North Asheville and Downtown Asheville. Beyond award-winning craft beers like their Ninja Porter and Perfect Day IPA, they offer a full menu of pub favorites, from hand-tossed pizzas to burgers and vegan options. Their North Asheville spot stands out with an in-house movie theater showing new releases at some of the best prices in town, plus a lively and game room for hours of fun.

RendezVous in East Asheville brings French comfort food, local wines, and a relaxed neighborhood vibe to 184 New Haw Creek Road. Set in a converted church with covered outdoor seating and pétanque courts, the restaurant serves up classics like Steak Au Poivre, Poulet Cordon Bleu, and Duck à L'Orange—all crafted with locally sourced ingredients. The wine list focuses on French bottlings, and the kitchen sources from WNC purveyors for everything from bread and veggies to honey and trout. Sunday brunch adds more reason for a visit, and reservations are recommended especially on weekends.

If you’re in West Asheville and just want a chill place to grab good food and great beer, Westville Pub should be on your radar. It’s the kind of spot where you feel welcome the minute you walk in. The vibe is laid-back and casual with plenty of room to hang inside or out on their dog-friendly patios. They serve up tasty classic pub food—like juicy burgers and seriously good buffalo chicken sliders—and have a solid lineup of local craft brews on tap thanks to sharing space with All Sevens Brewing. Whether you want to catch a game, grab some late-night eats, or just unwind with friends, this place has you covered seven days a week. People who know Westville dig it for the friendly staff, relaxed atmosphere, and the fact that you can show up with your dog or bring a group without stress.

Tiger Bay Cafe is back on the scene with a fresh South Slope location inside Ben's Tune Up on Hilliard Avenue, bringing its crowd-favorite breakfast, Latin, and West Indian eats back to Asheville after a highly anticipated reopening. The new digs serve up everything from hefty breakfast burritos and lox bagels to house-smoked meats, vegan wraps, and classic Cuban paninis. Regulars dig the garden courtyard, easygoing seating, and late-night hours that set Tiger Bay apart from most spots in town.​

Sand Hill Kitchen is a hidden gem tucked inside a gas station in West Asheville, serving up award-winning breakfast and lunch classics with a Southern twist. Known especially for their fried chicken sandwich—brined in buttermilk, perfectly crispy, and packed with flavor—it’s a local favorite that keeps folks coming back. The menu also features standout burgers, a hearty Reuben, pork belly BLTs, and a roasted red beet sandwich that surprises and delights.

Capella on 9 is Asheville’s rooftop restaurant and bar perched atop the AC Hotel in downtown. Offering locally sourced, tapas-style small plates, it’s a perfect spot for relaxing with a drink and great views of the city and Blue Ridge Mountains. Its open-air patio with firepits adds cozy vibes — a nice escape for morning breakfast or evening cocktails.

Plant is Asheville’s go-to for innovative, chef-driven vegan cuisine that’s anything but boring. They serve up scratch-made, organic, plant-based dishes with flavors that impress vegans and non-vegans alike. This spot’s known for using local, seasonal ingredients to create standout dishes like house-made ravioli, seitan Marsala, and one of the best vegan cheese plates you’ll find. The atmosphere is modern and inviting, with friendly service and a wine and cocktail list that perfectly complements the menu.

Dobra Tea is Asheville’s cozy, inviting tea room that serves up over 100 varieties of handpicked teas from around the world. Nestled downtown at 78 N Lexington Ave and also with a West Asheville location, this place is perfect for tea lovers and newbies alike. They offer everything from traditional poured teas to silky bubble teas, plus a tasty menu of vegetarian light fare and gluten-free desserts. Open daily, it’s a peaceful retreat where the vibe is all about slowing down and savoring the perfect cup.

Just 20 minutes from Asheville in Fairview, Hickory Nut Gap Farm is a vibrant family-owned farm and farm store with a rich heritage dating back to 1916. Known for regenerative farming practices, the farm offers visitors a unique chance to explore pastures, apple orchards, and heritage breed animals while shopping for premium, 100% grassfed beef, pasture-raised pork, and fresh farm goods. The Farm Store is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM, welcoming guests for self-guided tours and picnics.

Located just outside of Downtown Asheville, Sweeten Creek Brewing is dedicated to delivering crisp, clean, true-to-style craft beer and has Bears Smokehouse BBQ on site! Dog and family friendly! 800 sgft fenced in dog park and a Large creekside lawn

If you’re craving fresh, tasty Mexican food in downtown Asheville, Mountain Madre is where you want to be. This family-owned gem brings serious flavor with made-from-scratch tacos, street corn, and one of the best agave bars in town. You’ll find tons of tequila and mezcal options, plus margaritas that are seriously worth talking about. The vibe is totally chill and welcoming—perfect for hanging out with friends or grabbing a relaxed dinner after work.

The Blackbird is a vibrant, chef-owned spot in downtown Asheville serving up modern Southern cuisine with seasonal flair. This cozy restaurant specializes in fresh, local ingredients from Western North Carolina and the Carolinas’ coast. Whether you stop in for their award-winning brunch, creative cocktails, or a relaxing dinner, you’ll savor dishes that showcase the region’s bounty with thoughtful, delicious twists. Located on Biltmore Avenue near the Aloft Hotel, it’s a perfect downtown hangout with a lively yet welcoming vibe.

West Village Market & Deli is West Asheville’s friendly neighborhood grocery and deli, serving up organic produce, natural groceries, and ridiculously good food for every diet. Nearly 200 local products fill the shelves, making this a true community market, and their deli is a hidden gem for tasty breakfast burritos, creative salads, hearty sandwiches, hot soups, and grab-and-go sushi. For health-conscious folks, there’s always vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and meat-lover options—plus great coffee, fresh local pastries, and a positive, eco-friendly vibe.

Posana® is a contemporary American restaurant with locations in Downtown Asheville and South Asheville. We offer a warm, welcoming setting for savoring seasonal cuisine and unwinding with a handcrafted cocktail or a glass from our award-winning wine list. Posana’s locally sourced, sustainable menus are inspired by the region’s rich agricultural community and shaped by the bounty of each season. From housemade pastas to fresh seafood and prime meats, each dish is thoughtfully prepared with ingredients from our trusted network of local farmers and purveyors. With stylish dining rooms, outdoor patios, and private venues, our dedicated gluten-free kitchen ensures a safe, memorable experience for all guests.

Bargello is downtown Asheville’s spot for casual fine dining with Mediterranean and Italian flavors, located inside the Kimpton Hotel Arras. Chef Tyler Slade leads the kitchen crafting fresh hand-rolled pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and seasonal shareable plates using local ingredients. The open kitchen, cozy bar, and lively patio looking out over Pack Square give it a relaxed vibe that works for anything from laid-back dinners to special celebrations. Bargello features stunning floor-to-ceiling windows, an open kitchen view, and an open-fire pizza hearth.

Biscuit Head is a popular breakfast and lunch spot known for its signature cat head biscuits, served with a variety of creative toppings and pairings. What makes Biscuit Head truly unique is its "jam bar," featuring a delightful mix of house-made jams and rotating flavored butters. Many of these beloved flavors can also be found on local retail shelves, so you can bring a taste of Biscuit Head home with you.

District 42® blends small shareable plates, warm hospitality, and unique cocktails in its all-day lounge and bar located in downtown Asheville right at the vibrant center of historic Pack Square. Open seven days a week, this stylish spot offers a mix of tables and cozy soft seating, plus an outdoor patio perfect for relaxing while enjoying craft libations made with house-made juices, regionally sourced bitters, and a dash of downtown Asheville’s celebrated history.

Finest brings big flavor and neighborhood comfort to West Asheville with hearty sandwiches, house-made pasta, creative salads, and all-day breakfast plates that locals rave about. Inspired by classic Italian-American delis and Northeastern red-sauce shops, every dish features locally sourced ingredients from Asheville’s best farms and bakers, plus an unbeatable lineup of local beer, natural wine, and coffee. The team’s roots run deep—every bite at Finest carries a little home-cooked love, and the welcoming staff make it easy to settle in for breakfast, lunch, or a chill afternoon bite.

Mother Ocean Market on Merrimon Avenue is Asheville’s go-to seafood fix, bringing the freshest fish and shellfish from the Carolinas straight to local plates. Whether it’s wild-caught shrimp, buttery lobster rolls, or their straight-up legendary oyster po’boys, this market and lunch counter serves up a blend of classic flavors and creative specials. Voted “Best Fresh Fish Seller” and “Best Seafood Lunch” in WNC multiple years running, Mother Ocean is the real deal for foodies and local chefs alike. Mother Ocean isn’t just a grab-and-go market. There’s a full lunch and dinner menu Tuesday through Saturday—try baskets of peel-and-eat shrimp, crispy fish tacos, or a monster tuna melt. Everything is made with sustainably sourced seafood and served with heaps of local love, making this a must for Asheville seafood fans

If you’re heading just north of Asheville to Woodfin, Riverside Rhapsody is the kind of brewery that feels like a second home. Started by two homebrew buddies who turned their passion into a local favorite, this spot nails classic craft beers with a few creative twists. The taproom’s got a cozy indoor bar plus plenty of picnic tables outside, where you can kick back with friends or bring your dog along. And if you’re hungry, you won’t have to wander far — Iron Oak Brisket Co. is right next door serving up top-notch BBQ that pairs perfectly with a cold pint.

Thai Pearl offers authentic Thai cuisine in the heart of historic West Asheville, led by Owner and Executive Chef May who trained at the Royal Palace Academy in Bangkok and worked alongside a Michelin Star chef in Australia. The menu features vibrant curries, fresh seafood including oysters, and classic dishes like Pad Thai and Tom Yum soup, with generous portions and options for vegetarian and vegan diets. The cozy, stylish interior combines a welcoming neighborhood vibe with attentive service, making it a favorite spot for lunch, dinner, or special occasions.

The Watch Kitchen & Spirits brings bold Lowcountry flavors to Asheville’s vibrant downtown, blending Southern comfort food with fresh regional ingredients and a modern twist. Housed in The Restoration Hotel, the space offers a warm, inviting atmosphere with distinct dining, bar, and lounge areas, plus an outdoor patio overlooking Pritchard Park. Their menu features elevated classics like crispy chicken sandwiches with Alabama white sauce, seared crab cakes, and shrimp & chorizo bowls, all perfectly matched with expertly crafted cocktails and local brews. Whether you’re in for a casual lunch, indulgent dinner, or weekend brunch, The Watch shines with authentic Southern hospitality and inventive dishes.

828 Family Pizzeria has been serving authentic New York-style pizza in Asheville for decades, continuing a family tradition that started back in 1933. Their thin, crispy crust, fresh mozzarella cheese, and house-made tomato sauce make their slices stand out. They also offer a full menu of Italian classics like pastas, salads, strombolis, and calzones. 828 Family Pizzeria has proudly served Asheville and the surrounding areas since 1994. Family owned and operated they continue to use recipes handed down through the generations. Try their signature pizza, pasta, salads and locally made desserts.

Located in the South Slope of Asheville, the Funkatorium is the East Coast’s first sour beer dedicated taproom. Featuring over a dozen varieties of these styles on draught, visitors can expect a full immersion into the old world way of experiencing and appreciating beer along with a creative food menu.

Potential New Boyfriend (PNB) is a total gem tucked in West Asheville that locals absolutely love. It’s not your typical bar or dessert spot—it blends the cozy vibes of a living room hangout with a first-class wine bar and an ice cream parlor all rolled into one. The place has this cool, retro-modern feel with plush furniture, colorful artwork, and a hi-fi sound system playing vinyl. It’s perfect for winding down over amazing desserts and curated wines. This spot is 21+ and open from Tuesday through Sunday, with happy hour early in the afternoons. Whether you’re coming for an after-dinner treat or stopping by for some quality downtime, PNB serves up inventive ice creams, charcuterie, and small bites that pair beautifully with their wine selection.

The Rhu is a charming cafe, bakery, and pantry that celebrates local foods and producers in Asheville. Serving breakfast and lunch, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a locally roasted coffee alongside their famous cruffin — a delightful croissant-muffin hybrid. The menu features fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from nearby farms and regional vendors, making it a great choice for quick bites, picnic supplies, or artisan pantry finds.

Joey's Bagels is known for crafting authentic New York-style bagels baked fresh every morning. They stick to time-honored recipes that deliver the perfect balance of chewy inside and crispy outside. Alongside a wide variety of classic and creative bagels, Joey’s offers house-made spreads and toppings that elevate every bite. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, making it the ideal spot for everything from a quick breakfast to a leisurely coffee break.

Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack serves up Nashville-style hot chicken and Southern soul food with a Carolina twist, located at 1455 Patton Avenue in West Asheville. Known for juicy fried chicken made from naturally raised birds, you can customize your spice level from plain to extra hot. Open since 2009, Rocky’s prides itself on fresh, scratch-made sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, and comforting desserts including banana pudding and Coca-Cola cake. The West Asheville location offers dine-in with indoor and outdoor seating.

If you’re craving some serious Nashville-style hot chicken, Rocky’s in South Asheville has you covered. It’s that spot right on Sweeten Creek Road where locals go when they want juicy, crispy chicken with just the right kick. Whether you like it mild or dare to try the extra hot, they make everything fresh and scratch-made, from the sides to the sauces. It’s a relaxed joint with indoor and outdoor seating—perfect for a casual dinner or grabbing a bite with friends.

Located in downtown Asheville, the Brew Pub is the original home of Wicked Weed Brewing. Here you will find a full restaurant, downstairs tap room and beer garden, bottle shop, and original 15 barrel brewery. Complete with 2 pet-friendly outdoor patios, guests are sure to find the brewery experience suited to them. Please note they do not accept reservations or call ahead seating and they are family friendly!