Asheville punches well above its weight for food. The city has attracted talented chefs drawn by the quality of local ingredients and the creative spirit of the place, and the result is a restaurant scene that rivals cities many times its size.
Tupelo Honey Cafe on College Street is a local institution serving upscale Southern favorites -- fried green tomatoes over grits, fried peanut butter and honey sandwiches, and breaded chicken. Expect a wait on weekends, especially for brunch. Sit outside to people-watch along one of Asheville's liveliest streets.
Early Girl Eatery on Wall Street serves Southern food with ingredients sourced from local suppliers when possible. The window seats offer a view of Prichard Park where downtown dwellers congregate. Popular for weekend brunch -- plan for a 45-minute wait.
Jerusalem Garden Cafe on Patton Avenue is a fun place with great Middle Eastern food and belly dancing in the evenings. The couscous and vegetables are excellent, and the salads are generous.
The Laughing Seed Cafe on Wall Street is one of the best vegetarian restaurants in the South. Even committed meat-eaters come away impressed.
The Chocolate Fetish downtown is a revelation for anyone whose chocolate experience starts and ends with mass-market brands. The dark chocolate truffles are the standout.
For a more casual meal outside downtown, Moose Cafe near the Farmer's Market on Brevard Road serves excellent Southern cooking -- the biscuits and fried chicken are consistently good. Combine a visit with a stop at the nearby NC Arboretum.