Where Locals Eat in Asheville
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Have you ever wondered Where Locals Eat in Asheville? Here's your guide to the best restaurants in Asheville including popular hangouts, starting with funky West Asheville and its chill vibe.
Where Do Locals Eat In West Asheville?
West AVL is as laid back and casual as it gets! You can find everything here from breakfast, lunch and brunch, as well as some of the finest dining options in the city.
Locals know that the best time to roll in to West Asheville is for an early lunch or dinner. It gets crowded on the streets and in the restaurants quickly, so plan to go early when you can. Anywhere in town is a local hangout, but here's where the locals like to chill on the west side...
- Admiral - 5 star dining in a funky dive
- Biscuit Head - biscuits as big as a cat's head with a free condiment bar
- Botiwalla - Indian street grill by Chai Pani
- Early Girl - southern food from farm to table
- Gan Shan Station - Asian noodle dishes and dumplings
- Green Tea Sushi - when you're craving sushi, this it the top spot
- Gypsy Queen Cuisine - Lebanese street food with vegan options
- Hail Mary - old fashioned diner vibes that used to be Tastee Diner
- Haywood Common - rustic comfort food with a full bar
- Hole Donuts - handcrafted 'to die for donuts' made to order
- Itto Ramen Bar & Tapas - ramen noodle bowls and inventive tapas
- Jargon - modern American cuisine that's one of the most popular fine dining experiences in town
- Leo's House of Thirst - a beautiful garden with exceptional food and charcuterie
- Neng Jr's - you'll need reservations days in advance for this hipster Fillipinx hot spot
- Nine Mile - addictive Caribbean cuisine that's out-of-this-world
- Oyster House - awesome seafood and beer brewed with oyster shells
- Pizza Mind - perfect crust and awesome toppings
- Rocky's Hot Chicken Shack - killer spicy chicken with the best sides
- Standard Pizza - buy it by the slice, order it how you like
- Sunny Point - best breakfast in town, hands down
- Taco Billy - slinging some of the coolest tacos in a tiny shack
- Thai Pearl - best Thai food in the Asheville area
- The Madness - burgers, sandwiches and great sushi
- Universal Joint - hip restaurant with stellar burgers & beer
- WALK - Taco Tuesdays and affordable eats all week long
- Westville Pub - bar food with a pub style atmosphere




Where Do Locals Eat In Asheville?
Downtown Asheville has many fancy restaurants to visit on special occasions, but there are favorite local spots in the downtown area (and beyond) where folks love to gather for food, drinks and fun on a weekly basis.
It's well known that Asheville is a food lover's paradise, and many of the most popular spots are enjoyed by tourists throughout the year. But, these hidden gems are your best bet for restaurants that are frequented by a local crowd, based on popularity, affordability and flavor!
- Asheville Pizza & Brewing - pizza, beer & a movie
- Baba Nahm - amazing Middle Eastern lunch, brunch and dinner
- Barley's TapRoom - cranking out pizza, trivia & billiards
- Ben's Tuneup - Asian food in an old garage that's mighty good
- Baby Bull - burger Monday specials serving the best burgers in town!
- Bear's Smokehouse BBQ - simply the best brisket and barbecue in the city
- Bier Garden - beer galore with televisions to watch the big game
- Birdie's Pizza - New York style pizza with a fabulous patio
- Burial Beer - funky brewery that serves amazing food
- Chai Pani - Indian food where locals stand in line to eat
- Early Girl Eatery - Southern food from farm to table
- Forestry Camp - where locals gather for great food and drinks (Biltmore)
- French Broad Chocolate Lounge - get the salted caramel liquid truffle!
- Good Hot Fish - best fish sandwich and sides you'll ever eat
- Hillman Beer - a little off the grid in Biltmore, but a true local hangout
- Huli Sue's - the best Hawaiian BBQ in town!
- Jettie Rae's Oyster House - fine dining where you'll get the best seafood and oysters in town
- La Rumba - southern Mexican flavor and Latin hospitality
- Luella's Barbecue - great brisket and amazing cobb salad
- Mamacitas - counter service ordering up Mexican favorites
- Mother Ocean - a fresh seafood market with amazing fried shrimp and oysters
- Old Europe - irresistible pastries and beverages to match
- Pack's Tavern - pub food with great eats and entertainment
- Vinnie's Neighborhood Italian - the best old school neighborhood Italian restaurant
- The Vault - one of the best burgers in town with affordable snacks
- White Duck Taco - order the Baja Fish taco and a margarita!
- White Labs Brewing - on Charlotte Street serving up pizza and beer
Get info about more restaurants by clicking on the links below.
More Asheville Fun!
Where to Eat
- Where Locals Eat in Asheville
- Top Asheville Restaurants
- Cheap Eats Asheville
- Best West Asheville Restaurants
Things to Do
- Best Rooftop Bars in Asheville
- Asheville Breweries and Bars
- Things to Do in Asheville
- Where to Relax in Asheville
- Christmas at Biltmore
- Asheville's Best Views
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Oh, that is such a shame. I will adjust that on my listing, but I hate to see it go!
Debi, great suggestions! You are the best. Just sayin’!
Thanks Denise! Which restaurant is your favorite? 🙂
Great suggestions!! Can’t wait to try out your recipes!! Congratulations on your new venture!! ????
Thanks Melanie! So glad you like it! Let me know which new restaurant you try. 🙂