Asheville Restaurants
Coffee Shops and Breakfast in Asheville
Beyond the mountain views, the music, the vibrant arts culture and the scenic beauty, one of the primary attractions to the Asheville area is the culinary experience.
Asheville is home to a colorful dining scene, boasting 250 independent restaurants, many of which serve local food and international cuisine. Brunch menus serve fresh, free-range eggs from chickens raised just miles away at the Early Girl Eatery, savory dinners from Italian, Indian, and French restaurants. Though I've lived in Asheville for many years, I never get tired of the food. Each year, new restaurants open that serve cuisine from all over the world and that attract national attention. For people interested in experiencing international food, or for those looking for a juicy burger from a naturally raised beef (coupled with a beer from one of our micro-breweries, of course!) Asheville's food scene proves to be both eclectic and satisfying.
I've traveled all over the United States, and find nothing beats an Asheville style breakfast. There are a variety of coffee, breakfast, and brunch restaurants to chose from that can satisfy those early morning hunger pangs. First off, coffee. If you're like me, is at the top of your list when you roll out of bed in the morning. Head over to Green Sage Coffeehouse and Cafe, for a pick-me-up. Green Sage proudly serves fair trade coffee drinks, along with breakfast and lunch. They're proud to be committed to environmentally sound practices. You can eat knowing the restaurant is complete with a compost and recycling station and biodegradable take out containers.
Izzy's Coffee Den has a more raw, straight-up, caffeinated feel. Between their two locations on Lexington Avenue and Haywood Road in West Asheville, there's plenty of opportunity to get the jolt you need, while munching on a bagel with cream cheese or a pastry. Try their amazing flavored lattes and Cappuccinos. The Dripolater located just down the street also serves gourmet coffee drinks in a brightly lit cafe area. Calling themselves "The ambassadors of the bean", they proudly serve Counter Culture Coffee, along with simple and delicious breakfast and lunch foods. Jackson’s Underground Café also downtown serves more than breakfast, but is perfect especially for on the go eats, great egg sandwiches and unique French Toast Panini with bacon. Jerusalem Garden’s brunch has a variety of classic Mediterranean and southern meals, plus crepes!
If you're in the mood for an inexpensive yet filling greasy spoon style breakfast check out Five Points Diner or The Breakfast Shop in Swannanoa. At The Breakfast Shop, for less than $5, you can still get eggs, biscuits, breakfast meat, served up by a waitress who still calls you "honey".
Getting right out of downtown also has its perks. The River Arts District and West Asheville have a couple sweet breakfast and coffee places that always hit the spot. The West End Bakery serves up fresh bread baked daily, made from organic flours, and 100% whole grains. I usually have to go for the Cinnamon Roll, which is enough to split with a friend. Another spot to check out is Clingman Cafe, a coffee house and caterer in the River Arts District, where you can grab gourmet breakfast and lunch items, a copy of the New York Times, and enjoy eating outside on their sidewalk dining.
Sunny Point in West Asheville serves the best huevos rancheros and a breakfast sandwich that makes your eyes widen to the size of dinner plates. The Mediterranean Restaurant downtown opens first thing in the morning if you have to be at work by 8am and want to grab some food to fill you over until lunch. Asheville Tupelo Honey Cafe in the heart of downtown Asheville incorportates a splendid variety of breakfast items that make the decision process extremely difficult! From sweet potato pancakes to shrimp and grits to peach butter, you will leave this Asheville restaurant happy and satisfied.
Whatever you need to start your morning with — a hot cup of coffee and a pastry, a full on breakfast of local eggs, meat, and made-from-scratch biscuits, a fresh loaf of bread — Asheville has just the right thing to get your day started.
