Check out the list of Asheville-area restaurant openings from January to June 2023

Tiana Kennell, Asheville Citizen Times
Updated ·10 min read

ASHEVILLE - The Asheville area food and beverage scene continues to grow with fresh and exciting concepts, products and experiences.

In the first half of the year, coffee shops, casual and fine dining restaurants, craft beer taprooms and cocktail lounges are among the many businesses to establish their place in communities in and around the city.

Plan a trip to these new spots and maybe find a new favorite place to eat, sip and hang out.

Here are some of the places that have opened from January to June 2023. Also, check out the list of places that have closed this year at citizentimes.com.

The Restoration

The Observatory rooftop bar at The Restoration hotel.
The Observatory rooftop bar at The Restoration hotel.

In March, The Restoration made its grand debut at 68 Patton Ave. downtown. The boutique hotel offers several food and dining areas, including The Exchange restaurant bar, the Observatory greenhouse rooftop bar, The Rise coffee bar, and the Draftsman basement speakeasy game lounge and bar.

More: Inside The Restoration's restaurants, bars, garden bar, speakeasy game lounge

Overlook Coffee Collective

Overlook Coffee Collective, a locally owned coffee shop inspired by the Appalachians, has opened at Asheville Outlets, 800 Brevard Road, suite 677.
Overlook Coffee Collective, a locally owned coffee shop inspired by the Appalachians, has opened at Asheville Outlets, 800 Brevard Road, suite 677.

In the spring, Overlook Coffee Collective opened a new, local coffee shop at Asheville Outlets, 800 Brevard Road, suite 677, in the former space of Earthling Coffee and Espresso. The menu features an assortment of rotating, sustainable coffee roasters and signature drinks and snacks.

More: Overlook Coffee Collective café opens on Brevard Road

Cedeno Food & Mac Bar

Cedeno Food & Mac Bar, a local and family-owned eatery, also opened in the food court at Asheville Outlets. The menu features custom mac-and-cheese bowls, sandwiches, hot dogs and more. A food truck is teased to be in development.

Little Billy

Little Billy, a food truck counterpart, has officially opened on the patio of Little Jumbo cocktail bar at 241 Broadway St.
Little Billy, a food truck counterpart, has officially opened on the patio of Little Jumbo cocktail bar at 241 Broadway St.

For years, Taco Billy restaurant has been a West Asheville staple but in the last year, the eatery has made big moves. A new brick-and-mortar opened in Black Mountain at 117 Cherry St., over the winter. And in May, its first mobile eatery debuted as a permanent fixture at Little Jumbo cocktail bar at 241 Broadway St. in the Five Points/Montford neighborhoods. Dubbed “Little Billy,” the food truck is open even when the lounge is not and offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night bites.

Cats at Play Café

Lisa Fox and Clare Owensby have opened Cats at Play Café, a which offers the opportunity to cozy up on a couch with a refreshing beverage and in a chic room full of cuddly cats.
Lisa Fox and Clare Owensby have opened Cats at Play Café, a which offers the opportunity to cozy up on a couch with a refreshing beverage and in a chic room full of cuddly cats.

In May, the city got its first café that offers guests the added perk of enjoying their coffee and treats surrounded by adorable cats and kittens. Cats at Play Café, a boutique and rescue lounge at 12 Eagle St., serves a variety of snacks and beverages, including themed cocktails and mocktails and local zero-proof drinks. Also, there’s a retail area with all things cat-themed are sold. Café drop-ins are welcome but to visit with the cats, appointments are required. Adoptions are encouraged.

Earthling Coffee and Espresso

Earthling Coffee and Espresso owners Jaimi and Chris Gunkel with their children in front of their new coffee shop location at Asheville Mall.
Earthling Coffee and Espresso owners Jaimi and Chris Gunkel with their children in front of their new coffee shop location at Asheville Mall.

The local coffee shop that became known for its drive-thru-only coffee hut in Candler has branched out into a new neighborhood. In May, Earthling Coffee and Espresso relocated its brick-and-mortar coffee shop from Asheville Outlets to Asheville Mall at 3 South Tunnel Road. And its drive-thru moved down the street from its original location to open at 1476 Smokey Park Highway.

More: Earthling Coffee and Espresso returns with two new addresses

A Ci-Tea

A Taro Snow, left, and Hawaii Fruit Tea from A Ci Tea in Asheville.
A Taro Snow, left, and Hawaii Fruit Tea from A Ci Tea in Asheville.

In May, a new café opened in Biltmore Village serving milk teas (also known as boba or bubble teas), fresh fruit teas, fruit smoothies, refresher juices and coffee drinks and more. The locally owned café is planning open more locations across the region, but for now, visit the flagship shop at 2 Hendersonville Road, suite A4.

More: Inside Asheville's new café, bubble tea shop, A Ci-Tea

Suwana Express

Suwana’s Thai Orchid has reopened with a new layout and name at 11 Broadway St. in downtown Asheville. Suwana Express in its soft opening with a cafeteria line style aimed to improve customer flow and to-go service and alleviate strain on the restaurant’s staff.
Suwana’s Thai Orchid has reopened with a new layout and name at 11 Broadway St. in downtown Asheville. Suwana Express in its soft opening with a cafeteria line style aimed to improve customer flow and to-go service and alleviate strain on the restaurant’s staff.

In May, the longstanding downtown eatery, Suwana’s Thai Orchid, was rebranded and reintroduced with a new quick-service concept and name. Now Suwana Express, the restaurant offers cafeteria line-style ordering from a buffet of Thai and Chinese cuisine, poke bowls and more.

River Arts District Brewing

The River Arts District Brewing Company May 17, 2023.
The River Arts District Brewing Company May 17, 2023.

Aptly named, a new brewery opened in the River Arts District in May. RAD Brewing is inside a renovated 100-year-old renovated stonecutters workshop and warehouse that’s been designed with a taproom and spacious deck and patio tucked away at 13 Mystery St. Beyond small batch craft beer, the menu features wine, hard cider and ginger beer, kombucha, draft coffee, sodas and other soft drinks.

More: River Arts District brewery opens, dares to brew something new in Asheville

The Argot Room

The owners of Jargon have introduced a new counterpart next door to their West Asheville fine dining restaurant called The Argot Room.
The owners of Jargon have introduced a new counterpart next door to their West Asheville fine dining restaurant called The Argot Room.

In June, a West Asheville restaurant Jargon introduced a new event venue next door at 717 Haywood Road. The eclectic space may be requested for intimate corporate and group meetings, birthday parties, wedding showers and rehearsals, small band performances and other special occasions for brunch, lunch or dinner. Catering and bar service are available by Jargon.

More: West Asheville restaurant debuts new, swanky event venue, The Argot Room

Mother South Slope Café

Heidi Bass and Brett Watson opened a new Mother bakery location at 244 Short Coxe Ave.
Heidi Bass and Brett Watson opened a new Mother bakery location at 244 Short Coxe Ave.

Just more than a year after opening a quaint brick-and-mortar in the River Arts District, Mother opened a new bakery café at 244 Short Coxe Ave. on the edge of the South Slope in May. The menu features fresh bread, espresso drinks, chef-made small plates, plus hand-selected wines to enjoy in the café or purchase a bottle to go.

More: The rising of a local bread, wine biz: Second location opening soon

Chipotle

In May, burrito and bowl fans got another place to grab a quick bite. Chipotle opened a new store with a Chipotlane express pick-up service at 879 Brevard Road.

More: Chipotle, more eateries opening on Brevard Road

Regina’s

Inside Regina’s June 1, 2023.
Inside Regina’s June 1, 2023.

In early June, Regina’s opened at 1400 Patton Ave., on the west side of the city with chef-made comfort foods made with farm-fresh, local ingredients. The former Happy Hill Restaurant site received a total revamp but maintained a classic, modern feel. Also new, a full bar was constructed with a menu of cocktails and old-fashioned and signature drink selections. Its sister restaurant, Little Louie’s, opened in March at 1478 Patton Ave. and serves hoagies, perogies and more.

Archetype Brewing and Kitchen

Guests dine at Archetype Brewing and Kitchen at 39 Banks Ave. on Asheville's South Slope. The taproom is the local brewery's third location.
Guests dine at Archetype Brewing and Kitchen at 39 Banks Ave. on Asheville's South Slope. The taproom is the local brewery's third location.

In June, the West Asheville-founded craft brewery opened its third taproom and introduced in-house dining. Archetype Brewing and Kitchen is at 39 Banks Ave. in the South Slope Brewing District in the former location of Harvest Pizzeria. The tri-level social hub also has a rooftop with a view. The taproom offers Archetype’s rotating beer collection and full bar service. The dining menu features wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizza, smash burgers, chicken or tofu bao buns, power green and grain bowls and more.

More: A new taproom, restaurant opens with rooftop bar, mountain views in Asheville

The Dripolator South

A new Dripolator location has opened in South Asheville.
A new Dripolator location has opened in South Asheville.

A year after opening its second location in Candler, the Black Mountain-based Dripolator expanded with its third coffee shop in South Asheville in June. The café offers a chill “parlor” and sidewalk patio and a menu of coffee and noncaffeinated beverages and baked goods at 20 Gala Road, suite 101, in Gerber Village.

The Hound

The Hound lounge opened in June at 2 Tunnel Road in East Asheville.
The Hound lounge opened in June at 2 Tunnel Road in East Asheville.

In June, The Hound made its debut at 2 Tunnel Road and showed how a former Greyhound bus station could become a cool, chic lounge. A team of restauranteurs and innovators designed the East Asheville bar with a Zen-like Garden and warm, modern décor and an upscale beverage and shareable snack menu that includes handcrafted cocktails, mocktails and kombucha and wine and local beer.

More: Former Greyhound bus station-turned-cocktail lounge opening in Asheville

Appalachian Mountain Brewing

Appalachian Mountain Brewery co-owner Chris Zieber takes an order on their opening day in Mills River June 23, 2023.
Appalachian Mountain Brewery co-owner Chris Zieber takes an order on their opening day in Mills River June 23, 2023.

The Boone-based Appalachian Mountain Brewery made headlines for its Asheville native owners buying back the business from the mega beer company of Anheuser-Busch in May. Then, in June, AMB expanded with the opening of its second taproom at 46 North Mills River Road in Mills River.

Hatchett Goods

Hatchett Goods made its spring debut at 96 Weaverville Road, Suite 107. The coffee house is sharing a space with Flowermouth Coffee Roasters. Stop in for a cup of coffee, a bag of beans, and retail home décor.

Taqueria Molina

In the spring, Tortilleria Molina introduced their second business, Taqueria Molina at 809 Patton Ave.  Tortilleria Molina offers tamales and tortillas, while Taqueria Molina is serving up tacos.

ZenBurgers Love Shack

ZenBurger Love Shack food truck will serve nut and plant-based dishes, including burgers, tacos, wraps and bowls.
ZenBurger Love Shack food truck will serve nut and plant-based dishes, including burgers, tacos, wraps and bowls.

The plant-based food trailer is made a spring debut at 227 S. Liberty St., next to Liberty Coffee. Formerly an exclusive retail brand, the ZenBurgers line of vegan products is used to create burgers, sandwiches, street tacos, wraps and more to order.

More: ZenBurger, a vegan retail brand, to launch first food truck in Asheville

Cantina Munoz Bar and Grill

The restaurant is a new addition in Woodfin, located at 50 N. Merrimon Ave., Suite 101. The menu features taco salads, quesadillas and tacos made with handmade corn tortillas. For more, visit Facebook.

Dobra Tea-East

On Feb. 6, Dobrá Tea’s East Asheville location will officially open to the public at 1011 Tunnel Road.
On Feb. 6, Dobrá Tea’s East Asheville location will officially open to the public at 1011 Tunnel Road.

The third Dobra Tea shop opened at 1011 Tunnel Road in February. The menu features a wide variety of handpicked herbal teas, plus all gluten-free small plates, including hummus and vegan cheese plates.

More: Dobrá Tea, an Eastern tearoom, opens in East Asheville, its 3rd location

Gourmand

Gourmand, which specializes in French cuisine and wine, has opened in the S&W Market in downtown Asheville.
Gourmand, which specializes in French cuisine and wine, has opened in the S&W Market in downtown Asheville.

The French-inspired eatery with a wine bar and retail shop opened in March at S&W Market, 56 Patton Ave. downtown. The menu features traditional, chef-made French sandwiches, sharable plates, cheese and charcuterie.

More: New French wine, charcuterie restaurant opens in Asheville

Kinfolk

The food truck business opened its brick-and-mortar counterpart at 1125 Sweeten Creek Road in January. As of July 1, the eatery returned to full-time food truck operations.

Abuela’s Little Kitchen

Tania Trejo adds whipped cream to a banana, blueberry and lechera pancake at Abuela’s Little Kitchen January 21, 2023.
Tania Trejo adds whipped cream to a banana, blueberry and lechera pancake at Abuela’s Little Kitchen January 21, 2023.

The family-owned and operated Mexican restaurant relocated to 6 Long Shoals Road, the former site of JK’s Kitchen in Arden. The traditional menu features Hispanic and American breakfast and lunch.

More: Abuela's Little Kitchen moves, new Mexican street food restaurant opening in Arden

Little D’s

Inside Little D’s in North Asheville February 15, 2023.
Inside Little D’s in North Asheville February 15, 2023.

The chic North Asheville restaurant with a cocktail bar opened in February and is the second venture from the Asheville Proper owners. The menu features seasonal fare, shareable plates and signature drinks.

More: An exclusive look inside new North Asheville restaurant, Little D's

Little Louie’s

The Malvern bar in West Asheville was revamped into the prime location for the Philly-style deli. The restaurant offers hoagies and perogies, plus a full bar at 1478 Patton Ave.

More: Food News: New West Asheville deli, Jamaican food truck, Happy Hill gets new name, owners

Montford Deli

In March, Montford Deli opened at its new location at 1461 Merrimon Avenue, in the former Nick’s Grill restaurant.
In March, Montford Deli opened at its new location at 1461 Merrimon Avenue, in the former Nick’s Grill restaurant.

The local deli upgraded to a full-service restaurant in March at a new address, 1461 Merrimon Ave. in the former locale of Nick’s Grill. The menu features deli sandwiches, burgers, wings, salads and more.

Rabbit Hole

Rabbit Hole is a bakery and cafe neighboring sister restaurant, Sunny Point Cafe in West Asheville.
Rabbit Hole is a bakery and cafe neighboring sister restaurant, Sunny Point Cafe in West Asheville.

Sunny Point Café’s new bakery opened in March next door at 9 State St. The menu features fresh baked goods, coffee and cocktails which may be consumed in the café or on the garden-side deck that doubles as a rentable micro event space.

More: Rabbit Hole, a pastry wonderland, opens at Sunny Point Café in West Asheville

Red Truck Cafe & Grill at West End Paw Park

The West End Paw Park and Red Truck Cafe and Grill in Asheville features a mural by Benjamin Davis.
The West End Paw Park and Red Truck Cafe and Grill in Asheville features a mural by Benjamin Davis.

The new year brought West Asheville a place that’s not only a dog park but a café, bar, food and entertainment for human patrons at 460 Johnston School Road.

More: West End Paw Park, Red Truck Cafe & Grill opens in West Asheville

Sovereign Remedies Exchange

Baked goods at Sovereign Remedies Exchange in Leicester.
Baked goods at Sovereign Remedies Exchange in Leicester.

From the same folks who brought Sovereign Remedies to downtown Asheville, a former dive bar at 2645 New Leicester Highway was flipped into a café and beer and wine bar with chef food trucks and pop-ups in rotation in March.

More: Asheville's Sovereign Remedies spawns a new concept, opening in Leicester

Thai Chili Asian Bistro

A new spot for noodles, fried rice and curry is at 1550 Hendersonville Road. Opened in April, the bistro offers a fully loaded lunch and dinner menu with chef’s specials and other Thai-style entrées and desserts to order to-go or to enjoy in the restaurant’s dining room or patio. For more, visit thaichiliasianbistronc.kwickmenu.com.

The Daily Grind

The locally-owned coffee shop made a springtime debut. Drop by for a morning or afternoon caffeine and pastry pick-me-up at 100 District Drive #216 at The District apartments in Biltmore Village. For more, visit dailygrindavl.com.

Tiana Kennell is the food and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at tkennell@citizentimes.com or follow her on Twitter/Instagram @PrincessOfPage. Please support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Restaurant openings in the Asheville area from January to June 2023