It’s no secret that Asheville’s food scene is fantastic. You can go out daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and eat incredible food made with the best local and seasonal ingredients. And when it comes to brunching, rest assured Ashevillians take their brunch game very seriously. 

From fried chicken biscuits and Wagyu steak & eggs to Mexican chilaquiles and biscuit donuts, you’ll find all sorts of classic and creative brunch dishes being served up around town. Don’t forget to top off your meal with a Bloody Mary or a sparkling mimosa!

There are so many excellent restaurants and cafes in Asheville it can be challenging to figure out where to dine. That’s why we’ve put together a list of our favorite brunch spots in Asheville for you. 

We have compiled a list of our favorite brunch places based on popularity among locals and tourists, the consistency in their menu over the years, the quality of the food and service, and, of course, the ambiance. Please make sure you also check our selection of the best off-the-tourist-track brunch spots in Asheville to find the hidden gems of our restaurant scene!

Don’t forget to check out our web story: The 17 Best Brunch Spots in Asheville

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The 16 Best Brunch Spots in Asheville

1. Sunny Point Café

Sunny Point Café is a family-owned, independent restaurant and one of the best places to eat in Asheville. It has something for everyone, everything tastes fantastic, and it offers one of the best breakfasts in town. 

They serve upscale comfort food and take pride in their made-from-scratch products and farm-to-table approach to food. They love fresh ingredients so much that they have a lovely urban vegetable garden next to the restaurant! 

It gets busy during the weekends, and they don’t take reservations. So, make sure to add wait time to your visit. They have many shaded areas to sit down and enjoy the West Asheville vibe and their beautiful garden. You can order items from the breakfast and lunch menu all day.

Some of the locals’ favorites are the Huevos Rancheros, the Mighty Good Breakfast, the Shrimp and Grits, and the Wakin’ and Bacon Burger. I love the Stuffed French Toast, the Pecan Crusted Fried Green Tomato Sandwich, the Bourbon Pecan Pie, and their bacon! 

They have a kids’ menu and well-behaved dogs are welcome. 

2. Vivian

Vivian is another fabulous, multi-awarded family-owned restaurant. It started in 2016 as the food truck Salt & Smoke. Today, it’s one of the best restaurants and one of the best Sunday brunch spots in Asheville. 

It’s in the River Arts District (RAD), a neighborhood known for its art studios and small trendy shops. Vivian’s food is fun, creative, and made with locally sourced ingredients. They claim to make “honest American food with big flavors that utilize the bountiful products of our region and the rich history of European cuisine.”  The result is the perfect blend of European and Southern flavors. I have yet to try something I don’t like! 

The space is cozy and comfortable. It has the vibe of a neighborhood restaurant, but it serves upscale food. The seasonal menu changes frequently and includes a rotating selection of craft cocktails. I love the Fisherman’s Breakfast, the Deep Fried Chicken Biscuit, and the Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake. 

Please make reservations as this very popular Asheville brunch spot can get crowded. 

3. UKIAH Japanese Smokehouse

UKIAH is one of the best places to eat in Asheville and one of the most original downtown Asheville restaurants. Located across the street from Asheville’s iconic music venue, The Orange Peel, UKIAH features a mix of indoor and outdoor seating, a large central bar, and a dog-friendly patio. 

In the words of its founders, UKIAH was born “out of a true passion for Japanese soul food and Southern BBQ (with a good cocktail on the side!).” The name spells “haiku” backward, reflecting a little bit on their approach to food: “structure and balance turned upside down.” 

Created by James Beard-nominated Chef/Owner Michael Lewis, UKIAH’s menu is designed to share between friends and family. To complement the menu, they also have a core and a seasonal cocktail menu. 

I love the Flash Fried Mushrooms, the Karaage Chicken & Waffles, and the Wagyu Ribeye Steak & Eggs. If you’re visiting Asheville, please take my advice: Don’t leave our city without eating at UKIAH because this place offers what is arguably the best brunch in Asheville! 

4. Abeja’s House Cafe

Abeja’s House Cafe is the go-to place for local families. It’s one of the best brunch spots in Asheville and has a broad menu full of great-tasting food and offers fast, friendly service. 

The owners are Mexican and have “a passion for blending recipes from different cultures with healthy ingredients.” The result is a solid, hearty breakfast and lunch menu with many surprising flavors and vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. 

They source quality local and mostly organic ingredients and humanely treated animal products and the portions are very generous. I love the Huevos Rancheros, the Breakfast Sandwich served in a mouthwatering homemade croissant, and the Tres Leches Cake. 

From the Mexican Chilaquiles, Breakfast Tacos, and Mexican Omelette to the Pura Vida Bowl, Blueberry Pancakes, and Ranchero Burger, you won’t go hungry here! They post their specials on their Facebook page, so be sure to check it out!

5. La Bodega by Cúrate

La Bodega by Cúrate is an all-day Spanish café, market, and wine bar. If you are from out of town, you might not know that Cúrate Tapas Bar has been among the best downtown Asheville restaurants since it opened in 2011. 

It’s recently been awarded the 2022 James Beard Foundation Award (alongside the fabulous Chai Pani). La Bodega is a concept born out of the pandemic that brings together the cornerstones of the Spanish culinary and cultural experience, following Cúrate’s culinary excellence. 

The first floor’s café offers an all-day menu featuring house-made bread and pastries, along with Spanish-style sandwiches like the Bocadillo de Jamón, Catalan Flatbread, soups, salads, and more. La Bodega provides counter service from 8:00 am for breakfast pastries, with the full counter service menu available from 11:00 am to 4:30 pm. 

The upstairs wine bar and pintxo bar are open for brunch, lunch, and dinner beginning at 11:00 am each day. They accept some reservations, but most of their space is reserved for walk-ins. They offer a “Plato de Día,” and we highly recommend the Huevos Rotos. 

Read our complete review of La Bodega here!

6. Liberty House Cafe

Liberty House Cafe is within walking distance of downtown Asheville and my house, so it’s been one of my regulars since it opened in 2016. It’s set on a one-acre property in a 1920s cottage that was repurposed, and I’ve loved seeing their garden grow since then! 

You can enjoy simple, delicious food made with high-quality ingredients while you sit by fruit trees, gigantic sunflowers, and an abundant vegetable garden. It’s dog and kid-friendly (it has tons of space for the kids to run around), and it also offers indoor seating. 

The brunch menu differs weekly. My family’s favorites from the regular menu are the Bison Burger, the Farmhouse Skillet, and the Sourdough Pancakes. 

Liberty House is next door to the nationally renowned yoga studio Asheville Yoga Center. You might want to combo a yoga class with a hearty brunch like many locals do on the weekends. 

7. HomeGrown

There are many great things about HomeGrown besides its delicious food. HomeGrown is a certified green restaurant (there isn’t a single thing that’s landfill waste), and they do great work in the community (they have donated over $100K in goods, services, and cash to local non-profits since they opened in 2010). 

Their motto is “slow food right quick.” So, they offer locally sourced and organic food served “right quick.” Bottom line: you won’t have to wait long to get a dish made with clean, local ingredients. 

They offer a lunch-dinner menu with a solid selection of soups, salads, sandwiches, specials, and excellent side dishes. My favorites from the menu are the Catfish Sammich, the Redneck Cuban Sammich, the Cheesy Grits, and the Classic Chicken Pot Pie. For dessert, try the Peach Ginger Crisp. 

8. Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar 

Tupelo Honey is a multi-awarded, longtime favorite Asheville brunch spot for locals and visitors. Originating in downtown Asheville in 2000 and deeply rooted in the Carolina mountains, it has several locations countrywide. 

There are two locations here, one downtown (the original one) and another in South Asheville. Tupelo Honey offers one of the best brunches in town with a menu full of “Scratch-made Southern faves” made with locally-sourced, fresh ingredients. 

Also, they serve brunch all day! They accept reservations of up to 14 guests, and we encourage you to make one because it gets busy! 

Some of Tupelo’s favorites are the Shrimp and Grits made with wild-caught white gulf shrimp, heirloom grits, and goat cheese, the Fried Green Tomatoes, the Fried Chicken with Biscuits, and ​the Biscuits for a Cause (two cathead buttermilk biscuits with blueberry jam and whipped butter; all the proceeds go to the Tupelo Honey Relief & Development Funds that aid employees in need). 

If you go to the Tupelo Honey Downtown on a Friday night, you’ll get to experience the famous Asheville Drum Circle! 

9. The Blackbird

The Blackbird is among downtown Asheville’s best restaurants. It serves “modern Southern food with a nod to tradition” and the menu changes seasonally. The chef works with local and regional farmers and producers to ensure fresh food that reflects the abundance of Western North Carolina. 

It’s open for brunch, lunch, and dinner and the desserts are fabulous! It gets busy, but fortunately, it accepts reservations. There is parking at the Aloft Hotel, with over 250 parking spots (the first hour is free!).

Some of The Blackbird’s brunch favorites are the Creole Shrimp and Grits, the Pork & Mushroom & Cheese Omelet, the Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict, and the Seasonal Fruit French Toast, paired with a Blackbird Bloody Mary or Blackbird Irish Coffee. 

10. The Rhu

The Rhu is the little sister of the famous downtown Asheville restaurant, Rhubarb. It’s located on Lexington Street, named in 2015 as one of five great streets in the United States (please don’t leave Asheville without taking a stroll on Lexington Street and checking out its shops!). 

The Rhu is a cafe, bakery, and pantry celebrating local foods and producers. It serves breakfast and lunch, and everything on the menu is so good. I love the Bacon Braised Collards, their sandwiches, pastries, and bread (the sweet potato brioche!), and they have the best biscuits.

Check out the products of the artisanal producers of Appalachia, The Blue Ridge, and the greater Southeast that you can buy at the pantry. Also, they pack beautiful picnic baskets!

11. Benne on Eagle

Benne on Eagle is located on Eagle Street in the historical, once predominantly African-American neighborhood called The Block in downtown Asheville. The restaurant’s theme is Sankofa, an Andinkra symbol in Ghana that translates as “go back and get it.” 

This concept aims to integrate new food techniques and methods while looking back to history to learn and bring awareness to culinary traditions from the African-American culture of The Block. The result is creative soul food that tastes amazing! Try the Grilled Watermelon Salad, the Benne Grav-Lox, and the Sea Food Benedict.

One more detail: the visual centerpiece of Benne on Eagle is a mural by acclaimed Asheville artist Joseph Pearson. The piece honors the historically important Black businesses and buildings on The Block, including Mount Zion Church and The Strand movie theater. 

The mural’s location, adjacent to Benne’s bar, was once a window looking out on Eagle Street, and the painting evokes memories of what was seen when looking out that window 50 years ago. 

12. Biscuit Head

Husband and wife team Jason and Carolyn Roy opened the original Biscuit Head in West Asheville in 2013. They have since opened two more locations in Asheville and one in Greenville, South Carolina. 

The formula is simple: begin with a giant, fluffy biscuit (their gluten-free biscuits are among the best in town), then add whatever you want. They offer many sides (so many it’s hard to choose!), gravy, and biscuit sandwich options. 

Everything tastes good and homemade, the portions are generous, they have a jam bar, and they never skimp on the bacon. The lines are long, but they move fast, so please stay! The last time I was there, I had the Biscuit Donut with the local Iced AppalaChai – so yummy! 

Try a side of the Goodnight Brothers dry-cured country ham or better yet, order the Country Ham Biscuit with fried green tomatoes, a cheesy egg, and a side of espresso red-eye gravy. They offer meal kits if you feel like picnicking. 

Read our complete review of Biscuit Head here!

13. All Day Darling

All Day Darling is my go-to place and one of the best cafes in Asheville. It’s open from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm (all day, darling!), and the menu offers a variety of market-focused foods. 

It’s in Montford, just a few blocks from downtown Asheville, and it has plenty of indoor and outdoor places to sit, depending on your preferences (I love the festive outdoor area, with plenty of private corners to work or to enjoy a date). 

All the items on the menu are served all day, and there are many excellent options! The Fried Chicken Biscuit, the Lox Plate, and the Shakshuka are the best! The pastries and cakes are also delicious. 

Their beverage menu is also extensive. They offer Counter Culture Coffee, unique house tonics, signature cocktails, smoothies, draft wines, and craft beers. 

Check out our complete review of All Day Darling here!

14. Green Sage

Green Sage is one of the best breakfast places in Asheville. The menu is so broad, and everything is made with local, organic ingredients. They serve organic coffee and tea (plus juices, smoothies, wine, and beer!), and it’s a pioneer business of the healthy, farm-to-table food scene Asheville is known for today.

These cafes are so roomy they are perfect for larger groups or bringing your laptop and getting some work done. The menu has something for everyone, with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options. 

In addition, they have a small but good selection of baked goods and seasonal specials. I’ve tried most things on the menu, and I still haven’t found something I didn’t like. The lines in the downtown cafe can be long, but they move fast, and food will arrive at your table quickly.

Read our comprehensive review of Green Sage Cafe here!

15. Stoney Knob Cafe

Established in 1962, Stoney Knob Cafe is a legendary restaurant located in Weaverville, just 10 minutes from Asheville. Founded by Greek natives, Gus and Ismini Dermas, Stoney Knob Cafe is now operated by their sons John and Yotty. 

One of the best things about this place is that they offer hungry diners “a sample of the world” where they combine flavors from different cuisines using seasonal ingredients. The atmosphere is unique, fun, and funky, perfect for Asheville. 

There are three rooms: the Mediterranean (also called “the Saints and Sinners room” because of the religious-inspired decorations, perfect for family gatherings), the Red (ideal for romance, “it inspires passion and appetite), and the Diner (funky, eclectic, and it feels like being at your own kitchen). 

The brunch menu is vast, and they also offer Mimosas and Bloody Marys. I loved the Shalom Stuffed French Toast and the Gyro Sandwich is the best. But from the Puerco Rancheros to the Carolina Shrimpn’ Grits and the Blackberry Crepes, there’s something to suit all tastes at Stoney Knob Cafe! 

16. Early Girl Eatery

The first Early Girl Eatery opened in 2001 and has three more locations around town. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner all day. “More than Made from Scratch” is their motto, and they strive to source the highest quality ingredients with local, organic, seasonal, and fresh ingredients. They don’t take reservations but have a text message waitlist system.

Some of the favorites are the fried chicken and the in-house-made biscuits. They are known for their grits, too. What’s so unique about them? The grits come from a family farm in Marshall, NC, and are seasoned with nothing more than salt and greet hot sauce. 

With the Organic Tofu Scramble Breakfast for vegans, the Veggie Breakfast Bowl for vegetarians, and the gluten-free Charleston Chicken Biscuit for meat-eaters, there’s something for everyone!

Read our complete review here!

There you have it! The 16 best brunch spots in Asheville. What’s your favorite place to grab Sunday brunch in Asheville? Let us know so we can check it out!

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