Let’s get one thing straight right off the bat: Asheville isn’t just a pretty mountain town with good views. It’s a full-blown food destination that punches way above its weight class.
We’re talking James Beard Award winners, hyper-local farm-to-table spots, and funky eateries that have more personality than your coolest friend. The hardest part of your trip won’t be finding a good meal—it’ll be choosing where to eat first.
So, you’re hungry for the real Asheville food scene? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve moved far beyond the basic tourist lists to bring you the insider’s guide.
This lineup covers everything from celebratory splurges to hole-in-the-wall gems, all serving up that unmistakable, creative Asheville flavor. Your table in the Blue Ridge Mountains is waiting. Let’s dig in.
1. Get the Ultimate Food Hall Experience at S&W Market
Forget any food court you’ve ever seen. Housed in a stunningly restored 1929 Art Deco building, the S&W Market is Asheville’s premier food hall done right.
This is your one-stop-shop for a crash course in local flavors, all under one gorgeous, historic roof. The vibe is buzzing but never overwhelming, with plenty of shared seating.
You can craft the perfect meal from a bunch of incredible local vendors. Craving a juicy burger? Head to Bun Intended. Need a vibrant, healthy bowl? Farm Burger has you covered.
Top it off with a scoop of exotic ice cream from The Hop. It’s the perfect solution for groups with different cravings and a top-tier restaurant to visit in Asheville for your first night in town.
2. Experience Fine Dining Reimagined at Cucina 24
Chef Brian Canipelli’s Cucina 24 is a downtown staple that feels both timeless and of-the-moment.
The menu is a love letter to Italian tradition, but it’s filtered through a lens of Western North Carolina’s incredible produce. They work directly with local farmers, so what arrives on your plate is dictated by what’s at its absolute peak that week.
The handmade pasta is, unsurprisingly, legendary. But don’t sleep on their wood-fired meats and vegetables either.
The space is warm and buzzing with energy, making it ideal for a special occasion or just a “treat yourself” night out. For a fine dining experience in Asheville that’s grounded, generous, and deeply satisfying, Cucina 24 is a must-book reservation.
3. Dive into Plant-Based Perfection at Plant
Even if you’re a dedicated meat lover, a meal at Plant will blow your mind. This entirely vegan restaurant isn’t about making substitutes; it’s about celebrating vegetables, grains, and legumes in their most glorious, inventive forms.
The presentation is stunning, and the flavors are complex and bold, winning national acclaim for a reason.
Dishes like their sesame corn dumplings or smoked trumpet mushroom “scallops” are conversation-stoppers. The atmosphere is sleek and modern, proving that plant-forward dining can be every bit as exciting and sophisticated.
It’s easily one of the top vegan restaurants in Asheville and a transformative dining experience for anyone.
4. Taste Appalachian Heritage at Benne on Eagle
Located in The Foundry Hotel, Benne on Eagle does something truly important: it celebrates and elevates the rich African American culinary heritage of The Block neighborhood.
Chef de Cuisine Ashleigh Shanti (a Top Chef alum) and team craft a menu that’s soulful, historical, and incredibly delicious.
Think dishes like skillet catfish with benne seeds or braised beef with coal-roasted sweet potatoes. The flavors are deep, comforting, and tell a story. Eating here isn’t just a meal; it’s a meaningful connection to Asheville’s cultural roots.
It’s an essential Asheville restaurant visit for anyone wanting to understand the heart of the city.
5. Grab a Legendary Bite at Sunny Point Café
Be prepared to wait. And trust us, it’s worth every single minute. This West Asheville institution is the king of hearty, from-scratch breakfast and lunch.
The line often stretches out the door, but they’ll bring you coffee while you queue. Once you’re in, the friendly, no-fuss vibe and enormous plates of food will make you an instant regular.
Their huevos rancheros are famous for a reason, and their baked goods are not to be missed. They even have their own garden out back, supplying the kitchen with ultra-fresh herbs and veggies.
For the ultimate best breakfast in Asheville experience, Sunny Point is a non-negotiable stop. Go early on a weekday if you can.
6. Enjoy a Cozy Italian Night at Strada Italiano
Tucked away on a quieter downtown street, Strada feels like your own little secret. The atmosphere is intimate, rustic, and impossibly cozy, with soft lighting and the warm smell of garlic and baking bread. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger over a long meal with good company.
The menu is classic Italian comfort food executed flawlessly. Their spinach and ricotta ravioli in a sage brown butter sauce is a thing of simple beauty.
The service is attentive without being stuffy. For a reliably wonderful, romantic dinner in Asheville, Strada delivers every single time. It’s a local favorite for a reason.
7. Explore Global Street Food at Asheville Proper
Asheville Proper is a meat lover’s paradise, but in the most refined way. This sleek, supper club-style spot specializes in dry-aged steaks and wood-fired cooking.
The vibe is lively and sophisticated, with an open kitchen where you can watch the masters at work.
Their commitment to quality is serious, from sourcing to their in-house aging process. The result is steaks with incredible depth of flavor.
They also offer stunning seafood and vegetable dishes, making it a great spot for groups. For a special night out with a focus on exceptional proteins, this is a premier steakhouse in Asheville.
8. Savor Southern Comfort at Tupelo Honey
No list of Asheville restaurants is complete without the original Tupelo Honey. What started as a single cafe here has become a Southern empire, but the flagship downtown location still has that magic.
It’s the birthplace of their famous fried chicken with blueberry compote and the epic sweet potato pancakes.
The food is upscale Southern comfort—think shrimp and grits, honey-dusted fried chicken, and biscuits so good they should be illegal.
It’s always buzzing, always delicious, and a fantastic introduction to the city’s flair for reinventing classics. For a must-eat in Asheville experience, you gotta check this one off the list.
9. Discover a Hole-in-the-Wall Gem at Baby Bull
Located in the back of The Bull and Beggar (its fantastic parent restaurant), Baby Bull is a tiny, standing-room-only burger bar that serves what many argue is the best burger in Asheville.
And they might be right. It’s a simple, perfect formula: a double patty, special sauce, cheese, pickles, and onions on a soft potato bun.
It’s messy, juicy, and absolutely glorious. They also have a killer cheesesteak and crispy fries.
The vibe is super casual—just a small bar, a few standing counters, and people united in their love of a perfect simple meal. For an unforgettable, no-frills burger in Asheville, make a beeline here.
10. Enjoy a Sweet Finale at Old Europe Desserts
After all that savory goodness, you need a sweet finish. Old Europe Desserts is a family-owned, European-style pastry shop and cafe that feels like a little slice of Vienna dropped into the mountains.
The cases are filled with stunning creations: delicate fruit tarts, rich cakes, flaky croissants, and beautiful cookies.
Everything is made from scratch using traditional methods. Grab a slice of Sacher torte and a coffee and watch the world go by.
It’s the perfect place for an afternoon pick-me-up or to pick up a stunning dessert for a special occasion. For incredible pastries in Asheville, this is the undisputed champion.
Here are six more restaurant headings, continuing the Colorado Springs listicle in the same style.
11. Savor a Taste of the South at Bird Tree Eatery
Okay, let’s talk about a place that nails Southern hospitality right in the heart of Colorado. Bird Tree Eatery is a sun-drenched, welcoming spot that feels like a breath of fresh air.
Their whole deal is “slow food, fast,” meaning you get thoughtfully prepared, high-quality meals without the long wait. It’s a genius concept for our on-the-go world.
The menu is a love letter to Southern and Tex-Mex comfort, with a seriously impressive all-day breakfast. Their breakfast tacos on homemade tortillas are a local obsession, and their “Not Your Mama’s Meatloaf” sandwich is a game-changer.
They also have vibrant, fresh salads and bowls. For a quick, delicious lunch in Colorado Springs that doesn’t compromise on flavor or quality, Bird Tree is a secret weapon.
12. Indulge in a Sweet Finale at Pikes Peak Pie Company
After all that savory goodness, your Colorado Springs restaurant tour needs a sweet ending. The Pikes Peak Pie Company is a small-batch bakery that’s absolutely obsessed with pie.
We’re talking flaky, buttery crusts and fillings that taste like they were just picked or whipped up in your grandma’s kitchen—if your grandma was a pastry champion.
The flavors rotate with the seasons, from classic apple and cherry to innovative creations like chocolate bourbon pecan or lemon lavender. You can grab a whole pie or just a perfect, generous slice to enjoy right there.
The smell alone is worth the visit. For the best dessert in Colorado Springs, this little pie shop is a slice of pure happiness.
13. Enjoy a Modern Diner Vibe at Omelette Parlor
Breakfast isn’t just a meal here; it’s an event. The Omelette Parlor in Old Colorado City has been a beloved institution for over 40 years, and for good reason.
It’s a classic American diner dialed up to eleven, with a massive menu that’s famous for its mind-boggling list of omelet options. We’re talking dozens of combinations, from simple to wildly inventive.
The place is always buzzing with a mix of families, hikers, and locals, all digging into plates piled high with fluffy pancakes, crispy hash browns, and those legendary omelets. The service is fast and friendly.
For a classic Colorado Springs breakfast that will fuel you for a whole day of adventure, this is your go-to spot.
14. Discover Global Street Food at Skirted Heifer
Sometimes, you just need an incredible burger. Skirted Heifer answers that call with a fun, modern twist.
Their signature move? They add a delicious, crispy “skirt” of melted cheese that laces around the burger patty onto the griddle. It’s as awesome as it sounds. The vibe is upbeat and casual, with a fun, industrial design.
Beyond the brilliant cheeseburger, they offer a solid lineup of loaded fries, a great veggie burger option, and thick, hand-spun shakes.
It’s not fussy, it’s just fantastic, craveable food done with a clever trick. For a unique burger joint in Colorado Springs that’s become a local favorite, Skirted Heifer totally delivers.
15. Experience Farm-to-Table Fresh at The Wobbly Olive
Tucked away, The Wobbly Olive is a neighborhood bistro that feels like a wonderful discovery. Their philosophy is simple: source the best local ingredients and let them shine.
The menu changes regularly based on what’s fresh and in season, so there’s always something new and exciting to try. The atmosphere is intimate and perfect for a relaxed dinner.
You might find a perfectly seared trout from nearby waters, a succulent roasted chicken, or a stunning wild mushroom risotto.
The care and attention in each dish are palpable. For a date night restaurant in Colorado Springs that focuses on elegant, seasonal flavors in a cozy setting, The Wobbly Olive is a stellar choice.
16. Grab a Hearty, Healthy Bowl at Nourish Organic Juice
After a few days of indulgent eats, your body might be begging for something light and vibrant. Nourish Organic Juice is your answer.
This bright, clean spot is a haven for smoothies, cold-pressed juices, and, most importantly, incredible acai and pitaya bowls. They pile them high with fresh fruit, homemade granola, and nut butters.
You can also find great toasts, salads, and wellness shots. It’s the perfect spot for a post-hike refresh or a powerful, healthy start to your day.
For a healthy meal in Colorado Springs that tastes as good as it makes you feel, Nourish is the ultimate pit stop.
Conclusion
Look, you came for the mountain views and the art scene, but you’re going to leave raving about the food. The best restaurants in Asheville offer more than a meal; they offer a point of view.
They tell the story of a city that’s fiercely creative, deeply connected to its land, and unafraid to have fun on a plate.
This list is your starting point, your treasure map to flavors you won’t find anywhere else. So what are you waiting for? That biscuit is getting warm, that pasta is being freshly rolled, and that burger is waiting to be devoured.
Pick a few spots that call to you, make those reservations, and get ready to eat your way through one of America’s great food towns. Your unforgettable Asheville dining adventure begins with your first bite.