AshevilleReal: food specifics
Easy Take-Out Options
Because some peeps aren't ready to dine in public places quite yet!
This is a favorite order-in option for the neighbors on Riverbend. Close-by and fairly consistent.
The only thing I ever order from here is "Camerones a la Plancha." (Grilled shrimp). My friend Kathy, a vegetarian, loves the Avocado Burrito.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cocula Mexican Restaurant II
1297 Tunnel RdThis is a favorite order-in option for the neighbors on Riverbend. Close-by and fairly consistent.
The only thing I ever order from here is "Camerones a la Plancha." (Grilled shrimp). My friend Kathy, a vegetarian, loves the Avocado Burrito.
Don't let the strip mall location fool you. India Garden is considered by us locals to be a super solid Indian food choice. Palak Paneer, Tandoori Chicken, garlic na'an... all highly recommended.
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
India Garden Restaurant
80 S Tunnel RdDon't let the strip mall location fool you. India Garden is considered by us locals to be a super solid Indian food choice. Palak Paneer, Tandoori Chicken, garlic na'an... all highly recommended.
To be honest, no one I know has ever once said, "God, I'm really jones-ing for some East Village Grille food."
But here's the skinny: EVG is right around the corner. It's your basic American fare (like you'd get at Applebee's...but way better)...and it's local...like, for reals.
Confession: When the power went out on our street during a snowstorm, me and some neighbors went to EVG... and to this day I still remember that slice of chocolate cake they served us for dessert. Jus sayin'.
38 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
East Village Grille
1177 Tunnel RdTo be honest, no one I know has ever once said, "God, I'm really jones-ing for some East Village Grille food."
But here's the skinny: EVG is right around the corner. It's your basic American fare (like you'd get at Applebee's...but way better)...and it's local...like, for reals.
Confession: When the power went out on our street during a snowstorm, me and some neighbors went to EVG... and to this day I still remember that slice of chocolate cake they served us for dessert. Jus sayin'.
"Easy" take out options is meant to be "close-by" and "quick." 67 Biltmore is in downtown Asheville - but I included it because you can stop by and stock up on things to have in the fridge. Like their lasagne...omg.
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
67 Biltmore Downtown Eatery + Catering
67 Biltmore Ave"Easy" take out options is meant to be "close-by" and "quick." 67 Biltmore is in downtown Asheville - but I included it because you can stop by and stock up on things to have in the fridge. Like their lasagne...omg.
Pizza!
FACT: One of my guests (mom, dad, and two kids) had pizza for every dinner during their stay in Asheville. Kinda like a mission or something. They are the reason I made this its own category.
My #1 favorite pizza place. "Fresh" has two locations, and I recommend the Black Mountain location...mostly cuz it's just less of a pain in the butt to get to. It's very popular though, so plan on waiting in line at either location. Their gluten-free crusts are shockingly good.
90 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Fresh Wood Fired Pizza and Pasta
100 S Ridgeway AveMy #1 favorite pizza place. "Fresh" has two locations, and I recommend the Black Mountain location...mostly cuz it's just less of a pain in the butt to get to. It's very popular though, so plan on waiting in line at either location. Their gluten-free crusts are shockingly good.
Those of us who are long-time Asheville residents remember when this was a locally-owned place called Stone Soup, where you could sit for hours, drink endless coffee and eat these giant cookies...and write in your journal or play chess. (Okay, I'll shut up.)
Mellow Mushroom is a Southeast favorite, and their pizza is great, albeit a little bit greasy if you ask me. My offices are a block away so I've had more than my fair share, and I'd recommend pesto sauce with mushrooms, black olives and spinach. :)
81 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mellow Mushroom
50 Broadway StThose of us who are long-time Asheville residents remember when this was a locally-owned place called Stone Soup, where you could sit for hours, drink endless coffee and eat these giant cookies...and write in your journal or play chess. (Okay, I'll shut up.)
Mellow Mushroom is a Southeast favorite, and their pizza is great, albeit a little bit greasy if you ask me. My offices are a block away so I've had more than my fair share, and I'd recommend pesto sauce with mushrooms, black olives and spinach. :)
I like Black Mountain a lot. And My Father's Pizza has been there since way back when I was performing regularly at the Grey Eagle Music Hall (which used to be right next door.)
In my experience, My Father's Pizza tends to have more of a family vibe...lots and lots of kids. Their pizza has always been terrific.
83 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
My Father's Pizza & Pasta
110 Cherry StI like Black Mountain a lot. And My Father's Pizza has been there since way back when I was performing regularly at the Grey Eagle Music Hall (which used to be right next door.)
In my experience, My Father's Pizza tends to have more of a family vibe...lots and lots of kids. Their pizza has always been terrific.
Two of my riverbend neighbors are like my BFF's - and we often wander over and have dinner on each other's decks. When it comes to pizza nights, we always choose Piazza. Before COVID, we ate AT Piazza a lot. (And a big thumbs up for their gluten-free pizza crust.)
69 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Piazza
4 Olde Eastwood Village BlvdTwo of my riverbend neighbors are like my BFF's - and we often wander over and have dinner on each other's decks. When it comes to pizza nights, we always choose Piazza. Before COVID, we ate AT Piazza a lot. (And a big thumbs up for their gluten-free pizza crust.)
Not the sexiest looking restaurant, but it's 5 minutes away and their pizza is a favorite of many of my neighbors. I also happen to love Greek salad with my pizza...and their Greek salad is a definite thumbs up.
19 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pomodoros Greek & Italian Café
1070 Tunnel RdNot the sexiest looking restaurant, but it's 5 minutes away and their pizza is a favorite of many of my neighbors. I also happen to love Greek salad with my pizza...and their Greek salad is a definite thumbs up.
All Souls is one of those places that makes me miss the Asheville of years gone by. (Pre-Beer-City Asheville.) It just still has that artsy vibe. I'm betting it won't be in its current location much longer...given the development here. It's in a great open spot with enough space to eat outside and not feel jammed in - and their pizza embodies the word "artisan."
101 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
All Souls Pizza
175 Clingman AveAll Souls is one of those places that makes me miss the Asheville of years gone by. (Pre-Beer-City Asheville.) It just still has that artsy vibe. I'm betting it won't be in its current location much longer...given the development here. It's in a great open spot with enough space to eat outside and not feel jammed in - and their pizza embodies the word "artisan."
Tailgates, Groceries & Organic Food
Asheville is your go-to local, organic, grass-fed, pasture-raised, non-GMO, hand-picked, artisan-crafted mecca. That said, here (in no particular order) is where you can get groceries and food with your particular preferences in mind.
Real Asheville. Local favorite. The co-op has been here for as long as anyone can remember.
Organic, often local veggies and food. You can even get hard-to-find stuff like the organic flours from our local mill, Carolina Ground. (Gotta ask in the bulk section which is tucked away in the back.)
97 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
French Broad Food Co-Op
90 Biltmore AveReal Asheville. Local favorite. The co-op has been here for as long as anyone can remember.
Organic, often local veggies and food. You can even get hard-to-find stuff like the organic flours from our local mill, Carolina Ground. (Gotta ask in the bulk section which is tucked away in the back.)
Friday afternoons 3 - 6pm. (Just a 5 minute drive from the house.) A smaller tailgate market right here in East Asheville. Fresh vegetables, locally grown. Baked goods, too. And the seafood guy has remarkable fish and shrimp - most of it from the NC coast.)
East Asheville Tailgate Market
954 Tunnel RdFriday afternoons 3 - 6pm. (Just a 5 minute drive from the house.) A smaller tailgate market right here in East Asheville. Fresh vegetables, locally grown. Baked goods, too. And the seafood guy has remarkable fish and shrimp - most of it from the NC coast.)
Every Saturday morning. Get there early if you want to avoid the mad rush (7:45 at least.) In our post-covid world, it's a little harder to maneuver the tents and lines - but still the best selection of organic farmers and gardeners. Hickory Nut Gap (grass fed meat), Sunburst Trout Hatchery - and all kinds of local vegetables, too.
33 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
North Asheville Tailgate Market
275 University HeightsEvery Saturday morning. Get there early if you want to avoid the mad rush (7:45 at least.) In our post-covid world, it's a little harder to maneuver the tents and lines - but still the best selection of organic farmers and gardeners. Hickory Nut Gap (grass fed meat), Sunburst Trout Hatchery - and all kinds of local vegetables, too.
Whereas the tailgate markets are for the more discerning local organic shoppers, the WNC Farmers Market is going to be more of a sightseeing experience. Yes, there are veggies and some local items...but there are many other crafts and plants and other offerings as well. Draws a lot more tourists too - so it can be pretty packed.
85 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
WNC Farmers Market
570 Brevard RdWhereas the tailgate markets are for the more discerning local organic shoppers, the WNC Farmers Market is going to be more of a sightseeing experience. Yes, there are veggies and some local items...but there are many other crafts and plants and other offerings as well. Draws a lot more tourists too - so it can be pretty packed.
There are three Whole Foods in Asheville now. This one (on Tunnel Road) is closest to the house. There's also one on Merrimon Ave close to downtown, which is smaller and feels more "local" (cuz it used to be Green Life, a local store)... but either one will offer the usual Whole Foods selection.
340 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Whole Foods Market
70 Merrimon AveThere are three Whole Foods in Asheville now. This one (on Tunnel Road) is closest to the house. There's also one on Merrimon Ave close to downtown, which is smaller and feels more "local" (cuz it used to be Green Life, a local store)... but either one will offer the usual Whole Foods selection.
Where I Go for Sushi
Let's be honest. No one comes to Asheville for the sushi. (With that said, the best sushi I've ever had is in Beverly Hills at a place called Sugarfish.) Asheville does, however, have a few pretty good sushi places when that's what you're craving!
If you're craving sushi and want to order a big ol' bunch of rolls for take-out, this is your place. Ask if they have the Angel Roll...it has strawberry on it. :)
33 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Zen Sushi
640 Merrimon AveIf you're craving sushi and want to order a big ol' bunch of rolls for take-out, this is your place. Ask if they have the Angel Roll...it has strawberry on it. :)
Heiwa's been here forever. It's a hole-in-the-wall right downtown, and it has parking, too. I love sitting outside on the little porch. The sushi is okay...but go with the rolls. They're great. And consider ordering one of their entrées like their Spicy Garlic anything. Or Tuna Poki.
64 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Heiwa Shokudo
87 N Lexington AveHeiwa's been here forever. It's a hole-in-the-wall right downtown, and it has parking, too. I love sitting outside on the little porch. The sushi is okay...but go with the rolls. They're great. And consider ordering one of their entrées like their Spicy Garlic anything. Or Tuna Poki.
Best for Breakfast and Brunch
Copper Crown is just 5 minutes away from your house, it has outdoor seating, and it serves a wonderful brunch on Sundays. (Check to see if Saturdays have been added. Things changed after COVID.)
87 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Copper Crown
1011 Tunnel RdCopper Crown is just 5 minutes away from your house, it has outdoor seating, and it serves a wonderful brunch on Sundays. (Check to see if Saturdays have been added. Things changed after COVID.)
On weekends, BimBeriBon is only open for breakfast and lunch. Order at the window and sit outside. The avocado toast with a scrambled egg on top is exquisite. Everything is gluten-free too.
78 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
BimBeriBon
697 Haywood RdOn weekends, BimBeriBon is only open for breakfast and lunch. Order at the window and sit outside. The avocado toast with a scrambled egg on top is exquisite. Everything is gluten-free too.
Best southern-style, lardy buttery biscuit breakfast experience around. It's often packed with a line - so get there early for breakfast.
305 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tupelo Honey
12 College StBest southern-style, lardy buttery biscuit breakfast experience around. It's often packed with a line - so get there early for breakfast.
I host events downtown in Asheville for my clients. (Well, I used to do this. Now it's all on Zoom.) Anyway, Green Sage has been a favorite for all of my clients. Great coffee and great food, breakfast and lunch. (There are three locations in Asheville.)
25 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Green Sage Cafe Merrimon
633A Merrimon AveI host events downtown in Asheville for my clients. (Well, I used to do this. Now it's all on Zoom.) Anyway, Green Sage has been a favorite for all of my clients. Great coffee and great food, breakfast and lunch. (There are three locations in Asheville.)
Confession: I've never been to Sunny Point. (Apparently, I'm too busy making Guidebooks for my guests!) But I do know that it's a local favorite.
Note: It's way over in West Asheville. (Which should not be that big of a deal - but traffic's just gotten to be a thing here.)
587 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sunny Point Café
626 Haywood RdConfession: I've never been to Sunny Point. (Apparently, I'm too busy making Guidebooks for my guests!) But I do know that it's a local favorite.
Note: It's way over in West Asheville. (Which should not be that big of a deal - but traffic's just gotten to be a thing here.)
Best Beer (from a local who knows his beer)
Full transparency: I don't like beer. So I leaned on my pal Wesley Miller - our city's #1 physical therapist and founder of Antifragile PT. Wes is one of those beer guys who can talk for hours about the stuff. These are the places he'd take you.
Since Highland is right here in East Asheville, it's tops on the list. It's also the oldest brewery in Asheville and loved by locals for its contribution to community greenways, and other generous acts of feel-goods.
My pal Wes says that any of their small batch brews are a must-imbibe. And he mentioned that if you can get "Cold Mountain" (only available in the winter), then buy some and save it for special occasions.
349 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Highland Brewing Company
12 Old Charlotte HwySince Highland is right here in East Asheville, it's tops on the list. It's also the oldest brewery in Asheville and loved by locals for its contribution to community greenways, and other generous acts of feel-goods.
My pal Wes says that any of their small batch brews are a must-imbibe. And he mentioned that if you can get "Cold Mountain" (only available in the winter), then buy some and save it for special occasions.
Wes laughed when he recommended Burial. He called it "a little dark. But in a good way."
He loves that they have their own artist on staff who designs all of their labels and branding. (He's like that.) Plus, with beers on tap called "Spectacle of Martyrdom" and "Pitiless Indifference," the entertainment value alone is worth the visit to downtown's South Slope.
331 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Burial Beer Co
40 Collier AveWes laughed when he recommended Burial. He called it "a little dark. But in a good way."
He loves that they have their own artist on staff who designs all of their labels and branding. (He's like that.) Plus, with beers on tap called "Spectacle of Martyrdom" and "Pitiless Indifference," the entertainment value alone is worth the visit to downtown's South Slope.
With its artful-meets-industrial outdoor spot on the edge of the River Arts District, you can't go wrong with Wedge for a great place to hang out and enjoy the scenery, along with some stellar brews. The food is great here too.
285 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Wedge Brewing Company
37 Paynes WayWith its artful-meets-industrial outdoor spot on the edge of the River Arts District, you can't go wrong with Wedge for a great place to hang out and enjoy the scenery, along with some stellar brews. The food is great here too.
When I asked Wes whether or not he'd recommend Wicked Weed (see below), he said he'd rather take people around the corner to Bhramari. He loves the food...and he says the beer is way better than Wicked Weed. (His opinion of course. :) ) Basically, you'd be going where the locals go, not the tourists!
82 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bhramari Brewing Company
101 S Lexington AveWhen I asked Wes whether or not he'd recommend Wicked Weed (see below), he said he'd rather take people around the corner to Bhramari. He loves the food...and he says the beer is way better than Wicked Weed. (His opinion of course. :) ) Basically, you'd be going where the locals go, not the tourists!
I personally chose to add Wicked Weed because it's been such a local favorite. Then, it was bought by Anheiser-Busch.
Enter Wes..."...the beer is still original to the local guys who started it, but if you want to fatten the pockets of corporate America, and stand in line to do that, then so be it." He says their food is still great. But that you'd be better off walking around the corner to Bhramari. :)
478 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Wicked Weed Brewing Pub
91 Biltmore AveI personally chose to add Wicked Weed because it's been such a local favorite. Then, it was bought by Anheiser-Busch.
Enter Wes..."...the beer is still original to the local guys who started it, but if you want to fatten the pockets of corporate America, and stand in line to do that, then so be it." He says their food is still great. But that you'd be better off walking around the corner to Bhramari. :)
Outdoor Dining Spots
Some of the establishments here have already been recommended, but deserve a mention in this post-pandemic section of the Guidebook. This is for my guests who are not quite ready to sit in a closed space and dine.
Perched on the edge of the Grove Arcade, Carmel's has pretty great food. (if you're into Pimento Cheese, they've got it going on). Plus, there's a wrap around patio for those who want to sit outside.
22 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Carmel's Kitchen & Bar
1 Page AvePerched on the edge of the Grove Arcade, Carmel's has pretty great food. (if you're into Pimento Cheese, they've got it going on). Plus, there's a wrap around patio for those who want to sit outside.
If you can get there right before they open for lunch (noon)...or if you just get lucky, ask to sit on the back deck under the awning. It's a great spot when it rains or when it's just super sunny.
Their tortilla chips are made right there in the kitchen and are totally addictive. I love either the shrimp tacos or the arugula radish salad (with shrimp added).
31 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mountain Madre
13 W Walnut StIf you can get there right before they open for lunch (noon)...or if you just get lucky, ask to sit on the back deck under the awning. It's a great spot when it rains or when it's just super sunny.
Their tortilla chips are made right there in the kitchen and are totally addictive. I love either the shrimp tacos or the arugula radish salad (with shrimp added).
Let's get one thing out of the way first. The interior design at the AC Hotel belongs in Boca. Or maybe Jersey. Someone didn't get the memo about the Asheville vibe.
Even so, the roof top dining is one of the best views in our little city. Take the elevator to the 9th floor and enjoy the food and drinks. (It'll most likely be crowded unless you are there at an off time.)
31 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
AC Hotel by Marriott Asheville Downtown
10 Broadway StLet's get one thing out of the way first. The interior design at the AC Hotel belongs in Boca. Or maybe Jersey. Someone didn't get the memo about the Asheville vibe.
Even so, the roof top dining is one of the best views in our little city. Take the elevator to the 9th floor and enjoy the food and drinks. (It'll most likely be crowded unless you are there at an off time.)
Get reservations, and make sure they know you want to sit outside. Warning: It's a little loud with the buskers and tourists all crowded together in Pack Square. (And in case you missed where I wrote this above...get the kale salad!)
139 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Posana Restaurant
1 Biltmore AveGet reservations, and make sure they know you want to sit outside. Warning: It's a little loud with the buskers and tourists all crowded together in Pack Square. (And in case you missed where I wrote this above...get the kale salad!)
Several locations in Asheville - but if you're looking for outdoor seating, go to the one in Riverside.
440 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
White Duck Taco Shop
388 Riverside DrSeveral locations in Asheville - but if you're looking for outdoor seating, go to the one in Riverside.
Formerly the executive chef at Blackberry Farm, the iconic John Fleer has opened a few great spots in Asheville. Rhubarb offers a great covered patio - and an ever-changing menu of unique and fabulous food with a local and southern flair.
116 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Rhubarb
7 N Pack SquareFormerly the executive chef at Blackberry Farm, the iconic John Fleer has opened a few great spots in Asheville. Rhubarb offers a great covered patio - and an ever-changing menu of unique and fabulous food with a local and southern flair.
Another Pack Square restaurant (they all have outdoor seating), the Noodle Shop is ranked top among ramen lovers. The dishes are authentic and superb.
27 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Noodle Shop
3 SW Pack SqAnother Pack Square restaurant (they all have outdoor seating), the Noodle Shop is ranked top among ramen lovers. The dishes are authentic and superb.