The Exchange: The Best Asheville Restaurant for Every Occasion
Nestled in the heart of Asheville at The Restoration Hotel, The Exchange is a standout dining destination, offering an elevated experience for brunch, lunch, dinner, and everything in between. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely brunch on the patio, a business lunch with colleagues, or an intimate dinner with friends, The Exchange delivers an unforgettable dining experience. With its diverse menu, handcrafted cocktails, and inviting atmosphere, it’s easy to see why The Exchange has become the best Asheville restaurant for every meal of the day.
Asheville Restaurant for Brunch: A Perfect Start to Your Day
If you’re searching for an exceptional Asheville restaurant for brunch, The Exchange is a must-visit. With a cozy atmosphere and a menu that leans into both classic breakfast and innovative brunch creations, The Exchange offers everything you need to kick off your day with flavor.
For a hearty start, try The Restoration Breakfast, featuring two eggs any style, bacon or sausage, and a choice of jalapeño grits or hash browns, accompanied by a fluffy black pepper biscuit. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, the Vanilla Bean French Toast is a standout, topped with strawberry-tamarind butter and spiced cashews, giving a unique twist to a breakfast classic. The Biscuits & Gravy are another savory favorite, with flaky black pepper biscuits, rich sausage gravy, and two eggs any style for a comforting, Southern-inspired dish.
For those seeking a savory, protein-packed meal, the Braised Duck Hash is a decadent option, combining tender duck with sweet potatoes, pancetta, and crispy onions. Or go for the Loaded Hashbrowns, which are perfectly crispy and topped with breakfast sausage, Ashe Co. cheddar, pickled jalapeños, onions, and two eggs any style.
With so many delicious breakfast items on offer, The Exchange truly embodies what makes an Asheville restaurant for brunch so special—fresh ingredients, creative dishes, and a welcoming space to enjoy a leisurely morning. Of course, no brunch is complete without a delicious cocktail. Pair your meal with a refreshing Greyhound Saint or the flavorful Strawberry Mule for a brunch experience that’s as vibrant as the dishes themselves.
Asheville Restaurant for Lunch: Satisfying Midday Meals at The Exchange
When it comes to a great Asheville restaurant for lunch, The Exchange is hard to beat. Offering a variety of mouth-watering dishes, it’s the perfect spot for a casual lunch with friends or a professional meeting over a satisfying meal. The lunch menu caters to a wide range of tastes, from light salads to hearty sandwiches and burgers.
Salad lovers will adore options like the Mixed Greens Salad, which combines local greens, goat cheese, toasted pecans, pickled peaches, and a blueberry vinaigrette. For a more substantial meal, the Short Rib French Dip offers tender braised short ribs with Swiss cheese, seared onions, bourbon jus, and Lusty Monk mustard. All sandwiches come with fries, but you can upgrade to the decadent Truffle Fries for an extra treat.
Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a long lunch, The Exchange’s laid-back atmosphere and flavorful menu make it the best lunch spot in Asheville for a satisfying midday meal.
Asheville Restaurant for Dinner: Elevated Evening Dining
When the sun sets, The Exchange transforms into one of the best Asheville restaurants for dinner. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just enjoying a night out, The Exchange offers an inviting and intimate atmosphere paired with an exceptional dinner menu.
The dinner menu at The Exchange features a mix of creative dishes and familiar favorites. Start your meal with shareables like the creamy Burrata served with house focaccia, charred peach, and tomato bruschetta. For mains, diners can choose from a variety of entrees, including the rich and flavorful Shrimp & Grits. This Southern classic is elevated with blackened shrimp, jalapeño grits, seared okra, and hot sauce beurre blanc.
The Seared Sunburst Trout is another standout dish, featuring local trout served with field pea succotash, Alabama white sauce, summer herbs, and pickled shallot. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, the Beer-Braised Short Ribs with tallow-roasted potatoes, Josh’s carrots, cherry-hazelnut gremolata, and beer jus offers a satisfying end to your day.
With its inviting atmosphere, locally-sourced ingredients, and expertly crafted dishes, it’s easy to see why The Exchange is considered one of the best restaurants in Asheville for dinner.
Asheville Restaurant with Handmade Desserts: Sweet Endings at The Exchange
One of the highlights of dining at The Exchange is the restaurant’s selection of handmade desserts, making it the best Asheville restaurant for dessert. Whether you’re ending your meal with something sweet or just stopping by for a treat, the dessert menu is full of tempting options.
The Rich Chocolate Cake is a decadent choice, featuring layers of moist cake, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream. If you’re looking for something a little more playful, try the Brownie Sundae with a refreshing mint swirl and vanilla ice cream. The Fried Peach Hand Pie, served with salted caramel ice cream, is a crowd favorite, combining the best of seasonal flavors in one delightful bite.
For those who prefer something lighter, the Mango Sorbet with toasted coconut is a refreshing option that perfectly balances sweetness and texture.
Asheville Restaurant for Drinks: Signature Cocktails and More
A great meal is always complemented by great drinks, and The Exchange offers some of the best cocktails in Asheville. Whether you’re stopping in for lunch, dinner, or simply for drinks, the bar menu at The Exchange has something for everyone.
Signature cocktails like the Restoration OF—made with Old Scout barrel-proof bourbon, demerara, and bitters—are perfect for bourbon lovers. For something a bit lighter, the Brittany’s Bad Habit, featuring Tito’s, grapefruit, pomegranate, ginger, lime, and soda, is a crowd favorite. For a touch of spice, try the Pepo, which combines tequila, watermelon syrup, muddled jalapeños, sage, lime, and bitters for a refreshingly bold cocktail.
If you prefer non-alcoholic options, The Exchange offers refreshing drinks like the Clear Morning, a spritz made with Ghia Amaro, lemon, grapefruit, and soda.
Asheville Restaurant with a Patio: Outdoor Dining at The Exchange
There’s nothing quite like enjoying a meal outdoors, and The Exchange boasts one of the best Asheville restaurants with a patio. Whether you’re sipping on a cocktail or sharing a meal with friends, the patio offers a relaxed atmosphere that allows you to soak in the beauty of Asheville while dining.
Perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner, the patio at The Exchange offers comfortable seating with plenty of space for both small and large groups. It’s an ideal setting for those looking to enjoy Asheville’s scenic views while indulging in a great meal.
Asheville Restaurant for Large Groups: The Perfect Spot for Gatherings
Whether you’re planning a family get-together, a celebration with friends, or a business lunch, The Exchange is one of the best Asheville restaurants for large groups. The spacious dining area and outdoor patio provide plenty of room to accommodate groups of all sizes. The Exchange also offers group dining options, ensuring that everyone at your table enjoys a customized dining experience.
For group-friendly dishes, consider ordering a selection of shareables, like the Crispy Brussels with orange-garlic honey and toasted benne seeds or the Charcuterie board featuring local cured meats, cheeses, and preserved vegetables.
The Exchange’s team is dedicated to providing excellent service, ensuring that your group has a seamless and enjoyable dining experience, whether you’re hosting a casual lunch or a formal dinner.
Best Asheville Restaurant: Why The Exchange Should Be Your First Choice
When it comes to where to eat in Asheville, The Exchange stands out as the best choice for brunch, lunch, dinner, drinks, and dessert. With its diverse menu, comfortable atmosphere, and exceptional service, The Exchange offers an all-around fantastic dining experience.
Here’s why The Exchange is considered the best Asheville restaurant:
- Varied Menu: From fresh salads and hearty burgers to handcrafted cocktails and decadent desserts, The Exchange offers a wide selection of dishes to suit every palate.
- Inviting Atmosphere: Whether you’re dining indoors or enjoying the fresh air on the patio, The Exchange provides a warm and welcoming environment for all guests.
- Locally Sourced Ingredients: The restaurant prides itself on using local ingredients, ensuring that every dish is fresh and flavorful.
- Great for Groups: With spacious seating and group dining options, The Exchange is the perfect spot for gatherings of all sizes.
If you’re looking for the best Asheville restaurant to enjoy a great meal, look no further than The Exchange at The Restoration Hotel. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just enjoying a night out, The Exchange promises an unforgettable dining experience.
