20+ Amazing Local Restaurants in 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.
6. Pack’s Tavern
- Location: Downtown
- Highlight: 30+ local beers on tap
- What to try: Elote Corn dip
- Pack’s Tavern full review
This popular tavern, located near Pack’s Square Park downtown, is a great choice if you are looking to indulge in comfort style pub fare. It’s also a great place for watching sporting events and enjoying local craft beers. The vibe is fun and youthful and the space is much bigger than most downtown establishments.
As for the menu, there are lots of fun appetizers, pizza, calzones, subs, burgers, and traditional pub entrees like Fish and Chips. The Elote (a Mexican Street corn dip) served with tortilla chips is the highlight here. Over 30 beers are on tap, plus they offer 4 different flights. As the best sports pub in the city, you don’t want to miss out on this one come game day!
7. All Day Darling
- Location: Montford neighborhood
- Highlight: Great food and coffee in a non touristy setting
- What to try: Shashuka
- All Day full review
This unique cafe/coffeeshop serves a full coffee menu from NC award winning roaster Counter Culture, plus a unique menu of healthy breakfast/lunch fare. They offer a number of specialty drinks including a Hemp Latte and Golden Mocha featuring immune boosting turmeric. The standout dish here is a Middle Eastern favorite called the Shakshuka, which consists of poached eggs in a savory tomato sauce, served with pita and sautéed kale. This is my entree of choice. The sauce is so savory. I usually order a delicious muffin on the side.
Their pastries are also delicious, especially the moist blueberry muffins and flaky croissants. If you are seeking something a bit more traditional, the bagel sandwiches are terrific. The historic Montford neighborhood location sets it apart from most of the touristy downtown choices. The ambiance is just as fantastic as the food with huge floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a leafy garden patio.
8. Jerusalem Garden Cafe
- Location: Downtown
- Highlight: Delicious falafel
- What to try: Vegetarian Platter
- Jerusalem Garden full review
This hidden gem downtown does not receive nearly as much traffic as it should due to the close proximity to tourist favorites. Nevertheless, if you are seeking delicious Mediterranean fare, you need to give it a try! A few of the standouts on the menu include the Shakshuka and the Vegetarian Platter.
Offered at lunchtime for just 12 bucks, the veggie platter will enable you to enjoy a number of traditional favorites like falafel, pita bread, hummus, baba ganoush, olives, tabbouleh, and tahini salad. A wonderful filling combination – this is my go-to plate. The decor is eclectic and the service is great. Bonus – on Friday and Saturday nights at 7pm you will be treated to live music and belly dancing.
9. Blue Ridge Artisanal Buffet
- Location: Omni Park Grove Inn
- Highlight: Incredible mountain views
- What to try: Chia seed pudding
- Blue Ridge buffet full review
For the best views in the city, head right over to the luxurious Omni Park Grove Inn, a four star resort surrounded by the mountains. The Blue Ridge Artisanal Buffet dining room features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the gorgeous Blue Ridge region. There is no better view in town. While quite pricey at $30+ per person for the breakfast buffet, the offerings are quite extensive. A few regular offerings include an omelet bar, juiced drinks, a donut bar, all the usual breakfast sides, bagels, croissants, and chia seed pudding. Coffee and juice included.
Service is wonderful and the ambiance beautiful. Note: Self parking is free for the first 3 hours. Use this time to relax with a coffee or drink by the massive lobby fireplace or explore the resort boutique shops. If visiting in November/December, do not miss out on the Annual Gingerbread Competition.
10. Ivory Road Kitchen
- Location: Arden
- Highlight: Shady outdoor patio
- What to try: The Franklin Panini
- Ivory Road full review
This little gem is a fantastic place for a relaxed lunch experience minus the tourist crowds. Located just a few miles from the wonderful North Carolina Arboretum, it’s the perfect dining option following a day of hiking. Ivory Road is located in an old converted house, and thus, the vibe is extra cozy. The large shady patio makes for one of the best alfresco dining experiences in the city. This is my favorite summer dining choice. I love the big patio and the fact that is completely shaded! Very beautiful setting for a lunch date.
The vibe remains attractively rustic and laid-back thanks to its’ off-the-beaten path location in Arden (about 15 min from downtown). The menu is basic, although they do serve a great pimento cheese sandwich with tomato and avocado (The Franklin Panini), as well as a savory tomato basil soup. Everything is homemade and very fresh tasting. Also, they are known for their housemade desserts and large loose leaf tea selection.
