A curated set of standout tables and local favorites.
Local favorites & classics
Neng Jr.'s. West Asheville · Filipinx-Appalachian fusion — An intimate 18-seat counter restaurant from James Beard finalist Silver Iocovozzi. New York Times named it one of the best 50 restaurants in the U.S. —…
The Market Place. Downtown (Wall Street) · New American (farm-to-table) — Chef William Dissen — a 2025 James Beard Award nominee for Outstanding Chef — sources every ingredient within 100 miles of Asheville. The…
Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar. Downtown (College Street) · Southern comfort / brunch — An Asheville original since 2000, known for honey-dusted fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and sky-high biscuits. Named to OpenTable's Top 100…
Biscuit Head. Biltmore Avenue / West Asheville · Southern breakfast / biscuits — Famous for its giant cat-head biscuits topped with a rotating roster of housemade gravies and seasonal ingredients. Two Asheville…
French Broad Chocolate Lounge. Downtown (Pack Square) · Artisan chocolate / desserts — A beloved Asheville landmark specializing in bean-to-bar craft chocolate, truffles, drinking chocolate, and ice cream. The Pack Square lounge…
White Duck Taco Shop. Downtown (Biltmore Avenue) · Creative tacos — Local mini-chain known for inventive taco fillings — think Bangkok shrimp, lamb shawarma, and bahn mi — at affordable prices. The downtown Biltmore…
Pack's Tavern. 20 S Spruce St · 4.6★ (6,558 reviews)
Sunny Point Cafe. 626 Haywood Rd · 4.7★ (5,169 reviews)
Cafés, bakeries & casual
Chai Pani. South Slope · Indian street food — Winner of the 2022 James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant — a rare honor for a counter-service Indian street food spot where most dishes are under $15.…
Sunshine Sammies. 99 S Lexington Ave · 4.7★ (1,089 reviews)
Filo Pastries & Post 70 Indulgence Bar. 1155 Tunnel Rd · 4.7★ (889 reviews)
Flour. 40 Wall St · 4.9★ (589 reviews)
City Bakery. 88 Charlotte St · 4.7★ (617 reviews)
Fine dining & Michelin
Cúrate Bar de Tapas. Downtown (Biltmore Avenue) · Spanish tapas — Asheville's first all-Spanish restaurant, housed in a renovated 1920s bus depot. Winner of the 2022 James Beard Award for Outstanding Hospitality and a…
Good Hot Fish. South Slope (inside Burial Beer Co.) · Southern fish fry — Chef Ashleigh Shanti's sustainability-focused counter-service fish camp draws on North Carolina catfish and dayboat shrimp. Shanti won a…
Sunny Point Café. West Asheville (Haywood Road) · American brunch / breakfast — A West Asheville institution since 2003 with an on-site production garden supplying daily specials. Michelin Guide recommended; no…
Ruth's Chris Steak House. 26 All Souls Crescent · 4.7★ (3,159 reviews)
The Lobster Trap. 35 Patton Ave · 4.6★ (2,050 reviews)