Asheville’s creative vibe and collaborative spirit have fueled the rapid growth of a thriving, eclectic restaurant scene. The small city in the mountains of western North Carolina has a remarkably large pool of talented chefs who source inspiration — as well as market-fresh ingredients — from the region’s tight-knit network of innovative farmers, foragers, and food artisans. Appalachian fare, Southern comfort food, and barbecue mingle with flavors from Asia, Europe, the Americas, and beyond, making for a riot of choices at mealtime.

As Asheville continues to rebuild and recover from the devastation of Tropical Storm Helene, the city’s restaurant scene remains in flux. Be sure to check with individual businesses before visiting to confirm days and hours of operation.

Removal from the Eater 18 does not mean a restaurant isn’t still great and won’t return in the future; it allows for new additions, keeping the 18 fresh, inclusive, and geographically representative. Map points are listed from north to south.