The Best in Asheville Comfort Food
Sophisticated Cuisine in a Pristine Mountain Town
“Three things make Asheville’s food scene unique. 1. It’s the most authentic farm-to-table food scene in the whole country. We’re a fairly sophisticated little city, full of great restaurants, surrounded by farms on all sides! 2. The chefs and cooks who grew up here or moved here to cook for us. James Beard Award winning Chefs like Katie Button and Meherwan Irani, local heroes like Steven Goff and Rakim Gaines, as well as the hundreds of graduates from the ABTech hospitality program, which has been named the best in the country. 3. The eaters! The local eaters as well as the thousands of visitors who come to our city, are a super important part of our food scene. They are adventurous, supportive, loyal, and proud. Our food scene is like a three-legged bar stool. If one leg was pulled off, the whole thing would tip over.”
Stu Helm – Asheville Food Tours
Asheville’s Sunny Point Café stands out as a top brunch destination, cherished by both residents and tourists. It’s recently been recognized as one of three eateries that embody Asheville’s essence.
This independently run, family-owned establishment specializes in Southern comfort cuisine, crafting dishes from scratch with locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant exudes a warm, cozy, and down-to-earth atmosphere, truly capturing the neighborhood vibe.
Sunny Point Café is committed to the farm-to-table philosophy, evidenced by its adjacent urban vegetable garden that supplies fresh produce for their recipes.
Popular menu items include their renowned Biscuits and Gravy, Shrimp and Grits, and a Southern Omelette featuring house-made pimento cheese, fresh tomatoes, bacon, a biscuit, and grits. Other noteworthy dishes are the Stuffed French Toast, Pecan Crusted Fried Green Tomato Sandwich, and Bourbon Pecan Pie. The restaurant’s bacon, prepared with a mysterious but delicious recipe, is particularly praised. Their biscuits are the best in Asheville.
626 Haywood Rd. (828) 252-0055
Vivian, located in Asheville’s River Arts District, evolved from a food truck into a permanent restaurant in 2017. It’s widely regarded as one of Asheville’s top five dining establishments, known for its innovative take on traditional European and Southern cuisine.
The restaurant’s menu changes with the seasons, showcasing high-quality local ingredients including produce, meats, and seafood. Complementing the food is an extensive selection of wines and artisanal cocktails. Despite its culinary excellence, Vivian maintains a relaxed atmosphere, fitting seamlessly into its artsy neighborhood.
Among its offerings, Vivian’s brunch is particularly noteworthy, and their desserts are exceptionally praised. The consistent quality across the menu has earned it a devoted following. Given its popularity, it’s advisable to book in advance.
Weds – Sat 5p–8:45p (restaurant closes at 11p)
Sun Brunch 10:30a–1:30p (restaurant closes at 3:30p)
You can find Vivian at 348 Depot St Ste 190 in Asheville.
Sunset Terrace offers a diverse menu featuring premium steaks, chops, and fresh seafood. Open seasonally for lunch, dinner, and drinks, this Asheville restaurant collaborates with local farmers to deliver a memorable outdoor dining experience. The venue boasts stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, making it an ideal spot after golfing, sightseeing, or spa treatments.
Known for its exceptional steakhouse and seafood offerings, Sunset Terrace has earned the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence five times, most recently in 2023. Reservations are recommended for this must-visit Asheville dining destination.
While at the resort, spend some time in front of the massive fireplaces and stroll down the corridors to view artifacts that reflect the Arts & Crafts movement.
Lunch
Daily | 11 AM – 3 PM
Dinner
Daily | 4:30 PM – 10 PM
Reservations are recommended.
290 Macon Avenue
Asheville, North Carolina 28804
Homegrown offers a unique dining experience, blending the principles of slow food with the convenience of fast service. Their buttermilk fried chicken is the best in town.
The restaurant embraces the slow food movement’s emphasis on local ingredients, resulting in freshly prepared dishes that showcase the flavors of the region. Many of their offerings are beloved Southern classics, deeply rooted in Asheville’s culinary traditions.
Homegrown’s diverse menu, affordable pricing, and efficient service make it an ideal choice for groups with varied tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a satisfying meal, you can enjoy high-quality, locally-inspired food without the long wait or hefty price tag. This approach allows diners to savor the benefits of slow food principles, even when time is of the essence.
Closed Tuesdays 828-232-4340
371 Merrimon Ave.
Rhubarb, located in Asheville’s Pack Square, celebrates Appalachian cuisine through its commitment to locally sourced ingredients. The ever-changing menu showcases regional flavors and honors local farm partners, placing them at the forefront of every dish.
Partnering with No Taste Like Home, Rhubarb offers guided foraging experiences, connecting guests with indigenous and wild ingredients native to the region.
By prioritizing seasonal, local produce, Rhubarb not only ensures the freshest flavors but also supports the local economy and preserves Appalachian culinary traditions. Join us for an authentic, Southern-inspired meal that truly captures the essence of the region.
828-785-1503
7 SW Pack Sq
The Market Place, established in 1979, stands as a cornerstone of Asheville’s downtown dining scene and a trailblazer in the farm-to-table movement, both locally and nationally. Chef/Owner William Dissen, recognized as America’s most sustainable chef, adheres to a strict 100-mile sourcing policy for food and artisan products, ensuring unparalleled quality and freshness.
The restaurant’s menu is a dynamic reflection of local harvests, changing frequently to showcase the best available ingredients from nearby growers and farmers. Diners can explore a variety of small and large plates, allowing for a customizable dining experience.
This unwavering dedication to local sourcing, sustainability, and culinary excellence has established The Market Place as one of the most consistently impressive dining destinations in the greater Asheville area.
828-252-4162
20 Wall St. in downtown Avl.
Once Again Asheville Tops the List of Best Food Cities on Yelp
In order to determine the top food cities, Yelp’s Data Science team looked at the places with the highest restaurant ratings from out-of-towners, among other factors. Asheville won the tops spots in 2020 & 2022.
Asheville, North Carolina, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, has once again claimed the top spot in Yelp’s survey of the best cities for food enthusiasts. The city’s unique culinary landscape blends Southern American flavors with Appalachian cuisine, creating a distinctive mountain-to-urban food scene.
Notable establishments include Katie Button’s Spanish restaurant Cúrate, recipient of a James Beard Award, and Chestnut, known for its handcrafted Southern American fusion dishes. The South Slope Brewing District houses Funkatorium, a sour beer taproom, and Daddy Mac’s Down Home Dive, a new barbecue joint serving family recipes.
Asheville’s food scene is distinguished by its compelling narratives. Chai Pani, an Indian street food eatery, won the James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Restaurant. Top Chef’s Ashleigh Shanti is set to open Good Hot Fish, while Silver Cousler is introducing the city’s first Filipinx restaurant, Neng Jr’s. Steven Goff’s journey from homeless dishwasher to acclaimed chef adds to the city’s rich culinary tapestry.
Asheville affectionately calls its food culture “Foodtopia,” emphasizing a community of culinary collaborators crafting soul-nurturing experiences. This unique blend of innovative cuisine, diverse influences, and compelling personal stories cements Asheville’s status as a premier culinary destination.
Food & Wine Article – 48 Hours in Asheville: Where to Eat and Drink
Casual and Southern Cuisine
West Asheville
Leo’s House of Thirst
Sunny Point Café Hours: Daily 8:00am-2:00pm
- 626 Haywood Road
- Asheville, NC 28806
- Phone: (828) 252-0055
- Region: West Asheville
Jargon
Jargon is a small, intimate setting that offers upscale modern American cuisine, along with specialty craft cocktails. Creativity and art are central to the restaurant, where tables are made from sections of vintage bowling alley lanes and Scrabble tiles outfit the restroom walls. We look forward to welcoming you! .
715 Haywood Road
- Asheville, NC 28806
- Phone: (828) 785-1761
- Region: West Asheville
