Location: Asheville
Top Restaurants in Asheville
Top Things to do in Asheville
Countries
Where to eat Southwestern food in Asheville: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Find out what Southwestern restaurants to try in Asheville. If you’re into eating locally and supporting sustainable agriculture, go to Asheville—and eat, eat, eat. This town of less than 100,000 people has 17 farmers’ markets, and the local restaurant scene is all about taking advantage of the seasonal produce sold there. And don’t miss the area’s microbreweries.
Things to do in Asheville
1. Salsa Mexican Caribbean Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1128 reviews
Est. 1994 Asheville's culinary pioneer celebrates more than 2 decades of incorporating fresh, local, farm-raised ingredients and personality into their daily menus. A multiple award-winning Latin bistro, SALSA lovingly creates and shares Mexican & Caribbe
Reviewed By KenCookie
Weâd incorrectly decided that Salsa was a tourist trapâwhich is why it took us years to finally dine there. We were absolutely wrong about Salsa being any sort of trap, and we now have a new restaurant on our go-to list.For such a small restaurant (including both inside and outside dining), the menu offers a lot of choicesâassuming you are looking for Mexican food. There is a regular menu, and this is augmented by daily specials.This is definitely home-cooked, non-commercial food. And it was delicious. The portions were much larger than we imagined; we ordered an appetizer to share (the Anafre bean dip), and it was huge. Had we known how large our appetizer would be, we would have ordered just one dinner to share. Instead, we had ordered a dinner for each of usâchicken and shrimp enchiladas; they were unique in that they were âstackedâ instead of being rolled. Of note, Salsaâs house-made chips and guacamole were especially delicious. We drank their house margaritas and mojitos--wonderful. Of note, our server was very friendly, helpful, and professional; heâs worked there for 11 years. Also, the artwork is lovely.A couple sitting next to us were regulars. They told us to try âanything porkâ next time, as it was always excellent. We will.KenCookie,Yes, we hear this sometimes... that Salsa's is a tourist trap... Mostly from tourists, actually.It is always a shock to hear it because Salsa's actually opened in 1993. I'm not sure if you know the recent history of Asheville, but in 1993, there were like 3 places to eat, no EarthFare, and a toilet bowl shop open down the street with glorious toilet bowls on display. Salas's was a real gathering place. We used to hang out outside in our bare feet and watch the clouds float above our heads. Of course, we were all young and in love then. And, it was enough. Almost 30 years later, so much has changed... And, Salsa's has changed a little. You need shoes to come inside, now... hahaha... just kidding. If you are a health inspector, I am TOTALLY joking. So, please do not think of us as a tourist trap. But, rather, an original. A flagship. A downtown favorite. Come and enjoy Salsa's anytime, we'd love to meet you:)Aimee
Best Mexican food near Asheville, North Carolina, United States
2. Zia Taqueria
Overall Ratings
4 based on 236 reviews
Zia presents you with a collection of our favorite scratch made flavors from regional Mexico, Texas, & New Mexico. We have established a unique menu by using fresh, local, & regional ingredients and sourcing premium chiles from New Mexico. We utilize a fa
Reviewed By gypsyiam
I'm a local and visit here frequently. Everyone is so friendly! And the food is good, fresh and has so many options for vegans or meat eaters. Also they make good cocktails. (you get your moneys worth!) I held my birthday gathering there with some friends and what a great fun place for it! Will always be a great memory! So many in the restaurant including folks sitting at the bar sang along to my birthday song. Thank you Zia!Thank you so much for taking the time to review us! We are so glad you have great memories with us and look forward to serving you again soon!
Where to eat Seafood food in Asheville: The Best Restaurants and Bars
3. Papa's & Beer Mexican Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 347 reviews
Reviewed By flipflop48
I LOVE Mexican food!!! And Papa's & Beer delivers the best around!! Starting off with the bean dip which is great as well as the Papas margarita. It's served with a side of Grand Mariner...so good! I had the shrimp enchilada with spinach and mushrooms added. This mean was enjoy to have for lunch the next day. Ton's of cheese and the flavor was perfect. Our table also had street tacos and fajitas. Everyone said best mexican ever! The atmosphere is good, with a cozy feeling. And they have a good salsa bar too.
Best Wine Bar food near Asheville, North Carolina, United States
4. Mamacita's Taqueria
Overall Ratings
4 based on 300 reviews
Located in downtown Asheville, Mamacita's Taqueria serves up fresh, made from scratch Mexican cuisine. Mama won't let you go hungry!
Reviewed By Dawn S
Stopped in to stave off a craving for Mexican and ordered the Nacho Mama. Clean, easy food made while I watched. Sat at the bar and had a great view of the people coming off the street for fast service. Tacos were a big favorite - and signs noted specials on Taco Tuesdays. No fancy table clothes here - just fast, fresh, Mexican favorites.
5. Papas & Beer
Overall Ratings
4 based on 732 reviews
Reviewed By gpizzy
Ok, calls us nuts... but we visited this restaurant three times in a two week visit to Asheville... Why ? Because the food was great, the menu selections vast and the cost very attractive. Oh, did I mention the portions large, the the presentation colorful and the service attentive with short wait times. We found the food to always be prepared with fresh ingredients... Overall, there were some things we needed to overlook and did.My advice would be to go there not expecting a "slick chain experience", immerse yourself in the authenticity and experience and benefit from your choice.
Top 3 Indian food in Asheville, North Carolina, United States
