To list the best local restaurants in Asheville, you have to review the top dining spots both downtown and in the surrounding neighborhoods. Asheville’s such a foodie town that new home-grown eateries pop up with every change of season. In both 2020 and 2022, Asheville nabbed the No. 1 spot on Yelp’s list of top cities for foodies.
Whether you want mountain-urban or down-home comfort, nearly every street offers an eatery to tempt your hungry soul. In addition to a stunning array of restaurants, Asheville pulses with more breweries and food trucks than you can visit in a coon’s age. But if you’re also looking to buy property in the area so you can tempt your tastebuds with new treasures every week, contact the local experts at GoPrime Mortgage. Their professionals offer a menu of services to suit every palate.
Where Do I Find the Best Award-Winning Restaurants in Asheville?
Asheville’s restaurants are selected for national and regional awards every year. One of the most coveted is the James Beard Award. The repeat nominees for this honor include:
- Cúrate. In the heart of downtown’s Pack Square, Katie Button’s Spanish tapas bar serves traditional paella, lamb skewers and authentic hand-cut jamon iberico. But book ahead — these hot tables fill weeks in advance.
- Chai Pani. Renowned chef Meherwan Irani turns out popular Indian dishes for foodies and families. Located across from the historic Grove Arcade, fans rave about the sultry spices and the okra fries.
Restaurants with recent honors in surrounding neighborhoods include Jettie Rae’s Oyster House, Jargon, Corner Kitchen and the Admiral. Whether you’re marking a milestone birthday or a second date, any of these offer a memorable night out.
Where Can I Get Southern-Style Cooking in Asheville?
When y’all are hankerin’ for Southern food, it’s gotta be barbecue, and Asheville has platefuls. Here are two of the best places to go for that sauce-covered, slow-smoked goodness:
- Twelve Bones Smokehouse. If you want what President Obama ordered, get the barbecue ribs with blueberry chipotle sauce. With locations in the RAD or South Asheville, this is a local favorite for slow-smoked meats, mouth-watering sides and ice-cold draft beer.
- Louella’s Bar-B-Que. A casual eatery, Louella’s is a go-to spot for steaming platters of ribs or chicken — even vegan BBQ. Regulars devour sides of mac and cheese, hush puppies and calico beans.
Now, debates about the best barbecue sauce are as risky as an angry polecat. Some folks insist on the vinegar style, and others swear by the mustard style. No need to fuss, however, both these restaurants let you choose what to slather on your BBQ plate.
What Are the Quirkiest Restaurants in Asheville?
The artsy, off-beat vibes that define the city also overflow to include many unusual restaurants. Eating adventures you’re not likely to find anywhere else include:
- Stoney Knob Café. This Greek-inspired restaurant puts the capital E in Eclectic. Each room of tables is surrounded by unusual wall art — think Bubba meets belly dancer. Located just north of Asheville in the town of Woodfin, the café is open for both lunch and dinner, but the coveted duck spring rolls are only served at dinner.
- Biscuit Head. This breakfast and lunch place serves up hot fluffy biscuits as big as a cat’s head. Order eggs your way with a flight of gravy or a side of pimento cheese grits. And to top your steaming biscuit, head to the house-made jam bar — yes, a jam bar. Try the peach and rosemary or the bananas foster. The line to order moves quickly, but locals know to get there early.
- White Duck Taco Shop. Mouthwatering taco offerings vary daily, but some reliables include the Beef Bulgogi, the Duck with Mole and the Crispy Chicken BLT. With locations downtown and in the River Arts District, we dare you to eat only one taco while sipping a seasonal sangria or local draft beer.
These diverse eateries are where you’ll find as many regulars as tourists. A good strategy is to ask the folks waiting in line with you to reveal their favorite dishes. If you’re so hungry you could eat the north end of a south-bound goat, contact the professionals at GoPrime Mortgage for their thoughts on the best Asheville restaurant as they serve up advice for all your home financing needs.
Sources:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g60742-Asheville_North_Carolina.html
https://www.foodandwine.com/travel/asheville-where-eat-drink
https://www.southernliving.com/travel/north-carolina/best-asheville-restaurants
https://www.travelandleisure.com/food-drink/asheville-north-carolina-top-food-destination
https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/asheville-bbq-restaurants/
https://www.chaipani.com/asheville
