Chai Pani is a dietary-friendly spot in South Slope, Asheville.
Meherwan Irani's Chai Pani at 32 Banks Ave on the South Slope (moved 2024) runs deep vegetarian Indian street food: bhel puri, kale pakoras, thalis, chaat.
Tip: Vegetarian menu has its own section. Walk-in lunches fastest; weekends 60-90 min without a reservation.
Address: 32 Banks Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Sunny Point Café on Haywood Road in West Asheville runs deep vegetarian options in its Michelin-recommended breakfast and lunch service. Editor pick.
Tip: Vegetarian section on the menu; the kitchen will adapt most plates. Garden produce drives the daily specials.
Mela Indian on North Lexington Avenue runs a deep vegetarian section across regional Indian cookery. Editor pick on TableJourney with hours and dietary notes.
Tip: Lunch buffet weekdays 11:30-14:30 is heavy on vegetarian options. Vegan ghee swaps available on request.
Posana on Biltmore Avenue is a dedicated gluten-free kitchen since 2009. Every dish on the menu is gluten-free; the kitchen runs as a contemporary American.
Tip: Book on the operator site. The Biltmore Park branch at 264 Thetford Street is a separate dedicated GF kitchen.
Biscuit Head on Haywood Road in West Asheville offers a dedicated gluten-free biscuit on the menu, made on a separate prep surface. Editor pick.
Tip: Ask the counter for the GF biscuit; the jam bar is naturally GF. Cross-contamination managed but not guaranteed.
OWL Bakery on Haywood Road runs limited daily gluten-free pastries (financiers, Squirrel Loaf seeded GF bread) alongside its naturally leavened sourdough.
Tip: GF pastries are not dedicated; some cross-contamination risk. Call ahead for severe celiacs.
Plant on Merrimon Avenue runs Asheville's standout vegan fine-dining room since 2011. Chef Jason Sellers was a 2024 James Beard semifinalist; Zagat named it.
Tip: Book on Resy; Wednesdays and Sundays are easiest. The raw chocolate torte is the cult dessert.
