Ultimate Guide to brunch In Asheville
From giant biscuits to breakfast ramen, this guide shares all!
Asheville is brimming with delicious brunch restaurants. You’ll find everything from gourmet farm-to-table brunches to breakfast ramen, rooftop mimosas and even a weekly drag brunch party.
Honestly, there are so many fantastic brunch options in Asheville that it’s easy to get overwhelmed. This is especially true if you are visiting for a weekend and have limited time to try it all.
To help you make this very important dining decision, we have compiled a list of the various restaurants in Asheville that offer brunch, whether it’s daily or just a weekend special. This guide shares the type of food each restaurant offers, what makes the restaurant so special and even what to order for brunch!
What You’ll Find In This Article
- Map of Brunch Restaurants
- The Ultimate List
- Vivian
- Ukiah
- Benne on Eagle
- Rhubarb
- Bargello
- Corner Kitchen
- ELDR
- Chestnut
- La Bodega
- Asheville Beauty Academy
- Sunny Point Cafe
- Liberty House Cafe
- The Exchange
- Hemingway’s Cuba
- Strada
- W.A.L.K.
- The Blackbird
- The Dining Room
- All Day Darling
- Early Girl Eatery
- Haywood Common
- Tupelo Honey
- Isa’s Bistro
- Ivory Road
- Mayfel’s
The following list features the best brunch spots in Asheville. Make sure to check out our top picks for breakfast in Asheville— it includes diners and casual spots around town with daily breakfast.
Where To Get Brunch in Asheville
Below is a map of all of the brunch restaurants highlighted in our guide. We love the map view because it helps you quickly see nearby restaurants.
Your Guide To Brunch Restaurants In Asheville
This list includes a variety of restaurants with brunch offerings. Some have a daily brunch and others are Sunday-only kind of places.
Most have breakfast cocktails on the menu, though a few are more casual neighborhood spots that don’t serve alcohol. A few of the restaurants are counter-service and we have highlighted that accordingly.
Whatever type of brunch you are looking for in Asheville, this list should include it! Happy brunching!
Vivian
Sunday brunch with sticky buns, smoked oysters and even lamb benedict
If an elevated Sunday brunch with sweet treats, exceptional quiche, Nordic deviled eggs and a smoked lamb benedict sounds like your kind of heaven, then head to Vivian! It’s an excellent restaurant for a nicer dinner in the River Arts District that pulls out all of the stops for its weekly brunch.
Their Fisherman’s Breakfast with a daily filet is a crowd favorite, as well as the smoked oysters. What we really love is that you can make reservations for brunch. And if you reserve early enough, you’ll have your choice of sitting on the covered patio, at the bar or in the dining room.
Brunch Availability: Brunch is available at Vivian on Sundays from 10:30am to 1:30pm.
Brunch Beverages: PennyCup coffee + cold brew, tea, orange juice, mimosa, bloody mary, KY Cappuccino (bourbon, cream, cold brew, cinnamon)
Benne on Eagle
Daily brunch in a cool space in downtown Asheville
Benne on Eagle’s brunch is such a treat! And what’s great is that it’s actually daily. The menu includes chicken & waffles (get it!), matcha oatmeal, steak & eggs and even a maple bacon cinnamon roll. Definitely plan to try the trout and grits special if it’s available!
Benne on Eagle is located at the amazing Foundry Hotel property that encompasses the majority of a full city block. It’s one of our top hotel picks in Asheville because of the cool space and the fact that Benne on Eagle is downstairs.
Brunch Availability: Brunch is available at Benne on Eagle daily starting at 7am! They used to have a different menu for breakfast during the week but now it’s the same menu all week.
Brunch Beverages: Coffee, breakfast cocktails (mimosas, bloody marys, rum tea, and other house specialties.)
Rhubarb
Farm-to-table brunch In Asheville with an ever-changing menu
Rhubarb is an incredible farm-to-table restaurant in the heart of downtown Asheville with a constantly changing menu. You can expect fresh, seasonal and local ingredients and dishes.
We love their shrimp & grits, house-made sausage, goat cheese burrata and french toast, though the menu really does change so it may look different for your visit. There’s typically an omelet with Dry Ridge Farm eggs- always a delicious option!
The atmosphere at Rhubarb is a perfect blend of rustic charm and refined elegance. You’ll find small two-top tables for a cozy dining experience or larger group tables if you’re planning a gathering with friends or family.
Brunch Availability: Brunch is available at Rhubarb Sunday 10:30 am to 2:30 pm.
Brunch Beverages: PennyCup coffee, tea and breakfast cocktails
Bargello
The perfect destination for a fancy brunch in Asheville
Situated within the Kimpton Hotel Arras, Bargello is an excellent ‘casual fine dining’ restaurant that specializes in Mediterranean and Italian cuisine. They offer a daily breakfast and dinner, as well as a weekend brunch.
The weekend brunch menu features lemon ricotta doughnut holes that alone are worth visiting for. The garden omelet, smoked salmon florentine and brioche french toast are also delicious.
You’ll find a pared-down menu available daily for breakfast at Bargello. It includes the omelet and french toast, though the doughnuts are only available for the weekends!
Brunch Availability: Brunch is available Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 2pm. They serve a smaller menu for breakfast daily (7 to 11 am Mon-Fri, 7 to 10 am Sat-Sun.)
Brunch Beverages: Coffee, espresso drinks, cold brew, juice, tea and brunch cocktails. Cocktails available on weekend mornings include a bloody mary, a bellini and a mimosa. You can also opt for a mimosa by the bottle.
PS: The Kimpton Hotel Arras is a top pick for where to stay with a dog in Asheville. All pets stay free!
Corner Kitchen
Daily brunch in Biltmore Village
Corner Kitchen is a darling bistro located in the historic Biltmore Village. They serve an awesome (and popular!) daily brunch and dinner. You’ll want to make reservations to avoid a long wait.
The brunch menu at Corner Kitchen includes a little bit of everything. If you are in the mood for breakfast, try the boozy french toast, eggs benedict or chicken & waffles. We also love the classic Biltmore Basic breakfast with bacon, grits or potatoes, toast or biscuit and eggs your way.
They also have you covered if lunch is more your style, with everything from a lobster roll to a cheeseburger, a reuben and even a falafel.
PS: Chestnut and Corner Kitchen are owned by the same team!
Brunch Availability: Brunch is available at Corner Kitchen daily from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm.
Brunch Beverages: Coffee, juice, tea and breakfast cocktails including a mimosa with a choice of juice, Bloody Mary, Sangria and a Mango Bellini.
ELDR
Charming brunch restaurant near the Omni Grove Park Inn
North of downtown Asheville in the Grovewood Village area by the Grove Park Inn you’ll find the charming ELDR. It opened in 2022 and offers an off-the-beaten-path option for brunch in Asheville.
Their weekend brunch menu includes a dutch baby with banana gel and caramel sauce, blueberry hotcake, huevos rancheros and even pork schnitzel. We love how charming the small house is– it fits right at home in Grovewood Village. After you dine, go explore and take in the views at the Omni Grove Park Inn.
Brunch Availability: Brunch is available at ELDR Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 2:30pm. ELDR is open for coffee from 10 to 11 Wednesday through Friday, with lunch service starting at 11.
Brunch Beverages: Coffee, loose tea from the Herbiary, juice and breakfast cocktails. Their ‘day starter’ cocktails include their signature ELDRmosa (grapefruit, orange or blackberry), a Bloody Mary, a Blackberry Spritz and a Wakeup Call with Hangar 1 Vodka, Kahlua and Baileys.
Chestnut
Fine dining brunch with awesome breakfast cocktails
Chestnut is such a cool restaurant that has an upscale feel but is approachable and enjoyable. Though they are known for their delicious dinner service, they offer a weekend brunch that is definitely worth checking out!
We recommend starting with the ricotta donuts or the cream cheese + mixed berry crumb cake. For entrees, the Kobe brunch burger with pear jam and truffle fries is pretty untouchable! The lump crab benedict is also a treat, as well as the chicken & waffles with Hickory Nut Gap sausage gravy and chipotle honey.
Brunch Availability: Brunch is available at Chestnut Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 2:30pm.
Brunch Beverages: They have a great brunch cocktail menu. You’ll find everything from a traditional bloody mary, to a PB & J drink with whiskey and bourbon. They also have a Gini Hendricks with strawberries and elderflower white balsamic.
La Bodega by Cúrate
Croissants and Spanish fare at an upscale yet casual spot
La Bodega is an excellent place to grab breakfast in downtown Asheville. They open at 9 am for counter service and 11 am for a seated brunch/lunch. Their upstairs is spacious and beautiful. It’s an excellent place to spend a slow morning in Asheville.
We recommend starting with the Xuixo pastry— it’s filled with cream, fried and dusted with sugar. It’s perfect with a hot cup of coffee!
Their Croissant ‘Bikini’ with ham, sherry mushrooms, caramelized onions, egg and manchego is one of the best breakfast sandwiches in Asheville. It’s elevated in a way only Cúrate could do.
Brunch Availability: Brunch at La Bodega is available daily at 11 am (except on Mondays!) They also offer a counter-service breakfast at 9 am downstairs.
Brunch Beverages: Coffee, Orange Juice, Devil’s Foot, Wine, Beer and a few cocktails. Two cocktails that are good for brunch are their Gota Fria (rum + cold brew drink) and their Americano cocktail (Campari and sparkling grapefruit.)
Asheville Beauty academy
Themed drag brunch in downtown Asheville
Asheville’s very own weekly drag brunch is the perfect destination if you are looking for a side of fun and happiness while you enjoy a brunch buffet. Tickets are $45 and include your choice of mimosa or bloody mary. You’ll definitely want to book in advance to secure a seat!
Doors open at 12, with the brunch starting at 12:30 and the show at 1:00. Tickets for the show only are available on the day of for $10 if room allows.
Brunch Availability: Drag Brunch at Asheville Beauty Academy happens every Sunday at 12:30 pm (with doors opening at 12 pm.)
Brunch Beverages: Tickets include a complimentary Mimosa or Bloody Mary.
Sunny Point Cafe
All-day, everyday brunch restaurant in West Asheville
Sunny Point Cafe is one of our favorite brunch destinations in Asheville. Their menu has something for everyone and they have great outdoor seating and a very laid-back cafe vibe.
We always tell people to get an order of the carrot hotcakes for the table! We love the cardamom cream cheese. Their bacon is also fantastic, so you should either get a dish that includes it or a side of bacon so that you can try it yourself.
As far as brunch entrees, the huevos rancheros are a crowd favorite and can be made vegan with tofu chorizo. That dish alone makes it a great destination for a plant-based breakfast in Asheville!
Brunch Availability: Sunny Point’s breakfast/brunch menu is available daily from 8 am to 2 pm.
Brunch Beverages: You’ll find coffee, fresh juice, teas, lattes, and breakfast cocktails on the menu. Boozy drinks include a Bacon Bloody Mar, Irish coffee and a Mega-mosa.
Liberty House Cafe
Outdoor garden seating with a daily breakfast + weekend brunch specials
If you are looking for a casual, order-at-the-counter brunch situation, Liberty is IT. They have a daily breakfast from 9 to 3 that includes a breakfast plate, their famous sourdough pancake and a cobb salad.
The daily breakfast menu already seems pretty brunch-y as it is, but they have an actual brunch menu on the weekends. The brunch specials change but there’s typically a quiche and a brunch burger, and of course the pancake!
Brunch Availability: Liberty House has a daily breakfast and a weekend brunch. The brunch menu is available Saturdays and Sundays from 9am to 3pm.
Brunch Beverages: Coffee, espresso, tea, packaged drinks (Honest juice boxes, etc.) No alcohol!
The Exchange
New and trendy restaurant with a delicious weekend brunch
The Exchange is newer to the scene, having opened in Summer 2023. It’s the on-site restaurant for The Restoration, one of the best hotels in downtown Asheville. They have a daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as a weekend brunch.
The brunch menu includes everything from loaded hashbrowns to a chicken biscuit with pepper jelly, a short rib + chuck patty burger and vanilla bean french toast with braised apples.
Brunch Availability: The Exchange has a daily breakfast and a weekend brunch. The brunch menu is available Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 3pm.
Brunch Beverages: Don’t miss the Pebbles & Bamm-Bamm drink that comes with a fruity pebble rice crispy treat!
Hemingway’s Cuba
Rooftop brunch in downtown Asheville
Hemingway’s Cuba is our top recommendation if your ideal morning starts with a rooftop brunch in Asheville. It’s at the top of the Cambria Hotel in downtown Asheville and has an awesome mountain view.
While they technically only have their brunch menu on the weekends, they offer a daily breakfast with a ton of great ‘brunchier‘ items.
You’ll find pancakes, an omelet, a pressed Cuban breakfast sandwich and even a mimosa or bloody mary at the daily breakfast.
Their brunch menu has a few specials like their famous Pilar’s Double Burger and their Vaca Frita Hash Con Huevos. They also have a great selection of brunch cocktails. Speaking of cocktails with a view, Hemingway’s Cuba is a great destination if you are in need of a rooftop bar in downtown Asheville.
Brunch Availability: Hemingway’s Cuba has a daily breakfast and a weekend brunch. The brunch menu is available Saturdays and Sundays from 7am to 2pm.
Brunch Beverages: Coffee, espresso, Cortadito, juice, Mimosa, Bloody Mary and several breakfast cocktails (Tequila Sunrise, Peach Aperol Spritz, Cuban Sour, Daiquiri and more.)
Strada Italiano
Italian-inspired brunch in downtown Asheville
Strada is another great Italian restaurant in downtown Asheville that serves a weekend brunch. The menu includes Italian-inspired favorites like griddled polenta cakes, a meatball omelet (yes, really!), Cornetto Panino and even Sicilian Poutine.
The brunch menu at Strada also includes a ‘sweet’ section with gluten and dairy-free waffles. Choose from over 5 varieties, like their Lady Nutella with crushed Lady Fingers and Tiramisu with Espresso Mascarpone glaze.
Brunch Availability: Brunch is available at Strada Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm.
Brunch Beverages: Coffee, espresso drinks, hot tea and brunch cocktails like a Peach Bellini, Mimosa, Beermosa, Italian Bloody Mary (with basil + mozzarella!), Irish coffee and several others.
WALK Asheville
Asheville pub with a casual Sunday brunch
If you are looking for a laid-back brunch spot in Asheville, WALK (West Asheville Lounge + Kitchen) is an excellent option. We especially like to recommend it for a guys’ trip to Asheville!
Their Sunday brunch menu includes a wide variety of food, with everything from migas to french toast. You’ll also find breakfast tacos, shrimp & grits and even a lunch burger on the menu.
WALK is on Haywood Road near BattleCat Coffee Bar and Cellarest Beer Project. They actually will bring food to your table at Cellarest if you add a table number when checking out online.
Brunch Availability: Brunch at WALK is available on Sundays from 10:30 am to 2 pm.
Brunch Beverages: Coffee, apple juice, iced coffee, Irish coffee, mimosa, bloody mary, hot toddy
The Blackbird
Family-friendly restaurant with a daily brunch in downtown Asheville
The Blackbird Restaurant in downtown Asheville offers a daily brunch with a very large and diverse menu. You’ll find everything from pulled pork eggs benedict to a toad in a hole with avocado. Their menu celebrates the ingredients and traditions of the Carolinas.
The Blackbird is located at the bottom of the Aloft Hotel, which is a top recommendation for a family-friendly hotel in Asheville.
Speaking of kids, The Blackbird has a kids section on the brunch menu. The ‘Hatchlings’ menu includes french toast, farm breakfast, chicken tenders and a slider.
As far as what to order at The Blackbird, start with beignets and a boozy cold brew! We love their french toast with sweetened cream cheese and fruit. The steak & eggs is also a great dish and you can’t go wrong with their goat cheese omelet.
Brunch Availability: Brunch is available at The Blackbird daily from 10 am to 2:30 pm.
Brunch Beverages: Coffee from Dripolator, juice, cold brew, hot tea and brunch cocktails. Cocktails include their signature Blackbird Bloody Mary, a mimosa with a choice of juice, a french press Irish Coffee, Boozy Brew and a thin mint rum-based drink.
The Dining Room
Breakfast buffet at a Four Star restaurant fit for a Vanderbilt
Did you know that you can enjoy brunch in the Four Star Dining Room at the Biltmore Estate? Well, you can if you are a guest of one of the hotels on the Biltmore Estate! You also can if it’s 1) between January and October and 2) you have a daytime ticket or are a passholder.
The Biltmore Estate is so popular during the holiday season that they restrict access to the famous Dining Room restaurant to hotel guests only.
If you do end up enjoying brunch at The Dining Room, you’ll get to choose from a breakfast buffet or a la carte options. The a la carte menu items include eggs benedict, an omelet, buttermilk pancakes, Belgian waffle and a power bowl.
The breakfast buffet at The Dining Room
The breakfast buffet includes scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, hashbrowns casserole, chia pudding and assorted cereal. There’s also a biscuit bar with sausage gravy, grits and various jams and butters, as well as a smoked salmon bagel station, french toast, pastries, fruit and a yogurt parfait.
As of fall 2023, the price for the breakfast buffet is $30 for adults (ages 10+) and $15 for children under nine.
Brunch Availability: The breakfast buffet is available at The Dining Room from 7 to 11 am daily. Please note the policies above regarding access during the popular holiday months.
All Day Darling
Daily breakfast spot loved by locals
All Day Darling is a neighborhood restaurant in Montford with an all-day breakfast menu and counter service. It’s a local favorite spot, especially for those who live within walking distance!
They have a pastry case as well as classic breakfast items like pancakes to shakshuka and a chicken biscuit with harissa aioli.
Brunch Availability: All Day Darling serves breakfast daily from 7 am to 9 pm.
Brunch Beverages: Coffee, espresso drinks, lululemonade (citrus, matcha, chlorophyll, soda), sproda, cold brew, golden mocha and blended drinks like a yum yum with strawberries, blueberries, banana, almond butter and oat milk. No alcohol!
Early Girl Eatery
Locally loved spot with fresh ingredients and an all-day breakfast menu
Early Girl Eatery is a great local spot for breakfast and brunch (and lunch and dinner!) in Asheville. They have a focus on fresh, local and organic bites and serve their breakfast/brunch fare all day.
One of their most popular dishes is called Bow To The King– it’s chicken tenders served on cinnamon buttermilk biscuits topped with whipped cream, strawberries and powdered sugar. It’s a delicious combo! Another popular menu item at Early Girl is their mimosa flight. It comes with four seasonal flavors.
Early Girl has a few locations around town, all of which have outdoor seating. Downtown is awesome if you can snag a spot outside!
Brunch Availability: Early Girl Eatery serves breakfast daily 8 am to 8 pm.
Brunch Beverages: Coffee, juice, hot tea, Bloody Mary and several options for mimosas. You can either get just one, a mega one, a flight of four seasonal flavors or bottle service mimosas!
Haywood Common
Casual West Asheville hang with a weekend brunch
Haywood Common is a great bar and restaurant located in West Asheville. They are open daily with a weekend brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. It’s a casual spot and is connected to the craft beer hangout spot The Whale. The two make for a fun combo!
As far as brunch food at Haywood Common goes, it’s quite the menu! You’ll find everything from boiled peanuts to start, a Monte Cristo, a basic breakfast plate and huevos rancheros. The “basic” waffle is anything but basic– it is seasoned with Garam masala! Overall, the menu is extensive and the dishes are a bit unique and packed with flavor.
Haywood Common is conveniently located off I-26, so we always recommend it if you are heading out of town and want one last easy-to-get-to brunch.
Brunch Availability: Brunch at Haywood Common is available Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm.
Brunch Beverages: Coffee, espresso drinks and cold brew all us the locally loved Cooperative Coffee roaster. They also have fountain drinks, wines, beer and breakfast cocktails like a mimosa and kimchi bloody mary.
Tupelo Honey
Southern brunch with an epic breakfast cocktail menu
Born and raised in Asheville, the southern brunch spot Tupelo Honey can now be found in over 10 states. Its original spot is located right downtown on College Street, though, and is still a popular spot for breakfast.
You’ll find Southern favorites like a fried chicken biscuit, shrimp & grits, traditional breakfast plate and even a pimento grilled cheese. They also have mac & cheese waffles with hot chicken if you are up for it!
Brunch Availability: Brunch is available at Tupelo Honey daily from 9 am to 4 pm.
Brunch Beverages: They serve Summit Coffee and have an extensive breakfast cocktail menu. You’ll find a classic bloody mary, a spicy bloody mary, four different mimosas (try the bluberry lavender mimosa!) and several signature cocktails like their summer berry sangria and a lemon + lavender vodka drink. Tupelo Honey also has beer, wine and non-alcoholic cocktails.
Isa’s Bistro
A sidewalk brunch at a charming French-inspired bistro
Isa’s is a darling French restaurant in downtown Asheville. Their weekend brunch menu includes eggs benedict, lox & waffles, a raspberry kringle and a bistro hash skillet. Their croissant madame is always a treat, especially with a bowl of french onion soup if it’s closer to lunch.
Isa’s is our top recommendation if you are looking for a romantic brunch in Asheville. We have seen two couples get engaged here if that helps convince you! And we get it– the charm is present in every detail. We especially love the tables along the sidewalk that offer an excellent vantage for people-watching.
Brunch Availability: Brunch is available at Isa’s Bistro each Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm.
Brunch Beverages: Coffee, espresso drinks, juice, and several brunch cocktails. Choose from several varieties of mimosa, bloody mary, an Elder Pear with Tito’s or their Hibiscus tequila drink.
Mayfel’s
Louisiana fare and discounted mimosa + bloody mary on Fridays
Mayfel’s is a no-reservations cafe with Louisiana-inspired fare. The menu includes beignets, of course, and also gator bites and a boudin board!
Their shrimp & grits dish is served with a creamy Cajun roux and you’ll find crawfish etouffee on the menu. The Louisiana flavors run deep here!
One of the most noteworthy things about Mayfel’s is that they offer half-off bloody marys and mimosas on Fridays. Plan accordingly! They also have a dog-friendly patio.
Brunch Availability: Brunch is available Friday to Monday from 10 am to 3 pm.
Brunch Beverages: Coffee, Bloody Mary, Mimosa (orange, grapefruit, pomegranate, passionfruit), other cocktails like a Pimm’s Cup and Hurricane, Beer and Wine.
Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse
Note: Ukiah ended their brunch service in October 2023 and will resume in 2024.
Flavor-packed Sunday brunch with Japanese flavors
Ukiah is another dinner restaurant that goes above and beyond for an exceptional Sunday-only brunch. They are one of our top recommendations for Japanese food in Asheville and serve up an excellent Sunday morning meal.
Their brunch menu is short but sweet and includes some awesome dishes like Chicken + Waffles and Breakfast Ramen. If you are familiar with Ukiah then I am sure your mind is already racing thinking about the intense flavors packed into each dish. And if you haven’t been yet, you are in for a treat!
If you are looking to go all out, try the Wagyu Ribeye and eggs with shiso chimichurri and wasabi. And whatever you do, please get a golden potato + scallion pancake with grilled kimchi sauce for the table! It’s the perfect way to start a brunch in Asheville over coffee or a brunch cocktail.
Brunch Availability: Brunch is available at Ukiah on Sundays from 11 am to 3 pm.
Brunch Beverages: Coffee, espresso drinks, tea and a few brunch cocktails. They have a signature Bloody Mary with Togarashi (Japanese chili pepper) and bacon, a gin + lychee drink, a pear spritz, a cold foam cocktail and a pear + sake drink on the brunch cocktail menu.
