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The MICHELIN Guide’s debut in the American South shines a bright light on Asheville, a city where inventive chefs, regional ingredients and vibrant culinary storytelling converge. From small-plate Spanish tapas to soulful Ethiopian stews, Asheville’s selections reflect both innovation and deep-rooted flavor. To view the full guide, including an interactive map, explore The MICHELIN Guide to North Carolina.
This mountain town’s culinary scene is officially on the map: Asheville’s MICHELIN Guide honorees showcase bold ideas and regional roots from wood-fired feasts to Southern fish-fry classics.
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MICHELIN Bib Gourmand: Little Chango
Owned by Chef Iris Rodriguez, her husband Jose Busto and partner Luis Betances, Little Chango is a celebration of Latin American comfort and flavor. Bright yellow outside and buzzing with warmth inside, the restaurant offers counter-service charm paired with vibrant cooking. The menu is anchored by crave-worthy arepas, and none impress quite like the ropa vieja: tender flank steak slow-cooked with peppers, olives and tomato, then crowned with a generous flurry of queso fresco. The rice-and-meat lunch boxes are hearty, and the sides are stars in their own right, like the fragrant mamposteao and crisp escabeche.
MICHELIN Bib Gourmand: Luminosa
Chef Graham House crafts a sophisticated fusion of Appalachian roots and Italian tradition at Luminosa, the signature restaurant in the restored Flat Iron Hotel. With its open kitchen, brass accents and drapery, the interior sets a romantic tone for a menu that balances rustic warmth with culinary precision. House butchery and local sourcing define dishes like a lemony, arugula-topped wood-fired pizza or the toothsome campanelle with chili breadcrumbs. Larger plates, such as a succulent bone-in pork chop with cherry mostarda, embody an elevated simplicity.
MICHELIN Bib Gourmand: Mother
Part rustic bakery, part sleek wine bar, Mother is the creation of baker Heidi Bass and wine curator Brett Watson. Born from Bass’s pandemic-era sourdough obsession, this spot bustles with regulars seeking freshly baked loaves or lingering over elegant small plates and natural wine pours. The space flows effortlessly from indoor to outdoor, with white brick and abundant natural light framing the airy aesthetic. On the menu: impossibly fluffy daily quiche, seasonal risottos and delicately seared prawns over grits. Pair it all with a wine selected by Watson, whose thoughtful list rounds out the experience.
MICHELIN Recommended: Addissae Ethiopian Restaurant
Addissae Ethiopian Restaurant brings a vibrant slice of East Africa to Asheville, where warm hospitality meets bold, traditional flavors. The colorful, immersive dining room invites you into a shared experience rooted in community. Guests are welcomed with guidance through a menu of stews and sautés — from richly spiced doro wat to tender tibs and vegan-friendly classics like shiro w’at. Each meal arrives on a round of tangy, gluten-free injera, encouraging diners to dive in, hands-first.
MICHELIN Recommended: The Admiral
In a setting that mixes retro diner with cozy bistro, The Admiral serves up adventurous, globally inspired plates from co-owners Drew Wallace and chef Austin Inselmann. The rotating menu favors creativity, whether it’s schnitzel, fish and chips, or elegant takes on seasonal vegetables. Rack of lamb with lemony couscous and asparagus is a standout, as are the snap peas dressed in yuzu vinaigrette with spring onion pesto.
MICHELIN Recommended: All Day Darling
All Day Darling, from Chef Jacob Sessoms, is Montford’s vibrant neighborhood cafe where color and comfort reign. With eclectic interiors, sidewalk seating and a bustling counter, it’s equally perfect for a quick pastry grab or a leisurely brunch. Breakfast and lunch share the spotlight on a menu brimming with frittatas, biscuit sandwiches and salads. Shakshuka is a standout — eggs poached in tomato and spice, served with hearty toast. Pair it with crisp tots or a daily chalkboard special, and you’ve got a plateful of homey goodness.
MICHELIN Recommended: Cúrate Bar de Tapas
Chef Katie Button’s Cúrate is a lively downtown destination where the energy of a Spanish tapas bar meets Southern warmth. Housed in a reimagined 1920s bus depot, the restaurant pulses with cozy intimacy and European flair. Button, one of Ferran Adrià’s “Sorcerers' Apprentices,” draws from traditional Spanish cuisine with a modern touch. Order the tabla de quesos, then ease into charcuterie, patatas bravas and croquettes.
MICHELIN Recommended: Golden Hour
Tucked inside the Radical Hotel, Golden Hour is a wood-fired wonder from Chef Jacob Sessoms. The space pays homage to its industrial roots with exposed brick, high ceilings and views of the French Broad River. Start with small plates like NC crab beignets dusted with Old Bay sugar or smoked fish dip with house-made matzo. For mains, the wood-grilled half chicken or slow-roasted lamb with warm pita capture fire and finesse in each bite. The atmosphere is moody yet welcoming, with an open kitchen, soft lighting and the hum of conversation anchoring the experience.
MICHELIN Recommended: Good Hot Fish
Chef Ashleigh Shanti’s Good Hot Fish revives the spirit of Southern fish camps with a fresh, soulful twist. This counter-service spot draws you in with its playful neon signage and keeps you coming back with crisp, golden seafood. The must-try fish sandwich delivers satisfying crunch and a punch of spiced buttermilk tartar sauce. Inside, it's charming and retro with nods to its nostalgic roots, while the menu keeps things tight and right: mac and cheese, Sea Island red peas and other comfort-driven sides round out the plate.
MICHELIN Recommended: Leo’s House of Thirst
Drew Wallace and Chef Austin Inselmann’s Leo’s House of Thirst is equal parts hip hideaway and culinary gem. With a space that feels intimate — walls lined with books, bottles and trailing plants — it invites you to stay awhile. In the morning, it’s coffee and short rib hash; by night, it’s oysters on ice, crudo and hand-crafted cocktails. Expect inventive pairings and seasonal plates that feel spontaneous yet intentional. The patio is an easygoing hangout, while the bar inside keeps things intimate.
MICHELIN Recommended: Soprana Rooftop Cucina
Soprana Rooftop Cucina brings together mountain views and Alpine flair in a breezy, stylish setting. The bright interior features white tile, dark forest green accents and a glassed-in kitchen, while the wraparound terrace frames the Blue Ridge horizon. Pizza is king here, baked to steamy perfection in a brick oven and topped with creative, often local ingredients. Their signature “Asheville” pie combines crisped pepperoni with a spicy local honey drizzle, the kind of balance that makes each bite zing and sing.
MICHELIN Recommended: Sunny Point Cafe
Owned by mother-daughter duo Belinda Raab and April Moon Harper, Sunny Point Café is a staple for farm-to-table comfort with a made-from scratch commitment. Since 2003, they’ve built a loyal following with hearty fare served from breakfast into the afternoon. Guests sprawl across its patios and covered porches, tucking into biscuits and gravy, roasted tomato-cheddar omelets, and standout chicken and waffles with pimento cheese and jalapeño jam. Its nearby sister bakery, The Rabbit Hole, sweetens the experience with fresh treats.
MICHELIN Recommended: Table
Chef Jacob Sessoms and partner Alicia Sessoms bring their love of local, seasonal ingredients to life at Table, a warmly modern New American bistro. This downtown spot feels personal and polished, with flickering candles, warm woods and an open kitchen buzz. The menu draws on Southern roots with global touches: think rabbit sugo over house-made ricotta cavatelli, charred vegetables, or a burger dripping with queso and paired with shoestring fries. The Parisian flan is not to be missed.
MICHELIN Recommended: Tall John's
Chef-owner Trevor Payne’s Tall John’s is a come-as-you-are tavern with serious culinary chops. Inside, the vibe is cozy and unfussy — modern touches and intimate lighting complement a menu that’s classic and clever. Caesar salad with house croutons, a standout cheeseburger slathered in dijonnaise and tender roast duck all grace the “Tall Plates” section. Small and medium starters offer bright, snackable lead-ins like tartare and marinated olives. Every detail, from the seasoning to the playlist, feels considered but never forced.
MICHELIN Recommended: Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse
Chef-cofounder Michael Lewis fuses Japanese soul food and Southern BBQ with precision and personality at Ukiah. Sporting both indoor and patio seating, this modern smokehouse is anchored by an open kitchen and central bar. Sashimi and yakitori share the spotlight with smoked meats and playful dumplings. The tasting menu is a smart move for first-timers, offering a curated path through bold, umami-packed dishes. Cocktails lean smoky and inventive, with the Ukiah Oldie standing out as a signature sipper.
Hungry for more? Check out The MICHELIN Guides to the American South in the Raleigh, Durham and Triangle area and the Charlotte area.