All Souls Pizza is a wood-fired pizza restaurant in River Arts District, Asheville.
All Souls Pizza in the River Arts District has run wood-fired pies on Clingman Avenue since 2013. Daily-changing seasonal pies, a large patio with kitchen.
Signature dishes: Wood-fired pies, Daily salads, Soft serve
Must order: Whatever the seasonal pie of the week is, plus the soft serve for dessert.
Tip: Walk-in only; arrive at opening or after 20:30 for the easiest seats. Closed Mondays.
Address: 175 Clingman Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Heiwa Shokudo on North Lexington is a longstanding downtown Japanese kitchen. Sushi, ramen, omakase, hot pot and hibachi in a casual downtown room.
Signature: Tonkotsu ramen, Omakase sushi, Hot pot
Order: The tonkotsu ramen, or the chef's omakase if you book ahead.
Tip: Walk-in friendly midweek. The sushi bar takes omakase by reservation 48 hours ahead.
Mela Indian on North Lexington Avenue in Asheville has been the downtown go-to for regional Indian cooking since 2007. Lunch buffet weekdays, full menu.
Signature: Lamb vindaloo, Chicken tikka masala, Vegetable thali
Order: The lamb vindaloo with garlic naan; the lunch buffet weekdays is one of Asheville's best deals.
Tip: Book on the operator site. The dining room is large; walk-ins generally get seated within 15 minutes.
Tupelo Honey opened on College Street in downtown Asheville in 2000 as an eclectic Southern cafe. The original location of what is now a regional chain.
Signature: Fried chicken biscuit, Shrimp and grits, Sweet potato pancakes
Order: The fried chicken biscuit with sausage gravy, plus the sweet potato pancakes for brunch.
Tip: Book on the operator's reservation page; weekend brunch waits run 60-90 minutes without one.
Early Girl Eatery on Wall Street in Asheville opened in 2001 and has been the downtown Southern breakfast benchmark since. Editor pick on TableJourney.
Signature: Sweet potato hash, Pimento cheese omelet, Stone-ground grits
Order: The sweet potato hash with two eggs, plus a side of stone-ground grits.
Tip: Walk-in only. Arrive at 08:00 or after 14:00 to skip the weekend queue.
Plant on Merrimon Avenue has run innovative organic plant-based cuisine in Asheville since 2011. Editor pick on TableJourney with hours and the must-order.
Signature: Coconut ceviche, Mushroom risotto, Raw chocolate torte
Order: The coconut ceviche to start, then the seasonal risotto and the raw chocolate torte.
Tip: Book on OpenTable. Wednesday and Sunday are the easiest nights. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Sovereign Remedies on North Market Street in Asheville pairs craft cocktails with modern American cooking in a multilevel historic building.
Signature: Bone marrow, Seasonal small plates, House pastas
Order: The bone marrow with sourdough.
Tip: Book a table on Resy. The downstairs bar takes walk-ins for the cocktail menu.
