These are the 10 hottest restaurants in Asheville right now to try
Asheville’s dining scene continues to thrive, blending long-standing local favorites with a wave of exciting new openings.
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From elevated Southern comfort food to globally inspired small plates, the city offers something for every craving — and plenty of places worth planning a trip around.
Here are 10 of the hottest restaurants in Asheville right now.
Location: 400 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
Unassuming from the outside, The Admiral has built a loyal following for its inventive, globally inspired menu that changes frequently. Expect bold flavors, creative plating and a relaxed neighborhood vibe. As of this writing, they have a duck breast on the menu, served with morels, English peas, Potato Pave and Mizuna — I’m hoping it’s still there next time I’m in the “Paris of the South.”
Location: 417 Biltmore Ave #4f, Asheville, NC 28801
Location: 733 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
Location: 1994 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville, NC 28803
A breakfast and brunch institution, Biscuit Head is known for oversized biscuits (recognized by Southern Living as having some of the best in the South) and an over-the-top gravy bar. Expect Southern comfort food with a playful twist, from fried chicken biscuit sandwiches to sweet-and-savory jams. I’m still thinking about the biscuit drenched in pork sausage gravy I had when I went.
Location: 37 Paynes Way #7, Asheville, NC 28801
Set in a cozy stone-walled space, The Bull and Beggar delivers rustic dishes with a European lean. Expect house-made pastas and roasted meats, like the lasagna vedure al forno and veal saltimbocca. Just don’t Google what veal is.
Location: 32 Banks Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
A longtime Asheville favorite and 2022 James Beard Award winner for Outstanding Restaurant, Chai Pani brings bold, playful Indian street food to the heart of downtown. The menu is built for sharing, with dishes like samosa chaat, okra fries and kati rolls that balance spice, crunch and bright flavor. The tandoori chicken is on my list of must-try dishes next time I visit the highcountry.
Location: 13 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
A recipient of the James Beard Award for Outstanding Hospitality in 2022, Cúrate has helped define Asheville’s modern dining identity with its authentic Spanish tapas and bustling dining room. Guests line up for classics like patatas bravas, jamón ibérico and seasonal pintxos, paired with an extensive Spanish wine list. I love spicy food, so I’ll be ordering the patatas bravas (crispy fried potatoes, aioli, spicy tomato and pepper sauce) when I visit.
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Location: 10 Buxton Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
A newer concept drawing attention for Ashleigh Shanti’s playful take on seafood, Good Hot Fish focuses on fried fish, sandwiches and coastal-inspired plates, such as trout bologna and cheese and fish nuggets, served in a casual, high-energy setting. I’m guessing its version of a Bloomin’ Onion is better than the other one, but I’ll have to try it for myself to see.
Location: 1055 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
A neighborhood wine bar with a laid-back feel, Leo’s House of Thirst has quickly become a local hangout. The focus is on natural wines and small plates, like charred rapini, tuna carpaccio and steak tartare. There are nearly 30 wines by the glass to choose from alongside a handful of craft beer options, which means I’m sure I’ll find myself here at some point.
Location: 1829 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville, NC 28803
Location: 12 College St, Asheville, NC 28801
A cornerstone of Asheville’s Southern food scene, Tupelo Honey serves up elevated comfort classics like fried chicken, shrimp and grits and sweet potato pancakes. And it’s led by four-time James Beard Award semifinalist Eric Gabrynowicz. I’ve been to their locations in Charlotte and Asheville at least five times, but that doesn’t feel like enough.
Location: 7 SW Pack Sq, Asheville, NC 28801
Helmed by James Beard Award semifinalist Matt Dawes, Rhubarb focuses on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients with refined Appalachian influence. Think starters like scotched olives and duck wings, and entrees like wood-roasted half chicken and smoked brisket lasagna, which sounds like a winning combination of Southern barbecue and Italian comfort food.
Location: 121 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
One of Asheville’s newer additions, Ukiah brings a wood-fired, Japanese-inspired approach to the table. The menu leans into sushi, grilled skewers and other creative dishes like pork belly tonkotsu and beech mushroom tempura. Or you can shell out $85 for its tasting menu, which is “perfectly portioned for your table to enjoy.”
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