Asheville native, foodie, and culinary school grad Sarah Hoski of @eatasheville kindly agreed to take the scoop readers on a restaurant tour of Asheville in advance of what we know will be many trips this spring and summer to enjoy this fab city and its mountainous environs.
She has really got you covered friends, so follow her on her IG for more scoop.
A Foodie’s Tour of Asheville, NC
Mother
244 Short Coxe Ave
If you only have a few hours in Asheville, whatever you do, you need to go to Mother. Their OG retail bread and wine shop is located in the River Arts District, but their latest expansion is a full service culinary experience blending a sourdough bakery & curated wine shop with a cafe. Open Wednesday – Sunday from 10AM – 7PM, it is located in the South Slope and worth every minute of your time. It doesn’t matter if you are going to brunch, lunch or dinner because everything is guaranteed to be outstanding. Known for their spectacular breads and impressive wine selection, the Jambon-Buerre is the signature Mother sandwich, but make sure to not miss out on the house pickles that are served with their hummus or their cured salmon toast. Seriously, you won’t regret it. (Price range: $20-40 per person)
Bargello
7 Patton Ave
Nestled in the heart of downtown Asheville, Bargello offers a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere, perfect for indulging in a leisurely weekend brunch. Available every Saturday & Sunday from 10AM – 2PM, the menu features dishes that use farm-fresh ingredients like local mushrooms and feta in the garden omelet or house-made bread for the avocado toast. Whether savoring their smoked salmon florentine or delighting in their inventive grain bowl, Bargello is a must-visit destination for any brunch-lover. (Price range: $30-40 per person)
District 42
7 Patton Ave
Sister restaurant to Bargello, District 42 is the perfect spot to enjoy shareable plates and craft cocktails with your friends. Centrally located in the heart of downtown Asheville, this absolutely stunning space offers everything from hearth-fired pizzas, charcuterie boards, and PEI mussels as well as delicious libations that feature house-made juices and regionally sourced bitters. Join them on a Friday or Saturday night from 7PM – 10PM for live music from some of Asheville’s finest talent. (Price range: $30-40 per person)
Botiwalla by Chai Pani
697 Haywood Road
If you are looking for a relaxed, fast lunch that is bursting with flavor, Botiwalla is the way to go. Sister restaurant to Chai Pani, Botiwalla is where Asheville locals like to dine if you want the flavors of Chai Pani without the wait. Located in trendy West Asheville, this fast-casual Indian street food restaurant has something for everyone – delicious house-made drinks and sodas such as Mango Lassi & Nimbu Pani as well as some fan favorites such as Gobi 65, SPDP (sev potato dahi puri), and Boti Rice Bowls. If you fall in love with the flavors, you can also bring them home with you via their stocked merchandise shelves (they now carry Spicewalla’s Biryani Masala which is a blend that was specifically created for the rice bowls). (Price range: very affordable)
Pollen
45 S French Broad Ave
Sometimes there is just nothing better than starting your day off with a perfectly made cup of coffee, especially if the coffee shop is also a flower shop. Located off the beaten tourist path yet still in downtown Asheville, enjoy your favorite latte with a fresh assortment of baked treats while also building a one-of-a-kind bouquet with some of the most exquisite flowers in town. (Price range: affordable if you only want coffee, tea or pastries, varies if you also buy flowers)
Tall John’sÂ
152 Montford Ave
Open for dinner 7 days a week from 4PM – 9PM and brunch on Sundays from 9AM – 2PM, Tall John’s is centrally located in Asheville’s Historic Montford District and the perfect place to share a meal, while enjoying the one of a kind ambiance you can only find in an immaculately renovated historic church. Serving up freezer-cold martinis and an impressive array of European-American classics like steak tartare, caesar salad, pork schnitzel and so much more, Tall John’s is where you can dine any day of the week for any occasion. Pro-tip: Join them from 4PM – 5PM every day for half off appetizers. (Price range: expensive)
Capella on 9Â
10 Broadway St.Â
If you are visiting Asheville and not taking in the views, you are doing it wrong, which is why Capella on 9 is the perfect place to grab a delicious cocktail and enjoy their tapas-style menu. Located on the 9th floor of the AC Hotel in downtown Asheville, Capella on 9 is always guaranteed to serve up impeccable views of City Hall and long range mountains along with great service. With outdoor fireplaces and rainscreen coverage overhead neither perfect weather nor being a guest at the hotel is required; all are welcome to join them for a great time! (Price range: $20-40 per person)
Biscuit Head
Multiple Locations
A long time Asheville staple, you haven’t had the true Asheville foodie experience unless you have had breakfast at Biscuit Head. With three different locations – South Asheville, West Asheville and one right outside of downtown Asheville near the hospital, there is guaranteed to be a line because the food is just that good. Known for their cathead biscuits, hence the name, thick cut maple bacon, and seasoned home fries it’s also a must to indulge in their jam bar or house-made hot sauces with whatever you choose to order! They also freshly squeeze their orange juice in house so make sure to treat yourself to a mimosa or two. (Price range: very affordable)
Little Chango
134 Coxe Ave.
A small, but vibrant eatery, Little Chango serves up some of the most delicious arepas and Latin American dishes in town. Ideal for lunch and especially enjoyable with outdoor dining during Asheville’s signature nice weather, treat yourself to one of the mouthwatering arepas on the menu, or if you are feeling rather hungry, opt for a lonchera (Spanish for lunchbox). Whatever you do, don’t forget to order the nitro coffee served with house-made creamer for an extra boost as it happens to be one of the standout coffees in town! (Price range: very affordable)
Vivian
348 Depot Street
An upscale European-influenced restaurant located in the River Arts District, Vivian is the ideal date night spot in town. The menu features dishes such as smoked oysters, beef tartare, and a scallop quenelle alongside many other impressive dishes that use local ingredients from the region plus an impressive wine list, making this one of the most popular restaurants in town for both locals and visitors alike (which means a reservation is almost certainly required). They also offer a delectable Sunday brunch that you should not miss out on, but make sure you get a reservation if you are trying to dine with them because space is very limited. (Price range: expensive)
Cucina 24
24 Wall Street
Without a doubt one of Asheville’s most popular restaurants, Cucina 24 is an Italian inspired eatery showcasing immense talent, remarkable flavors and stunning ingredients. The ideal dinner spot in downtown Asheville, you can enjoy the menu two different ways – a la carte or family-style dinner for the table. If you have a hard time getting into Cucina 24, walk right down the block and join them at their sister restaurant, Contrada, for draft cocktails and wood-fired pizza. (Price range: expensive)
Table
18 N. Lexington Ave
A true Asheville dinner classic for good reason, Table is a small, seasonal, New American restaurant located in downtown Asheville. Ideal for any of life’s special occasions or for anyone looking for a remarkable meal, the seasonally evolving menu showcases exceptional skill and local ingredients that you will want to share every dish and their well-trained staff to help guide you through wine or liquor pairings. (Price range: expensive)
The Bull and BeggarÂ
37 Paynes WayÂ
A casual fine dining gem located in the River Arts District, The Bull and Beggar draws inspiration from Appalchian traditions mixed with European farmhouse and bistro cuisines. Offering everything from fresh oysters and Cote de Bouef to seasonal vegetable dishes and one of the best beef tartares in town, this unassuming restaurant is an ideal dinner spot. Monday’s they offer half off oysters (while supplies last) and because of the location, parking is generally never an issue. (Price range: expensive)
Old Europe Pastries
18 Broadway Street
After spending time exploring downtown, make sure you stop into Asheville’s longest running cafe for a delicious coffee and an unforgettable European pastry made with passion from Hungarian immigrant, Melinda Vetro. Open at 7AM everyday, Old Europe delivers exceptional cakes, pastries and other traditional Hungarian desserts that are perfect for any time of day. (Price range: very affordable)
Neng Jr.’s
701 Haywood Road
Without a doubt one of Asheville’s must inconspicuous restaurants, this foodie gem is located in West Asheville and is the town’s first Filipinx restaurant. Because the menu changes so often, it is never posted anywhere, but it is guaranteed to be full of Filipinx flavors with a bit of Southern flare. Neng Jr.’s is an incredibly intimate open kitchen restaurant with only 18 seats, so make sure you have a reservation if you are wanting to experience an unforgettable dinner. (Price range: expensive)
Jettie Rae’s Oyster House
143 Charlotte StreetÂ
If you are looking for a little bit of coastal fare in the mountains, Jettie Rae’s Oyster House serves up some of the freshest oysters and seafood in town. Nestled in one of Asheville’s oldest neighborhoods right in between The Omni Grove Park Inn and downtown Asheville, sit back, relax and indulge in seafood towers, po’boys, and so much more. This gorgeously renovated spot used to be a gas station way back when, but now features one of the best patios in the city, making it the perfect dinner spot for any time of year. (Price range: expensive)
The Golden Pineapple
503 Haywood Road
Truly known as the neighborhood bar, The Golden Pineapple allows you to enjoy everything from a shot, to a glass of wine or beer, to a craft cocktail. Situated in one of the oldest standing buildings in West Asheville, The Golden Pineapple is top tier late night food and drink! From the Bodega Sandwich and Cucumber Salad to GP Mezze and Smash Burger (only served on Mondays), this is the spot you go to for good vibes and a great time! (Price range: $20-30 per person)
Leo’s House of Thirst
1055 Haywood Road
Don’t let the name fool you. Yes, this is definitely where you go when you are thirsty because it is in fact a wine bar, but Leo’s House of Thirst also serves up some of the most inviting shareable plates in West Asheville. With a prix fixe lunch menu offered on Friday and Saturday & dinner service offered every day of the week, Leo’s provides a casual atmosphere with a menu that features some local favorites such as crispy rice, grilled cheese, crudo and so much more. (They don’t offer reservations, so plan accordingly!) (Price range: $20-40 per person)
Sunny Point Cafe
626 Haywood Road
Undeniably one of Asheville’s most popular breakfast/brunch spots, Sunny Point Cafe has been serving up made-from-scratch breakfast favorites such as Shrimp & Grits, Huevos Rancheros and Fried Green Tomatoes for over 20 years in West Asheville. Plan ahead if you want to start your day off here, because in peak season you’ll have to wait a while. That being said, they do provide plenty of shaded seating and it is absolutely worth the wait. (Price range: $30-40 per person)
City Bakery
88 Charlotte St
If you ever have a jam-packed day and are looking for something that is quick and easy, City Bakery is the place for you. Located just north of downtown Asheville, this beloved local bakery and sandwich shop offers everything from coffee and freshly baked bread to some of the best breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Their famous cheddar and scallion biscuit is a breakfast staple in town, and with easy online ordering it is the perfect place to grab on the go. (Price range: very affordable)
About the Writer ~ Sarah Hoski
Born and raised in Asheville, Sarah is a culinary school graduate and local foodie sharing her love for Asheville’s culinary world over on @eatasheville. She worked as a sous chef at the former Smoky Park Supper Club restaurant, before starting her career as a Food and Beverage Marketing Manager.
