20 Unique Dining Experiences in Asheville That Will Impress Any Foodie

379

Asheville is a foodie’s dream, offering a mix of Appalachian roots and bold culinary creativity. Known for its farm-to-table movement and craft beer scene, this mountain town is packed with unforgettable dining spots. Think rooftop restaurants with panoramic views, cozy farmhouses serving Southern classics with a twist, and eclectic eateries where every dish feels like art. Whether it’s wood-fired pizza made with local ingredients, indulgent vegan comfort food, or perfectly brewed coffee in a hidden café, Asheville’s dining scene is as diverse as it is delicious. These 12 unique dining experiences showcase the city’s vibrant flavors, charming vibes, and innovative spirit. If you’re ready to eat your way through one of North Carolina’s coolest food hubs, Asheville is calling!

👉 Pro Tip: Fuel your day with the Asheville Coffee Tours! This guided experience takes you through the city’s vibrant coffee scene, where you’ll sample expertly brewed cups, learn about different roasting techniques, and discover unique coffee shops with their own local flair. Along the way, your guide will share fascinating stories about Asheville’s coffee culture and the artisans behind it. Perfect for coffee enthusiasts, this tour is a flavorful journey through one of Asheville’s tastiest hidden treasures. Come caffeinated and ready for a buzz-worthy adventure!

Unique Restaurants in Asheville

Ready to discover the best places to eat in Asheville? There’s a whole world of exciting places to explore here, from farm-to-table dining in rustic settings to cozy, hidden gems in the heart of downtown. Join me as we uncover the coolest restaurants in Asheville.

Are you up for an unforgettable dining experience, like enjoying a meal with mountain views? Or maybe you’d like to try innovative Southern dishes in a place that feels like a culinary adventure? Whatever kind of unique dining experience you’re after, Asheville has it all. Here’s your essential guide to the unique restaurants in Asheville. Get ready to make your dining experiences extraordinary!

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.

• Read Next: 12 MAGICAL Things to Do in Asheville at Night

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!

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.

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.

• Read Next: 12 Must-Do Experiences in Downtown Asheville

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Unique Restaurants in Asheville

Searching for more information to help you decide where to eat in Asheville? Here are some common questions (and answers) I get asked a lot about Asheville’s best restaurants.

What food is Asheville famous for?

Asheville is renowned for its eclectic and diverse culinary scene. It’s particularly famous for its farm-to-table dining, where restaurants source fresh, local ingredients for their dishes. Barbecue is a big deal here, with a focus on slow-cooked meats and unique, regional sauces. Don’t miss out on trying some local trout, as Asheville is in the heart of the Southern Appalachian mountains where trout is plentiful. For a personal recommendation, I’d say you must try the barbecue and the farm-to-table restaurants – they truly showcase what Asheville’s cuisine is all about.

Is Asheville a foodie town?

Asheville is a paradise for food lovers. The city’s culinary scene is a blend of traditional Southern cooking and innovative, modern cuisine. There’s a strong emphasis on local and sustainable food, which has attracted talented chefs and food entrepreneurs. The variety of restaurants, from upscale dining to casual eateries and street food, makes it a dynamic foodie destination. As a food enthusiast, I find Asheville’s food scene always exciting and full of new flavors to explore.

What is the official drink of North Carolina?

The official drink of North Carolina is milk. While it might seem surprising, this choice highlights the state’s rich agricultural heritage, particularly in dairy farming. However, when it comes to alcoholic beverages, North Carolina is known for its craft beer and moonshine. Asheville, in particular, has a thriving craft beer scene with numerous breweries to explore.

Is Asheville expensive?

Asheville can be a bit pricey, especially when compared to other cities in North Carolina. The cost of living and dining out can be higher here, mainly due to its popularity as a tourist destination and its vibrant arts and culinary scenes. However, there are options for all budgets. You can find affordable dining choices, especially if you explore eateries off the beaten path or enjoy the many food trucks around the city.

What dessert is NC known for?

North Carolina is famous for its sweet potato pie, a Southern classic. The state is one of the largest producers of sweet potatoes in the US, so this dessert is a celebration of a local staple. It’s similar to pumpkin pie but has a unique flavor and texture. I’d recommend trying sweet potato pie at a local bakery or a Southern-style restaurant in Asheville for an authentic taste of North Carolina.

Unique Restaurants in Asheville: Recap

Exploring Asheville’s unique restaurants is an absolute joy, inviting you to savor diverse flavors and stay in Asheville’s culinary embrace. Each one, from the Hawaiian-inspired RosaBees to the innovative Admiral, brings its own flavor to the table. Asheville’s food scene is a celebration of diversity and local bounty.

If I had to pick just one must-visit spot, it would be Chai Pani. Their take on Indian street food is simply incredible. The vibrant atmosphere and authentic flavors make every visit memorable. It’s a place that perfectly captures the spirit of Asheville’s culinary scene.

Asheville is a paradise for food lovers, offering a range of dining experiences to suit all tastes and budgets. The focus on local and sustainable ingredients across these eateries not only makes the food taste better but also supports the community.

In short, Asheville’s best restaurants are the heart of the city’s vibrant food culture, ensuring your North Carolina vacation is flavored with great memories and even better flavors. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, these eateries are sure to leave you with great memories and even better flavors.