Modern Mexican, California-inspired$$$the-block
Hugo Ramirez's Limones on Eagle Street in Asheville opened in 2004 as a Mexican and Californian-inflected room. Editor pick on TableJourney with hours.
Signature: Mole poblano, Esquites, Carnitas
Order: The mole poblano served over chicken, plus an order of esquites for the table.
Tip: Book on OpenTable; bar seats first-come from 17:00. Closed Mondays.
Modern American, dedicated gluten-free$$$downtown
Posana on Biltmore Avenue in Asheville opened in 2009 as a dedicated gluten-free kitchen. Editor pick on TableJourney with hours, address and what to order.
Signature: Crab cakes, Trout almondine, Flourless chocolate torte
Order: The crab cakes, plus the flourless chocolate torte if you saved room.
Tip: Book on the restaurant page. A South Asheville Biltmore Park location at 264 Thetford Street is a separate kitchen.
Wood-fired pizza, seasonal$$river-arts-district
All Souls Pizza in the River Arts District has run wood-fired pies on Clingman Avenue since 2013. Daily-changing seasonal pies, a large patio with kitchen.
Signature: Wood-fired pies, Daily salads, Soft serve
Order: Whatever the seasonal pie of the week is, plus the soft serve for dessert.
Tip: Walk-in only; arrive at opening or after 20:30 for the easiest seats. Closed Mondays.
Japanese sushi and ramen$$downtown
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.
Indian, regional$$downtown
Mela Indian on North Lexington Avenue in Asheville has been the downtown go-to for regional Indian cooking since 2007. Lunch buffet weekdays, full menu.
Signature: Lamb vindaloo, Chicken tikka masala, Vegetable thali
Order: The lamb vindaloo with garlic naan; the lunch buffet weekdays is one of Asheville's best deals.
Tip: Book on the operator site. The dining room is large; walk-ins generally get seated within 15 minutes.
Southern, all-day$$downtown
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.