Asheville’s restaurant wish list

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While not a Jewish deli, Corner Kitchen does have quite the Reuben. | Photo via @westmo.photo

A few months ago we shared data on independent + chain restaurants and asked you to chime in about how you’d like to see Asheville’s restaurant scene grow.

And boy, did y’all give us some food for thought — so much so that we decided to put together a restaurant wish list on your behalf, broken up by the major themes.

1. More diverse and specialty offerings

  • “Would love even more independent restaurants, but recognize the difficulty and bravery in creating them. Just open a really terrific Chinese restaurant and authentic Jewish deli and I’ll be happy. And a Vietnamese restaurant in north Asheville.” — Karen M.
  • “A few Vietnamese restaurants would make us happy. For us locals, we could use a few more lower-cost, independent places that aren’t just sandwiches or tacos!” — Cheryl P.
  • “Asheville has a wonderful selection of vegetarian restaurants — but of course could always use more” — Benita A.

2. Restaurants geared towards locals

  • “I’d love to see more indie restaurants targeting the locals, not the tourists. Regional food at regional prices.” — Tricia C.
  • “In recent years, the explosion of visitors to our area has made it a challenge for us to get into our once-favorite indie restaurants…. We absolutely need more independent restaurants geared to locals!” — Bonnie

Charlotte St. has several walkable eateries — but that’s not the case everywhere. | Photo via @mamacitasavl

3. More affordable neighborhood spots

  • “How about small, walkable neighborhood clusters of easy restaurants scattered around AVL?” — Deborah I.
  • “Living in East Asheville, I wish there were more independent restaurants out here. There are several which are really good, but not nearly enough for this growing area.” — Melinda B.
  • “The Arden area sure could use and support more independents. And a bakery!! Come on down!!” — Kathy N.
  • “I honestly think Asheville and the larger area needs more affordable local restaurants especially in E. Asheville and far west such as Enka-Candler.” – Marcelle

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