As home to more than 250 independent restaurants, 16 annual food festivals (plus five annual beer festivals), 13 farmers markets and nearly a dozen microbreweries, there’s no shortage of things to eat (and drink!) in Asheville, the city dubbed Foodtopia.
 
Not sure where to start? Consider the walking food tour Eating Asheville, which leads you through half a dozen of the finest and most delicious sights and tastes the city has to offer, from Table and Cucina 24 to Strada and Chai Pani.

Drinks and Treats

Asheville has long been famous for Biltmore, its gorgeous scenery and craft-breweries, but coffee is a new game for the city. Head to Dynamite Roasting Co., a roaster in the funky town of Black Mountain where coffee is served up alongside crocheted checkerboards and record players. You can also find its coffee in the Valdez Stout from local brewing company Pisgah Brewing Co., not to mention in ice cream flavors around town.
  
For one of the best views of downtown Asheville, check out Sazerac, famous for its craft cocktails and small plates (think truffled parmesan popcorn). Another spot with a view? Pack's Tavern, which overlooks Pack Square Park, with its interactive water fountain and stunning sculptures. Pub food at its finest.

International Options
 
For something a bit more ethnic, try Asheville's international restaurants such as Nine Mile, a spicy Jamaican restaurant in the Montford Historic District. Stroll through the streets lined with old Victorian homes after your meal. Or stop by Mr. Frog's Soul & Creole, the newest home of award-winning chef Vijay Shastri. The restaurant, located in the Eagle Street neighborhood known as The Block, dishes out contemporary African-inspired Southern soul food.

Local Ingredients
 
To kick it up a notch, make your way to Corner Kitchen, where none other than President Obama and the First Lady dined when they came through Asheville. The farm-to-table restaurant is one of the longest standing sustainable restaurants in the city; it’s right in the Historic Biltmore Village. Don’t miss the pecan crusted mountain trout. In keeping with sustainability, be sure to stop in at Green Sage, one of Asheville’s first green restaurants – solar panels and composting are just two of the many ways this downtown café keeps things eco-friendly. Be sure to B.Y.O.Mug.

Check out a full list of farmers markets in Asheville.