Chai Pani is an indian street food restaurant in South Slope, Asheville.
Meherwan Irani's Chai Pani opened in 2009 and won the 2022 James Beard Outstanding Restaurant award. Moved May 2024 to 32 Banks Ave on the South Slope.
Signature dishes: Sloppy Jai, Kale pakoras, Bhel puri
Must order: The Sloppy Jai (Indian sloppy joe with a Punjabi spice mix), plus a plate of kale pakoras.
Tip: Walk-in lunches Mon-Fri are fastest; weekend dinners get a 60-90 minute wait without a reservation.
Address: 32 Banks Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Ashleigh Shanti's Good Hot Fish opened January 2024 upstairs at Burial Beer's South Slope campus (Buxton at Collier) as a Black Appalachian fish fry counter.
Signature: Fried catfish basket, Hush puppies, Slaw dog
Order: The fried catfish sandwich on white bread with tartar, or the fish plate with hush puppies and sides.
Tip: Order at the counter; take your basket downstairs to Burial's beer garden. Limited indoor seating upstairs.
Little Chango on Coxe Avenue in Asheville earned a 2025 Michelin Bib Gourmand for its Pan-Latin small plates. Empanadas, arepas, and a tight wine list.
Signature: Empanadas, Arepas, Mojo grilled chicken
Order: The empanada flight and the arepas con carne mechada (shredded beef).
Tip: Walk-up only at the bar, reservations on Resy for tables. Small room, arrive at opening for best chance.
Heidi Bass's Mother on Short Coxe Avenue in Asheville earned a 2025 Michelin Bib Gourmand. Editor pick on TableJourney with hours, address and what to order.
Signature: Sourdough sandwiches, Country loaf, Seasonal salads
Order: Whatever sandwich is on rotation, plus a take-home loaf of country sourdough.
Tip: Sourdough loaves sell out by lunch on weekends; arrive at opening for bread. Wine bar opens later.
Luminosa inside the Flat Iron Hotel in Asheville earned both a Michelin Green Star and a Bib Gourmand in the 2025 Michelin Guide American South, one of three.
Signature: Wood-fired pizzas, House-made pastas, Wood-grilled fish
Order: Whatever the wood-fired oven is running, plus a hand-cut pasta and the day's whole fish.
Tip: Book on OpenTable through the Indigo Road site. The bar takes walk-ins and serves the full menu.
John Fleer's Rhubarb on Pack Square has served wood-fired modern Southern since 2013. Fleer is a multi-time James Beard Best Chef Southeast nominee.
Signature: Wood-fired flatbreads, Whole roasted fish, Sunday Supper
Order: Whatever the wood oven is running, plus the Sunday Supper family-style menu when offered.
Tip: Book on the restaurant's reservation page. Dinner runs Thursday through Monday from 17:00.
Ashleigh Shanti's Good Hot Fish opened January 2024 upstairs at Burial Beer's South Slope campus (Buxton at Collier) as a Black Appalachian fish fry counter.
Signature: Fried catfish basket, Hush puppies, Slaw dog
Order: The fried catfish sandwich on white bread with tartar, or the fish plate with hush puppies and sides.
Tip: Order at the counter; take your basket downstairs to Burial's beer garden. Limited indoor seating upstairs.
Little Chango on Coxe Avenue in Asheville earned a 2025 Michelin Bib Gourmand for its Pan-Latin small plates. Empanadas, arepas, and a tight wine list.
Signature: Empanadas, Arepas, Mojo grilled chicken
Order: The empanada flight and the arepas con carne mechada (shredded beef).
Tip: Walk-up only at the bar, reservations on Resy for tables. Small room, arrive at opening for best chance.
Heidi Bass's Mother on Short Coxe Avenue in Asheville earned a 2025 Michelin Bib Gourmand. Editor pick on TableJourney with hours, address and what to order.
Signature: Sourdough sandwiches, Country loaf, Seasonal salads
Order: Whatever sandwich is on rotation, plus a take-home loaf of country sourdough.
Tip: Sourdough loaves sell out by lunch on weekends; arrive at opening for bread. Wine bar opens later.
Crusco in the River Arts District opened in summer 2025 from Kat Kearney and former Cucina 24 staff. Editor pick on TableJourney with hours, address and what.
Signature: Hand-rolled pastas, Wood-grilled meats, Seasonal antipasti
Order: Whatever pasta the kitchen is running, plus a glass off the food-friendly wine list.
Tip: Book on the restaurant's site. Dinner runs Wednesday through Sunday from 17:00. Bar walk-ins for cocktails.
