If you are looking for a delicious brunch in Asheville, head to Haywood Common, Jerusalem Garden Café, Leo’s House of Thirst, and more, including a Black Mountain favorite. These are the restaurants that Tom and I most frequent for jazzy tunes, bubbly libations, brunch classics, and twists on favorites. All photos are our own.
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Our Top 7 Picks You’ll Find On This List
Give us all the eggs, tater tots, mimosas, and lattes, especially after a fun night out brewery-hopping. You may also enjoy our Asheville breakfast guide. 💙 Christine
Unfortunately for Asheville residents, many brunch places operate randomly and seasonally based on crowds. I try to update this list with consistently open brunch places. See all of the restaurants in Asheville that we champion.
Haywood Common (West Asheville)
Highlights: Saturday & Sunday Brunch | Outdoor & Shared Pet-Friendly Patio | No Reservations
Why Haywood Common
Also delicious for lunch, Haywood Common is a terrific go-to spot for casual, fresh, and budget-friendly eats. Tom and I especially love their iced lattes and seasonal cocktails. Sit outside on the patio, which shares seating with The Whale, a great bar with a large beer selection.
Enjoy anything from salads, avocado toast, and sandwiches to brunch burgers, biscuits, chicken and waffles, and poke bowls.
Tips For Enjoying Haywood Common
- Find gluten-free bread and a designated gluten-free fryer (but always double-check this); we are a part Celiac household.
- Enjoy cozy but limited inside seating, which grows busier on chilly weekends
- Order at the counter and seat yourself
- There is limited on-site parking; use the Park Mobile app and park at the church next door (pay attention to signs) if the church isn’t in session; or, look around the surrounding streets
- Cell phone reception is spotty; download all parking apps in advance, although restaurants have Wi-Fi
Jerusalem Garden Cafe (Downtown Asheville)
Highlights: Unique Moroccan & Mediterranean Cuisine | Weekend Brunch | Takes Reservations (sometimes needed)
Why Jerusalem Garden Cafe
For brunch in Downtown Asheville, Jerusalem Garden Cafe boasts authentic Middle Eastern cuisine in a great location and a vibrantly decorated space.
Select from omelets, Shakshuka, lamb and eggs, falafels, hummus, salads, and gyros. Find traditional breakfast items like French toast, shrimp and grits, and chicken and biscuits.
Tips For Enjoying Jerusalem Garden Cafe
- We prefer to park at the Coxe Ave. garage
- After brunch, spend an entire afternoon exploring Downtown Asheville, which has sweet boutiques, unique local shops, fun bars, and quite a few breweries
Corner Kitchen (Biltmore Village)
Highlights: Historic Victorian Cottage | Everyday Brunch | Helene Comeback | Highly Suggest Reservations
Why Corner Kitchen
For brunch near Biltmore Estate, dine in a historic home that was part of George Washington Vanderbilt’s property. Like Biltmore’s gardens, Frederick Law Olmsted designed this gorgeous neighborhood, which was devastated by Helene but is making a comeback.
A popular restaurant for visitors and locals, Corner Kitchen’s menu features sandwiches, eggs, lox, Southern bowls, soups, and salads. The children’s menu boasts waffles, grilled cheese, eggs, and mini-sandwiches. Corner Kitchen’s mouthwatering cocktails and mimosas incorporate some of Asheville’s finest spirits.
Tips For Enjoying Corner Kitchen
- Park anywhere along quaint Biltmore Village’s streets
- Be forewarned that this is a congested area
- See what other restaurants we enjoy in Biltmore Village
Cecilia’s Kitchen (North Asheville)
Highlights: Latin American Restaurant | Sunday Brunch | No Reservations
Why Cecilia’s Kitchen
At Cecilia’s Kitchen, enjoy a surprisingly extensive menu with a unique blend of Latin American cuisine and crepes, both sweet and savory. Think empanadas, tamales, soups, and salads, along with local craft beer and cocktails. Select from huevos rancheros, omelets, or Latin benedicts.
Tips For Dining At Cecilia’s Kitchen & How To Enjoy North AVL
- Gluten-free and vegan crepe options
- On-site parking
- We love coming here after a session at the Asheville Salt Cave (under 10 minutes away)
- Nearby, walk the Botanical Gardens at Asheville or Beaver Lake
Leo’s House Of Thirst (West Asheville)
Highlights: Tapas & Wine Bar | Weekend Brunch | Quaint, Pet-Friendly Patio | Highly Recommend Advanced Reservations (with walk-in-friendly seating)
Why Leo’s House Of Thirst
Leo’s House of Thirst is a must for a tapas-themed brunch (and dinner) paired with a pretty cool wine selection. For brunch, enjoy olives, deviled eggs, breakfast sandwiches, avocado toast, and charcuterie. I love their steak tartare.
You cannot go wrong with their relaxing outdoor garden or intimate inside dining space. Leo’s House of Thirst is an unforgettable, James Beard semi-finalist restaurant and is in the 2025 Michelin Guide.
Tips For Enjoying Leo’s House Of Thirst
- The outdoor picnic table area is pet-friendly
- Leo’s has its own parking lot behind the building; there is also street parking; pay attention to all posted parking signs, as some lots will tow you
Chestnut (Downtown Asheville)
Highlights: Daily Brunch | Craft food and cocktails | Corner Kitchen Owners | Suggest Making Reservations
Why Chestnut
Chestnut has been a Downtown Asheville staple since 2012. They support the local community, as demonstrated by their menu, with food and drink sourced from local farms, breweries, and creameries.
For everyday brunch in Asheville, select from sandwiches, soups, salads, waffles, biscuits and gravy, and breakfast burritos. I love brunching here with girlfriends, followed by shopping.
Tips For Enjoying Chestnut
- Park at any of the nearby garages; if you don’t mind walking, the Biltmore Ave. Garage is great
- Head here on a weekday to avoid the crowds
- They also make for a romantic dinner spot, especially pre-concert or pre-event
Cousins Cuban Cafe (Black Mountain)
Highlights: Authentic Cuban cuisine | 25 minutes away from AVL | Everyday Breakfast/Brunch (Closed Wednesdays) | No reservations
Why Cousins Cuban Cafe
Tom and I adore Black Mountain’s restaurants and couldn’t leave off one of the best for brunch near Asheville…
Cousins Cuban Cafe specializes in authentic Cuban tapas, breakfast bowls, scrambled eggs, salads, and sandwiches. I can never say no to a Cuban sandwich and yucca fries, while Tom covets their Mojo pork bowl. Order a unique guava mimosa or mango iced tea.
Tips For Enjoying Cousins Cuban Cafe & Black Mountain
- As a beloved restaurant, these guys tend to stay jumping; dine during off-peak hours
- We have an entire Black Mountain exploration guide for what to do in the area – it’s one of our favorite neighboring small mountain towns
- Park along the street
Before You Go, Grab A Coffee
Don’t forget that we also have a larger Asheville Breakfast Guide featuring even more great restaurants perfect for brunch. Then, see where you can grab a coffee. Be sure to let us know your favorites in the comments. We are always updating and changing up our guides.
Wonderful recommendations, thanks so much. Have you ever been to Gray Hawk Bar and Garden in Lake Lure. The food and atmosphere are fantastic.
https://www.greyhawklakelure.com/
Thanks for sharing. We are so happy to see Lake Lure coming back after devastating Helene.
Your choices are excellent as always! I enjoy brunch at Desoto Lounge on Haywood Road. Serving 10-3 Sat. & Sun. The menu changes weekly. I’m not sure about gluten free options but I know they have great vegetarian choices. They also have a build your own mimosa & Bloody Mary bar 🙂
You know we love a good build-your-own boozy bar! Thanks so much for sharing your favorite. We haven’t been to Desoto yet and will definitely check it out!
For a twist on usual brunch fare, Ukiah now serves brunch as well. Yummy.
Yes, they do! We love Ukiah. Thanks for sharing!
@Christine, psst….just saw that Chef Hannah from Ukiah will be doing small bites at the Hound! We need to check it out.
Ooooo, Ukiah is very yum – that sounds wonderful! Definitely need to check it out! Thank you for the great tips; they are much appreciated!
Corner Kitchen and Chestnut are our favorites!
Love Chestnut’s ambiance and cocktails!