10 Best River Arts District Restaurants In Asheville

Explore the best River Arts District restaurants in Asheville, NC for tacos, BBQ, Polynesian, and more. Food trucks and breweries with food included!

One of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Asheville, the River Arts District (RAD) is filled with breweries, wine bars, coffee shops, and urban art.

And let’s face it, the restaurants in the River Arts District are pretty famous. Dine like a former President at one of Asheville’s most illustrious BBQ restaurants, 12 Bones Smokehouse.

Or, choose from baller bottles, wine glasses the size of your face, and charcuterie at the swankiest wine bar in town, Bottle Riot.

Luxuriate in one of Asheville’s most romantic fine dining restaurants, The Bull And Beggar. And, don’t miss its sister, no-frills burger joint, Baby Bull. It’s where the locals go.

If you are craving Hawaiian poke and Filipino lumpia, RosaBee’s awaits you. We are sure we probably don’t even need to whisper the name “White Duck Taco.”

So, with the plethora of River Arts District Asheville restaurants, how do you choose? Honestly, you should try them all.

However, as locals, we are sharing the best restaurants near the River Arts District in Asheville, NC that we love and recommend.

Please keep in mind that “best” is subjective; we’d love to hear your favorite RAD restaurants in the comments. Let’s get started!

River Arts District Restaurants In Asheville NC with picture of urban art tag and red beer from 12 Bones Smokehouse — Where can you eat in the River Arts District? Dine at the best Asheville River Arts District restaurants – from a tipsy local travel writer and her pilot husband.

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Delicious River Arts District Restaurants In Asheville

The River Arts District is one of our favorite neighborhoods in all of Asheville. Along with the foodie scene – endless breweries, coffee shops, cafes, and restaurants – the area is filled with culture, art, and outdoor activities. This district boasts the most street art, artist studios, and galleries in AVL.

Plus, enjoy vibrant street murals and the gorgeous RAD Riverwalk. The Riverwalk connects many of the scenic public parks and greenways along the French Broad River. After you pick a restaurant to eat at, make sure to read our local guide to RAD’s shops, breweries, and art galleries too.

1. 12 Bones Smokehouse

North Carolina is pretty well-known for its stellar BBQ. In fact, the BBQ is so good, the Obama family visited one of our personal top Asheville BBQ joints, 12 Bones Smokehouse (RAD location).

12 Bones Smokehouse BBQ Asheville Pulled Pork Platter with corn bread, slaw, baked beans, and blueberry beer in plastic cup — Dine like a former president at 12 Bones.

One of the most famous River Arts District restaurants in Asheville, devour BBQ at 12 Bones Smokehouse like a former president.

On their 2008 Asheville trip, Michelle and Barack Obama hiked Craven Gap and ate at 12 Bones Smokehouse – River location (they have a second location in Arden).

Barack Obama ordered the ribs. You’ll even see their picture on the wall.

12 Bones Smokehouse is known for its slow and long-smoked meats, using oak and cherry hardwoods. Everything they make is from scratch, and 12 Bones cooks old family favorites as well as new flavors.

Order ribs, pulled pork or chicken, and smoked turkey. Select either a sandwich or a platter.

12 Bones Smokehouse River Arts District Asheville Restaurant with picture of table and chairs with writing all over walls — Find local artist Gus Cutty’s Anthony Bourdain mural at 12 Bones Smokehouse South.

12 Bones Smokehouse Brewery South Asheville beer flight with four small glasses filled with a stout, 2 ambers, and yellow beer on brown picnic table — Find local artist Gus Cutty’s Anthony Bourdain mural at 12 Bones Smokehouse South.

True to Southern BBQ, pair your meats with delicious sides like cornbread, okra, mac and cheese, and beans. Don’t forget to head to the BBQ sauce station.

Sit inside with walls covered in guests’ signatures or outside on a picnic table ensconced in Asheville’s urban art scene.

12 Bones is a casual but delicious Asheville lunch option. They do not take reservations. Wedge at Foundation, one of our favorite Asheville breweries, sits next door.

Also, know that the 12 Bones South/Arden location houses their stellar brewery and a gorgeous Anthony Bourdain mural painted by Gus Cutty.

12 Bones brews their own beer for both locations.

12 Bones Smokehouse River | 5 Foundy St Ste 10, Asheville, NC 28801

2. Baby Bull

If you are hoping to fight that burger craving, we have the perfect place for you. Baby Bull is casual, local, and budget-friendly. Plus, they are centrally located for all of your River Arts District exploring.

Baby Bull Burgers Asheville NC with man in purple coat holding up a burger in gluten-free bun over basket on outdoor picnic table — For the best burgers in Asheville, head to RAD restaurant, Baby Bull.

Curated by The Bull and Beggar, Baby Bull is their handheld joint located down the street. Just look for the Asheville silo, one of the popular local landmarks.

Enjoy a no-frills establishment serving up one of the best burgers in all of Asheville. You may find lines out of the door depending on your timing and the season.

This is also one of the most budget-friendly River Arts District restaurants, perfect for families looking for a quick and easy meal.

Baby Bull has a kid’s burger and indoor and outdoor seating.

Baby Bull Asheville Restaurant with Fried Fish Sandwich with lettuce and bun in basket with paper and side of fries in the background

Baby Bull River Arts District Restaurant Asheville with white male in purple coat and gray hat eating burger from red basket

While you cannot make substitutions to Baby Bull’s small menu, they offer gluten-free bread. You may also leave off items like cheese.

Baby Bull’s special sandwiches rotate daily and seasonally; you might catch a lobster roll or fried fish, pork cutlet, or pressed pork sandwich along with your beef burger.

Sides include pork rinds, fries, and hushpuppies. A local favorite, Baby Bull hosts “Burger Monday,” featuring a burger, fries, and beer or soda for $13.99+.

This RAD spot is great for the warmer months, especially in the evening by the river.

Baby Bull | 1 Roberts St, Asheville, NC 28801

3. White Duck Taco Shop

One of Asheville’s attractions, White Duck Taco Shop promises the most eclectic tacos in town. Pull up to one of the picnic tables with your pooch along the French Broad River.

Best tacos Asheville white duck taco shop with two plates of two tacos each with colorful toppings on top of a green picnic table — Visitors in town love to dine at White Duck Taco.

White Duck Taco is another one of the most famous River Arts District Asheville restaurants and attractions, especially for visitors.

With multiple locations, many argue that White Duck makes the best tacos in the city. (Personally, we are team Taco Temple, but y’all like what you like)

Sometimes the line sprawls out the door before opening. However, you can also catch slower times, if you are lucky. So, what’s the big deal?

We’d say the well-deserved hype is due to White Duck Taco’s rare taco creations. These are not your average tacos.

Think Chicken Tikka Masala, Crispy Chicken BLT, Bangkok Shrimp, Crispy Pork Belly, and Gyro-themed soft tacos along with a local brew. White Duck labels gluten-free items.

This is also a great River Arts District restaurant if you are traveling with young kids; White Duck Taco’s menu features kids’ quesadillas, chicken, and chips with queso and salsa.

White Duck Taco Shop River Arts District Asheville, NC with menu of tacos, big wall, yellow ceilings with lights, and colorful tables

White Duck Taco Shop Asheville Tacos with Ginger Revenge ginger beer and four soft shell tacos on green picnic table outside

And, for unique RAD restaurants, White Duck Taco sits inside a vibrantly funky shipping container.

They also have an abundance of outdoor picnic table seating. Devour tacos next to the French Broad River with your dog, family, and friends.

If it’s summer, you might catch people floating by, and this is another one of the best lunch places to eat in the River Arts District on a gorgeous day.

They have a large parking lot close to the RAD Riverwalk. If crowds overwhelm you, though, White Duck Taco might not be for you.

White Duck Taco Shop | RAD 388 Riverside Drive | Downtown 12 Biltmore Avenue | Arden 16 Miami Circle

4. RosaBees

For lesser-known River Arts District restaurants in Asheville, RosaBees promises delicious Polynesian cuisine. This hidden gem is the perfect location for a casual dinner date.

RosaBees Restaurant River Arts District Asheville with bowl filled with sunny side up egg, red sauce, rice and veggies

One of the most magical restaurants in Asheville, and our personal favorite, RosaBees is a must.

Serving up Hawaiian dishes, this Polynesian restaurant boasts poke bowls, a variety of unique fish dishes, and beef and chicken entrees paired with spicy and tropical flavors.

We’ve also enjoyed Indonesian dishes, and you’ll find Filipino-inspired appetizers.

RosaBees Restaurant Asheville River Arts District with bowl of raw tuna in seaweed rice paper in white bowl on table

RosaBees Restaurant River Arts District Asheville NC with tuna poke with avocado tempura, coconut rice, and radishes with lettuce

RosaBees’ menu features equally delicious cocktails and desserts. They label items containing gluten with an asterisk.

We recommend making advanced dinner reservations.

This is a small and sweet RAD restaurant hidden among artist studios and shops. Find plenty of parking in the gravel lots out front.

RosaBees | 27 Foundy Street, Suite #20, Asheville, NC 28801

5. The Bull And Beggar

Nothing beats a delicious fine dining restaurant, especially if you are a carnivore. The Bull and Beggar promises the richest cuisine in a romantic setting.

The Bull and Beggar Asheville foie gras in a white bowl and garnished with herbs — Plan a date night at The Bull & Beggar.

Enjoy a decadent dinner at one of the best fine-dining restaurants in the River Arts District, The Bull And Beggar.

Tucked in between Bottle Riot and Wedge Brewing Company at Wedge Studios, this is one of the top RAD restaurants for meat lovers.

With a simple but extravagant one-page dinner menu, select from beef tartare, oysters, ribeye, duck, pork belly, and pasta.

Not to mention that The Bull And Beggar also makes one of the classiest charcuterie boards in the city.

The Bull and Beggar Restaurant Asheville BC with dark orange and brown cocktail next to menu on table

Charcuterie The Bull and Beggar Asheville, NC with two meats, brown jam, pickles and glass of water

For a romantic dining experience in Asheville, be sure to take in the dimly lit and cozy two-floor space with a small book bar.

Think brick and stone walls and chandelier lighting paired with a heavenly and gourmet dining experience. They also have some outdoor seating.

We highly suggest making advanced dinner reservations.

Read about even more of Asheville’s best fine dining restaurants, including Bouchon and Limones in Downtown Asheville.

The Bull And Beggar | 37 Paynes Way #007, Asheville, NC 28801

6. All Souls Pizza

Craving the best pizza in Asheville? All Souls Pizza is a popular RAD joint for its indoor and outdoor seating and budget-friendly prices.

All Souls Pizza Asheville NC with cheeseless pizza with red sauce, meat, basil, and roasted garlic on picnic table with gluten-free polenta crust pizza in background with man in white and purple striped shirt — For local favorites and pizza, head to All Souls Pizza.

All Souls Pizza River Arts District Asheville with man in front of gluten-free polenta crust cheeseless pizza with red sauce, arugula, and roasted garlic; his arms are crossed and he's wearing a purple and white stripped shirt — For local favorites and pizza, head to All Souls Pizza.

All Souls Pizza sits on the edge of RAD – across from The Grey Eagle Music Hall – and features artisanal pizza.

Enjoy mouthwatering seasonal plates like monkfish, clams, fried okra, and cauliflower along with heaping salads, sandwiches, soups, and olives.

Then, select from wood-fired pizzas with a gluten-free polenta crust option. We’d personally appreciate a vegan/lactose-free cheese option too. All Soul’s has beer and wine.

This is another one of the best Asheville River Arts District restaurants with outdoor dining. Pull up at a picnic table.

All Souls Pizza | 75 Clingman Ave, Asheville, NC 28801

Food Trucks, Breweries With Food, & More

If you are looking for more unique places to eat in the River Arts District in Asheville, know that there are plenty of permanent and rotating food trucks to choose from. Many rotate among the breweries. You’ll also find food across concert venues and event spaces as well as near the artist studios.

7. Bottle Riot

One of our favorite River Arts District Asheville restaurants and gorgeous wine bars, Bottle Riot is where you go for wine tasting and small plates.

Bottle Riot Wines Asheville with three glasses of half-pour red and white wines on table

Bottle Riot Charcuterie Asheville NC with meats, crackers, jam, and olives on silver tray with paper

Bottle Riot is one of the best restaurants in the River Arts District with a huge wine selection.

Please just keep in mind that they don’t serve full entrees. However, you’ll love their spreads and snacks.

Like The Bull and Beggar, Bottle Riot has mouthwatering charcuterie. Order for the entire table or pick a meat or cheese board. Gluten-free crackers are available upon request.

Bottle Riot Wine Bar River Arts District Asheville with tan chairs around a purple and orange lit bar

Bottle Riot Wine Bar Asheville with yellow and green couches, purple rug, and pink chair with bar

Along with glasses of deliciously curated wine – red, white, and orange – and lavish baller bottles, Bottle Riot serves interesting spirits and boasts a simple cocktail menu.

Find classics like a Negroni and Old Fashioned. They also have Gin, Vodka, Irish Whiskey, Scotch, Brandy, and Tequila.

If you are looking for River Arts District wineries, don’t miss pleb urban winery, just downt the road.

Bottle Riot | 37 Paynes Way #009, Asheville, NC 28801

8. Guajiro Cuban Comfort Food

New in 2022, Guajiro Cuban Comfort Food is one of Asheville’s best food trucks. Located at the Asheville Cotton Mill Studios, devour casual and budget-friendly Cuban cuisine.

Guajiro Cuban Comfort Food Food Truck Asheville NC with Cuban sandwich topped with small and fried potato shavings on table with yellow flowers

Guajiro Restaurant in the River Arts District in Asheville, NC with bright red tables and chairs and mural on side of Asheville Cotton Mill Studios that has an image of a dog and the words "que Linda"

Some of the best restaurants in the River Arts District include its happening food truck scene – both permanent and rotating.

Guajiro is a permanent food truck, sitting outside of local artist Andy Herrod’s art bar, Great Wild Nowhere (be sure to check out his cool t-shirts; we own a red wild hog one).

While here, find both breakfast and lunch (Asheville is full of terrific breakfast spots).

Start with a traditional Cuban breakfast featuring rice and beans, ham croquettes, and sweet plantains. They also have egg sandwiches and omelets.

Guajiro Cuban Comfort Food Asheville NC Food Truck with takeaway plates filled with pork and bean platter, a side of yucca fries, and a Cuban sandwich on a wooden picnic table inside Great Wild Nowhere Art Bar

For lunch, select from soups, a variety of sandwiches, and larger platters like Cuban steak, roast pork, and pork chunks.

We can never resist a classic Cuban sandwich with yucca fries and fried plantains on the side. Don’t forget dessert – flan – with your Cuban coffee.

The Asheville Cotton Mill is also home to art studios and the Asheville Guitar Bar, a great AVL bar for the older crowd featuring live music.

Guajiro Cuban Comfort Food | 122 Riverside Drive Asheville, NC 28801

9. Chop Shop Food Truck

If you crave hot dogs and burgers, this RAD food truck is a must for all things meat. Located next to Wedge Brewery at Foundation, this casual spot is perfect with local craft beer on a picnic table.

Chop Shop Food Truck Asheville NC Burger with gluten free bread, lettuce, tomato, and sauce — We love a gluten-free burger from RAD Food Truck, The Chop Shop.

The Chop Shop is Asheville’s local butcher, located on historic Charlotte Street in North Asheville.

You’ll find their premium and natural meats across the city at popular restaurants like Bone & Broth (right next door), which is also a terrific local tavern for date night.

Even better, the Chop Shop Food Truck – one of our favorite RAD restaurants with easy access to the Riverwalk – is typically open 7 days a week. Just keep your eye on the weather.

This is your go-to for gyros, hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and fries or chips.

Wedge Brewery and Chop Shop Food Truck River Arts District Restaurants, Asheville with white brunette woman in dark gray zip up hoodie and purple shirt sitting at a picnic table with a craft beer with sunglasses on her forehead and mural on building in background

Chop Shop Food Truck in Asheville, North Carolina with white hand holding up a takeaway container with a hot dog with mustard and onions on top

They have gluten-free options including GF bread.

However, if you are vegan, you’d have to settle for a salad – so, this might not be your best option for food in the River Arts District (find vegan & veggie eats here).

Sit outside on one of the covered picnic tables, and play a round of cornhole. Be sure to grab a beer inside Wedge Brewing too.

Wedge brews up some of our favorite Lagers, Ambers, Pilsners, and Kölschs. Afterward, catch a movie at the Grail.

Chop Shop Food Truck | Wedge Brewing Company | 5 Foundy St Ste 10, Asheville, NC 28801

10. New Belgium Brewing Company

Located between the River Arts District and West Asheville, this nationally-recognized brewery is a great stop for a beer tour. Catch a rotating food truck with your delicious hoppy brew while looking out over the French Broad River.

White hand holding up a Vegan Burger paired with a salad in a takeaway container from the Smokin Onion Food truck at New Belgium Brewing Company in Asheville, NC — Catch food trucks at New Belgium Brewing Company like The Smokin’ Onion – all vegan with loads of gluten-free options.

The Smokin Onion Food Truck at New Belgium Brewing Company in Asheville with fried Brussel sprouts and Buffalo cauliflower vegan tacos in takeaway container with orange hard seltzer — Catch food trucks at New Belgium Brewing Company like The Smokin’ Onion – all vegan with loads of gluten-free options.

One of the best restaurants near the River Arts District in Asheville is technically a massive brewery – but we are counting it. You know AVL is famous for its breweries.

New Belgium Brewing Company is one of Asheville’s top sightseeing attractions that locals also enjoy. Take a brewery tour before settling in at an outdoor picnic table or the indoor taproom.

There is plenty of space, and we most love that this brewery connects to the French Broad River Greenway and RAD Riverwalk.

People walk, bike, and skate here. Just a few access points include French Broad River & Carrier Parks.

New Belgium Brewery in Asheville NC with white hand holding up a yellow lager in beer glass with French Broad River blurred in the background and blue cloudy sky — Take a brewery tour. If you are lucky, you might just catch Cecilia’s Kitchen on-site.

Cecilia's Kitchen food truck and restaurant Asheville with 2 brown empanadas next to kale salad on white paper plate — Take a brewery tour. If you are lucky, you might just catch Cecilia’s Kitchen on-site.

Once you arrive, grab a beer and tuck into some food truck grub.

Just a few of the rotating food trucks you might see at New Belgium include:

Cecilia’s Kitchen – With a brick-and-mortar North Asheville restaurant, enjoy sweet and savory crepes, empanadas, salads, and more.
Bun Intended – Thai-inspired street food, including bao, fried rice, and steamed buns. Catch their Downtown Restaurant at the S&W Market.
The Smokin’ Onion – A dedicated vegan food truck with loads of gluten-free options, including GF fried onion rings and pickles, veggie burgers, and gyros.
Melt Your Heart – Gourmet grilled cheese.
Root Down – Creole & Southern comfort food; catch them at Salvage Station too.
Tin Can Pizzeria – Did someone say a food truck serving pizza? They frequent Whistle Hop Brewing as well.

For beverages, it’s safe to say that most beer drinkers probably have heard of Fat Tire or Voodoo Ranger IPA. That’s New Belgium.

Their beers tend to run a bit hoppy – for us – but we crave that seasonal Oktoberfest. New Belgium also has hard teas, seltzers, and juices as well as sour ales.

New Belgium is a family-friendly and pet-friendly Asheville brewery.

Discover even more local food around West Asheville, including our favorites around Haywood Road like Haywood Common and Thai Pearl.

New Belgium Brewing Company | 21 Craven St, Asheville, NC 28806

More Best Places For Food & Drink In The River Arts District

The River Arts District is both a local hot spot and a happening tourist attraction, especially with its plethora of bars, live entertainment, and terrific breweries. These are just a few more places to check out, including coffee shops and Asheville restaurants not all listed above.

RAD Restaurants & Venues

Smoky Park Supper Club (350 Riverside Dr #3141) – Community restaurant and bar
The Grey Eagle Music Hall (185 Clingman Ave) – Event space with live music and concerts with delicious tacos (The Grey Eagle Taqueria)
Vivian Asheville (348 Depot St Ste 190) – European-influenced American cuisine

Asheville’s River Arts District Coffee Shops

Summit Coffee Asheville (4 Foundy St. Suite 20) – Look for the RBG mural too!
Penny Cup Coffee Co. (362 Depot St)
Ultra Coffeebar (242 Clingman Ave Ext) – Near the NC Glass Center
Grind AVL – (346 Depot St)

Read more about the best coffee shops in Asheville.

River Arts District Breweries

Wedge At Wedge Studios (37 Paynes Way, Suite 001)
Wedge At Foundation (5 Foundy St, Ste 10)
Ginger’s Revenge (829 Riverside Dr, Suite 100) – GF beer
Hi-Wire Brewing RAD Beer Garden (284 Lyman St) – Foot Hills Food Truck
River Arts District Brewing (13 Mystery Street) – New in 2023
Zillicoah Beer Co. (870 Riverside Dr – technically, Woodfin)

What are your favorite River Arts District restaurants in Asheville?

Where do you love to eat in Asheville’s River Arts District? What is your favorite River Arts District brewery? How about your favorite River Arts District coffee shop? Let us know in the comments.

P.S. The River Arts District restaurants are also close to Biltmore. We suggest dining here after a day touring the home, strolling the gardens, and wine tasting at Biltmore Winery.