10 Restaurants to try in downtown Asheville
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
As one of the South’s hottest foodie cities, there are plenty of exciting restaurants to try out in Asheville. Since relocating here, Mike and I have explored the local dining scene nearly every weekend. We have our favorites that we come back to time and time again. Downtown is home to some of the area’s trendiest and most well-regarded restaurants although you will find great choices throughout the metro.
With options spanning the culinary board, there is something here for everyone. From southern comfort fare, to to globally inspired international cuisine, this city offers so many enticing choices. As a vegetarian, I am impressed by the number of places where I can order an entree without extra customization. There are so many fantastic vegetarian entrees no matter where you go – it’s one of the best cities for those following a plant based diet, no question.
In my local food guide, I highlight a few of my favorite downtown dining establishments with an emphasis on good vegetarian friendly options. If you are looking for more of a quick bite, check out my local coffee guide.
Disclaimer: Note that I did not get paid to promote any of these businesses. I support local business whenever possible. The point of this guide is to spotlight restaurants which I believe provide great food at a great price point and offer a wonderful vibe. Your experience may differ based on dietary preferences, service received, etc.
1. Chai Pani
What to try: Saag Paneer Thali
This award-winning Indian restaurant has received much praise in recent years. In fact, Chai’s Chef, Meherwan Irani, has been nominated 5 times for a prestigious James Beard award. In 2022, it was named “Outstanding Restaurant.” Chai Pani “tea and water” translates into going out for a snack in Indian slang. They offer a number of tempting options like Kale Pakoras and Aloo Tikki Chaat.
I admit, I was hesitant to try this place at first as I prefer Indian buffets. I like to mix and match a lot of entrees and sides and you just can’t do that with the prices they charge today. Fortunately, they offer a nice Thali lunch special where you can try out several Indian dishes.
Both a chicken and vegetarian version are available. I love the veg option which includes Saag Paneer, along with basmati rice, daal, raita, masala slaw, and papadums. Add some Naan bread on the side and treat yourself to a Mango Lassi for dessert! I love Indian food and Chai Pani was not a disappointment. In my experience, Indian food is almost always a safe bet for vegetarians because many of the apps and entrees are loaded with veggies.
2. Red Ginger Dim Sum
What to try: Veggie Lo Mein
For authentic Chinese cuisine, look no further than Red Ginger. The food is great and the dining room decor amongst the best downtown. The farm-to-table ingredients, beautiful design featuring an open concept kitchen, trendy vibe, and authentic offerings has earned it the award for “the best Chinese food in the city” multiple years in a row. I agree as it is the best I’ve tried thus far.
Highlights include the Vegetable Lo Mein, Hot and Sour Soup, Spring Rolls, and a large selection of seafood entrees. I love Chinese food but often avoid it due to the health concerns – I love that Red Ginger is just a bit healthier than normal. They offer a full vegetarian menu which includes options like: seaweed salad, pan fried veggie dumplings, buddha bean tofu curd rolls, and a mango sushi roll.
3. Jerusalem Garden Cafe
What to try: Vegetarian Platter
This low-key cafe is the best place to indulge in falafel, pita and hummus, and other tasty authentic Mediterranean style foods. Mediterranean cafes typically offer a lot of choices for those following plant based diets. As the tourists head over to the more popular restaurants in the vicinity, you can enjoy a laid-back experience, complete with great food served in a colorful dining room.
I recommend the Vegetarian Lunch Platter which includes falafel, hummus, babaganoush, olives, stuffed grape leaves, tahini salad, pita, and tabouleh. If visiting for brunch, the Shakshuka, a traditional Middle Eastern dish featuring poached eggs in a savory tomato based sauce, is a real winner. I eat vegetarian and Mike pescatarian, so we were were pleased with the many options available on the menu for us.
4. Laughing Seed Cafe
What to try: French onion soup
Update: This long running restaurant closed in May of 2025 as a result of Covid financial hardships and damage from Hurricane Helene. Too bad as this was a wonderful 100% vegetarian cafe!
The ultimate choice for vegetarians visiting the city is by far the Laughing Seed Cafe. This restaurant features a 100% vegetarian menu. They use local ingredients when possible and make most of their own stuff. Dishes are creative, although a tad pricey. I love the ambiance too – it isn’t one of those bland vegan restaurants with no decor.
Highlights include Spinach Pesto Manicotti, Shepherd’s Pie, and Thai Panang Curry. The menu changes frequently, so you can always look forward to something new with each visit. We really loved their french onion soup (you rarely find one not using beef stock!) and their hearty vegan burritos.
5. Tupelo Honey
What to try: “Old Skool” Breakfast Bowl
The best southern style breakfast can be enjoyed at Tupelo Honey, a popular Asheville bred chain which has spawned many locations throughout the Southeast. Scratch made fare includes homemade buttermilk biscuits, sweet potato pancakes, fried chicken and waffles, and shrimp and grits. Unlike most southern cafes, there are a number of veggie friendly choices on the menu here.
They offer this awesome vegetable platter for lunch where you can mix and match 4 sides. It’s a great deal and their sides are super delicious. I like their tomato soup, side salad, rosemary and parmesan potatoes, and mac and cheese.
Start with delicious biscuits, served alongside honey and jam (they are the best!). For your main dish, I recommend the Old Skool Breakfast bowl, a savory and filling entrée which includes eggs, parmesan and rosemary potatoes, salsa, cheddar cheese, roasted red peppers sauce, and heirloom grits with goat cheese. I also like their sweet potato pancakes. The menu changes frequently, so check it out to see what’s cooking on your visit.
6. Roman’s Deli
What to try: Tuna salad sandwich with tomato vegetable soup
For a delicious bowl of soup and a hearty sandwich, Roman’s is the place to go. This award-winning deli frequently makes “best of” lists. Hidden on the bottom floor of the historic Vanderbilt Apartments, this no-frills local cafe draws a loyal following. It has been consistently busy any time I have stopped in mid afternoon. I can see why as the food is delicious and it doesn’t have that pretentious vibe of the newer establishments.
I like that there are many vegetarian and gluten-free choices are on the menu so even those on a special diet can enjoy the fresh cuisine. This cafe is locally owned and works with many local businesses, thus ensuring the freshest ingredients possible. The menu is simple and features a selection of healthy sandwiches, soups, along with fresh deli sides like potato and pasta salad.
7. Sonora Cocina Mexicana
What to try: Calabacitas tacos
Update: This restaurant closed in 2025. This is too bad as it was one of the only decent Mexican choices in town.
For upscale Mexican cuisine, give the underrated gem Sonora a try. The dining room is colorful and modern, the vibe hip and inviting. Everything here is fresh, from the housemade tortilla chips and salsas, to the drink mixes. I recommend starting out with a trio of 3 tasty homemade salsas – pico de gallo, roja, avocado and spicy mango habanero.
The menu includes an assortment of burritos, tacos, and apps (the Elote is fabulous), all featuring fresh ingredients. Tacos are priced a la cart (a mere 4 bucks) and include choice of protein and salsa. Each is topped with onion, cilantro lime slaw, queso cotija and cilantro. Veg protein include potatoes and calabacitas. The food tastes a bit healthier than ordinary greasy, fatty Mexican food which is a plus in my book!
8. White Duck Tacos
What to try: Zorba taco
This popular colorful and eclectic a la carte taco cafe has been popular with locals and tourists since first opening in the city’s funky River Arts District back in 2011. The pricing is super affordable, the food good, and serving sizes large. This is probably one of the places we come back to most often because it is consistently good.
Today there are many locations including a less crowded downtown cafe. While the ambiance is not as eclectic, you can still enjoy the same incredible tacos, available in various carnivorous and veggie creations. They are priced around 4 bucks a piece, so you can mix and match several creative varieties. A few of our favorites include: Buffalo Chicken, Zorba (falafel), Chicken Tikka Masala, and Black Bean Cheese. Do start with the amazing salsa trio. I highly recommend the queso and Mexican street corn too!
9. Pack’s Tavern
What to try: Elote dip
The best sports bar in the region is by far Pack’s Tavern, featuring 35 taps, live music, big screens, and a diverse menu. The vibe is modern and clean with a really spacious attractive dining area. I love the variety of vegetarian apps and entrees which is quite rare for a pub. App choices include: tavern pretzels with queso, fried pickles, and mozzarella sticks. They offer a fresh strawberry pecan salad, wild mushroom wood-fired pizza, as well as numerous veggie friendly sides.
The menu is a bit unusual for a pub with many unique choices including a wonderful Elote dip served with tortilla chips. Burgers, pizza, calzones, subs, sandwiches, beer flights – there are lots of goodies to be found here. I love that they offer so many eclectic choices over the standard burger and wings only pub.
They have a 110″ projection screen, plus a wide variety of comfort foods, and a great beer menu – I’d say Packs is the place to watch any sporting event.
10. Green Sage Cafe
What to try: Pure Vida bowl
Health fanatic, eco conscious consumers, and vegetarians will definitely want to give Green Sage Cafe a chance. Featuring a 95% organic menu, no GMO’s, and thoughtfully sourced ingredients, this cafe is sure to please the health conscious.
Fortunately, the food here is pretty great which has not been my experience at the majority of health food restaurants. On the lineup, you will find an assortment of healthy breakfast entrees, bowls, sandwiches, and salads.
For breakfast, I like to savor an organic cup of joe along with the Pure Vita bowl, a filling & healthy entree which includes sautéed kale and onions, root hash, black beans, brown rice, and avocado salsa. I really love the bowls here and the coffee!
The lunch is decent as well. Recently, I tried the Tigris Bowl which is a very filling and delicious veggie loaded option featuring: carrots, hummus, cherry tomatoes, kale salad, cabbage, avocado, brown rice, tabbouleh, golden spiced chickpeas, toasted sunflower seeds, and 3 falafels (with a lemon tahini dressing).
More decent choices
Because 2 of the restaurants on my original list closed recently, I’ve added a few alternatives.
The Soda Fountain: Old-school 50’s style soda shop located inside Woolworth Walk. A great choice for the nostalgic factor alone, although the food is just okay at best. On a plus note, they do offer a number of vegetarian friendly options including a black bean burger and hummus sandwich. I enjoyed the tomato soup the most. Also, their ice cream is supposed to be great but we haven’t tested it out yet.
Woolworth Walk is pretty amazing – definitely take a look around. We found a lot of great art pieces here (there are over 170 local vendors on-site).
Bargello: Upscale restaurant located inside the Kimpton Hotel. I love the beautiful dining ambiance which includes an open concept kitchen. The menu is a bit pricey so we don’t visit here that often, but the food is different and delicious.
Recently, I tried out their Mediterranean breakfast bowl which included: poached eggs, organic farro, seasonal local vegetables, and a citrus based dressing. I recommend visiting at breakfast to take advantage of the tranquil vibe/lower pricing.
Mellow Mushroom: Popular chain serving a large menu of specialty pizzas in a funky artsy setting. Lots of vegan/GF choices. Recently, I tried their awesome pretzel bites served with beer cheese for the first time and now I am hooked. I am not a huge fan of chains, however, Mellow Mushroom really offers some tasty appetizers and pizza. Bonus points for the many GF and dairy-free options.
Also be sure to check out my full guide to the best downtown Asheville attractions. There is much more to do than just eat! There are lots of great galleries, historic attractions, bookshops, etc. to add to your itinerary! And don’t forget about all the gorgeous waterfalls and hikes located within an hour drive. My WNC attraction guide basically covers it all. In short, the Blue Ridge mountains is a fabulous area for hikers and nature lovers. You don’t want to miss out!
