Updated June 2024. One of the easiest (and tastiest) ways to experience greater Asheville outdoors is to dine outside at these five outdoor dining options near Asheville, NC. So what are you waiting for? We are on the verge of the summer season and have the most beautiful mountain scenery around!

Asheville is no stranger to al fresco dining. We have been long recognized as “the Paris of the South” due to our many restaurants and cafés with outdoor and sidewalk dining options. Once you have hiked to one of our swimming holes or visited a crafts fair, why not continue enjoying the outdoors by supping on a patio, porch, or rooftop?

1. Downtown Asheville

Downtown Asheville is chock-full of outdoor dining choices. Here are several of our favorites:

Mayfel’s

22 College St, Asheville
Mayfel’s is the place to go for Cajun and Creole specialties. It has a covered front patio and an almost hidden back patio, which are some of the best outdoor dining options in Asheville.

Rhubarb

7 SW Pack Sq, Asheville
Rhubarb is owned and operated by award-winning chef John Fleer. The food is locally sourced and thoughtfully prepared. Patio seating is available in the warmer months.

Posana

1 Biltmore Ave, Asheville
Posana prides itself on being the first 3-star Green Certified Restaurant in North Carolina. All items on their menu are gluten-free, and there is even a puppy menu. Outside seating is on the patio.

2. South & West Asheville

Biltmore Estate

The Corner Kitchen
3 Boston Way, Biltmore Village
Located in an original Biltmore Village house circa 1895, The Corner Kitchen is a well-established eatery that has been feted many times in various culinary publications and was named by Birmingham Magazine as one of the top places to visit when you need a romantic getaway in Asheville. The menu is “to die for,” and Corner Kitchen offers indoor and outdoor dining, takeout, and delivery!

Cedric’s Tavern
1 Lodge St, Asheville
Cedric’s Tavern is the home for classic English Pub fare with an upscale flair. You will find Shepherd’s Pie, a Smoked Pork Meatloaf Sandwich, and Lobster Roll, among others. There is outside seating on a patio.

Village Wayside Bar & Grill

30 Lodge St, Asheville
The Village Wayside Bar & Grill is in an old train depot in Biltmore Village. It features home cooking from family recipes, like Texas Beef Brisket or Hungarian-style cabbage Rolls, finished with Mama’s Coconut Cream Pie. Enjoy these specialties outdoors on the patio.

The Cantina

10 Biltmore Plaza, Asheville
The Cantina is a brightly colored taproom specializing in Mexican food. The Biltmore Village location has an outdoor patio and modern Mexican choices like Pineapple Shrimp Tacos and Pork Carnita Quesadillas.

3. Historic Montford District

The Historic Montford District is full of Queen Anne, Arts and Crafts, and Colonial Revival Homes, along with some great restaurants:

All Day Darling

102 Montford Ave, Asheville
All Day Darling prides itself on being a local eatery that serves breakfast, baked goods, sandwiches, and salads. The outdoor seating is colorful and fun.

Jettie Rae’s Oyster House

143 Charlotte St, Asheville
Jettie Rae’s Oyster House features seafood and specializes in what they call coastal cultures inspired by the Gullah Geechee, French, Native American, and Spanish culinary traditions. The menu features Oysters Bienville, Crab Rice, and Shrimp Po’ Boy. There are non-seafood choices, as well.

4. Dining at the Breweries

Craft beer is a massive deal in the Asheville area, so it makes sense that many of the breweries have outdoor seating.

Wicked Weed’s Brew Pub

91 Biltmore Ave, Asheville
Wicked Weed’s Brewing Pub has a restaurant, beer garden, tap room, and brewing facility. Enjoy their brews while munching on burgers, salad, and other tavern food. If sour beer is your jive, head to the South Slope Funkatorium, where you can sip to your heart’s content and order from their special menu.

Burial Beer

40 Collier Ave, Asheville
Burial Beer has numerous locations in Asheville, but this is its original home on the South Slope. While you sip beer or wine slushies and order from their pub menu, check out the vintage VW bus and Tom Selleck and Sloth murals.

Highland Brewing Company

12 Old Charlotte Hwy Ste 200, Asheville
Highland Brewing Company is in a rehabbed manufacturing facility, but don’t let that discourage you. Southern Living voted their beers the Best in the South. The website lists a series of food trucks that provide bites to eat.

5. Outside of Asheville

There are plenty of outdoor dining opportunities outside of Asheville proper. Here are a few of them:

Weaverville

Twisted Laurel
10a S Main St, Weaverville
Twisted Laurel has locations in Asheville and Weaverville. The menu includes sandwiches, salads, entrées, and pizza to satisfy any craving.

Soba
76 N Main St, Weaverville
Soba has a gorgeous outdoor patio where you can enjoy sushi and noodles. To wash down your food, choose from a full beer, wine, or sake menu.

Blue Mountain Pizza
55 No Main St, Weaverville
Blue Mountain Pizza has pizza, homemade ice cream, local craft beer, and live music. What more could you ask for?

Black Mountain

Black Mountain Bistro
203 E State St, Black Mountain
Black Mountain Bistro has been locally owned and operated for five generations. The menu features Southern favorites like fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese spread, shrimp and grits, and country-fried steaks.

Black Mountain Pizza and Ale House
117-C Cherry St, Black Mountain
The Black Mountain Pizza and Ale House has a large outdoor patio with a stage for live music. There is, of course, a wide selection of craft beers.

The Trailhead Restaurant and Bar
207 W State St, Black Mountain
The Trailhead Restaurant and Bar serves burgers, salads, and appetizers. It also offers full entrées, ranging from Seared Blackened Tuna to Portabella Patties on brioche. On the large outdoor porch, you can enjoy the food and a wide selection of drinks.

The View from Our Patio

After you enjoy one of these outdoor dining options near Asheville, return to your cozy, comfortable space at Wildberry Lodge. Our guest rooms are spacious and well-appointed, all with beautiful private baths and most with decks from which you can enjoy even more gorgeous views.

There are so many ways to enjoy and conquer the heat of summer. Pick one or more, and have fun! Summer is fleeting, so plan your getaway now.

Photo Credit:
© baona via canva.com
© Kzenon via canva.com