Brunch on vacation is practically a requirement: you can sleep in, order breakfast or lunch options, and maybe even top off your meal with a mimosa or two. In Ashville, you’ll find plenty of restaurants that give you a reason to stop by after all the early birds have gone home. If you’re looking for a truly Southern brunch where you don’t have to skimp on flavor, we’ve got a few options that can help you narrow down the list.
Tupelo Honey Cafe
Ever had pecan-pie French toast? Or maybe you’d enjoy an omelet stuffed with pimento cheese? This well-known downtown cafe offers some truly creative options, making it one of the more memorable places to eat in the entire city. Visitors can order a royal Bloody Mary to go with their meal (otherwise known as the best way to get your day started). Just be warned that this place isn’t exactly dead on the weekends (or the weekdays for that matter). Consider the long waits as part of the charm. Brunch is offered every day of the week at Tupelo Honey Cafe.
Corner Kitchen
The Corner Kitchen serves up breakfast salads, tuna croissants, and pork adobo bowls on its weekend brunch menu, giving everyone a chance to get exactly what they want. The menu is influenced by the flavors of the world, but it doesn’t forget where it comes from. If you wake up craving something a little more traditional, try the Southern fried chicken bowl. If you’d prefer something a little lighter, get the cool grilled chicken salad. All the food is made from scratch, farm-to-table style. Located in Biltmore Village, this area of town leads straight to the shopping district for a little after-brunch splurge.
Rhubarb
On Saturdays and Sundays, Rhubarb brunch is alive with visitors and locals alike. This is an excellent place to go if no one can decide on what they want — or even if they’re all that hungry. Try a fabled cruffin (croissant and muffin) for breakfast with a little bit of butter, or order a full meal. From pastries to coffee to cocktails to burgers to duck confit, the list is extensive and inventive. There are eggs for those who are still stuck in full-on morning mode and trout filet for those who are ready to move on with the day.
Biscuit Head
If you honestly can’t get enough of this southern staple, we honestly can’t blame you. This place takes them to a whole new level with fluffy biscuits shaped like the head of a cat. Oh, did we forget to tell you about the flights of gravy and the butter bar too? You’ll find that almost everything at the Biscuit Head is made from scratch (including the jams), and it’s all fabulous. The Biscuit Head doesn’t have an official brunch menu, but what they do have is on offer every day of the week. You’ll find breakfast biscuits and delightful pork sausage gravy. Additional choices include everything from coconut-stewed Callaloo collards to fried-green tomatoes.
Isa’s French Bistro
Served on Sunday, Isa’s French Bistro brunch hits the spot with options like Blue Crab Eggs Benedict and double burgers. This bistro combines all the best of French cooking with Southern favorites, and the result is a truly extraordinary meal. The chefs of this restaurant are notorious for trying new things, so adventurous eaters will want to stop by to see what’s changed on the menu. Just be forewarned that they don’t always advertise their up-to-date offerings on their website.
Fork Lore
A restaurant that pays tribute to butter in its name is one that deserves some recognition. Fork Lore routinely shows up for the best brunch spots because of dishes like bananas foster French toast, egg sandwiches, and grits. To catch the brunch crowd, Roux serves up its breakfast menu all the way until 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Much of their food shows up straight from their organic farm, and the staff will be happy to serve you a Bloody Mary or mimosa along with your fare.
The Blackbird
The Blackbird offers a weekend brunch menu with some serious classics. If you wake up in the mood for a good burger or BLT, this is the place to get it. Or try some huevos rancheros as a hearty way to kick your body in gear. This restaurant brings out the best in the local fishermen, farmers, and winemakers of the area. The way they prepare, serve, and pair the food is simply extraordinary. Just one taste and you’ll see why this place has won awards for its incredible food and drinks.
Blue Ridge Artisanal Buffet
This restaurant is a part of Omni Resorts, a haven in Asheville that overlooks the mountain range that bears the same name. There are two rooms to this eatery and the buffet includes everything from donuts to gluten-free options. For brunchers who want the best in seafood, this just might be the best stop for you. The Champagne Sunday Brunch at Blue Ridge Artisinal Buffet is served in the afternoon and is highly recommended for anyone who wants a cheat day to remember.
Seasons
As the name suggests, Seasons focuses its cuisine on what can be found right outside its door. Located at Highland Lake Inn and Resort, the buffet menu for brunch changes often. However, you can typically find handmade soups, an omelet station, and a carving station. Those who want something a little heavier may be able to get the beef and pork meatloaf with mushroom gravy or the curried chicken with herbed rice. Highland Lake is known for its history and is beloved by tourists who want to experience the peace and tranquility of a relaxed meal near the Great Outdoors.
The question isn’t whether you can get a great brunch or breakfast in Asheville, but how are you ever going to make up your mind with all these amazing choices? Try any of these nine restaurants for a meal you won’t soon forget.
