12 Must Try Restaurants in Asheville, North Carolina
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.
Asheville one of the best foodie cities in the South. There are more than 100 restaurants downtown alone, plus many craft breweries and unique coffeehouses. Some of these restaurants are affordable, while others offer fantastic lunch deals. If you love expanding your culinary palate via new and adventurous foods, then Asheville is definitely a destination worth putting on your bucket list. You do not have to spend a lot to enjoy a great meal: there are choices for every budget here. After living in the region for 2 years, I have compiled my guide to the best affordable picks throughout the city.
1. Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian
Highlight: Authentic Italian fare
Why It’s Great: Affordable Family style dining deals
Vinnie’s is the place to go for authentic Italian cuisine. On a cold windy winter day, nothing really tastes better than a comforting Italian dish. Vinnie’s serves “old school” Italian fare in a cozy, laid-back dining room. The ambiance and food are reminiscent of something you would find in the Northeast, rather than the Carolinas.
All of the food is homemade and delicious. With so many enticing options, choosing which way to go can be an overwhelming experience. You really cannot go wrong with the pizza here – it’s the best in town. As far as entrees go, treat yourself to the delicious Baked Ziti. Their Family Style pasta servings is large enough for 3 and priced from $39-50 so a great deal. Also be on the lookout for weekday specials like Lobster Ravioli on Mondays and Fresh made Gnocchi on Wednesdays. Overall, this is a fantastic restaurant with the best overall food, ambiance, and service in town.
- Location: 641 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804
- My full review of Vinnie’s
2. Chai Pani
Highlight: Amazing Indian street fare
Why It’s Great: Amazing lunch Thali deals
Chai Pani is a wonderful Indian restaurant specializing in authentic street fare. This place is a bit different than your typical Indian restaurant as there is no lunch buffet. Chai Pani translates into tea and water, which in India is slang for going out for a snack. At this gem, you will get to test out Indian snacks and street fare for a most unique experience. This award-winning restaurant has received much praise including a prestigious James Beard chef nomination. The focus on using healthy fresh ingredients and eco friendly materials is another bonus.
While there are many goodies on the menu, I recommend going with a Thali plate for new visitors. This meal includes a platter of regional dishes at an affordable price. You will pick either the veg or non-veg special of the day, which will be served alongside basmati rice, daal, raita, hand-made roti, kachumber, and papadum. So good! I really enjoyed the vegetarian plate which includes a delicious Paneer Tikka Masala!
- Location: 22 Battery Park Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
- My full review of Chai Pani
3. The Soda Fountain
Highlight: Located inside Woolworth Walk galleries
Why It’s Great: Classic affordable food in a retro space
This old-fashioned lunch counter is located inside Woolworth Walk, a historic department store which is now converted into an indoor gallery. Here you can enjoy classic sandwiches, soups, and desserts including sundaes, malts, ice cream sodas, and milkshakes, all at an affordable price point. Unlike old school diners, they do offer a few vegetarian choices including a veggie dog. After enjoying a meal, you can browse the works of dozens of local artists.
- Location: 25 Haywood St, Asheville, NC 28801
- My full review of Soda Fountain
4. Mehfil
Highlight: Great lunch buffet, beautiful ambiance
Why It’s Great: Affordable lunch buffet offering so many delicious entrees, apps, & desserts
Mehfil is the top choice when it comes to an affordable & delicious Indian buffet. The daily lunch buffet offers so many great entrees for everyone with a decent vegetarian selection. I love the Paneer Tikka Masala, the Saag Paneer, the pakoras, and the Naan. Selections differ each week so you can always look forward to something new. The line is always clean and well maintained.
Best of all is the gorgeous dining ambiance. I love people watching all the action downtown from the colorful dining room. The umbrellas on the ceiling are a nice eclectic touch. After lunch, you are within walking distance of numerous attractions including historic Woolworth Walk and the Asheville Art Museum.
- Location: 5 Biltmore Ave Suite B
- My full review of Mehfil
5. Laughing Seed Cafe
Highlight: 100% vegetarian
Why It’s Great: Affordable plant based fare
Laughing Seed is definitely the way to go if you are following a plant-based or vegetarian diet. The menu is almost entirely vegan, and 100% vegetarian. Unlike some vegetarian restaurants in which most entrees are raw, Laughing Seed offers a mix of raw and comfort style dishes. Also, instead of the typical weird vegan fare, they offer vegetanarized versions of popular mainstream dishes. The place is rather large and decorated quite nicely as opposed to the cramped bland decor you find at most veg restaurants.
The menu is really diverse with everything from raw salads, to enchiladas and curry dishes, to sandwiches on the diverse lineup. There really is not a more unique place in town for vegetarians. Where else can you enjoy a 100% vegetarian Sunday Brunch, seafood free Crab Cakes and Grits, and a creamy vegan truffle mac and cheese? A few great entrees recently featured at this gem include: classic Farmer’s Pie, French Onion soup, and a delicious Spinach Manicotti Pesto.
- Location: 40 Wall St, Asheville, NC 28801
- My full review of Laughing Seed
6. White Duck taco
Highlight: Creative tacos served a la carte
Why It’s Great: The tacos are filling, tasty, & cheap!
White Duck is a trendy a la carte taco shop where you can mix and match all sorts of eclectic tacos. First off, start with their chips and queso. I order this amazing dip every time! If your visit falls during the winter, be sure to try out the Southwest corn chowder soup. As for the tacos, you will be treated to a host of options. From a Spicy Chicken buffalo, to Bangkok shrimp, to a vegan Banh Mi Tofu, there is a bit of something for everyone at White Duck. These tacos are stuffed to the brim and extremely filling: typically 2 is enough for me and 3 for Mike.
The setting is extremely casual and the decor pleasing and colorful. This is a great place to kick back and enjoy a fun meal. Drink selections include margaritas, sangria, tecate, and a few craft beers. White Duck has that funky vibe that put Asheville on the map as a weird eclectic destination. This place is so popular that it has expanded to include locations in Nashville, Greenville, and Charlotte! It’s a must try while in town!
- Location: 16 Miami Cir, Arden, NC 28704
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