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.
11. White Duck Tacos
- Locations: Downtown, South Asheville, River District
- Highlight: Delicious tacos priced a la cart
- What to try: The Zorba
- White Duck full menu
The longtime favorite for delicious quick Mexican fare, White Duck, has expanded to include multiple locations. Start off with their delicious chips and salsa trio – the chipotle crema is so good! Tacos are served a la carte so you can mix and match between 10+ creative options. Several choices are vegetarian and/or GF free, so lots of choices for everyone here. The menu changes frequently, so there may be something completely different each time you visit.
The black bean/cheddar, tikka masala, jackfruit, and Zorba (falafel) are my personal favorites. Add on a side of green chile black beans and gazpacho soup for a full meal. Drink specials include $2 tecates. It’s always busy although they do have a spacious outdoor seating area. The vibe is casual, funky, and trendy, with tourists and locals alike often willing to wait in a long line to enjoy the tasty fare. Note – the South Asheville location receives much less tourist traffic.
12. Laughing Seed Cafe
- Location: Downtown
- Highlight: 100% vegetarian menu
- What to try: Massaman Curry
- Laughing Seed full review
Laughing Seed is an international vegetarian restaurant offering many healthy ethnic dishes. Contrary to most standard vegetarian cafe menus, Laughing Seed offers much more than simple salads and wraps. There’s a lot to choose from here including tacos, Indian dishes, pasta dishes, and even cheesecake for dessert. The menu is 100% percent vegetarian with options for GF/vegan substitutions. The inside is very appealing with attractive decor and a spacious layout. A few great selections include Mushroom Risotto, Spinach Pesto Manicotti, and Massaman Curry. Best place to eat if you are a vegetarian or vegan, hands down.
13. The Cantina
- Location: Biltmore Village
- Highlight: Lively vibe
- What to try: Spinach and Calabacitas Enchiladas
UPDATE: The Cantina has unfortunately closed.
If you are seeking decent Tex-Mex fare in a fun setting, then head over to Biltmore Village for lunch at The Cantina. The space is colorful and inviting, the food is good, and the cafe is within walking distance to many great shops in The Village. All the traditional Mexican favorites, plus a few creative local dishes can be enjoyed at this tourist favorite.
You will find numerous GF and vegetarian options here, many more than you would typically find at a Mexican restaurant. Definitely start with the unlimited chips and salsa while waiting for your entrée. As for the menu, you will find all the tempting comfort fare selections which we all love. Whether you go with enchiladas, tacos, burritos, or fajitas, you will leave full and satisfied. Note there is a veggie version in each category.
14. Tupelo Honey
- Location: Downtown, South Asheville
- Highlight: Scratch made modern Southern fare
- What to try: Traditional Breakfast with a side of Sweet Potato Pancakes
- Tupelo Honey full review
This Southern favorite has spawned numerous locations all across the Southeast. The original cafe opened in Asheville back in 2001. Tupelo is super busy and a bit overrated, yet still the place to go if you want to indulge in some Southern comfort fare. Their scratch made biscuits and jam make for a delicious starter. Also, their sweet potato pancakes are the best in the region. Probably loaded with calories, but a great vacation splurge.
Tupelo is known for their variety of Fried Chicken and Waffle combinations, along with Shrimp and Grits, Creole Shrimp Linguini, and Smothered Chicken. For those watching their diet, a nice fresh healthy alternative is the Farm Fresh Vegetable Plate where you can mix and match 4 sides of your choosing. Expect a long wait at one of Asheville’s busiest tourist favorites, especially if you visit the downtown cafe.
15. Mehfil Indian
- Location: Downtown
- Highlight: The best Indian food at the best price point
- What to try: The affordable & delicious lunch buffet
- Mehfil full review
Mehfil is your absolute best bet for delicious, affordable, and authentic Indian cuisine in Asheville. They serve the best Indian food in the best location in the city. The affordable lunch buffet is incredible. The nice thing about this buffet is that everything is mildly spiced and there are lots of healthy vegetarian entrees and sides to choose amongst. Buffet offerings change often, so you get to experience a wide variety of Indian specialties with each visit. I love the tandoor veggies, naan, mushroom matar, and saag aloo. Overall, Mehfil by far offers the best bang-for-your-buck lunch experience in the city.
In addition to the fabulous food, service is always wonderful and the restaurant’s design is gorgeous. I love the beautiful colorful umbrellas adorning the ceiling! If you arrive early enough (this place gets busy!), request a window seat so you can people watch. Bonus – Mehfil is located downtown within walking distance of many attractions including The Asheville Art Museum.
