Best Restaurant in Asheville: The Exchange at The Restoration
Nestled in the vibrant heart of downtown Asheville, The Exchange at The Restoration has quickly become a standout dining destination, captivating locals and visitors alike with its warm ambiance, commitment to quality, and an impressive menu that showcases the best of farm-to-table dining. Whether you’re searching for the best brunch restaurant in Asheville, a perfect spot for lunch, or an exceptional dinner experience, The Exchange delivers on every front. Here’s why The Exchange should top your list of must-visit restaurants in Asheville.
Best Brunch Restaurant in Asheville
Brunch at The Exchange is not just a meal—it’s an experience. The diverse brunch menu is designed to cater to a variety of tastes, ensuring that every guest is satisfied. The combination of fresh, local ingredients and innovative dishes makes The Exchange the best brunch restaurant in Asheville.
Highlights of the brunch menu include:
- Protein Bowl (GF): This hearty option is a balanced mix of red lentils, breakfast sausage, spinach, feta, and two eggs any style, perfect for starting your day with a boost of energy.
- Vanilla Bean French Toast (VG): For those with a sweet tooth, the Vanilla Bean French Toast served with strawberry-tamarind butter and spiced cashews is an indulgent treat.
- Braised Duck Hash (GF): A unique dish featuring tender braised duck legs, sweet potatoes, pancetta, and crispy onions, topped with two eggs any style, for a rich and satisfying brunch option.
- Avocado Toast (VG): A modern classic, the Avocado Toast is enhanced with two poached eggs, scallions, coriander, and a cumin vinaigrette for a zesty twist.
With a selection of sides like bacon, hash browns, and black pepper biscuits, diners can customize their plates to create the perfect brunch experience. Whether you’re dining with friends or enjoying a leisurely solo meal, The Exchange is the place to be for brunch in Asheville.
Best Lunch Restaurant in Asheville
The Exchange also shines as the best lunch restaurant in Asheville, offering a menu that’s both diverse and packed with flavor. For those seeking lighter fare, the Mixed Greens Salad (VG/GF) with goat cheese, toasted pecans, pickled peaches, and blueberry vinaigrette is a fresh and vibrant option. The Cobb Salad (GF), with its combination of romaine, avocado, farm egg, blue cheese, bacon, and chicken, delivers a classic yet satisfying lunch choice.
The lunch menu also includes shareable dishes that are perfect for groups:
- Truffle Fries (VG): These crispy, golden fries are topped with parmesan and served with a roasted garlic and caramelized onion aioli, making them an irresistible side or starter.
- Burrata (VG): Served with house-made focaccia and charred peach and tomato bruschetta, this dish offers a creamy, rich burst of flavor that pairs wonderfully with any main course.
- Crispy Brussels (VG/GF): Coated in an orange-garlic honey glaze and sprinkled with toasted benne seeds, these brussels sprouts are a must-try for vegetable lovers.
For a heartier lunch, the Exchange Burger and Short Rib French Dip are popular choices. The burger, made with a grilled 6 oz. short rib and chuck patty, comes loaded with Ashe Co. Cheddar, bourbon-pickled jalapeños, and Lusty Monk mustard. Meanwhile, the French Dip features tender braised short ribs with Swiss cheese and seared onions, served with a rich bourbon jus for dipping.
Best Dinner Restaurant in Asheville
As the sun sets over Asheville, The Exchange transforms into the best dinner restaurant in Asheville, offering an elevated dining experience that showcases the finest local produce and meats. The dinner menu is curated to include standout dishes that highlight the farm-to-table philosophy that Asheville is known for.
Dishes worth savoring include:
- Carolina Gold Mushroom Risotto (VG/GF): A symphony of flavors featuring roasted maitake mushrooms, local shiitakes and oysters, grilled zucchini, garlic confit, and crispy Grana Padano. This dish is a testament to The Exchange’s commitment to using fresh, local ingredients.
- Seared Sunburst Trout (GF): A nod to the region’s rich fishing tradition, this dish is accompanied by field pea succotash, Alabama white sauce, and pickled shallots, creating a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
- Beer-Braised Short Ribs: These tender short ribs are paired with tallow-roasted potatoes, Josh’s carrots, and a cherry-hazelnut gremolata, all topped with a savory beer jus that adds depth to the dish.
- Grilled NY Strip (GF): For steak lovers, the grilled NY strip, served with sour cream mashed potatoes, wilted kale, and soy-pickled mushrooms, is a dish that epitomizes fine dining.
Each entree at The Exchange is designed to highlight the best seasonal ingredients and flavors of the region, making dinner here an experience that celebrates both the land and the culinary talent in Asheville.
Best Farm to Table Restaurant in Asheville
What truly sets The Exchange apart as the best farm-to-table restaurant in Asheville is its dedication to sourcing local ingredients. The team at The Exchange works closely with local farmers and artisans to ensure that each dish is fresh, flavorful, and reflective of Asheville’s rich culinary heritage.
This commitment to local sourcing is evident in every bite, from the pickled strawberries in the Mixed Greens Salad to the local roasted mushrooms in the Caramelized Onion & Roasted Mushroom Flatbread. The attention to detail and emphasis on seasonal produce ensures that the menu remains dynamic and engaging throughout the year.
The charcuterie board, featuring a rotating selection of local cured meats, cheeses, and preserved vegetables, is a testament to The Exchange’s dedication to showcasing the best of what Asheville has to offer. Served with house-made lavash, Lusty Monk mustard, and Imladris Farms strawberry jam, it’s an appetizer that perfectly embodies the farm-to-table ethos.
A Dining Experience Like No Other
Whether you’re in the mood for a leisurely brunch, a quick lunch with friends, or an elegant dinner, The Exchange at The Restoration delivers on all fronts. With its warm, inviting ambiance, attentive service, and a menu that highlights the very best of Asheville’s local produce and culinary ingenuity, it’s no wonder that The Exchange is considered the best restaurant in Asheville.
For those who value quality, creativity, and sustainability in their dining experiences, The Exchange is a must-visit. The restaurant’s commitment to supporting local farmers and artisans ensures that every meal not only tastes good but feels good, knowing that it’s part of a larger community effort to celebrate and sustain the region’s agricultural roots.
So, whether you’re planning a celebratory brunch, a casual lunch, or a romantic dinner, make your reservation at The Exchange and discover why it’s the best place to eat in Asheville. From farm-fresh salads to hearty entrees and delectable desserts, The Exchange offers a culinary journey that captures the essence of Asheville and leaves you craving your next visit.
