6 Best Restaurants in Asheville, North Carolina

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Because of the large number of visitors to Asheville and the many upscale retirees who've moved here, the city has a dining scene that's much more vibrant and varied than its size would suggest. You'll find everything from Greek to Vietnamese, Nepalese to Southern soul food, and barbecue to sushi. Asheville has more vegetarian restaurants per capita than any other city, and there are local coffeehouses on many corners. Most of the city's many craft breweries also serve food.

All Day Darling

$ Fodor's Choice

Breakfast is the champ at this bright and airy in-demand spot for biscuits, smashed avocado toast, and frittatas, but it's also worth a visit later in the day for delicious bites like fried halloumi with honey and capers.

Cúrate

$$ Fodor's Choice

If you have the blahs, Cúrate, with its extraordinary authentic tapas and fun atmosphere (they won the 2022 James Beard Award for Best Hospitality in the country) is the cure. The kitchen showcases the flavors of Spain over two dozen snacks and small plates, with special attention to cured Iberian ham dishes and seafood such as octopus and calamari.

13 Biltmore Ave., Asheville, NC, 28801, USA
828-239–2946
Known For
  • Spanish sherries and wines
  • Convivial atmosphere
  • Selection of hams
Restaurant Details
Closed Mon.
Reservations essential

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Corner Kitchen

$$$

Entrées such as pecan-crusted mountain trout with ginger sweet potatoes grace the frequently changing new American menu at this charmingly renovated Victorian cottage with wood floors, plaster walls painted in serene colors, and a fireplace in one dining room.

Recommended Fodor's Video

La Bodega by Cúrate

$$

The perfect stop for chic picnic provisions, a memorable lunch, or a lively pintxos (small bar snacks) dinner with friends, fans of Cúrate are thrilled to find many of its specialties available at this sister establishment, including cured meats, cheeses, sangria—even paella. The "La Bodega Experience" is one of the best prix-fixe menus in town.

Tall John's

$$$

One of Asheville's hottest dinner spots, this neighborhood tavern serves elevated but approachable fare like pork schnitzel with fennel salad and striped bass with harissa. 

152 Montford Ave., Asheville, NC, 28801, USA
828-782–5514
Known For
  • Bustling weekend brunch
  • Convivial atmosphere
  • Steak tartare with saltines
Restaurant Details
No reservations

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Vivian

$$$

The emphasis is on the cooking at this dimly lit, painted-cinder-block eatery that blends French techniques with Southern ingredients like mountain trout and North Carolina shrimp. Vivian's service is top-notch, making it ideal for a date night.

348 Depot St., Asheville, NC, 28801, USA
828-225–3497
Known For
  • Creative versions of contemporary dishes
  • Interesting craft cocktails
  • Unpretentious setting
Restaurant Details
Closed Mon. and Tues. No dinner Sun.

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