We have updated this blog to reflect changes to the restaurant scene after Tropical Storm Helene blew through Asheville.
You may be traveling to Asheville on any day of the week. In fact, weekdays are advantageous with better availability and rates. Pinecrest Bed & Breakfast is open seven days a week but some restaurants are not. We’ve put together a list of some local favorites you can try no matter the day of the week. Of course, we recommend checking as hours can change as we all learned during the pandemic.
In Our Neighborhood
Nine Mile: Montford location is a local favorite serving Caribbean influenced food, just one block from Pinecrest. Chicken, fish, vegetables, rice, and pasta with interesting sauces. First come, first served and there will be a crowd.
All Day Darling: popular counter-service restaurant serving up breakfast, salads, and sandwiches with a nice outdoor patio.
Fine Dining
Corner Kitchen: seasonal farm-to-table menu in Biltmore Village, reservations recommended. Temporarily closed from hurricane damage; scheduled to reopen late spring 2025.
Chestnut: sister restaurant of Corner Kitchen in downtown Asheville, reservations recommended.
The Lobster Trap: sustainably-sourced lobster, oysters, and seafood with a full bar and musical entertainment nightly. Reservations recommended.
Casual Food in Downtown
Pack’s Tavern: locally operated full-service restaurant with a large selection of sandwiches, wood-fired pizza, and hearty entrees. Open for lunch too. No reservations but waitlist is text so enjoy Pack Square while you wait for a table.
Tupelo Honey Cafe: all-day menu of Southern comfort food, this is the original location. Reservations recommended.
Early Girl Eatery: serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner all day from local, organic, seasonal ingredients. Located on Wall Street, this is the original location.
Wicked Weed flagship brewery location with a full bar, lots of taps, and great creative food plus outdoor patio seating. It’s a winner.
White Duck Taco Shop in downtown is a fun place to grab tacos for lunch or dinner. Creative menu with indoor seating and a patio in the courtyard out back.
Italian and Pizza
Strada Italiano: a traditional Italian trattoria with low lighting, fresh-baked bread, and all your favorites. Rooftop dining is available at Social Lounge. Reservations recommended.
Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian: traditional family-style Italian favorites that are beloved by locals. The original Vinnies is on Merrimon Avenue. First come, first served, and there will a crowd.
PizzaMind: pizza heaped with signature and create-your-own toppings plus sandwiches in West Asheville with parking (and Archetype Brewery next door.)
Mellow Mushroom: Located in the first gas station in Asheville, this pizza joint might be a chain but the patio is so delightful, it’s worth a visit.
Drinks and a View
Montford Rooftop Bar: ride the elevator to the top floor for craft cocktails, nibbles, and mountain views just on the edge of downtown. Reservations are recommended (and check for closures due to private events.)
Capella on 9: local menu of small plates, craft beer, and cocktails in the heart of downtown. First come, first served.
Hemingway’s Cuba: casual rooftop eatery and bar offering Cuban cuisine, daiquiris, and patio seating. Reservations recommended.
South Slope
Buxton Hall Barbecue: whole hog Eastern Carolina bbq, Southern sides, and fancy cocktails in an old roller skating rink on the South Slope.
Bears Smokehouse: perfect option if Asheville is crowded with a full bar, counter service, and lots of outdoor seating.
Chai Pani is a James Beard Award winning restaurant featuring Indian street food. Lots of interesting options including a full bar. No reservations and plan for a lengthy wait. Open for lunch from 11-3 and dinner from 5-9.
Your Place to Stay
Our Asheville Bed & Breakfast is ready to serve you breakfast all seven days of the week. Check out our rates and availability then use these recommendations to find the best dinner in town.