Dining

Who could say when it happened, but at some point Asheville’s culinary scene got hip.  And diverse.  So it’s just as easy to find sushi and tapas as it is to find barbecue and shrimp and grits.

Ethnic variety is everywhere, as well as old favorite cafes and lunch counters that have been around forever.  And vegetarians in Asheville don’t have to settle for a salad with iceberg lettuce, as several restaurants serve vegetarian-only fare, and so many others feature delicious vegetarian menu items and specials.

If you want exotic, search out places that serve local specialties rooted in tradition such as poke salad and ramps (a type of wild onion).  These and other special mountain dishes show up on menus from time to time as do more exotic choices such as rabbit and bison.

Several downtown restaurants place emphasis on fresh, local, organic ingredients.  You won’t find anything store-bought in one of these establishments—even the crackers that go with the smoked trout dip are made in-house.

If you want a meal on the run, try one of many local bakeries for fresh baked breads and pastries as well as sandwiches and salads.

Click here to get the complete listing of local Asheville restaurants, and stick around so you can eat your way through the list!

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For additional tourism information, visit the Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau.