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.
21. Corner Kitchen
- Location: Biltmore Village
- Highlight: Historic charm
- What to try: Eggplant Wrap
- Corner Kitchen full review
2025 Update: Corner Kitchen is still closed following the damage from Hurricane Helene. They are expected to reopen in spring/summer of 2025.
This tourist favorite is located in Biltmore Village, and thus, receives steady traffic throughout the year. The quaint setting inside a Victorian cottage definitely gives it the edge over nearby establishments. Corner serves up an enticing menu of upscale New American cuisine. As Corner Kitchen works with a number of local companies, you can expect high quality produce, meats, and cheeses. Fresh ingredients means the menu changes seasonally. Local craft beers and coffee (Pennycup) are also served here.
Sadly, they no longer serve breakfast, however, you can enjoy local farm-to-table cuisine for lunch and dinner. Recent menu highlights have included a Fried Eggplant Wrap, a Grilled Chicken Pesto Sandwich, and a Superfood Salad. If you plan on exploring Biltmore Village, Corner Kitchen is a perfect compliment to a lovely day out. It’s a great place for a breakfast/brunch date due to the upscale setting.
22. Mayfel’s
- Location: Downtown
- Highlight: Best patio downtown
- What to try: Beignets
- Mayfel’s full review
This popular breakfast joint serves Louisiana style fare in a trendy space. On any given weekend, there is typically a line just to get in. The eclectic menu features traditional and New Orleans style breakfast and brunch offerings. Definitely begin your meal with an authentic beignet dusted with powdered sugar. Popular entrees include Shrimp and Grits, Chicken Creole Pasta, Po’Boy, and Biscuits and Gravy.
The best part about dining at Mayfel’s is the beautiful patio. During the spring and summer season, you will definitely want to enjoy a leisurely brunch experience on the covered patio. Inside the setting is a bit cramped and noisy, but eclectic and interesting at the same time. Mayfel’s partners with a number of local businesses including Mountain City Coffee, West End Bakery, and Imladris Farm. I am not a big fan of Louisiana cuisine, but i did enjoy the food and ambiance here enough to recommend a breakfast visit.
23. Blue Sky Cafe
- Location: Fletcher
- Highlight: Local charm
- What to try: Black bean wrap
- Blue Sky full review
This casual no-frills cafe in Fletcher (just 15 min outside of Asheville) is very popular with locals. The laid-back setting, consistent quality, and affordable pricing definitely make it worthy of a drive. As a bonus, the cafe is located just minutes away from Fletcher Park – one of the nicest community parks in the region.
The design here is simple, yet colorful and inviting. This place is usually always busy. Although it’s a bit of a hassle ordering at the counter, prices are low and the food is good. The menu includes a selection of salads, wraps, burgers, sandwiches, as well as healthy apps like hummus. Servings are big without sacrificing the quality. The French fries are so delicious – seriously order an extra side. I highly recommend the Black Bean wrap and Mediterranean sandwich. Each entrée comes with your choice of side (great options include pesto pasta, sautéed veggie and rice, onion rings, and a delicious Greek salad). One of my favorite choices for a no frills, affordable, healthy lunch!
24. Roman’s Deli
- Location: Downtown
- Highlight: Healthy sandwiches and deli sides
- What to try: Garden veggie sandwich
- Roman’s full review
For delicious soup and sandwiches, plan for lunch at Roman’s. This award winning family-owned cafe downtown is the perfect stop in between exploring activities. Because the setting is so casual and relaxed, you can easily swing by for a quick meal at any point. The menu is simple with lots of sandwiches to choose amongst, including several attractive vegetarian selections.
The highlight here is the delicious homemade soups and amazing deli sides. Both the pasta and potato salad are so delicious that it is hard to choose between the 2. And the tomato vegetable soup is homemade freshness at its’ best. Everything here is local, fresh, and bursting with flavor. Roman’s works with a number of local companies so the quality is there. Try the Garden veggie sandwich featuring avocado, cucumber, vine ripe tomato, bell peppers, local lettuce, sweet onions, sharp provolone, and lemon herb mayor on multi grain.
25. Green Sage Cafe
- Locations: Downtown, Merrimon, South Asheville
- Highlight: Organic, non-GMO fare
- What to try: Pure Vida bowl
- Green Sage full review
For health conscious breakfast fare, there is no better choice than Green Sage Cafe. This local gem is known for their dedication to providing each customer a healthy, organic, and environmentally friendly dining experience. With 3 locations, it’s easy to incorporate in a healthy meal. Lots of vegan and gluten-free choices will please even the pickiest eaters. Green Sage works with a variety of local companies. The meat and dairy are both responsibly raised and contain no added hormones. Also, most of the menu is plant based, so you will definitely get in your veggies for the day!
The vibe is clean and modern at each location with the Merrimon location seeing the least traffic. The Pura Vida breakfast bowl (featuring brown rice, black beans, 2 cage-free eggs, sautéed kale and onions, root hash, and avocado salsa) is amongst the healthiest morning meal you will find in Asheville. Not only is it super tasty, it’s also very filling. Their fair-trade coffee is also perfectly brewed. Lunch offerings include a selection of healthy bowls, sandwiches, and wraps. Protein choices are varied and include wild salmon, falafel, grilled chicken, and tofu.
26. Pi Squared Pizza
- Location: Arden
- Highlight: Authentic Detroit pizza
- What to try: Veggie Pi
- Pi Squared full review
The only place where you can enjoy delicious Detroit style pizza in WNC is the newly opened Pi Squared. Although this cafe is located outside of Asheville, it’s worth the drive if you are craving a unique Detroit pie. If you have never tried it before, you are in for a treat! Detroit pizza features a thick and chewy crust. Next comes Wisconsin brick cheese and then sauce on top. The pie is cut into large rectangular slices.
There are two North Carolina locations including one in Arden (15 min outside of Asheville). The setting is simplistic with a unique faux brick wall and Detroit memorabilia. Lots of great specialty pies including Buffalo Chicken, BBQ Mango, and Chicken Parmesan round out the menu. For a healthier meal, try the Veggie Pi featuring mushrooms, garlic, basil, peppers, onions, black olives, and tomatoes. Also, start with an order of their amazing cheesesticks!
Also be sure to check out my guides to the best local breakfast restaurants and the best local coffeehouses in Asheville.
