A Five-Day Itinerary for the Food Lover

Chai Pani

Start your day with a stroll through the WNC Farmers Market, open year-round and carrying the region’s freshest produce, plus local jams, honey, and relishes. Then, see for yourself why locals are talking about the newly renovated South Slope space — now home to the acclaimed restaurant Chai Pani. Its Bollywood-inspired interiors set the mood for vibrant, sublimely spiced cuisine. In the evening, treat your tastebuds to dinner at 2024 James Beard–semifinalist The Market Place, which centers its menu on the season’s freshest ingredients.  

Pillar Rooftop Bar

Wrap your hands around a delicious cup of coffee from Cooperative Coffee Roasters’ outdoor patio in West Asheville and watch the city wake up. Take a short downhill walk to beloved Hole Doughnuts, where each doughnut is hot and made to order. At sunset, make your way to Pillar Rooftop Bar, where you’ll be treated to dazzling skyline and mountain views. Relax around the firepit with a For the Birds gin cocktail and soak up the colorful scenery. Then sink your teeth into the globally inspired food at Bonito Kitchen, inside the festive Hound Lounge.  

Green Man Brewery

Wake up with an espresso and a tasty breakfast sandwich or sourdough pancakes at Liberty House Coffee and Cafe. It’s set in a cute 1920s bungalow with a garden patio, where you’ll also find Habibi Village food truck, known for Lebanese flatbreads with flavorful fillings. After moseying through downtown, enjoy a rich porter on the pup-friendly patio at Dirty Jack’s, the festive taproom at Green Man Brewery. Or pop over to West Asheville to savor a rich cafe con leche at the welcoming alcohol-free nightspot Haywood Famous.  

Anoche / Photo: Tim Robison

One word: Mother. The bread program at this South Slope bakery café is superb, and their sweet and savory options please everyone. Head south to browse the vast selection of imported ingredients and tropical produce at Asiana Market. Then slurp a bowl of phở at Wild Ginger Noodle Bar. Try the night’s special at Anoche, an agave spirits bar. The Prickly Pear Paloma is as tasty as it sounds. 

WNC Cheese Trail

On the edge of West Asheville, treat yourself to a brunch of French toast topped with brandied cherries at Gemelli. Then explore the WNC Cheese Trail while taking in the scenery along some of Asheville’s most picturesque roads. You’ll need an appointment, but be sure to stop in at Blue Ridge Mountain Creamery. Cap off your day in Black Mountain over home-style cooking at Cousins Cuban Cafe.