Food & Drink
Coffee Spots
Summit Coffee Co: canonically, home of the best espresso in Asheville. Small NC-based chain - one downtown, one on the river, some others in other parts of North Carolina. The cappuccinos here are phenomenal. Summit + Farewell are my top picks for espresso in Asheville.
Farewell: weird name, outstanding espresso, very attractive barista staff. Nice patio to sit and read. Some pastries, with a couple savory bites, but I wouldn't come here for lunch.
Sweeten Creek Coffee: excellent espresso, delicious scones, and the friendliest staff around. Not a ton of savory food options - just a breakfast sandwich and a quiche. Outdoor seating extant but along a highway.
Kafe Neo Espresso Bar: confusingly located inside the Antique Tobacco Barn, a giant antique warehouse, this tiny coffee bar serves up delicious espresso drinks. The antiques are worth perusing too - I saw a small ornate pipe organ for sale for $895!
PennyCup Coffee: solid espresso, great $8 lox + bagel + accoutrements. Excellent Luchador mural! Also a small local chain.
BattleCat CoffeeBar: delicious espresso, wins award for Most Brooklyn Crowd in Asheville. Think: cargo pants, converse, many tattoos, out of control beards. Quasi attached to a small restaurant, so you can enjoy coffee + food on the porch at the same time.
Ultra Coffeebar: too popular for us to actually try. Huge vegan menu. One day!
Liberty House Coffee and Cafe: Loveliest outdoor seating situation anywhere around. Delicious food and espresso.
Filo Pastries & Post 70 Indulgence Bar: excellent espresso, Greek pastries. Breakfast sandwiches available. Turns into a bar and restaurant at night. One or two outdoor tables in a parking lot.
City Bakery: pretty weak cappuccino (too much milk), but if you need a spot to grab breakfast pastries AND sandwiches AND espresso, such as for a hike, this is a good option.
The Dripolator: If you find yourself in Black Mountain before 6pm, do yourself a favor and stop by The Dripolator. Grab an Earl Gray Tea Cake to enjoy alongside your cappuccino. You won't regret it!
Breakfast
Biscuit Head: For anyone seeking an excellent biscuit, possibly with stuff on it. I am partial to the fried green tomato option.
Breweries
See the Breweries section under “things to do” - it’s a real “activity” in Asheville!
Lunch
Elements Cafe (vegan)
Liberty House
Laughing Seed (vegetarian)
Dinner
Plant (vegan): fancy vegan food, ideal for an in-restaurant sit-down dinner. We did takeout, because we visited during COVID. The cheese plate was one of our favorite dishes, despite the fact that we are not vegan! Would love to go back!
India Garden: excellent Indian food! We particularly loved the okra with chickpea sauce and the Chili Paneer.
Strada Italiano: Absolutely delicious homemade pasta! Vegetarian and vegan friendly.
Jerusalem Cafe: you must try their hummus + pita.
White Duck Taco Shop
Smoky Park Supper Club
Laughing Seed
Dessert
French Broad Chocolate Lounge: You should really trust me on chocolate recommendations. Definitely grab some bonbons, and if you're into spicy chocolate, their Scorpion Pepper bar is not to be missed! However, cakes and pastries are not their forte.
