Little Gem Cottage guidebook
My favorite restaurants
My oh my, where to start?! There is so much to see and experience in Asheville. There’s no way to cover it all so here are some of our personal favorites.
Expect a long line. Biscuit Head is popular not just because they offer biscuits the size of cat heads but the variety is outstanding. The Fried Green Tomato Biscuit and Mimosa Fried Chicken Biscuit are both gorgeous and delicious!
472 locals recommend
Biscuit Head
733 Haywood RdExpect a long line. Biscuit Head is popular not just because they offer biscuits the size of cat heads but the variety is outstanding. The Fried Green Tomato Biscuit and Mimosa Fried Chicken Biscuit are both gorgeous and delicious!
The menu has so much to offer from omelet, sandwiches and everything else you can imagine that is yummy and wonderful. Be prepared to wait. But if you can hang in there, the food will absolutely delight!
587 locals recommend
Sunny Point Café
626 Haywood RdThe menu has so much to offer from omelet, sandwiches and everything else you can imagine that is yummy and wonderful. Be prepared to wait. But if you can hang in there, the food will absolutely delight!
Great spot. Right in downtown Asheville. Unassuming, you might walk right past the restaurant and not even notice it because it blends right into the scenery. But wow. Delicious food, friendly service, lots of farm to table choices. They also offer some yummy vegan options. There's usually a wait but they'll text you they're ready and you can do some window shopping while you wait.
223 locals recommend
Early Girl Eatery
8 Wall StGreat spot. Right in downtown Asheville. Unassuming, you might walk right past the restaurant and not even notice it because it blends right into the scenery. But wow. Delicious food, friendly service, lots of farm to table choices. They also offer some yummy vegan options. There's usually a wait but they'll text you they're ready and you can do some window shopping while you wait.
We love, love, love Nine Mile. They opened a second location in West Asheville, but we tend to go to the location in historic neighborhood of Montford which is where we first discovered this gem. The Caribbean spices are at the core of all their dishes but every entrée is unique in it's own right. The ginger agave beer is a must have.
589 locals recommend
Nine Mile
233 Montford AveWe love, love, love Nine Mile. They opened a second location in West Asheville, but we tend to go to the location in historic neighborhood of Montford which is where we first discovered this gem. The Caribbean spices are at the core of all their dishes but every entrée is unique in it's own right. The ginger agave beer is a must have.
This is THE spot. It’s a rooftop bar & restaurant located at the Cambria Hotel downtown. It’s laid back, sophisticated, casual and sexy all at the same time. They have authentic Cuban dishes and a tasty selection of Mojitos. We love it!
98 locals recommend
Hemingway's Cuba Restaurant & Bar
15 Page AveThis is THE spot. It’s a rooftop bar & restaurant located at the Cambria Hotel downtown. It’s laid back, sophisticated, casual and sexy all at the same time. They have authentic Cuban dishes and a tasty selection of Mojitos. We love it!
An absolute must! Do not miss out on this top-notch culinary experience. The ingredients are locally sourced and the menu changes from season to season. The deviled eggs are unlike any I’ve ever had; the scallop & pork belly entrée is an absolute fave. Reservations are highly recommended.
92 locals recommend
Jargon
715 Haywood RdAn absolute must! Do not miss out on this top-notch culinary experience. The ingredients are locally sourced and the menu changes from season to season. The deviled eggs are unlike any I’ve ever had; the scallop & pork belly entrée is an absolute fave. Reservations are highly recommended.
Cecilia’s Kitchen
870 Merrimon AveAuthentic tacos, enchiladas and pulled pork sandwiches.
My favorite restaurants
Located in the South Slope Neighborhood of downtown Asheville this is a hip and cool urban beer garden, full-service restaurant, sake brewery, and sake tasting room. Their fried tempeh is really yummy.
87 locals recommend
Ben's Tune Up
195 Hilliard AveLocated in the South Slope Neighborhood of downtown Asheville this is a hip and cool urban beer garden, full-service restaurant, sake brewery, and sake tasting room. Their fried tempeh is really yummy.
If you’ve never tried Bibimbap, stop what you’re doing and go get yourself a bowl; fresh grains, vegetables, meat and a fried egg mixed together into a combo that will make your taste buds sing an aria. They serve a wide range of other foods including great salads and wraps.
78 locals recommend
BimBeriBon
697 Haywood RdIf you’ve never tried Bibimbap, stop what you’re doing and go get yourself a bowl; fresh grains, vegetables, meat and a fried egg mixed together into a combo that will make your taste buds sing an aria. They serve a wide range of other foods including great salads and wraps.
Great location, so pretty. Lots of choices for coffee and bread lovers. Their grilled cheese and avocado melt is delicious!
112 locals recommend
City Bakery
88 Charlotte StGreat location, so pretty. Lots of choices for coffee and bread lovers. Their grilled cheese and avocado melt is delicious!
Breweries, Music & More
No cover charge and the music is always AMAZING. They usually have a $5-7 wine special. We always have a great time.
176 locals recommend
5 Walnut Wine Bar
5 W Walnut StNo cover charge and the music is always AMAZING. They usually have a $5-7 wine special. We always have a great time.
This place is so appealing to all the senses has a speakeasy feel. The turn of the century architecture and interiors are gorgeous and the drinks are delicious. They specialize in Gin but offer a very wide range of liquors and craft beers. See if you can find the secret doorway to the rooftop bar.
77 locals recommend
Antidote
151 Coxe AveThis place is so appealing to all the senses has a speakeasy feel. The turn of the century architecture and interiors are gorgeous and the drinks are delicious. They specialize in Gin but offer a very wide range of liquors and craft beers. See if you can find the secret doorway to the rooftop bar.
Great location alongside the French Broad River. They have an enormous range of craft beers. You can chill on the grassy knolls, inside the brewery where they have live story telling, music and trivia games, or sit out back and watch the tubers float by. They also offer tours.
450 locals recommend
New Belgium Brewing Company
21 Craven StGreat location alongside the French Broad River. They have an enormous range of craft beers. You can chill on the grassy knolls, inside the brewery where they have live story telling, music and trivia games, or sit out back and watch the tubers float by. They also offer tours.
An excellent music venue. You really get to see and hear the musicians up close in this intimate and funky venue.
408 locals recommend
The Orange Peel
101 Biltmore AveAn excellent music venue. You really get to see and hear the musicians up close in this intimate and funky venue.