Asheville is not your average foodie town. It’s where Southern soul, mountain grit, and global flavors collide in the best possible way. I’ve been twice now, and each trip has left me more obsessed than the last. One minute you’re sipping sangria under mosaic lights at a Spanish tapas bar, the next you’re crushing vegan brussels sprouts that could convert any carnivore.
From hidden noodle bars in gas stations to brunch spots with backyard gardens, this city thrives on the unexpected. If you’re hungry for dining experiences that are anything but ordinary, these are the 20 most unique restaurants in Asheville you absolutely need to try.
👉 My Pro Tip: I highly recommend sipping your way through Asheville’s countryside on this 2-Vineyard Wine Tour of Western North Carolina. You’ll visit two boutique, family-run vineyards, Sawyer Springs and Stone Ashe, with tastings, mountain views, and a farm-style charcuterie board along the way. It’s the perfect half-day escape from downtown, blending scenic drives, local flavors, and that laid-back Asheville charm in one amazing experience.
Unique Restaurants in Asheville
If you’re planning to eat your way through Asheville, this quick-hit list will help you zero in on the city’s most delicious and creative spots. This is true whether you’re craving upscale tapas, cozy Southern classics, or bold global flavors. Tap any restaurant name below to jump straight to that section of the guide.
- Most Iconic Tapas Spot: Curate
- Coolest Global-Southern Fusion: Jargon
- Best Eclectic Taco Stop: White Duck Taco Shop
- Top Modern American Comfort: Chestnut
- Most Inventive Japanese Twist: Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse
- Best Asian Fusion in a Gas Station: Gan Shan Station
- Best Romantic Mexican-Californian Spot: Limones Restaurant
- Southern Foodie Favorite: Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar
- Best Hidden Korean Gem: Stone Bowl Korean Restaurant
- Most Elevated Surf & Turf: The Bull and Beggar
- Best Tiny Tasting Experience: Neng Jr.’s
- Top Caribbean-Inspired Comfort Food: Nine Mile
- Best Farm-to-Table Dining: The Market Place
- Coolest Dive Bar-turned-Fine Dining: The Admiral
- Best Vegan Surprise: Plant
- Most Magical Cocktail Lounge: Sovereign Remedies
- Best Middle Eastern Street Food: Gypsy Queen Market, Deli & Food Truck
- Best Garden-to-Table Brunch: Sunny Point Cafe
- Most Flavor-Packed Indian Street Food: Chai Pani Asheville
Here’s how I’d do it: start your foodie adventure in West Asheville for brunch or bites, hit downtown for dinner and drinks, and leave room for offbeat gems like Neng Jr.’s or Plant. Every bite is a chance to taste Asheville’s bold, creative spirit!
1. Curate
- 📍 Location: Downtown Asheville
- 💲 Price range: $50 – $100+ per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Spanish Tapas / Fine Dining
- 🔥 Standout Features: Chef Katie Button (James Beard nominee), authentic Spanish tapas with modern flair, extensive Spanish wine list, lively upscale atmosphere.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Spanish food connoisseurs, special occasion splurges, sharing small plates, wine lovers, and experiencing world-class tapas.
Prepare for a Spanish culinary journey at Curate, Chef Katie Button’s acclaimed downtown Asheville gem. This vibrant spot brings the authentic flavors and lively spirit of Spain to the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering an exquisite array of tapas crafted with both tradition and modern artistry.
You should definitely try their pan de tomate (bread with tomato), a simple yet perfect starter. The gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp) sizzle with flavor, and the rossejat negro (black paella with squid ink) is a showstopper. Exploring their extensive Spanish wine list is also essential.
2. Jargon
If you’re always chasing that sweet spot of inventive flavors and cool ambience, Jargon nails it. This West Asheville gem blends Southern soul with global ingredients in unexpected ways. The raviolo with egg yolk and house-made ricotta looks almost too pretty to eat, but go for the duck confit gnocchi if you want your mind blown. The décor is quirky-cool, with vintage typewriters and art everywhere – think cozy, creative date night spot. Grab a cocktail from their playful, almost punny list (I can’t stop thinking about the barrel-aged Sazerac). Bonus: You’re close to waaaay too many breweries on Haywood Road, so leave room for a nightcap crawl. I left genuinely impressed with how the dishes zigged when I expected them to zag – in a good way.
3. White Duck Taco Shop
- 📍 Location: Multiple (River Arts District, Downtown, South Asheville)
- 💲 Price range: $10 – $20 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Eclectic Global Tacos
- 🔥 Standout Features: Creative taco fillings, casual counter-service, bustling atmosphere.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Taco seekers, quick eats, diverse flavors, budget-friendly meals.
Get ready for tacos that travel the globe at White Duck Taco Shop! This wildly popular spot takes the humble taco and blasts it into orbit with creative, globally-inspired fillings. Forget standard carnitas, think outside the tortilla! Your taco passport starts here!
Mix and match incredible flavour combinations. Dive into must-try favourites like the Bangkok shrimp taco with cucumber and peanuts. The Korean beef bulgogi taco or the unique crispy pork belly taco are also fantastic. It’s fast, affordable, and always buzzing.
4. Cúrate Bar de Tapas
When I say this is the go-to downtown Asheville classic for tapas, I mean it. Chef Katie Button’s Spanish spot has a lively, chatty energy – perfect for sharing a pitcher of sangria and a parade of small plates at your mosaic-tiled table. Standouts? The melt-in-your-mouth jamón ibérico and the seafood paella, both totally worth the hype. Cúrate feels like a slice of Barcelona but with that warm Asheville vibe. If you can, snag a seat at the bar to watch the pros slice ham and torch crema catalana. After dinner, stroll over to Pack Square or hit French Broad Chocolate Lounge for dessert. I can’t imagine a more crowd-pleasing place to start or end a night in Asheville.
5. Chestnut
- 📍 Location: Downtown Asheville
- 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern American / Upscale Comfort Food
- 🔥 Standout Features: Seasonal menu focusing on local ingredients, sophisticated yet approachable dishes, craft cocktails, elegant downtown setting.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Upscale casual dinners, date nights, fans of refined American cuisine, pre-theater meals, and seasonal food lovers.
Experience sophisticated American cuisine at Chestnut in downtown Asheville. This elegant yet approachable restaurant focuses on seasonal ingredients, crafting dishes that are both refined and comforting. The atmosphere is stylish, perfect for a special evening or a nice dinner out.
Trying their pan-seared scallops with seasonal accompaniments is a great choice. Their grilled pork chop with local apple chutney or the creative Chestnut Gnocchi also showcase their commitment to flavor and quality. Don’t miss their inventive craft cocktails.
6. Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse
Ukiah flips the script on Japanese food in the best way possible. The vibe? Modern urban – all brick, wood, and a hint of neon. Their smoked brisket ramen deserves every bit of hype, but don’t sleep on the duck fat-fried chicken wings (ridiculously flavorful). Their cocktails are as inventive as the food – order the yuzu margarita if you see it. Sit on the patio for people-watching right off Broadway, or cozy up at the minimalist bar inside. It’s right on the edge of downtown – perfect for catching a show at Asheville Community Theatre after. I love that they’re playful with the menu but never gimmicky. Genuinely fun and memorable every time.
7. Gan Shan Station
- 📍 Location: North Asheville (Charlotte Street)
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $35 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: East Asian Fusion / Noodle Bar
- 🔥 Standout Features: Vintage gas station, Southeast Asian inspired dishes, ramen/noodle bowls, stylish setting.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Asian fusion lovers, ramen noodle seekers, and flavorful meals.
Fuel up on fantastic flavour at Gan Shan Station! This North Asheville gem operates out of a beautifully converted vintage gas station, serving up vibrant, delicious East Asian-inspired dishes. Get ready to fill your tank with tasty noodles! Full service flavour!
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Slurp down incredible bowls of rich ramen, like the popular “Gan Shan Ramen” with pork belly. Dive into spicy dan dan noodles, or explore other flavour-packed dishes like their Lao Gan Ma Ribs. The cool setting makes Gan Shan a must-visit.
8. Limones Restaurant
Limones is the local’s secret for off-the-charts Mexican-Californian food. It sits in an old house, warm with twinkly lights, so the mood is always laid-back romantic. Ceviche is a must (they change it up seasonally – I once had one with blood orange and it rocked my world). Their lobster nachos need no explanation, just order them. Brunch here is exceptional too – don’t skip the mimosas. Limones is steps away from the Urban Trail, so grab a drink and wander Asheville’s art-filled streets after. I come back for the creative specials and that low-key, special-occasion energy.
9. Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar
- 📍 Location: Downtown Asheville & South Asheville
- 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Southern Comfort Food
- 🔥 Standout Features: Biscuits/blueberry jam and Southern classics.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Southern comfort food, biscuit fanatics, brunch/dinner seekers, and modern Appalachian cuisine.
Get a sweet taste of the South at Tupelo Honey! This Asheville staple serves up modern takes on Southern comfort food classics in a bustling, welcoming atmosphere. Come for the biscuits, stay for everything else! Bless your heart and your appetite!
You cannot skip the legendary fluffy buttermilk biscuits served with blueberry jam and honey. Then, dive into craveable dishes like their famous honey dusted fried chicken or creamy shrimp and grits with goat cheese. The fried green tomatoes are another classic done right.
10. Stone Bowl Korean Restaurant
If barbecue and bibimbap call your name, Stone Bowl is Asheville’s best answer. This low-key spot by the mall has a straightforward, welcoming vibe and zero pretension. The star of the show is clearly the hot-stone bibimbap – it arrives sizzling, with perfectly crispy rice edges and piles of bright veggies. Their Korean fried chicken is also wildly addictive (get extra sauce). The setting is no-frills but friendly, with K-pop sometimes playing quietly in the background. It’s easy to park, which feels rare around here, and the crowds are hip, hungry, and always happy. If you want comfort food with a twist, add this to your rotation. I’m convinced it’s Asheville’s most underrated gem.
11. The Bull and Beggar
- 📍 Location: River Arts District (Wedge Studios)
- 💲 Price range: $50 – $90+ per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Upscale American / Raw Bar / Steakhouse Influences
- 🔥 Standout Features: High-quality raw bar/oysters and excellent steaks/chops.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Oyster lovers, steak connoisseurs, upscale dining, and special occasions.
Indulge in sophisticated surf and turf at The Bull and Beggar. Tucked away in Wedge Studios, this spot offers a refined dining experience focused on high-quality steaks, chops, and an excellent raw bar. Where gritty art meets grand gastronomy!
Start with pristine oysters from their impressive raw bar selection – try a mixed dozen. Savor a perfectly cooked dry-aged steak, like a bone-in ribeye. Explore other expertly prepared meat and seafood dishes, such as their seafood towers for a truly lavish experience.
12. Neng Jr.’s
Neng Jr.’s is tiny, bold, and one hundred percent unique – Asheville has nothing else like it. This intimate West Asheville Filipino restaurant has just a handful of seats and an open kitchen where Chef Silver Iocovozzi cooks everything to order. The menu changes constantly, but just trust the chef and go for the tasting experience. Think kinilaw (Filipino ceviche), house-made longanisa, and always something deeply creative involving local trout. With vintage glassware and a playlist that’s as stylish as the décor, Neng Jr.’s just feels like the place to impress your coolest friends. Walk to Archetype Brewing nearby for a nightcap. I love how you can taste the chef’s passion in every bite – it’s dinner, but also a story.
13. Nine Mile
- 📍 Location: Multiple (Montford Historic District, West Asheville, South Asheville)
- 💲 Price range: $18 – $35 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Caribbean Inspired / Pasta & Rice Bowls
- 🔥 Standout Features: Caribbean-inspired dishes and vibrant sauces (Natty Bread!)
- 🎯 Perfect For: Caribbean flavor seekers, pasta lovers, comfort food, and casual meals.
Take your taste buds on a trip to the islands at Nine Mile! This beloved Asheville spot serves incredibly flavourful and unique Caribbean-inspired noodle and rice dishes that are pure comfort food magic. Get ready for irie eats and a vibrant atmosphere!
Ordering the complimentary Natty Bread served with addictive garlic aioli is essential. Then dive into signature dishes like the creamy, spicy “Nine Mile” pasta with jerk chicken or shrimp. The flavour-packed “Cool Runnings” rice bowl with mango salsa is also fantastic.
14. The Market Place
If you want true Asheville farm-to-table, The Market Place is a must. It’s right in the thick of downtown action, but inside there’s a sleek, buzzing vibe and an open kitchen. Every dish lets local ingredients shine, especially the Appalachian trout and whatever their seasonal veggie small plate happens to be. Their craft cocktails highlight local spirits, too (try the Blue Ridge Mule). Best seats in the house are by the front windows for people-watching. Step outside after dinner and you’re right by Grove Arcade or Malaprop’s Bookstore. I’ve always been amazed by how Market Place keeps things simple, but never boring.
15. The Admiral
- 📍 Location: West Asheville
- 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Eclectic New American / Elevated Comfort Food
- 🔥 Standout Features: Cinder-block exterior, changing menu, dive bar, fine dining vibe, excellent cocktails.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Adventurous foodies, date nights, and American cuisine lovers.
Don’t judge a restaurant by its cover! The Admiral might look like a simple cinder-block dive bar from the outside, but inside awaits an incredible culinary experience serving inventive, delicious New American cuisine. Where dive bar cool meets dazzling dishes!
The menu changes frequently. Expect unexpected flavour combinations like unique pork belly dishes with surprising fruit components. Perfectly executed seasonal fish preparations or creative vegetarian entrees like their mushroom bolognese are also highlights. Pair it with one of their killer cocktails.
16. Plant
Plant is what happens when vegan food decides to actually wow carnivores. The vibe is earthy-chic – think reclaimed wood, plants, and that airy Asheville energy. The chile-caramel brussel sprouts are iconic, but also order the cheese plate (all vegan, all deliciously convincing). Their cocktails and small plates trend creative, and the desserts are as rich as any dairy-based treat. Outdoor seating is lovely on warm evenings, nestled in Asheville’s sweet North neighborhood. Asheville Yoga Center is next door if you want to work up an appetite. Even if you’re not vegan, Plant’s the spot to be surprised in the best way.
17. Sovereign Remedies
- 📍 Location: Downtown
- 💲 Price range: $40 – $70 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: New American / Farm-to-Table / Craft Cocktails
- 🔥 Standout Features: Apothecary theme, inventive cocktails, late-night menu, cozy and dark atmosphere.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Cocktail connoisseurs, unique date nights, and late-night bites.
This isn’t a bar; it’s a moody, magical apothecary where the medicine is expertly crafted cocktails. Walking into Sovereign Remedies feels like discovering a secret. The space is dark and intimate, filled with vintage medical charts and jars of herbs. The air smells like fresh botanicals and rich food, with the quiet clink of cocktail shakers as the only soundtrack.
The cocktails are the main event, so put your trust in the bartenders and order a Dealer’s Choice. For food, the menu is rustic and smart. The Sovereign Burger, with its house-ground beef, is a total legend for a reason. Another absolute must-order is the rich, savory bone marrow toast. It’s elevated comfort food at its absolute finest.
18. Gypsy Queen Market, Deli & Food Truck
- 📍 Location: West Asheville (Brick & Mortar); Food Truck Varies
- 💲 Price range: $10 – $20 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Lebanese / Mediterranean Street Food
- 🔥 Standout Features: Authentic Lebanese street food, shawarma/falafel, market/deli component.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Lebanese food lovers, street food seekers, quick eats, casual vegetarian/vegan options.
Embark on a magic carpet ride of flavour at Gypsy Queen! Whether you hit their West Asheville market/deli or track down the food truck, prepare for incredibly authentic and delicious Lebanese street food. Your taste buds are about to dance with joy!
Trying their legendary chicken shawarma, carved fresh and packed with flavourful garlic sauce and pickles, is a must. The perfectly crispy falafel sandwich or platter, or creamy hummus with warm pita, are also fantastic. It’s fast, fresh, and bursting with authentic spices.
19. Sunny Point Cafe
- 📍 Location: West Asheville
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Southern Comfort / Upscale Diner (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
- 🔥 Standout Features: Garden ingredients, upscale comfort food, all-day breakfast.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Brunch lovers, comfort food fans, garden-to-table admirers.
Prepare for brunch brilliance at the wildly popular Sunny Point Cafe! This West Asheville institution serves incredible upscale comfort food all day long, using ingredients plucked straight from their adjacent garden. Where sunshine meets serious flavour! Worth the wait!
Their brunch is legendary – trying the massive huevos rancheros with black beans and avocado is essential. Decadent carrot cake pancakes or their fantastic shrimp and grits are also amazing. Sunny Point consistently delivers fresh, feel-good food.
- Read Next: 12 Awesome Areas to Stay in Asheville
20. Chai Pani Asheville
- 📍 Location: Downtown Asheville
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Indian Street Food
- 🔥 Standout Features: James Beard Award winner, Indian street food, creative chaat/thalis.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Explorers of Indian street food, flavor seekers, casual meals.
Get ready for an explosion of colour and flavour at Chai Pani! This nationally acclaimed downtown spot serves incredibly vibrant and delicious Indian street food that will blow your mind. Forget standard curry houses, this is street food elevated! James Beard knows best!
Dive into the wonderful world of Chaat (savory snacks). The addictive Okra Fries are a must-try. Flavorful Bhel Puri (a puffed rice and sev mixture), or unique sandwiches like the Sloppy Jai (a spiced lamb hash slider), and the Butter Chicken Thali are also fantastic.
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