Whether you call it comfort food, soul food or southern food, there is no mistaking the pavlovian response when someone mentions buttermilk biscuits and crispy fried chicken. Finding the best southern food in Asheville can be quite the challenge with so many finger lickin' good places to choose from. While many Asheville restaurants offer southern food entrees and sides on their menu, there are a select few that provide a true southern food experience, complete with sweet tea and fried okra.
Many Asheville restaurants source local ingredients from Western North Carolina farms, providing a fresh, farm-to-table experience, even if it all gets fried! 
Tupelo Honey's Shrimp & Grits, Fried Green Tomatoes and fresh biscuits.
The South goes big for breakfast, serving up stick-to-your-bones kinda meals and sending you on your way. Southern brunch dishes like chicken & waffles, biscuits & gravy, shrimp & grits, country ham and fried green tomatoes will certainly fuel your day of exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Authentic southern lunch and dinner plates may include bone-in fried chicken, meat loaf, country fried steak, ribs, pork chops and more. Sides include fried okra, mac-n-cheese, collard greens, cheesy grits, mashed potatoes with gravy, hush puppies, sweet potato casserole, coleslaw, baked beans, cast-iron cornbread and more.
Below you'll find the best places to get your southern comfort food fix in Asheville, with a little bit of Appalachian flavor.
Top Places for Southern Food in Ashevile
Rocky's Hot Chicken Shack
Feast on some “Tennessee style” hot chicken and southern soul food. They prepare their unique fried chicken to order, so it’s not spicy unless you want it that way! Ingredients are sourced locally… read more
Feast on some “Tennessee style” hot chicken and southern soul food. They prepare their unique fried chicken to order, so it’s not spicy unless you want it that way! Ingredients are sourced locally and classic American recipes are made from scratch daily. Two locations in Asheville: West at 1455 Patton Avenue, and South at 3749 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden.
HomeGrown
With two locations in North and West Asheville, this eatery serves up southern fare using locally sourced ingredients. Comfort items include fried chicken biscuit, cheesy grits, catfish po’boy and… read more
With two locations in North and West Asheville, this eatery serves up southern fare using locally sourced ingredients. Comfort items include fried chicken biscuit, cheesy grits, catfish po’boy and more. Also find plenty of vegan options available. 371 Merrimon Ave and 219 Amboy Rd
Sunny Point Café
A favorite local spot in West Asheville since 2003, discover innovative comfort food with made-from-scratch products and a farm-to-table approach. They even grow some of their ingredients in their… read more
A favorite local spot in West Asheville since 2003, discover innovative comfort food with made-from-scratch products and a farm-to-table approach. They even grow some of their ingredients in their adjacent garden. Favorites include the huevos rancheros, cornmeal hot cakes, French toast and their killer shrimp and grits. Open every day at 8 AM and breakfast menu served until 2:30 PM. 626…
Biscuit Head
This local hot spot offers handmade biscuit dishes, sides, a jam bar and even a gravy flight! They serve breakfast and brunch in a casual atmosphere with gluten-free biscuits and other options.… read more
This local hot spot offers handmade biscuit dishes, sides, a jam bar and even a gravy flight! They serve breakfast and brunch in a casual atmosphere with gluten-free biscuits and other options. They get busy, so plan ahead and arrive early! Downtown: 417 Biltmore Ave, Ste 4F
Sand Hill Kitchen
Serving scratch-made Southern fare, this hidden gem offers many soul food staples like buttermilk fried chicken, biscuits & gravy, and meatloaf with some southwest flare. Try their award-… read more
Serving scratch-made Southern fare, this hidden gem offers many soul food staples like buttermilk fried chicken, biscuits & gravy, and meatloaf with some southwest flare. Try their award-winning fried chicken sandwich! 491 Sardis Road
Luella's BBQ
It’s all about the bbq and scratch-made sides at this local joint that draws inspiration from family recipes. Feast on ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and chicken with sides like fried okra, collards… read more
It’s all about the bbq and scratch-made sides at this local joint that draws inspiration from family recipes. Feast on ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and chicken with sides like fried okra, collards, spicy vinegar coleslaw and more. They offer brunch on the weekends. 501 Merrimon Ave
Tupelo Honey Cafe
Longtime favorite for both locals and visitors! This is where Tupelo began in 2000 as a destination for scratch-made Southern food rooted in the Carolina Mountains. Breakfast, lunch and dinner… read more
Longtime favorite for both locals and visitors! This is where Tupelo began in 2000 as a destination for scratch-made Southern food rooted in the Carolina Mountains. Breakfast, lunch and dinner served every day. Enjoy craft cocktails, specialty beers and famous honey dusted fried chicken at their new lounge, adjacent to original space. 12 College Street.
Dread Life Kitchen, Hendersonville
Serving up soul food in Hendersonville, owner Raynard Walker offers comfort food favorites like wings, shrimp and grits, mac-n-cheese, smoked meats, collards, and more with a Caribbean twist. Dine… read more
Serving up soul food in Hendersonville, owner Raynard Walker offers comfort food favorites like wings, shrimp and grits, mac-n-cheese, smoked meats, collards, and more with a Caribbean twist. Dine in or pick up a meal to bring home, along with homemade lemonade or sweet tea. They also offer catering for events! 3591 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville
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