Best Lunch Spots in Asheville: Discover Great Food at The Exchange
When it comes to finding the best lunch spots in Asheville, the city offers a vibrant culinary scene with options ranging from cozy cafes to upscale eateries. Whether you’re looking for a casual meal, a business lunch spot, or a dog-friendly patio, Asheville has something to suit every taste and preference. Among these, The Exchange stands out as one of the best places in town for a delicious, satisfying lunch. With its diverse lunch menu, including fresh salads, hearty sandwiches, and tasty flatbreads, The Exchange is a must-visit spot that perfectly captures the essence of Asheville’s food culture.
Asheville Lunch Spots: A Culinary Experience Awaits
Asheville lunch spots are known for their creativity, fresh ingredients, and welcoming ambiance. Nestled within The Restoration Hotel, The Exchange offers a lunch experience that combines comfort with sophistication. With its inviting indoor seating and outdoor space, it caters to all kinds of lunch-goers—from casual diners to business professionals.
Why The Exchange Is a Top Asheville Lunch Spot
The Exchange has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike for its thoughtfully crafted menu and warm atmosphere. Here’s what sets it apart:
- Variety of Options: Whether you’re craving a light salad, a shareable appetizer, or a hearty burger, The Exchange’s menu has something for everyone. With vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, it’s easy to find a dish that suits your dietary preferences.
- Outdoor Seating: Enjoy lunch in Asheville’s beautiful weather on The Exchange’s outdoor patio. The space is designed for relaxation, making it an excellent choice for a leisurely meal while soaking in the city’s charm.
- Dog-Friendly: Bringing your furry friend along? The Exchange’s dog-friendly patio is perfect for those who love to dine with their pets, making it a welcoming spot for everyone.
- Perfect for Business Lunches: The Exchange offers a polished yet casual setting that’s ideal for business lunches. The diverse menu ensures there’s something for every palate, and the attentive service makes it easy to enjoy a productive meal with colleagues or clients.
Lunch Spots in Asheville with Outdoor Seating
Asheville’s stunning surroundings and mild climate make outdoor dining a popular choice. The Exchange’s outdoor seating area allows you to enjoy the fresh air while indulging in some of the city’s finest lunch offerings. Whether you’re catching up with friends or simply taking a break from exploring the city, the patio at The Exchange provides the perfect setting for lunch in Asheville.
The Exchange Menu Spotlight: Greens, Shareables, and Flatbreads
Greens and Things
If you’re looking for a lighter lunch option, The Exchange offers a variety of fresh and flavorful salads.
- Caesar Salad: A classic favorite, this salad features crisp romaine lettuce tossed in a creamy anchovy dressing, topped with garlic croutons, Grana Padano, and black pepper.
- Kale Salad: This vegetarian and gluten-free option includes marinated mandarins, pickled shallots, spiced pumpkin seeds, and a fig dressing, making it a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
- Mixed Greens Salad: Local mixed greens are complemented by goat cheese, toasted pecans, and pickled peaches, all brought together with a blueberry vinaigrette.
- Cobb Salad: This hearty, gluten-free salad combines romaine, avocado, hard-boiled farm egg, blue cheese, red onion, bacon, chicken, and a red wine vinaigrette for a satisfying and protein-packed meal.
For those wanting to customize their salads, The Exchange offers delicious add-ons such as grilled or fried chicken, shrimp, seared Sunburst trout, and grilled flank steak.
Shareables: Perfect for Casual Lunches or Business Gatherings
The Exchange’s shareable dishes are ideal for those who want to sample a variety of flavors or are dining with a group.
- Burrata: This vegetarian option features house focaccia topped with charred peach and tomato bruschetta, drizzled with honey.
- Deviled Eggs: Made with local farm eggs, pickled mustard seeds, paprika, and chives, these eggs are a must-try.
- Crispy Brussels: A vegetarian and gluten-free option, these Brussels sprouts are tossed in an orange-garlic honey glaze and sprinkled with toasted benne seeds.
- Truffle Fries: These fries are topped with Parmesan and served with roasted garlic and caramelized onion aioli—an irresistible treat.
- Charcuterie: Featuring a rotating selection of local cured meats, cheeses, and preserved vegetables, this board is perfect for sharing. It comes with house lavash, Lusty Monk mustard, and Imladris Farms strawberry jam.
Flatbreads: A Crowd-Pleasing Favorite
The Exchange offers a variety of flatbreads that make for a perfect lunch option, whether you’re dining solo or sharing with friends.
- Caramelized Onion & Roasted Mushroom Flatbread: A vegetarian favorite, this flatbread features goat cheese, black pepper crème fraîche, arugula, and truffle oil.
- Barbecue Chicken Flatbread: Topped with roasted chicken, BBQ sauce, Ashe Co. cheddar, mozzarella, red onion, and bourbon-pickled jalapeños, this flatbread packs a flavorful punch.
- Italian Meat Flatbread: For meat lovers, this flatbread includes sausage, salami, coppa, red sauce, mozzarella, red onion, and fresh oregano.
Best Lunch Spots Asheville: Hearty Mains at The Exchange
For those craving something more substantial, The Exchange’s menu of burgers and sandwiches offers hearty and delicious options.
- Exchange Burger: A grilled 6 oz. patty topped with shredded lettuce, tomato, red onion, and American cheese on a toasted bun.
- Bacon Burger: This burger includes a grilled 6 oz. patty with bacon-onion jam, Ashe Co. cheddar, house dill pickles, and roasted garlic aioli.
- Restoration Smashburger: Two seared patties with caramelized onion Dijonnaise, American cheese, pickles, and shredded lettuce.
- Crispy Trout Po’ Boy: A unique take on the traditional po’ boy, featuring cornmeal-crusted trout, sprouts, pickles, crispy shallots, and preserved lemon aioli.
- Short Rib French Dip: Braised short ribs, Swiss cheese, seared onions, bourbon jus, and Lusty Monk mustard on a sandwich roll.
Each sandwich and burger is served with fries, with the option to upgrade to truffle fries for an additional $3.
Sweet Endings to Your Lunch
No meal is complete without dessert, and The Exchange offers sweet treats to satisfy your cravings.
- Brownie Sundae: Rich brownie served with mint swirl and vanilla ice cream.
- Fried Peach Hand Pie: Served with salted caramel ice cream, this dessert is a southern favorite.
- Mango Sorbet: A vegan and gluten-free option, topped with toasted coconut for a refreshing finish to your meal.
Casual and Business Lunch Spots in Asheville
The Exchange’s versatile menu and inviting ambiance make it suitable for both casual and business lunch meetings. With a variety of dishes ranging from light salads to hearty sandwiches, there’s something to suit every preference. The restaurant’s attentive service and relaxed atmosphere provide the perfect backdrop for conversations, whether you’re catching up with friends or discussing business.
Why The Exchange Tops the List of Asheville Lunch Spots
Asheville’s culinary scene is rich and varied, and The Exchange offers an experience that perfectly captures the city’s love for fresh ingredients, creative dishes, and welcoming settings. With its diverse menu, outdoor seating, and dog-friendly environment, The Exchange is an ideal lunch spot for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re in search of a casual bite, a business lunch venue, or a dog-friendly patio, The Exchange has you covered with its blend of delicious food and inviting atmosphere.
