We’ll start with the obvious: If you’re staying at our boutique Saluda hotel, you should dine at our Restaurant, Newman’s. It’s one of the best restaurants in western North Carolina. However, the popular food town of Asheville isn’t too far away, and there, you’ll find an incredible range of restaurants in Asheville, from James Beard Award winners to other head-turning establishments. They’re perfect on the days when Newman’s is closed or you happen to be in Asheville for the day.Â
Asheville has long been known for its creative spirit and mountain charm, but in recent years, it’s earned national attention for something else: its food. Restaurants in Asheville are turning heads far beyond the Blue Ridge, with chefs landing on James Beard shortlists and food critics praising the city’s bold, locally inspired flavors. Whether you’re in search of wood-fired Appalachian fare, boundary-pushing fine dining, or casual bites that spotlight the region’s ingredients, Asheville’s food scene is as dynamic as the mountain landscape that surrounds it.
Of course, food is only one (very important) part of your getaway. It provides the fuel you’ll need to enjoy all the other things to do in Western North Carolina. From nearby waterfall hikes and thrilling adventures in the Green River Gorge to rooftop cocktails in downtown Asheville, there’s no shortage of things to enjoy here. In between bites, make sure to explore art galleries, browse indie bookstores, or spend time at spots like the Biltmore Estate or the River Arts District in Asheville. From bold breweries to seasonal farmers markets, the entire area celebrates creativity, and food just happens to be one of the most delicious ways to experience it.
While Asheville restaurants are worth the drive, there’s something special about returning to the peace and comfort of the Orchard Inn in nearby Saluda. Tucked into the hills just south of the city, this refined mountain retreat is known not only for its views and hospitality, but also for its food. Newman’s Restaurant, the Inn’s on-site dining experience, is one of the best restaurants near Asheville, offering a hyper-seasonal menu in a relaxed but elevated setting. If you’re planning a culinary trip to the mountains, our boutique Saluda Hotel makes it easy to enjoy the best of both worlds. Book your mountain getaway today!
James Beard Awarded Restaurants in Asheville
If you’re planning a food-focused visit to the North Carolina mountains, you can’t miss Asheville. Restaurants in Asheville are among the best in the country, and dining here is as much about the experience as it is the flavor. From chef-driven tasting menus to inventive small plates and locally sourced classics, this is a city where creativity leads the way. Many Asheville restaurants showcase the region’s Appalachian heritage while incorporating global influences, resulting in meals that feel fresh, thoughtful, and deeply rooted in their surroundings.
This authenticity might just be what makes restaurants in Asheville so special, and it’s wonderful that the world is starting to notice. Asheville’s food scene has always been good, but recent James Beard recognitions of our local restaurants have only added fuel to Asheville’s culinary reputation as a powerhouse. James Beard Awards and nominations celebrate chefs who push boundaries and exemplify the best of their region. From warm hospitality to bold, ingredient-driven menus, the city’s James Beard-honored spots stand out for their commitment to both craft and community.
Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just love discovering new places to eat, these restaurants are worth adding to your Asheville itinerary. Dining in downtown Asheville can get busy, especially on weekends and during the peak travel seasons of summer and fall, so reservations are always a good idea. Below, we’ve listed some of the top-rated James Beard-recognized restaurants in Asheville.Â
Top James Beard-Recognized Restaurants in Asheville
- The Market Place, Chef William Dissen’s flagship, has long focused on sustainability and local sourcing. With a refined yet approachable menu, The Market Place continues to represent the spirit of Asheville’s evolving food culture. Chef Dissen was nominated in the Outstanding Chef category for the 2025 James Beard Awards, and the most Outstanding Restaurant in America in 2024. It’s a must when it comes to nabbing a table at top restaurants in Asheville.Â
- You’ll find another James Beard-nominated chef at Neng Jr’s, one of the top global-inspired restaurants in Asheville. The menu is centered on Filipino heritage and features an open kitchen, offering a truly immersive dining experience with just 18 seats. In 2025, Neng’s was nominated for Best Chef in the Southeast, while in 2023 it was nominated in the Best New Restaurant category of the James Beard Awards.Â
- Head to Good Hot Fish, home to a James-Beard-nominated chef for Best Chef in the Southeast in 2025. Here, you’ll find one of the best counter-service fish fry’s you’ve ever experienced. The classic recipes bring a welcome sense of nostalgia to your food experience in Asheville. Their menu is small but so well executed that you’ll have a hard time deciding whether to try their classic fish sandwich, their shrimpburger, or perhaps their hot seafood dip with fried saltines.Â
- If you’re a vegan, you’ll be thrilled to know that there’s a James Beard Award-recognized restaurant in Asheville for you! Plant is Food is home to Chef Jason Sellers, who was a semifinalist for the Best Chef in the Southeast award in 2024. Their scratch-made food is sensational, and perfect for vegans and non-vegans alike.Â
- Chai Pani, Chef Meherwan Irani’s beloved Indian street food restaurant, is a must-visit. Known for its chaat, bright spices, and approachable menu, Chai Pani took home the James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant in 2022 and remains one of the best restaurants in Asheville.
- Cúrate is a cornerstone of downtown Asheville restaurants and was the James Beard Award Winner in 2022 for Outstanding Hospitality. This Spanish tapas bar, helmed by Chef Katie Button, has earned national acclaim for its vibrant, expertly executed dishes. She was also nominated as one of the Best Chefs in America Southeast in 2022. Expect bold flavors, top-tier service, and a wine list that’s as thoughtful as the food.
- Finally, don’t miss grabbing a spot at Table, an early player in Asheville’s culinary rise. Table blends Southern ingredients with global technique in a stylish but relaxed downtown space. Chef Jacob Sessoms has received James Beard nods for his inventive and ingredient-focused cooking, making this a must among restaurants in Asheville.Â
When the last fork hits the plate, you’ll be glad to have the Orchard Inn waiting for you.
Another Exquisite Dining Experience Near Asheville
When you’re not dining at the celebrated restaurants in Asheville, there’s a fine culinary experience just down the road that’s worth planning your trip around. Located on-site at the Orchard Inn and Spa in Saluda, Newman’s Restaurant offers a refined, intimate alternative to the busy downtown Asheville restaurants. Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply looking to unwind with mountain views and an exceptional meal, Newman’s delivers one of the most memorable dining experiences in Western North Carolina.
Guests at the Inn start their mornings with a chef-crafted breakfast served daily at Newman’s Restaurant, featuring house-baked pastries and locally sourced ingredients that showcase the season’s best. This is included with every stay at our boutique hotel. On Sundays, an optional three-course gourmet brunch further elevates the experience, perfect for those who want to linger over good food and sweeping Blue Ridge views. It’s an elegant and delicious way to begin your day before heading off to explore Western North Carolina’s scenic hiking trails or the charming mountain towns nearby.
In the evening, Newman’s shines with a seasonal prix fixe dinner menu that highlights the creativity of our culinary team and the richness of local farms, often including ingredients from our own orchard and garden. Guests can dine in the cozy dining room or out on the terrace, where the fresh air and mountain backdrop set the stage for a relaxed yet elevated meal. Wine pairings from a carefully curated list add the perfect finishing touch.
Throughout the year, Newman’s Restaurant also hosts themed dining events, from Austrian wine dinners to our festive Charles Dickens Christmas dinners, making it a true standout among places to eat near Asheville. When you’re ready to balance your culinary tour of downtown Asheville restaurants with a slower, more intimate dining experience, Newman’s offers the perfect complement to your getaway. Book your stay at our luxury hotel in Saluda today!
