For a city of slightly fewer than 90,000 people, Asheville, North Carolina, has one of the most diverse arrays of food and wine anywhere in the country. Mixing traditional Appalachian flavors, locally sourced food, and influences from around the globe, the beverage and dining scene here is unlike anything you’ve experienced!
If you’re looking to explore the food and wine of the area, you’ll need a weekend to savor the breadth of offerings. Discover everything you need to know so that you don’t miss out on some of the best spots.
Friday
Grab a Traditional Southern Breakfast at Biscuit Head
To start your food journey off on the right foot, head to Biscuit Head. With two locations in the Asheville area, you’re never too far away from some down-home Southern cooking. The restaurant’s slogan says it all: “Put some South in your mouth.” You’ll do that when you order a side or main entree of delectable biscuits and one of seven gravies.
If you can’t decide which of their gravies works for your palate, order the gravy flight, which allows you to choose three gravies served over a flaky, crusty, homemade biscuit. It’s a heavy breakfast, so make sure to add in a few cups of coffee to even out your energy levels.
Biscuit Head
733 Haywood Road
Asheville, NC 28806
828-333-5145
Sip an Adult Beverage or Hot Chocolate at Omni Grove Park Inn
Serving visitors and Asheville residents for more than 100 years, Omni Grove Park Inn is a local institution. Even if you aren’t a guest, you can still sit at the bar or hang out on the patio to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains while sipping a wine or beer. If the weather is cold or rainy, grab a hot chocolate and stake out a spot in front of the fireplace in the Great Hall.
Omni Grove Park Inn
290 Macon Ave.
Asheville, NC 28804
800-438-5800
Share Some Tapas With Friends at Curate
Although Southern restaurants dot the landscape of Asheville, it’s some of the other trendy options that show the far-reaching food influences available in Asheville. Curate is one of those places. Housed in a former bus depot built in 1927, Curate is the premier Spanish tapas eatery in Asheville. Small plates and dried meats reign here, providing flavors you don’t often see in the American South. Curate also has a variety of sherries and wines that wonderfully complement anything you choose to eat.
Curate
13 Biltmore Ave.
Asheville, NC 28801
828-239-2946
Saturday
Scarf Down an Award-Winning Breakfast at Sunny Point Cafe
Independently owned and serving fresh foods from local farms and their own garden, Sunny Point Cafe is the greatest choice for Southern comfort food in the morning. While you’re waiting for a seat, you can walk through the garden and discover the food that’s going to end up in your belly.
Massive four egg omelets and avocado toast highlight the savory options, while stuffed French toast and oatmeal brulee delight your sweet tooth. Although coffee or orange juice is a solid drink choice, don’t miss out on your chance to enjoy the Spicy Bloody Mary or the Sunny Point Mega-Mosa, which blends orange juice with top-shelf champagne.
Sunny Point Cafe
626 Haywood Road
Asheville, NC 28806
828-252-0055
Enjoy a Glass of Wine and a Spectacular View at a Winery
Although North Carolina’s Appalachian Mountains were once home to some of the top whiskey and moonshine operations in the country, the experience has become much more refined. Today, dozens of wineries combine equal parts delicious beverage with picturesque views of the mountains and surrounding foliage.
If you don’t mind heavy crowds, a trip to the Biltmore Winery is a solid choice. Located on the grounds of the famous Biltmore Estate, this winery produces 20 different types of white and red wines, as well as award-winning Reserve wines. The best part is that the tastings for the regular offerings are complimentary, or you can sample the Reserve Collection for only $3 each. If you stay late, you can grab a bottle and head to the Village Green for the Live After Five concert series.
When you don’t feel like tackling crowds or you want a more quaint setting, head over to Addison Farms Vineyard, about 30 minutes northwest of Asheville. For $10, you can head into the tasting room to get a sampling of all the vineyard’s finest wines. It’s open from noon to 5 p.m. every Saturday, and they throw in the stemware free. If you’re interested in the winemaking process, call ahead to reserve your spot in the Winemaker’s Tour & Tasting, which provides a private tour with owner Jeff Frisbee.
Addison Farms Vineyard
4005 New Leicester Highway
Leicester, NC 28748
828-581-9463
Biltmore Winery
One Lodge St.
Asheville, NC 28803
800-411-3812
Get Your Fill of Food Trucks and Beer
Food trucks have become all the rage in cities throughout the country, and Asheville is no different. However, many of them tend to congregate around the Wedge Brewing Co. each Saturday. Grab a masterfully crafted pint and head outside to sample the Mexican-Korean infusion of the El Kimchi food truck. If you have extra time, visit on other days for food trucks that offer pizza, sandwiches, and other cuisine.
Wedge Brewing Co.
37 Paynes Way
Asheville, NC 28801
828-505-2792
Sunday
Munch a Bunch for Brunch at Table
Hopefully you didn’t have too many pints on Saturday. Even if you did, Asheville’s James Beard Award Winning chef Jacob Sessoms serves brunch until late at Table. Although the establishment is a bit more pricey and upscale than some of the other brunch choices in Asheville, your taste buds will thank you for the decision. Try the North Carolina-style sea bass or pan-seared scallops for something new and exciting.
Table
48 College St.
Asheville, NC 28801
828-254-8980
Get Sauce Smeared on Your Face at 12 Bones Smokehouse
You’ll find tons of barbecue establishments throughout Asheville and western Carolina, but none boast the delectable, fall-off-the-bone offerings you’ll get at 12 Bones Smokehouse. Specializing in baby back ribs and a variety of sauces, 12 Bones is a local favorite nestled in the River Arts District downtown. Pair with a local pint of beer for true bliss.
12 Bones Smokehouse
5 Foundry St.
Asheville, NC 28801
828-253-4499
Indulge Your Sweet Tooth at French Broad Chocolate Lounge
To end your weekend on a strong note, head downtown to the French Broad Chocolate Lounge. The owners produce chocolate at their own factory, adding a strong commitment to fresh chocolate from local sources. There’s no poor choice here. The cakes, cookies, and ice cream are all sumptuous.
French Bread Chocolate Lounge
10 S. Pack Square
Asheville, NC 28801
828-252-4181
Featuring one of the most exciting, eclectic culinary scenes anywhere in the country, Asheville is sure to offer the fare you need no matter what weekend you decide to visit.
