Sweater weather has reached Atlanta, and the Blue Ridge Mountains are showing off their vibrant reds and golds just a short drive north. For Atlantans craving a fall getaway, Asheville, North Carolina, known as “The Land of the Sky,” offers the perfect excuse for a scenic road trip.
It’s no secret that cooler weather can work up an appetite. Whether seeking crisp mountain air for a weekend getaway or a weeklong escape into nature, Asheville’s vibrant dining scene offers plenty to discover.
From cozy brunch spots to globally inspired restaurants and sweet treats, here are nine destinations that bring seasonal color, flavor, and comfort to the plate.
Chestnut
Start here for the best brunch in town. Located in the heart of Downtown Asheville, Chestnut offers modern Southern American fare, highlighting the seasonal flavors of Appalachia. Its extensive brunch options include several vegan preparations, and everything from lemon ricotta-filled donuts and chicken and waffles to an espresso martini. The dinner menu is equally robust and inclusive. Both menus change each month, keeping diners delighted. Plan for cocktails, as their selection is elegant and globally inspired, with non alcoholic choices as well. 48 Biltmore Ave., Asheville, NC, chestnutasheville.com
Chai Pani
Atlanta diners may already be familiar with Chai Pani, the James Beard Award-winning Indian restaurant from chef Meherwan Irani. But it all began in Asheville, where Irani opened the original location in the South Slope Brewing District on the edge of Downtown. The restaurant earned national acclaim in 2022 when it won the James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant. The dining space in Asheville is several times larger than its Decatur, GA location, and has bright marigold garlands strung across every possible surface. The Asheville menu includes a few dishes not seen in Atlanta, such as crispy Sabudana Vada Tots made with tapioca pearls, a silky baigan bharta that comes with a side of rice chips, a bittersweet broccoli and date salad topped with spicy nuts, and a smoky beef bihari kabab. Chai Pani doesn’t take reservations, and wait times can be high, so plan ahead. To try your hand at some of these dishes at home, visit Irani’s flagship spice store, Spicewalla, in Downtown Asheville, which is brimming with whole and powdered spices, cookbooks, and culinary curios. 32 Banks Ave, Asheville, NC, chaipani.com/asheville
Botiwala
Another familiar name for Atlantans, Asheville is the first home for Meherwan Irani’s Botiwala. With two locations across Asheville, this counter service restaurant offers a variety of tangy light bites and Indian street foods, as well as a variety of naan-based ‘rolls’ and salads. The downtown location is off Wall Street, whereas the second location is in West Asheville open a half extra hour longer than the downtown location. The restaurant’s extensive selection of condiments offers many ways to play with the flavors of every bite. Multiple locations, botiwalla.com
Located on the southeastern edge of Downtown Asheville, Laila presents classic Indian flavors in a modern setting. Laila features traditional Indian dishes like tandoori kebabs, naans, creamy entrees, and hearty biryanis, eliminating guesswork. This compact dining destination brings cozy, warm dishes that capture the essence of fall. With a robust vegetarian menu alongside meat and seafood offerings, Laila also showcases a range of classic Indian breads, an exploration on its own for the carb lover. The dessert selection represents more classics to cool off the palate with just enough of a sugar rush to satiate. 77 Biltmore Ave, Asheville,
Posana
An entirely gluten-free kitchen with two locations (Downtown and Biltmore Park), Posana offers diners a decadent menu in either a prix fixe or à la carte form. This is the place for crowd-pleasing starters, house-made pastas, and mains that signal an attention to flavor. Save room for desserts like the black currant cherry chocolate cake with a mulled port ganache. Better still, the restaurant offers an option to order them all. Multiple locations, posanarestaurant.com
Little Chango
Another South Slope staple, this restaurant with a Michelin Bib Gourmand distinction, offers fresh and tangy Latin American fare in a compact space. Puerto Rican-born Chef Iris Rodriguez presents hearty meals that can instantly chase fall chills away. From generously topped meat and vegetarian arepas to lunch boxes for a picnic, Little Chango knows how to feed a hungry crowd. Save room for the OG Flan, a classic creamy dessert best consumed in one sitting. 134 Coxe Ave., Asheville, NC, littlechango.com
Asheville Proper
The ideal dinner destination for a steak lover, historic Grove Arcade is home to Asheville Proper, a live-fire fine dining steakhouse. Diners praise it for its restored decor, which keeps the vibe of the 1920’s. The menu includes a house-aged selection of grass-fed meat cuts, composed plates with protein and four predetermined sides, or a “From the Fire” selection and a variety of sides. Desserts are created by pastry chef Hilary Lamont, and the selection varies daily. 1 Page Ave., Ste. 151, Asheville, NC, ashevilleproper.com
French Broad Chocolates
Before it’s time to return home, visit local chocolatiers, Jael Skeffington and Dan Rattigan’s French Broad Chocolates. The pair fell in love with cacao and sustainably grown cacao while running a restaurant in Costa Rica in 2003 and have been making chocolates in Asheville since 2006. Can’t get enough of their chocolate or bonbons? In addition to gift sets, they offer a subscription service. They also offer baking, vegan, and gluten-free chocolate to take for the road. If you have time, the factory location offers factory tours and tastings by reservation. 10 S. Pack Square, Asheville, NC, frenchbroadchocolates.com
