Eat & Drink

Our guide to Asheville Restaurant & Breweries

When it comes to eating well, Asheville has it all. Deeply rooted in traditional Appalachian foodways and cross-pollinated by a robust strain of locavore ideology, the Asheville food scene is blossoming.

Learn more about Asheville’s Foodtopia: A community of culinary collaborators who share their creativity, passion and local flavors to craft an experience that will nourish your soul.

Asheville Independent Restaurants is a community of innovative chefs, mixologists, brewers and bakers who are passionate about creating delicious food that not only feeds the body and soul but also fuels our local economy. You’ll find them all at AIR member restaurants, along with the warm hospitality and spirited vibe that have made Asheville one of the nation’s leading culinary destinations.

These are a few restaurants we have thoroughly enjoyed!

This is a list of some of our favorite restaurants. However, situations can change rapidly post-pandemic, so please check websites for updated information. 

IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Nine Mile Casual Caribbean influenced menu just one block from Pinecrest. Portions are generous. They do not take reservations so go off peak to avoid waiting. 

Tall Johns Replaced the closed Chiesa. Neighborhood elevated pub food. Small menu but well done with bar and open kitchen. They do not take reservations so go off peak to avoid waiting.

All Day Darling Counter service for sandwiches, salads, etc just three blocks from Pinecrest. Mostly patio seating. This is the casual sister restaurant of upscale Table that is downtown.

Little Jumbo Bar Neighborhood watering hole serving up classic cocktails and house concoctions. Food consists of very limited bar snacks. Outdoor seating available.  

The Montford Rooftop Bar Sleek hangout featuring craft cocktails, nibbles, and mountain views in a rustic-chic interior. Unobstructed views of the Blue Ridge at sunset. Reservations recommended.

DOWNTOWN UPSCALE

Curate One of the most highly regarded restaurants in Asheville located 1.2 miles from B&B right on Pack Square in downtown. Stylish Spanish tapas bar with open kitchen serving dinner. Reservations required. Or try their casual sister restaurant, La Bodega. It’s a Spanish market with counter service downstairs; upstairs is similar food to Curate. Reservations recommended for both but La Bodega has some walk-in tables.

Marketplace Farm to table American cuisine and robust wine list in upscale casual setting. Reservations recommended. 1.2 miles from B&B.

Chestnut American eatery for foods rom local farms & homemade treats in restored 1920s digs with a full bar. Reservations recommended. 1.3 miles from B&B.

Limones Modern Californian & Mexican cooking plus creative cocktails served in a quaint, homey setting. Reservations required. 1.3 miles from B&B

.Cucina 24 Restaurant melding the traditions of Italian cookery with ingredients found in the mountains of the American south. True food aficionados should consider the chef’s tasting menu for an indulgent night of superb dining. 1.2 miles from B&B.

Asheville Proper Live-fire dining in the heart of downtown Asheville in the Grove Arcade. Asheville Proper prepares locally sourced food over a custom hardwood-fueled grill. They have many choices for cuts of steaks and the menu is al a carte. Open for dine-in plus patio dining.  

Modesto is a charming Italian restaurant located downtown in the Grove Arcade. Extensive menu and it’s all delicious. Sidewalk seating is available. Open for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended.

Rhubarb From Chef John Fleer, Rhubarb is a cool, contemporary spot for New American fare in the heart of downtown Asheville. Offering indoor and covered patio seating. Reservations recommended.

Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse High-end Japanese food served tapas and family style to encourage sharing. Lots of things on sticks cooked over fire. Even the vegetables are interesting. Reservations accepted and walk-in bar seating. 

DOWNTOWN CASUAL

Farm Burger  Rustic-chic counter spot for upscale burgers made with grass-fed beef, plus shakes, beer & wine. Counter service only. Prepare for lengthy line during peak hours. 1.2 miles from Pinecrest.

Early Girl Eatery  Farm-to-table Southern comfort food, including all-day breakfasts, in a no-frills storefront. First come, first served. 1.1 miles from Pinecrest

Tupelo Honey Cafe The original location started in 2000, serves up responsibly-sourced, scratch-made Southern fare, local beer & hand-crafted cocktails. Reservations recommended. 1.0 miles from Pinecrest

.Mayfels Eclectic bar/cafe offering Louisiana-inspired fare, plus a daily brunch & dog-friendly dining areas. First come, first served. 1.0 miles from Pinecrest.

Pack’s Tavern  Modern tavern in a vintage building with over 35 rotating taps, live music & eclectic eats. First come, first served. 1.4 miles from B&B.

Chai Pani Indian street food chaat—crunchy, spicy, sweet, brightly flavored snacks and homestyle platters. Won James Beard Award in 2022. No reservations, lengthy wait times. 1.1 miles from Pinecrest

Mountain Madre Relaxed, family-owned joint serving Mexican food and cocktails. Large patio. First come, first served. 1.1 miles from Pinecrest.

White Labs Kitchen & Tap They make yeast for beer! Enjoy woodfired pizzas made with 72-hour slow-risen dough, house-made fermented sauces, farm-fresh salads and other beer-infused dishes and desserts. Full bar, counter service, nice patio AND parking.

 OUTSIDE DOWNTOWN CORRIDOR

Corner Kitchen Upscale New American dining in a renovated, 100-plus-year-old Victorian home in a historic locale. Sister restaurant of Chestnut. Reservations recommended. 3.5 miles from B&B in historic Biltmore Village.

Sunny Point Café  Family-owned Asheville favorite serving award winning upscale comfort food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Skip the hour plus wait at breakfast and go for dinner. Menu is extensive and it’s all delicious. 626 Haywood Road in West Asheville.

Copper Crown  Warm, contemporary restaurant offering locally sourced New American fare and signature cocktails. New selection of small plates as well as entrees. Lo-Fi burger is a favorite. 1011 Tunnel Road, #100 in East Asheville, worth the drive to a strip mall.

OUR FAVORITE BREWERIES/COCKTAIL LOUNGES

Bhramari Brewhouse Elevated pub food, each dish designed around their love of beer–whether it’s beer infused ingredients or the perfect pairing compliment. No reservations. 1.4 miles from Pinecrest in South Slope district.

Wicked Weed Brewing Hip brewery with a tasting room & a restaurant serving high-end, locally sourced New American fare. Open air dog friendly patio. No reservations. Be prepared for a lengthy wait during peak hours. 1.4 miles from Pinecrest. We prefer their second location, Wicked Week Funkatorium, on the South Slope.

Asheville Brewing & Pizza Microbrewery serving beers, pizzas & pub grub. Three locations; our favorite is on the South Slope at 77 Coxe Ave with an outdoor covered patio. No reservations. 1.2 miles from Pinecrest.

New Belgium Tasting room with an outdoor patio on French Broad River. Rotating food trucks change daily. Expect very large crowds during peak hours. 2.4 miles from Pinecrest in the River Arts District.

Burial Beer A favorite among locals with a great selection of beers to taste in a flight, in a pint, or buy the can to go. Plenty of outdoor seating on multiple patios and food truck on site. 1.6 miles from Pinecrest on the South Slope. Or check out their second location, Forestry Camp, near Biltmore Village.

Antidote When you tire of beer, check out local distillery The Chemist for a gin tasting. Next door is Antidote, the cozy cocktail lounge with a turn of the century atmosphere. Three stories with rooftop seating. 151 Coxe Ave 1.6 miles from Pinecrest on the South Slope. 

SPECIALTY CUISINES

Posana Contemporary American restaurant in the heart of downtown, focused on local, seasonal and sustainable cuisine. They have a dedicated gluten free kitchen. Reservations recommended. 1.2 miles from Pinecrest.

Plant This all-vegan Asheville destination presents globally inspired plant-based dishes, from fried plantains to tofu bibimbap, supplemented by craft cocktails, local beers and sustainable wines. Reservations recommended. 0.9 miles from Pinecrest.

Laughing Seed Cafe Funky, no-frills cafe & bar serving organic, locally sourced global vegetarian & vegan fare. 1.0 miles from Pinecrest.