Top Restaurants Downtown Asheville: A Culinary Journey through the City’s Best Eats
Asheville, North Carolina, has been hailed as a culinary gem in the Southeast—celebrated for its farm-to-table ethos, inventive chefs, and a charming downtown brimming with inviting eateries. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely brunch, a quick yet satisfying lunch, or a memorable dinner paired with a remarkable ambiance, downtown Asheville delivers. The city’s dining scene is a tapestry of flavors, from Southern staples reimagined to globally inspired fare.
In this blog, we’ll explore the top restaurants in downtown Asheville for brunch, standout lunch spots, and exceptional dinner destinations. We’ll also introduce you to one particular establishment that stands out for its dinner service—The Exchange—a place that truly embodies the spirit of Asheville’s vibrant food culture.
Top Restaurants Downtown Asheville for Brunch
Brunch in Asheville is more than a meal; it’s a weekend ritual. Locals and visitors alike flock to the numerous bistros and cafés around the city center to sample indulgent plates and sip on craft cocktails. Many of these brunch spots take inspiration from the region’s agricultural abundance, incorporating local produce and artisanal meats into inventive menus. Imagine biting into flaky biscuits smothered in farm-fresh gravy or enjoying creamy grits and eggs sourced from nearby farms.
What defines the top restaurants downtown Asheville for brunch? It’s all about atmosphere, quality ingredients, and that signature warmth and hospitality Asheville is known for. Some brunch havens are nestled in historic buildings, while others boast bright, modern interiors. The common thread? Bold flavors and heartfelt cooking that turns every dish into a memorable start to your day.
Top Lunch Restaurants Downtown Asheville
Come midday, Asheville’s best lunch spots shine with grab-and-go bites and sit-down meals that leave you energized for the afternoon. The top lunch restaurants downtown Asheville excel at balancing convenience with quality. Many feature seasonal menus that highlight the freshest produce, often including daily specials designed around what’s currently thriving on local farms.
From gourmet sandwich shops layering house-cured meats and artisanal cheeses to plant-centric eateries crafting hearty grain bowls and crisp salads, lunch in Asheville feels like a curated experience rather than a hurried break. Expect healthy options right alongside comfort foods, allowing you to choose your own lunch adventure. Cozy dining rooms and inviting patios set the scene for a relaxing lunch before you continue exploring the city’s boutiques, galleries, and breweries.
Dinner at One of the Top Restaurants Downtown Asheville: The Exchange
As dusk settles over the Blue Ridge Mountains, downtown Asheville’s dining scene comes alive with clinking glasses and lively conversation. Among the top restaurants downtown Asheville for dinner, The Exchange stands tall—particularly if you value fresh ingredients, inventive dishes, and a setting that reflects Asheville’s creative spirit.
The Exchange operates Monday through Saturday from 4pm to 10pm, and on Sundays from 4pm to 9pm. While this timeframe focuses on dinner service, it’s the perfect slot to savor an unforgettable evening meal. When you step into The Exchange, expect a charming atmosphere that balances rustic touches with modern elegance. The friendly staff, knowledgeable about both the dinner menu and Asheville’s culinary landscape, is eager to guide you through a dining experience that encapsulates the city’s gastronomic essence.
Top Restaurants Downtown Asheville with a Patio
When the weather cooperates—sunny skies, mild breezes, and the soft hum of downtown—the lure of dining outdoors is irresistible. Luckily, there are numerous top restaurants downtown Asheville with a patio to choose from. Alfresco dining allows you to soak up the city’s energy, watch passersby wander along the sidewalks, and revel in Asheville’s eclectic vibe.
Many of these patio-centric restaurants embrace local flora and greenery, creating garden-like environments where you can relax under string lights as you taste dishes bursting with the flavors of the region. Outdoor heaters extend the patio season, ensuring you can enjoy fresh air dining well into cooler months. It’s an immersive way to experience Asheville’s culinary scene: taste, smell, see, and feel the city all at once.
Best Restaurants Downtown Asheville: Introducing The Exchange
The Exchange has earned its place among the best restaurants downtown Asheville by maintaining high standards of service and quality. What sets it apart? An unwavering commitment to using local, seasonal ingredients and showcasing them in creative, satisfying dishes. The ambiance invites leisurely dining—no rush, just a chance to immerse yourself in Asheville’s culinary traditions and contemporary innovations.
The Exchange’s menu is a well-rounded offering, from hearty salads and shareable appetizers to comforting entrees and delectable desserts. Each category caters to various cravings and dietary preferences. With vegetarian and gluten-free (VG/GF) options abundant, The Exchange ensures inclusivity without compromising flavor. Let’s take a closer look at their menu to see why it deserves your attention.
The Exchange: A Closer Look at the Menu
Salads:
- Mixed Greens Salad (VG/GF) – A vivid mix of local greens, creamy goat cheese, crunchy toasted pecans, and pickled red onion, all tossed in a balanced red wine vinaigrette.
- Kale Salad (V/GF) – Bright mandarins, pickled shallots, spiced pumpkin seeds, and a fig dressing lend a sweet-savory profile that’s both nourishing and exciting.
- Caesar Salad – Classic yet elevated, with creamy anchovy dressing, crunchy garlic croutons, and shaved Parmesan.
- Chopped Salad (VG/GF) – Romaine, red onion, tomato, blue cheese, and farm egg with ranch dressing. A perfect example of a simple salad done right.
To add even more substance, you can customize any salad with grilled or fried chicken (+8) or seared shrimp (+8). It’s these thoughtful options that allow diners to tailor their meals to personal tastes and dietary needs.
Shareables:
- Burrata – Creamy burrata served with grilled focaccia, red onion jam, plumped figs, and local honey. An exquisite sweet and savory balance that begs to be shared.
- Deviled Eggs (VG/GF) – A Southern favorite elevated with pickled mustard seeds, paprika, and chives. Perfectly portioned and packed with flavor.
- Crispy Brussels (VG/GF) – Brussels sprouts caramelized with orange-garlic honey and sprinkled with toasted benne seeds—an inventive twist on a veggie staple.
- Truffle Fries (VG/GF) – A comforting, fragrant dish of Parmesan-dusted fries served with roasted garlic and caramelized onion aioli.
- Chicken Quesadilla – Featuring Springer Mountain chicken, black beans, shredded cheese, chipotle aioli, and pico de gallo for a fun, approachable shareable.
- Charcuterie – A rotating selection of local cured meats, cheeses, and preserved vegetables served with rosemary crackers, Lusty Monk mustard, and strawberry jam from Imladris Farms. This plate captures Asheville’s devotion to artisanal products.
Burgers and Handhelds:
- Fried Green Tomato BLT – A Southern twist on the classic BLT, pairing crispy fried green tomatoes with bacon and yogurt remoulade.
- Exchange Burger – A 6 oz. patty with shredded lettuce, tomato, red onion, American cheese, and Duke’s mayo—a simple, comforting staple.
- Bacon Burger – The same foundational goodness as the Exchange Burger but enhanced with bacon-onion jam, cheddar, house dill pickles, and roasted garlic aioli.
- Restoration Smashburger – Two seared patties, caramelized onion Dijonnaise, American cheese, and pickles on shredded lettuce—a truly indulgent choice.
- BBQ Smashburger – Double patties with cheddar, bacon, jalapeño, pickled red onion, and house BBQ sauce for those who crave smoky, spicy flavors.
- Fried or Grilled Chicken Sandwich – Hot sauce-buttermilk batter, dill pickles, shredded lettuce, and Alabama white sauce yield a tangy, crunchy delight.
- Short Rib Cheesesteak – Beer-braised short ribs, peppers and onions, house cheese wiz, and a toasted hoagie roll—a lavish twist on a Philly classic.
Entrees:
- Carolina Gold Mushroom Risotto (VG/GF) – Roasted maitake, oyster, and shiitake mushrooms accompany Carolina Gold rice, grilled broccoli, garlic confit, and crispy Parmesan. An earthy, comforting vegetarian entrée.
- Shrimp & Grits (GF) – A must-try dish in the South, featuring blackened shrimp, jalapeño grits, seared bok choy, country ham, and a hot sauce beurre blanc. Bold, briny, and utterly delicious.
- Roasted Chicken Breast (GF) – Springer Mountain chicken breast served over duck fat mashed potatoes, bacon-braised greens, and pickled red onions in a rich chicken jus. Traditional, hearty, and satisfying.
- Sriracha-Teriyaki Glazed Chicken (GF) – Carolina Gold rice, seasonal vegetables, yuzu aioli, and sriracha-teriyaki glaze create a fusion of flavors that pay homage to global influences and local produce.
Desserts:
- Chocolate Cake – Whipped cream and chocolate sauce top this decadent slice.
- Brownie Sundae – Cookies and cream ice cream, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce on a warm brownie.
- Caramel Apple Pie – Caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream transform a classic dessert into a comforting finale.
- Fresh Baked Cookies – A rotating selection ensures you might try something new each visit.
Why The Exchange Is One of the Best Restaurants Downtown Asheville
What makes The Exchange special among Asheville’s best? Start with the menu: a careful balance of Southern classics and contemporary riffs, highlighting local ingredients and flavors. Then consider the atmosphere: warm, inviting, and attentive to detail. The staff at The Exchange understands the city’s culinary heritage and modern flair, guiding guests through a menu that captures the essence of Asheville’s thriving food scene.
While The Exchange might not serve brunch or lunch, it shines during the evening hours—offering the perfect dinner at one of the top restaurants downtown Asheville. If you’ve spent the day exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway, touring the Biltmore Estate, or checking out Asheville’s eclectic street art, settling in for an evening meal at The Exchange is the ideal way to end the day. Pair your entrée with a local craft beer or a regional wine, let the flavors linger, and savor the moment.
The Exchange also fits seamlessly into Asheville’s ethos of sustainable, community-driven dining. By sourcing local ingredients and celebrating regional traditions, they honor the city’s culinary roots. That sense of place is palpable with every bite, making The Exchange not just a restaurant, but an Asheville experience.
Enjoying the Full Downtown Asheville Dining Experience
To fully appreciate the city’s culinary wonders, plan a day that moves from brunch to lunch and finally dinner at a spot like The Exchange. Start your morning with a leisurely brunch at a cozy café—enjoy a latte, a biscuit sandwich, or avocado toast topped with pickled veggies and microgreens. Next, find a top lunch restaurant downtown Asheville where you can savor a locally sourced salad, a grain bowl, or a sandwich featuring heritage pork and pungent local cheese.
As evening falls, book a table at The Exchange to indulge in shrimp and grits or a Carolina Gold Mushroom Risotto. If the weather is fine, scout out another of Asheville’s top restaurants with a patio for pre-dinner drinks or post-dinner desserts. The city thrives on culinary variety, and each meal brings its own delights.
Finding Your Own Favorites
While The Exchange is a standout destination, part of the fun of exploring Asheville’s dining scene is discovering your own personal favorites. Perhaps you’ll be charmed by a tiny bakery tucked into a historic building or find a hole-in-the-wall taco joint that speaks to your soul. Asheville encourages culinary exploration, and locals are always happy to share their recommendations.
When traveling, remember that many restaurants in Asheville embrace seasonality. Menus may change with the harvest, and specials appear and disappear to reflect the rhythms of local farms. This keeps the dining experience fresh—no two visits are exactly alike.
Savoring Asheville’s Culinary Landscape
Downtown Asheville is a gastronomic playground. With so many top-tier options for brunch, lunch, and dinner, it’s impossible to sample everything in a single visit. Instead, take your time, plan multiple meals, and don’t shy away from trying new things. Whether you’re savoring fluffy biscuits and gravy at brunch, grabbing a quick yet fulfilling lunch before exploring local shops, or settling in for a memorable dinner at The Exchange, you’ll find the city’s culinary culture front and center.
In the end, the top restaurants downtown Asheville share a common thread: a commitment to quality, creativity, and community. The Exchange exemplifies these values in its every dish and interaction, ensuring that your evening meal is more than just sustenance—it’s a tribute to Asheville’s rich gastronomic tapestry. As you sip, savor, and share bites beneath the Blue Ridge sky, you’ll realize that Asheville’s food scene is a key ingredient in what makes this city so unforgettable.
