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Top Foodie Favorites in Asheville and Western North Carolina
Welcome to Western North Carolina—a food and drink lover's dream. The Asheville area delivers culinary adventures that range from James Beard- and Michelin-recognized fine dining to casual mountain eateries where locals gather over plates of Appalachian comfort food. Yelp named Asheville a Top 10 Food City in both 2020 and 2022, and publications like Food & Wine and Condé Nast Traveler regularly feature the city for its vibrant food scene and appeal as a destination.
In 2025, Michelin recognized multiple Asheville restaurants with Bib Gourmand distinctions for "good quality, good value cooking." Since 2022, the region has celebrated many James Beard Award semi-finalists, finalists, and winners.
What local chefs call "Foodtopia" is built on farm-to-table restaurants that work directly with regional growers, farmers' markets brimming with seasonal ingredients, and a community that takes food seriously without taking itself too seriously. You'll find everything from award-winning tasting menus to food trucks serving creative takes on Southern classics. Whether you're craving elevated brunches, craft cocktails, great catering options, or just a really good biscuit, Western North Carolina's food scene welcomes everyone to the table. Browse our top picks across Asheville and the surrounding mountains—you're sure to find new favorite dishes.
Eat, Drink & Savor
Hemingway's Cuba, Asheville
You can't beat the view at this restaurant and bar in downtown Asheville, pairing Cuban cuisine with Asheville flair. Menu favorites include Empanadas, Tostones Board, Ropa Vieja, and Vaca… More Information
Bear's Smokehouse Asheville
This smokehouse in Asheville’s South Slope offers award-winning K.C. Style BBQ with signature items like brisket burnt ends, smoked sausage, loaded baked potatoes, and more. They also offer vegan… More Information
Asheville Wedding Cakes, Catering, and Bartending
If you're planning your wedding in and around Asheville, then you have your pick of fantastic food, cocktails, and wedding cake options! Asheville's foodie status affords couples a variety of…
Chocolate Tour
We are lucky to have so many chocolatiers in the Asheville area. The hottest stop is the French Broad Chocolate Lounge in downtown and their nearby chocolate factory. And don't miss longtime…
Wine & Cocktails
Unwind after a busy day of sightseeing at one of the many wine and cocktail bars in downtown Asheville. Our favorite is the Battery Park Champagne Bar in Grove Arcade (pic). Social Lounge has a…
5 Must-Stop Breweries in Brevard, NC
See what's on tap at these top local breweries in Brevard that run the gamut in size, shape, and flavor profile, but all are must-stops for beer lovers!
Bed & Breakfasts
Imagine waking up in a grand home and walking downstairs to the dining room, where you are served a gourmet feast! Feel like royalty and get pampered in one of the many B&Bs in our area. Enjoy…
Winery Visits & Tours
In addition to the nation's most visited winery at Biltmore, take a winery tour in the foothills area including around Tryon and Columsu, Hendersonville and Morganton. The Tryon Foothills AVA (…
Asheville Independent Restaurants, Up-To-Date Dining Choices
AIR is a group of 150+ locally owned, independent restaurants in Asheville (one of the largest organizations of its kind in the country). AIR is dedicated to keeping Asheville’s food scene… More Information
WNC Cheese Trail
The WNC Cheese Trail includes several small cheesemakers and farms near Asheville. Sample cheeses and buy some to take home. Looking Glass Creamery is an easy drive from downtown Asheville.
BREW-ed Brewery & History Walking Tours
Take the only brewery tour in Asheville led by a certified beer expert! Learn how beer is made and how to taste it. Get special access to Asheville's breweries and learn the stories behind the… More Information
Farmer's Markets
There are dozens of farmer's markets throughout the mountains. The biggest by far is the Western North Carolina Farmers Market that is open every day in Asheville. Asheville hosts tailgate and…
Restaurants By Category
See our list of Asheville restaurants by category, including cuisines like southern comfort food, BBQ, Mexican, Italian, Thai, Ramen, European, Asian, global fusions, and more. Also, find food…
Top Restaurants In & Near Asheville
From casual to sophisticated, including MICHELIN Guide recommended restaurants, there are options to suit all tastes, with flavors from around the world. Plus, find many more award-winning chefs…
Coffee, Tea & Sweets
Find a variety of coffee shops and tea houses in Asheville, including West Asheville and River Arts District brewing locally roasted and fair trade coffee beans. From pour-over coffee,…
Hard Apple Cider Tour
Head to Hendersonville for a self-guided tour of cideries that create a big variety of hard ciders from local apples and blackberries - about 20 minutes south of Asheville. Near several wineries…
Beer Exploration
With 25 craft breweries in the North Carolina mountains near Asheville, where to begin? Use our Beer Guide to plan your strategy. You can walk to many breweries in downtown Asheville, especially…
Farm Visits & Tours
Visit farms and learn about their local food. See buffalo and alpacas, sample local cheeses, watch bees make honey, visit wineries, pick apples and more. Plus, tour historic farms at…
Food & Drink Festivals - A Sampler
Asheville Oktoberfest
A great celebration of the local beer scene, mixing Bavarian traditions with Asheville's eclectic vibe. Pack Square Park. This is a ticketed event. No pets allowed.
Livermush Festival
Enjoy livermush sandwiches from food trucks and local restaurants while enjoying live music, hog calling, an eating contest, and more in downtown Marion. Make sure to cast your vote on…
Asheville VeganFest
This festival in Pack Square Park is for anyone interested in a plant-based diet as well as people who are already vegan. Vendors offer food, drink, fitness and lifestyle products, and more.… More Information
NC Apple Festival
The Street Fair is located in downtown Hendersonville, North Carolina on beautiful Main Street.10 AM-10 PM Friday-Sunday, 10 AM-5 PM on Monday.
