Nestled at the intersection of the U.S. South and Appalachia, Asheville has emerged as a culinary hotspot, drawing food enthusiasts from near and far. With a vibrant food scene that boasts promising upstarts, James Beard Award nominees and winners, biscuit makers, and brewers, the city offers a diverse array of dining experiences for visitors. Whether you’re passing through on a road trip or planning a weekend getaway, Asheville has something to satisfy every palate. Here are six of the best things to eat and drink in Asheville.
Country Ham Biscuits or Filthy Animals at Biscuit Head
Located in various parts of Asheville, Biscuit Head is a Southern home-cooking spot that prides itself on supporting local vendors and minimizing its carbon footprint. One of their standout dishes is the Country Ham Biscuit breakfast sandwich, featuring salty and unctuous ham paired with a fried green tomato on a soft and flaky biscuit. For a more indulgent option, try the Filthy Animal biscuit, which is stuffed with fried chicken, pimento cheese, bacon, and scrambled eggs. Biscuit Head’s creative breakfast offerings, including gravy flights, make it a must-visit spot for a hearty morning meal.
Tapas and rossejat negro at Cúrate
Owned by James Beard-awarded chef Katie Button, Cúrate is a Spanish tapas restaurant in downtown Asheville known for its authentic and flavorful dishes. From creamy mushroom croquettes to pan con tomate with manchego and rossejat negro (a squid ink paella-style dish), the menu at Cúrate showcases the best of Spanish cuisine. Adjacent to Cúrate is La Bodega, a restaurant, market, and bakery that offers a variety of Spanish-inspired delights for visitors to enjoy.
Farmhouse ales at the Funkatorium
Asheville is renowned for its craft beer scene, with breweries like Highland Brewing Company paving the way for the city’s beer culture. One must-visit spot for beer enthusiasts is Wicked Weed’s Funkatorium, the East Coast’s first taproom dedicated to sour beers. Here, guests can sample farmhouse ales, barrel-aged sours, and new releases while enjoying delicious bites like cheese fries with sour-beer-cured bacon or wood-fired pizzas. The outdoor beer garden at the Funkatorium provides the perfect setting to savor Asheville’s finest brews.
Appalachian spirits at Eda Rhyne
While Asheville is known for its craft beer, the city also boasts a burgeoning craft spirits scene. Eda Rhyne distillery specializes in whiskey made from local corn and grain, as well as liquors and spirits crafted from locally harvested botanicals. Visitors can sample unique offerings like amaro, an Appalachian fernet, and nocino made from wild-crafted North Carolinian black walnuts, showcasing the diverse and innovative spirit offerings in Asheville.
Chaat and Pav at Chai Pani Asheville
Owned by Molly and Meherwan Irani, Chai Pani is an Indian street food restaurant that has garnered acclaim for its flavorful and authentic dishes. The restaurant was awarded the 2022 James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant, solidifying its reputation as a must-visit dining destination in Asheville. From crunchy and spicy chaat to the Pav sandwich filled with spicy lamb or vada, Chai Pani offers a taste of India in the heart of North Carolina.
Scallop crudo and pasta at Leo’s House of Thirst
Opened in 2020 by chef-owner Drew Wallace, Leo’s House of Thirst is a newcomer to Asheville’s dining scene, offering a carefully curated wine list and a menu of creative and delicious dishes. Highlights include chicken liver mousse, steak tartare, yuzu-y scallop crudo, and pasta options like bucatini with shishito peppers, cherry tomatoes, feta, and Calabrian chili oil. Leo’s House of Thirst exemplifies Asheville’s reputation as a foodie’s paradise, with dishes that showcase the city’s culinary diversity and innovation.
In conclusion, Asheville’s culinary landscape is a testament to the city’s rich food culture and commitment to supporting local vendors and artisans. From Southern comfort food to Spanish tapas, craft beer to craft spirits, and Indian street food to innovative pasta dishes, Asheville offers a diverse and exciting array of dining experiences for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or simply looking to explore the city’s culinary delights, Asheville is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more. Plan your visit to Asheville today and embark on a culinary journey through one of the South’s most exciting food destinations.