Discover the Best Downtown Asheville Restaurants: The Exchange
Asheville, North Carolina, is home to a bustling culinary scene that offers a diverse range of dining experiences. Whether you’re looking for an elevated brunch, a casual lunch, or a fine dining experience for dinner, downtown Asheville is filled with restaurants that will delight food lovers. One such standout is The Exchange at The Restoration Hotel, which offers an unbeatable combination of delicious food, craft cocktails, and a welcoming atmosphere. Located in the heart of downtown, The Exchange is the ideal spot for any meal of the day, making it one of the best downtown Asheville restaurants.
Best Downtown Asheville Restaurants with Brunch
If you’re in search of the best downtown Asheville restaurants with brunch, The Exchange has you covered. Brunch at The Exchange is an experience not to be missed, featuring a diverse brunch menu that ranges from healthy grain bowls to indulgent Southern favorites. The carefully curated brunch menu offers something for everyone, making it the perfect place to start your day in Asheville.
For a nutritious yet flavorful option, try the Protein Bowl. Made with red lentils, breakfast sausage, spinach, and feta, and topped with two eggs cooked any style, this dish offers the perfect balance of protein and vegetables to fuel your day. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more indulgent, the Biscuits & Gravynis a Southern classic featuring black pepper biscuits smothered in sausage gravy and served with two eggs any style.
For those looking for a sweet option, the Vanilla Bean French Toast is a must-try. Topped with strawberry-tamarind butter and spiced cashews, this dish is the perfect mix of sweet and savory. And of course, no brunch menu would be complete without Avocado Toast, which at The Exchange is elevated with two poached eggs, scallions, coriander, cumin vinaigrette, and frisée.
Brunch at The Exchange is the perfect way to enjoy a relaxed morning at a restaurant in downtown Asheville, whether you’re catching up with friends or starting a day of exploring the city.
Best Downtown Asheville Restaurants with Lunch
For lunch, The Exchange offers an extensive menu that balances lighter fare like salads and shareables with heartier options like burgers and sandwiches, making it one of the best downtown Asheville restaurants with lunch. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely midday meal, The Exchange’s lunch menu is designed to satisfy any craving.
Salad lovers will appreciate the variety of options available, such as the Kale Salad with marinated mandarins, pickled shallots, spiced pumpkin seeds, and fig dressing. Another favorite is the Cobb Salad, a hearty mix of romaine, avocado, hard-boiled farm egg, blue cheese, bacon, chicken, and red wine vinaigrette. If you’re in the mood to customize your salad, The Exchange offers protein add-ons like grilled or fried chicken, shrimp, or seared Sunburst Trout.
For those seeking something a bit more indulgent, the burger and sandwich options are sure to please. The Restoration Smashburger is a guest favorite, known as one of the best burgers in Asheville featuring seared double patties, caramelized onion dijonnaise, Ashe Co. cheddar, and shredded lettuce, served with fries. Another standout is the Crispy Trout Po’ Boy, made with cornmeal-crusted trout, sprouts, pickles, crispy shallots, and preserved lemon aioli.
For a shareable option, consider starting your meal with the Truffle Fries, tossed in Parmesan and served with roasted garlic and caramelized onion aioli, or the Crispy Brussels, drizzled with orange-garlic honey and topped with toasted benne seeds.
Best Downtown Asheville Restaurants with Dinner
When it comes to the best downtown Asheville restaurants for dinner, The Exchange offers a dining experience that is both refined and inviting. The dinner menu at The Exchange features a variety of dishes that showcase local ingredients and Southern flavors, making it a must-visit spot for food lovers.
For starters, the Burrata is a popular choice, served with house focaccia, charred peach and tomato bruschetta, and honey. Another great option is the Charcuterie Board, featuring a rotating selection of local cured meats, cheeses, and preserved vegetables.
The dinner entrees at The Exchange are equally impressive. The Seared Sunburst Trout is a standout dish, served with field pea succotash, Alabama white sauce, and pickled shallots. Seafood lovers will also enjoy the Shrimp & Grits, made with blackened shrimp, jalapeño grits, seared okra, crumbled country ham, and hot sauce beurre blanc.
For meat lovers, the Beer-Braised Short Ribs are a hearty and flavorful option, served with tallow-roasted potatoes, Josh’s carrots, cherry-hazelnut gremolata, and beer jus. The Grilled NY Strip, paired with sour cream mashed potatoes, wilted kale, and black garlic steak sauce, is another excellent choice for those seeking a classic steak dinner.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a night out, The Exchange offers a dinner in downtown Asheville that is sure to impress.
Best Cocktails at Downtown Asheville Restaurants
No dining experience at The Exchange would be complete without sampling their expertly crafted cocktails. As one of the best downtown Asheville restaurants with craft cocktails, The Exchange’s drink menu offers a variety of creative concoctions that perfectly complement the food menu.
For a refreshing option, try the Greyhound Saint, made with gin, grapefruit, elderflower, mint, lavender, cucumber, and lime. Another popular choice is the Pepo, featuring tequila, watermelon syrup, muddled jalapeños, sage, lime, and bitters for a unique and flavorful twist.
If you prefer something with a bit more complexity, the Smoke Tower is a great choice. This cocktail combines mezcal, amaro, orange curacao, lime, honey, and egg white to create a smoky, smooth drink with a hint of sweetness.
For those who enjoy a classic cocktail, the Restoration Old Fashioned, made with Old Scout Barrel Proof Bourbon, Demerara, and bitters, offers a rich and satisfying option that pairs perfectly with any of the entrees on the menu.
With such a wide range of cocktails to choose from, The Exchange ensures that your dining experience is elevated from start to finish.
Best Downtown Asheville Restaurants with Private Rooms
Looking for a space to host a special event or a large group? The Exchange is one of the best downtown Asheville restaurants with private rooms, making it an ideal choice for celebrations, corporate events, or intimate gatherings. The restaurant’s private dining spaces provide a sophisticated and comfortable atmosphere, complete with the exceptional service and high-quality food that The Exchange is known for.
Whether you’re planning a family gathering, birthday celebration, or business dinner, The Exchange’s private rooms offer the perfect setting for any occasion. With customizable menus and a dedicated staff to ensure your event runs smoothly, The Exchange makes it easy to host a memorable experience for your guests.
Why The Exchange is One of the Best Downtown Asheville Restaurants
When it comes to finding the best downtown Asheville restaurants, The Exchange at The Restoration Hotel is a top contender. With a diverse menu that caters to every meal of the day, from brunch to dinner, and a wide selection of craft cocktails, The Exchange offers an exceptional dining experience in the heart of Asheville.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely brunch with friends, a casual lunch, or an elegant dinner, The Exchange delivers on all fronts. Add to that the option for private dining rooms and expertly crafted cocktails, and it’s clear why The Exchange is one of the most sought-after restaurants in downtown Asheville.
The next time you’re in Asheville, be sure to make a reservation at The Exchange for a meal you won’t forget. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you’ll find that The Exchange offers everything you need for an unforgettable dining experience in downtown Asheville.
