This cafe in downtown Asheville serves Southern fare prepared with the freshest local produce and an experimental twist. It is tough not to overeat when you are faced with the wide variety of delicacies. Enjoy the appetizers and entrees—the grit cakes, fried green tomatoes, pancakes, nutty fried chicken and Smoked Jalapeño Ribeye are all delicious. Give in to temptation as you opt for a banana pudding, brownie sundae or Tupelo Honey Frozen Custard. Unfortunately, the establishment does not accommodate parties of more than seven, so plan any social outing accordingly.
Cúrate
With many feathers in its cap, Curate in Asheville needs no introduction. The award-winning restaurant's buzzing tapas bar has attracted many travelers. In spite of all the adulation, Curate still stays true to itself and acts as the ambassador for Spanish cuisine in the area. The menu is extensive with separate lunch, dinner and brunch menus. In an effort to bring the Spanish experience to life, the menu features some signature recipes like bocata de calamares, canelones de carne and of course the classic, crema catalana con frutas del bosque.
Chestnut
Chestnut is located in a building that is more than a few decades old. In keeping with the theme of the property, the restaurant also sports a sophisticated ambiance with old-world charm. High ceilings, lamp shades, comfortable booths in the center and chair and sofa seating spread out along the sides gives this place a spacious feel. Streaming sun rays from the windows combined with the dim light of the lamps give this place a cozy touch. The menu here features contemporary American fare with several seafood dishes as well. The roasted local beet and goat cheese salad, lime and jerk seared coastal flounder and the 'Stroganoff style' beef tips are good orders. On Sundays, you can drop by here with the family to enjoy a leisurely brunch.
Homegrown is a local restaurant that believes in celebrating food using healthy, in-house and fresh ingredients. They mainly serve American cuisine utilizing healthy ingredients and are widely known for their chicken delicacies especially the Buttermilk Chicken and the BBQ Chicken Tacos. Their menu is ever-changing and they serve everything from salads, sammiches to greasy comfort food. The place is usually buzzing during the afternoon as people line up for their scrumptious brunch. The environment is cozy and homely, and it also has an outdoor patio where you can relax. You can either head inside or if in a rush, order a takeaway.
Bright, colorful and lively, the decor of Chai Pani is just as vibrant as the flavors showcased by its creative take on Indian street food. The menu is composed of an amazing selection of the flavorsome, vibrant and delicious Indian snacks called Chaat, alongside traditional family-style meals and some unique creations like chicken pakoras, Bombay Chilli Cheese Fries and Parsi Chicken Burgers. Every plate is positively bursting with flavor, offering a chance to sample this often neglected and undiscovered side of Indian cuisine. With its casual ambiance and genuine service, Chai Pani will soon become a family favorite.
Closed now
Plant
Located on Merrimon Avenue, a little north of Downtown area, Plant is a haven for vegans in Asheville. Serving a delicious fare of gluten free, vegan and vegetarian dishes, it is easily one of the most popular restaurants in North Carolina. The ingredients used here are local, organic and devoid of any animal products whatsoever which reflects in the glorious-looking meal. With healthy food that doesn't compromise on taste, friendly service and a great ambiance Plant makes for a fantastic dining experience.
Locals and visitors alike are wowed by the “Caromerican” culinary creations that turn Southern favorites on their heads. The menu features Sesame Fried Catfish with Jalapeño Tartar, Pork Chops with Blackberry Ketchup, Sweet Potatoes, and Fried Green Tomatoes. This charming 1890s cottage-turned-restaurant is located in the heart of the historic yet chic Biltmore Village shopping area, and offers WiFi. It is the perfect choice for business meetings or for just relaxing with a meal that would please even the most discriminating foodie.
