Mornings in Asheville don't rush you — but they do reward you.
In Asheville, mornings have a way of earning their keep. There's something about the mountain air that makes the first meal of the day feel like a small ceremony: fresh-baked pastries, locally roasted coffee, a biscuit the size of your fist. We asked our followers to weigh in on their favorite breakfast and brunch spots, and they came through. From West Asheville to Black Mountain, here's where the day begins right.
What are the best breakfast and brunch spots in Asheville, NC?
Sunny Point Café
Looking for food so good that people will gladly wait in the rain for a table? This West Asheville eatery has received a lot of national attention, including the MICHELIN Guide American South. Everyone from Fodor's to Southern Living have touted the amazing breakfast this place serves up.
What to order: Their Huevos Rancheros was a finalist in Good Morning America's Best Breakfast in America competition. It comes with savory black bean cakes, Snow Creek chorizo sausage, feta cheese, roasted tomatillo salsa, and herb tossed red skin spuds topped with two free-range eggs any style, cilantro crema, and crisp tortilla strips. Yum!
Tupelo Honey
Tupelo Honey is among the restaurants that have helped put Asheville's culinary scene on the map. This popular eatery has received acclaim from the New York Times, Frommer's, Rachel Ray, Garden & Gun and so many more. Known for its new south flair, the downtown hotspot has branched out, now with two locations in Asheville and other locations from Georgia to Colorado. Make plans to get here early as the line forms the moment the doors open.
What to order: Whatever you do, make sure to share an order of their Fried Green Tomatoes appetizers with the table. The tomatoes are served over goat cheese grits with fresh basil. Amazing! Wash it down with their signature rosemary-peach house-made lemonade.
Biscuit Head
Biscuit Head aims to put some "south in your mouth" with their fresh take on southern home cooking. With three locations in Asheville, Biscuit Head is a convenient way to start a day of exploring the city. The premise of a breakfast here is simple: begin with huge, fluffy cat-head biscuits, then add on everything from traditional eggs and bacon to more adventurous pairings like pulled pork with an egg on top. Choose from a wide variety of homemade jams and jellies to choose to sweeten the deal.
What to order: Given the location in Beer City, you have to try the "gravy flight." Pick three savory gravies and a warm, fluffy cat-head biscuit. Yes, it's as good as it sounds!
Moose Cafe
With the Western North Carolina Farmer's Market right next door, it's no wonder Moose Cafe features fresh, local vegetables daily. Their menu of home-cooked, southern-style comfort food has earned them a reputation as a place where locals love to eat. Their popularity even earned them a feature in Southern Living magazine. And, Miranda Lambert dined here during her visit to Asheville. Expect to be greeted with hot homemade biscuits and made-from-scratch apple butter at every meal. Not only is the food delicious, but the mountain views from the dining room will also hit the spot.
What to order: Pick a southern favorite—you can't really go wrong. Fried chicken, meatloaf, mac and cheese, and collard greens have all received high marks.
Early Girl Eatery
You know it's gonna be good when "Made from Scratch" is the restaurant's motto. This farm-to-table restaurant on downtown Asheville’s cool cobblestone Wall Street serves up southern comfort food and better yet, breakfast is on the menu all day long. Rachel Ray highlighted Early Girl on her popular "$40 a Day" series on Food Network. New locations are now open in West Asheville on Haywood and South Asheville on Hendersonville Rd.
What to order: Go big or go home! Their Porky Breakfast Bowl comes complete with homefries, BBQ pork, scrambled eggs and farmstead cheese smothered in Benton’s smoky bacon gravy.
Green Sage Cafe
Green Sage is known for its commitment to serving food that promotes health and supports a vibrant community. Their three locations feature menu items that are "nutrient-rich, chemical-free, 95% organic, and thoughtfully-sourced." Need accommodations? Most of the menu is easily modified for vegans, vegetarians, and those with dietary restrictions.
What to order: The Pura Vida Bowl is a classic with two sunnyside up eggs, black beans, sautéed kale/onions, root hash, brown rice, guacamole, pico de gallo and salsa verde. Other breakfast favorites include the Everything Avocado Toast, Breakfast Burrito and Appalachian Trail plate.
Beradu (Black Mountain)
Beradu in Black Mountain offers a brunch experience (Thursday-Sunday) that blends inventive cuisine with artfully crafted cocktails in a relaxed breakfast setting. Chef Patrick Beraduce's menu features creative Southern-inspired dishes like duck hash with poached eggs and wild mushroom toast. Complementing the fare is an array of brunch cocktails, including a zesty Bloody Mary infused with house-made pickles and a refreshing mimosa crafted with freshly squeezed local juices.
What to order: The above selections are a can't-miss win, but there's plenty to choose from Beradu's amazing brunch menu. The mini pancakes with powdered sugar and maple syrup are a perfect shared starter, and the house-made Corned Beef Hash is a delicious showstopper. Ask about the daily Quiche offering, and if you're looking for a healthy start, the Power Bowl with quinoa, egg whites, spinach and roasted red peppers is always a tasty and nutritious option.
Are you thinking of taking a day trip to Black Mountain or planning an overnight stay? Here are a few things to help you plan a perfect experience:
- Top 10 Things to Do in Black Mountain
- Places to Eat in Black Mountain
- Places to Stay in Black Mountain
- Shopping in Black Mountain
