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Style Blueprint
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Style Blueprint
Take a Culinary Tour Through These Asheville Restaurants
Share with your friends! Pinterest LinkedIn Email Flipboard Reddit If you think 48 hours isn't enough time to eat your way through Asheville, NC, think again. At the very least, it's enough time to hit some highlights. From cozy coffee shops and street food to elegant Appalachian-meets-Italian fare and even a brunch shared with actual alpacas (yes, alpacas!), Asheville restaurants serve a rich blend of flavors and experiences. Here's how I made the most of two delicious days in one of North Carolina's most vibrant culinary scenes. Pin In the wake of Hurricane Helene, some still assume the city is shut down, its vibrant streets dampened by storm damage. While it's true that recovery takes time, Asheville's spirit is resilient. The community has rallied, cleaned up, and reopened its doors with characteristic warmth and creativity. In other words, Asheville is waiting for you with open arms. THURSDAY Lunch: Bubbles, Brunch, and Browsing Books I arrived in Asheville just in time for lunch — famished, curious, and not quite prepared for how quickly this mountain town would charm me. Getting into town around lunchtime on a weekday means some spots may still be closed, so a little planning goes a long way. My advice? Don't waste time wandering (until after you've eaten!). Go straight to the Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar at The Grove Arcade. It's a literary lover's dream — part bookstore, part champagne bar, part cozy French café all in one, and you may never want to leave. I certainly didn't. Pin I lingered over a literary-themed cocktail (they have creations inspired by The Great Gatsby, The Secret Garden, and beyond) while enjoying a charcuterie board almost too beautiful to disturb. Think rosemary-dusted Marcona almonds, homemade pickles, local blackberry preserves, aged gouda, manchego, marinated olives, and more. Add in cozy couches surrounded by shelf after shelf of well-loved books and vibey music, and you've found the afternoon reset you need to start exploring all the town has to offer. Pin Dinner: Wildwood Still Wows with Its Views That evening, dinner was at the brand-new Wildwood Still, perched atop the Moxy Hotel. We sat near open glass doors and enjoyed the breezy evening as we sipped cocktails. The meal — modern Southern with an Asian twist — was beautifully balanced. Rooftop dining in Asheville feels more like a cinematic moment than a meal, and this one played out perfectly as we dined on five-spice glazed duck bao buns, chargrilled oysters, char siu pork ribs, and a fabulous Chilean sea bass I'll be thinking about for a good long while. When you're done, I highly recommend a post-dinner stroll. We thoroughly enjoyed ours, and even stumbled onto a wonderful summer community concert in the park. Live bluegrass music made for the perfect soundtrack for our walk back. Pin Pin FRIDAY A Morning with Alpacas: Durrant Farms The next morning kicked off our trip highlight: breakfast with alpacas at Durrant Farms. And it's even better than it sounds. ButterPunk, a recently opened local bakery in the River Arts District, provided flaky homemade biscuits and strawberry scones that were so good they nearly stole the show. But I think it's safe to say the real stars were 'the boys,' a crew of sweet, silly, sassy alpacas and llamas who welcomed us into their pack. Laughing at their antics as we sipped coffee and watched the Blue Ridge Mountains turn moody with drifting clouds was exactly what my soul needed. There was something grounding and magical about it all. By the time we left, my belly was full and my phone was overflowing with photos of fluffy faces and crooked alpaca grins. If you're planning a trip to Asheville, this is not to be missed. Get ready to fall in love. Pin Pin Lunch at Botiwalla: Indian Street Food Done Right For lunch, we headed to Botiwalla, a new restaurant from the Chai Pani team. The menu celebrates Indian street food, bold and bright in every sense. We flipped out over the okra fries dusted with chaat masala — crispy, salty, tangy perfection — and the rest of the meal followed suit. I enjoyed the chicken tikka roll, but I have my eye on the maharaja lamb burger for next time. There are plenty of vegan and vegetarian options on the menu as well. Pin Pin A Night at The Flat Iron: Luminosa and The Red Ribbon Society If Asheville has a love language, it's hospitality and thoughtful detail. Nowhere is that more apparent than The Flat Iron Hotel, a stylish, historic property that whispers rather than shouts its luxury. Think champagne upon arrival, locally made Timothy Maguire artisanal chocolates waiting in your room, and an upscale yet unpretentious design. We spent our second evening simply enjoying the hotel itself, and it turns out that's a culinary adventure of its own. We began with a sunset cocktail and charcuterie board at The Flat Iron's rooftop bar, The Rooftop Caffé, then descended to Luminosa, the hotel's chic, Appalachian-Italian restaurant, where locally sourced ingredients shine on every plate. Pin Pin Luminosa was a revelation — a dinner that danced between refinement and whimsy, with every course more enchanting than the last. The evening began with a zero-proof sparkler called 'Blossom & Bloom,' a floral, zippy palate cleanser that set the tone. From there, the antipasti wowed with playful decadence. Bone marrow tater tots dipped in horseradish aioli were somehow both nostalgic and luxurious, while the apple-brandy beef carpaccio (topped with dollops of smoky trout tonnato) offered a clever, tasty twist. Not to be forgotten, the steak with salsa verde and even the vegetable sides were unquestionably delicious. But it was the pasta that stole my heart. The gnocchi came bathed in gorgonzola fonduta and brightened by sugar snap peas. And the raviolo doppio? A split personality in the best way: earthy lamb on one side, creamy ricotta with mint, peas, and pecorino on the other. After dinner, we slipped into the Red Ribbon Society, the speakeasy-style lounge beneath the hotel. Candlelight, craft cocktails, and velvet-backed booths made it the perfect spot for a slow, satisfying end to the evening. Pin Pin SATURDAY Caffeine Fixes, Market Finds, and Local Treasures Before heading out of town, it's worth a little procrastination to hit up the local farmers' market. Of course, walking anywhere without a coffee in hand would have been a missed opportunity, so we grabbed a caffeine boost from Summit Coffee, a warm, welcoming spot perfect for both locals and travelers on the go. From there, we made our way to Asheville City Market, a Saturday morning farmers' market that might just be the purest expression of the town's spirit you'll find. Pin Our haul? Fresh pasta, sourwood honey, black garlic chili crisp, artisan bitters (sweet birch and toasted hickory), cheeses from Blue Mountain Mountain Creamery, olive and rosemary focaccia, ramp and morel butter, and a bouquet of peonies that made the whole car smell like spring on the drive home. Pin On our way back into town, we made a quick stop at The Times Bar for one more pre-road trip coffee. I sipped an iced lemon almond latte and settled into a patio seat to people-watch, which didn't disappoint. Asheville doesn't rush you; it invites you to linger. The dog-watching is top-notch, too, and water bowls outside restaurants and shops are a common sight. Between the caffeine, the canines, and the characters passing by, it was the perfect Asheville interlude. Asheville is many things — a haven for creatives, a sanctuary for nature lovers, a magnet for craft beer enthusiasts — but it's also a culinary destination that surprises and delights at every turn. In just 48 hours, I tasted the town's spirit: bold, generous, and a little bit unexpected. A Few More Recommendations We didn't make it to every spot on our list (there's only so much one stomach can hold), but local food lovers were quick to offer up favorites for next time: The Admiral: An Asheville institution, where fine dining meets neighborhood charm. An Asheville institution, where fine dining meets neighborhood charm. Chestnut: A local spot known for seasonal, upscale comfort food (though a local told me to skip the brunch and stop in for dinner instead). A local spot known for seasonal, upscale comfort food (though a local told me to skip the brunch and stop in for dinner instead). Cúrate: A longtime favorite, this restaurant is beloved for its Spanish tapas and warm atmosphere … and sometimes tough to get into. We recommend making a reservation! A longtime favorite, this restaurant is beloved for its Spanish tapas and warm atmosphere … and sometimes tough to get into. We recommend making a reservation! DayTrip: A newly reopened LGBTQ-owned bar and lounge with a charming, granny-core vibe and great cocktails. A newly reopened LGBTQ-owned bar and lounge with a charming, granny-core vibe and great cocktails. Double D's Coffee Bus: Who wouldn't want to stop by a double-decker bus for a caffeine boost, cocktail, or dessert? The picture below says it all, and there's cute patio seating, too. Pin Fitz & the Wolfe: A new, three-story cocktail bar and music venue downtown, each floor offering a unique vibe — perfect for night owls and live music lovers. A new, three-story cocktail bar and music venue downtown, each floor offering a unique vibe — perfect for night owls and live music lovers. French Broad Chocolate Lounge: This renowned chocolate lounge has fantastic truffles and treats. Helene took its toll, but the shop is back open for everything from hot chocolate to bonbons. This renowned chocolate lounge has fantastic truffles and treats. Helene took its toll, but the shop is back open for everything from hot chocolate to bonbons. Limones: An inventive blend of Mexican and Californian cuisine, featuring dishes like ceviche, heirloom masa quesadilla with mushrooms duxelle, and negra modelo braised short ribs. An inventive blend of Mexican and Californian cuisine, featuring dishes like ceviche, heirloom masa quesadilla with mushrooms duxelle, and negra modelo braised short ribs. Neng Jr.'s: Filipino-rooted cuisine in an 18-seat arcade room-turned-dining room. The menu is inventive and changes frequently, and it's worth trusting the chefs — this place was a 2025 James Beard finalist. Filipino-rooted cuisine in an 18-seat arcade room-turned-dining room. The menu is inventive and changes frequently, and it's worth trusting the chefs — this place was a 2025 James Beard finalist. Old Europe: A European pastry shop owned by a Hungarian baker whose croissants and cakes have earned cult status. Locals Alice and Rick told me this place has the best pastries around. A European pastry shop owned by a Hungarian baker whose croissants and cakes have earned cult status. Locals Alice and Rick told me this place has the best pastries around. Pho Real: North of downtown, this casual gem serves authentic Vietnamese staples like pho, banh mi, and noodle bowls. North of downtown, this casual gem serves authentic Vietnamese staples like pho, banh mi, and noodle bowls. Spicewalla (Grove Arcade): You can't dine here, but stop by to explore their Made With Love in Asheville spice collection, co-created with local chefs to support storm recovery. You can also pick up plenty of other spices, from chili oils to steak rubs. Pin Soprana Rooftop Cocina: With 200-degree views on the edge of the city, it's a romantic pick for a sunset meal. With 200-degree views on the edge of the city, it's a romantic pick for a sunset meal. Zambra Tapas: Intimate, moody, and boasting a wine list that reads like a novel, this spot has gorgeous small plates such as harissa-roasted baby carrots, pomegranate-braised pork spring rolls, steamed mussels, and seared yellowfin tuna. Come for the food, stay for the views. And if you're lucky, have brunch with an alpaca named Ralph. ********** To stay in the know on the best ways to drink and dine your way through the South, subscribe to StyleBlueprint. About the Author Jenna Bratcher Jenna Bratcher is StyleBlueprint Nashville's Associate Editor and Lead Writer. The East Coast native moved to Nashville 17 years ago, by way of Los Angeles. She is a lover of dogs, strong coffee, traveling, and exploring the local restaurant scene bite by bite.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
National awards, praise bestowed on Asheville restaurants, bars, breweries
ASHEVILLE - Asheville diners and imbibers know what the city has to offer, and the nation and world are taking notice. Beverage industry and Southern lifestyle publications have applauded local restaurants and bars for their menus and overall excellence. Several breweries and distilleries have been awarded medals in international craft beer and spirits competitions. Taste the best of the best ― here are some of Asheville's latest award-winning and accolade-earning destinations.: Southern Living editors scoured the country for the best new bites, finding three Asheville establishments worthy of making its list of the 20 Best New Restaurants in the South.: Good Hot Fish, a modern fish camp owned and operated by Chef Ashleigh Shanti, a former "Top Chef" and recurring Food Network contestant, offers a menu of creatively crafted seafood and Appalachian dishes ranging from catfish to trout bologna sandwiches. The eatery opened in January 2024 inside Eulogy, a music venue at Burial Beer Co., 10 Buxton Ave., in South Slope. Luminosa, a modern Appalachian-meets-Italian cuisine restaurant, opened in May 2024 in the historic Flatiron Building, which has been renovated as The Flat Iron Hotel at 20 Battery Park Ave. Led by Executive Chef Graham House and Chef de Cuisine Sean McMullen, Luminosa's seasonal menu regularly rotates with pasta, pizza and other vegetable-forward plates. Potential New Boyfriend, a wine bar and music listening lounge at 21 Haywood Road, opened in West Asheville in December. The menu of snacks and desserts, curated by pastry chef Dana Amromin, complements its modern, chic aesthetic and beverage selections. Save room for the artisan ice cream made by the owner, Disco. Good Hot Fish, Luminosa and Potential New Boyfriend were the only North Carolina businesses on the list, which can be viewed at Craft Spirits Magazine released its annual list of the best bars in the nation, with nods to two downtown watering holes, The Crow & Quill and Top of the Monk, which represent the Southeast on the list of favorites. The honorees were nominated by readers and selected for their approach to not just serving but also celebrating craft spirits. The Crow & Quill is a Prohibition-era speakeasy-style bar located at 106 N. Lexington Ave. featuring a catalog of nearly 1,100 spirits, including about 800 whiskeys. The Crow & Quill was one of 27 on the 2024 USA TODAY Bars of the Year list. Top of the Monk is the third-level cocktail bar at 92 Patton Ave. It's the top-floor concept with a rooftop deck in the same building as the craft beer taprooms, Thirsty Monk on the main floor and Delirium Bar in the basement, which are temporarily closed. View Craft Spirits Magazine's May/June issue with the complete list at The 2025 World Beer Cup awarded four medals to local breweries Diatribe Brewing Co., at 1042 Haywood Road, took home the gold medal in the Chocolate Beer category for its Chocolate Porter. Highland Brewing Co.'s Daycation Gold won the gold medal in the German-style Kölsch category. Visit Highland Brewing's taproom at 12 Old Charlotte Hwy. Hi-Wire Brewing Co. won the silver medal for its Hi-Wire Lager in the International-Style Pilsner category. Hi-Wire has three Asheville taprooms, including the recently reopened RAD Beer Garden at 284 Lyman St. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.'s Weizenbock won the gold medal in the South German-Style Weizenbock category. Its Mills River taproom is at 100 Sierra Nevada Way. Two local distilleries were awarded honors in the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Oak & Grist Distilling Co., at 1556 Grovestone Road in Black Mountain, won a gold medal for its American single-malt whiskey, Descendent. Chemist Spirits also won a gold medal for its American single-malt whiskey. The distillery and its cocktail bar, Antidote, are at 151 Coxe Ave. The winners are listed at The Mule, the bar at Devil's Foot Beverage, will host Winner's Circle, celebrating the awardees from 1-4 p.m. June 28 at 131 Sweeten Creek Road. The event will feature live music, hot dogs ("weiners for the winners") and samples and fights from the winning beverage companies. For more, visit The Mule on Facebook. The James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Awards have two WNC finalists in the running for medals. Silver Iocovozzi, chef and co-owner of the Filipinx restaurant Neng Jr.'s, is a nominee for the Best Chef: Southeast category. The West Asheville restaurant is at 701 Haywood Road. April Franqueza, of The Dining Room at High Hampton Resort, 1525 Highway 107 South in Cashiers, is a finalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker. The winners will be announced live at the James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on June 16 in Chicago. Chef Ashleigh Shanti is up for a James Beard Foundation Media Award for her debut cookbook, 'Our South: Black Food Through My Lens,' in the U.S. Foodways category, designated for "books with recipes focused on the cooking or foodways of regions or communities located within the United States." The Media Awards ceremony will be on June 14 in Chicago. For more, visit Tiana Kennell is the food and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Tips, comments, questions? Email tkennell@ or follow @PrincessOfPage on Instagram/Bluesky. This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Winner, winner: Asheville restaurants, bars, breweries rack up awards
