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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- 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).
- 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!
- DayTrip: 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Pho Real: 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.
- Soprana Rooftop Cocina: 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.
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