Restaurant Reivew

Ivory Road Cafe and Kitchen

1854 Brevard Rd.
Arden, NC 28704
(828) 676-3870
Five Stars
Main Photo

Ivory Road is a rustic local cafe located in Arden, a small community located about 20 minutes from downtown Asheville. If you are seeking a friendly local dining establishment vs. a popular trendy touristy foodie cafe, Ivory Road is a great alternative.

It's located out in the country near the North Carolina Arboretum and Blue Ridge Parkway, and thus, a perfect brunch choice prior to exploring the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains region.

  • Ivory Road Cafe and Kitchen Restaurant Preview
  • Ivory Road Cafe and Kitchen Restaurant Preview
  • Ivory Road Cafe and Kitchen Restaurant Preview
  • Ivory Road Cafe and Kitchen Restaurant Preview

Food

Ivory Road works will a number of local companies including Mills River Creamery, High Noon Coffee, and Annie's Bakery. Both the breakfast and lunch menus are quite small, although there are ample choices for the meat lover and vegetarian. Gluten-free bread is available as an easy substitution, and veggies can replace any meat.

Selections change throughout the season with recent offerings including a delicious pimento cheese sandwich on sourdough bread, a Southern skillet with cheesy grits, and Nutella and banana stuffed French Toast.

Brunch is the best time to visit as you can take advantage of the delicious breakfast offerings, plus enjoy the cool air via the beautiful patio. Try the Hash Soul bowl featuring roasted potatoes, roasted Brussel sprouts and peppers, your choice of veggies or meat, cheddar cheese, an optional egg, drizzled with a siracha aioli.

Portions sizes are a bit small, although pricing is moderate. Be sure to add on a delicious biscuit or homemade multi grain toast with local honey butter and jam. Enjoy a cup of local coffee. Or, if you are seeking something really refreshing and healthy try the Turmeric honey oat milk smoothie.

For those with a sweet tooth, Ivory Road is also known for their decadent selection of desserts, all made from scratch.

Afternoon tea is held every Saturday at 2pm for just $22 per adult. Options vary by season as they use local produce. Recent offerings have included pimento cheese sandwiches, scones, cucumber sandwiches with mint cream cheese, and a seasonal buttercream cake.

Service

Ivory Road is a counter service restaurant. After ordering, your food will be brought out to your table. The staff is friendly and welcoming as they pride themselves on Southern hospitality.

Atmosphere

The highlight here is the beautiful location inside an old converted house. The ambiance is friendly and inviting. The interior is dark and cozy and perfect for enjoying a bowl of homemade soup on a cold winter's day, while the outdoor patio is shady enough for a summer visit. Ivory's patio is the best place in Asheville to enjoy a leisurely weekend brunch in a pretty natural setting.

Restaurant Photo

Final Remarks

Brunch or lunch at Ivory Road makes for a perfect al fresco dining experience on a lazy weekend. If you are seeking to avoid the noisy tourist crowds, then Ivory Road is the perfect laid-back alternative. Consider stopping by prior to visiting the NC Arboretum, or before taking a cruise on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Both of these wonderful attractions are located just minutes away.

Waiter