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!
IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD
Casual Caribbean influenced menu just one block from Pinecrest. Portions are generous. They do not take reservations so go off-peak to avoid waiting.
Closed due to Covid. However something new is coming and we are anxiously awaiting their opening.
Counter service for sandwiches, salads, and Counter Culture coffee, just three blocks from Pinecrest. This is the casual sister restaurant of upscale Table that is downtown.
Neighborhood watering hole serving up classic cocktails and house concoctions. Food menu is limited but ask about Tommy cakes! Requires $1 membership.
Sleek hangout featuring craft cocktails, nibbles, and mountain views in a rustic-chic interior. Unobstructed views of the Blue Ridge at sunset. Taking reservations.
DOWNTOWN UPSCALE
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. Reservations required, or try to score a seat at their bar during off-peak hours.
Cool contemporary spot for farm-to-table New American fare. Not to be missed is the goat cheese burrata. 1.2 miles from Pinecrest.
Upscale American menu that pays homage to Southern traditions, changes daily. Reservations recommended. 1.1 miles from B&B.
Farm to table American cuisine and robust wine list in an upscale casual setting. Reservations recommended. 1.2 miles from B&B.
American eatery for foods from local farms & homemade treats in restored 1920s digs with a full bar. Reservations recommended. 1.3 miles from B&B.
Modern Californian & Mexican cooking plus creative cocktails served in a quaint, homey setting. Reservations required. 1.3 miles from B&B.
Restaurant melding the traditions of Italian cookery with ingredients found in the mountains of the American south. True food aficionados should consider the “What We’re Cooking” chef’s tasting menu for an indulgent night of superb dining. 1.2 miles from B&B.
DOWNTOWN CASUAL
Rustic-chic counter spot for upscale burgers made with grass-fed beef, plus shakes, beer & wine. Counter service only. Prepare for the long line during peak hours. 1.2 miles from Pinecrest.
Farm-to-table Southern comfort food, including all-day breakfasts, in a no-frills storefront. Reservations only accepted Tues-Sun from 3-9pm. 1.1 miles from Pinecrest.
The original location started in 2000, serves up responsibly-sourced, scratch-made Southern fare, local beer & hand-crafted cocktails. No reservations. Be prepared for a lengthy wait. 1.0 miles from Pinecrest.
Eclectic bar/cafe offering Louisiana-inspired fare, plus a daily brunch & dog-friendly dining areas. No reservations. 1.0 miles from Pinecrest.
Modern tavern in a vintage building with over 35 rotating taps, live music & eclectic eats. Reservations EXCEPT after 5 pm on Fri/Sat. 1.4 miles from B&B.
Indian street food chaat–crunchy, spicy, sweet, brightly flavored snacks and homestyle platters. No reservations. 1.1 miles from Pinecrest.
Relaxed, family-owned joint serving Mexican food and cocktails. Outdoor patio and accommodating to large groups. First come, first served. 1.1 miles from Pinecrest.
OUTSIDE DOWNTOWN CORRIDOR
Upscale New American dining in a renovated, 100-plus-year-old Victorian home in a historic locale. Sister restaurant of Chestnut. Reservations accepted. 3.5 miles from B&B in historic Biltmore Village.
Creative, casual fare prepared using locally sourced ingredients and served in a relaxed atmosphere. Avenue M features a full bar, made complete by a diverse offering of regional craft beers and a great wine list. Reservations accepted. 2.0 miles north on Merrimon Ave.
Locally sourced & updated American specialties in artsy but unpretentious surrounds, plus a patio. Counter service only. 1.0 miles north on Merrimon Ave.
Scenic river view location serving farm to table, all cooked on a wood-fired grill. Unique dining room and outdoor deck built from 19 shipping containers. Private club so only residents of North Carolina can join. 1.9 miles just south of Montford.
OUR FAVORITE BREWERIES/COCKTAILS
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.
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 long wait during peak hours. 1.4 miles from Pinecrest near South Slope district.
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.
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.
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.
Hip, multilevel bar with a vintage vibe serving craft cocktails & locally sourced New American fare. One of our favorite patios! 1.2 from Pinecrest.
SPECIALTY CUISINES
Contemporary American restaurant in the heart of downtown focused on local, seasonal and sustainable cuisine. They have a dedicated gluten-free kitchen. 1.2 miles from Pinecrest.
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. 0.9 miles from Pinecrest.
Funky, no-frills cafe & bar serving organic, locally sourced global vegetarian & vegan fare. 1.0 miles from Pinecrest.