In addition to alternative culture, yoga, music, beer and wellness, Asheville is also a fantastic place for foodies. It’s so important to consider the eats and drinks that nourish our bodies and eating locally and seasonally is ideal for our environment.

We know that after you feed your soul with some nature, yoga and meditation with Namaste in Nature you need to feed your body, too!

Whether you’re looking for a light bite or delicious meal, we’ve created this list of our favorite vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, organic, local & sustainable options around Asheville. As a bonus, we’ve got you covered for the best cup of tea, vitality-infused smoothies, non-alcoholic mocktails, groceries and cooking classes too!

Why does mindful eating matter?

In relation to the environment, a plant-based diet reduces water and land use, lowers pollution rates, saves topsoil destruction and slows deforestation. Research has found that an estimated 18% of greenhouse gas emissions are resulting from animal agriculture according to the report Livestock's Long Shadow, published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. By reducing our consumption of animal products, we directly contribute to the betterment of our planet. As methane and nitrous oxide (two of the most potent greenhouse gases on Earth) are released into the atmosphere, the heat generated from these gasses becomes trapped beneath the ozone layer and increases the temperature here on Earth - directly related to climate change. Which leads us to our next point!

By supporting local, organic farms and reducing our intake of animal products, we reduce the need for massive, industrial farms which contribute to 99% of the greenhouse emissions in the United States (mentioned before) from animal agriculture as a whole. Supporting local farms also boosts our local economies and reduces harsh, cruel farming methodologies found within industrial farming.

In regard to your bodily health, studies have found that consuming organic foods reduces consumption of pesticide chemicals potentially linked to short-term and chronic health effects. These include external skin irritations and internal disruptions such as nausea, dizziness and diarrhea on the short-term. For long-term, chronic health effects may include links to cancer and tumors, brain and nervous system damage, and reproductive harm leaving children and fetuses more vulnerable to long term effects according to Californians Pesticide Reform. GMOs are another concern. GMO research by the Center for Food Safety has found six potential human concerns of genetically-modified foods: toxicity, allergic reactions, antibiotic resistance, immuno-suppression, cancer and loss of nutrition.

As for health benefits of a plant-focused diet, research by Harvard Medical School has shown a lower risk of developing coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and increased longevity.

Food for thought!

Take a look below to find our favorite, wholesome eats in the area! We hope you enjoy these delicious, nutritious places to munch and enjoy your stay in the mindfulness mecca of the Southeast.

Vegan Restaurants

Rosetta’s Kitchen
Rosetta’s is a local-favorite offering vegan and vegetarian southern soul food with a kombucha bar! Located on Lexington Avenue in downtown Asheville, you will be walking distance from endless bohemian shops and Asheville entertainment.
Local tip: Enjoy their delicious vegan tacos every Tuesday!
Plant
Plant is an upscale vegan restaurant located downtown with dishes crafted from scratch and uses 90% organic foods with mostly local sourcing. Plant has also been voted among the most romantic places to dine in town for plant lovers.
Local tip: Make a reservation to guarantee you get to enjoy a meal here!
Karma Cafe
Located on the campus of Asheville Community Yoga, the Karma Cafe is a unique cafe experience with picnic tables around a fountain for outside dining. Using mostly organic and local ingredients when possible, you will be happy to support the donation-based organization with a tasty treat!

Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants

Sunny Point Cafe
Sunny Point is by far the most popular breakfast and brunch spot in Asheville (be prepared for a well-worth it wait) located on Haywood Road. They craft beautiful dishes from scratch thanks to their own garden adjacent to the restaurant! Walking distance to many attractions of trendy West Asheville. Local tip: Get there early to find parking and a place to sit!
Laughing Seed
Laughing Seed is an entirely vegetarian restaurant honoring an organic, local and farm-to-table experience with an international flare in downtown Asheville.
Over Easy Cafe
Over Easy is located downtown with a magical collection of brunch dishes and more! With a focus on local farmers, Over Easy satisfies the local economy and guests of any dietary preference.
Nine Mile
Nine Mile’s Caribbean-themed menu satisfies all with gluten-free and vegetarian options as well as suiting those looking for more! Check out one of their locations in West Asheville, Historic Montford and Biltmore Park Town Square.
Pizza Mind
Looking for the best pizza around? Search no more! Located in West Asheville, Pizza Mind offers super creative signature pies or you can build your own to be vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free.

Gluten-Free Restaurants

BimBeriBon
BimBeriBon is the best restaurant in town for those following a gluten-free diet and looking for an eclectic, cultured dining experience. Find your way to the iconic West Asheville area.
Posana
Posana is a beloved restaurant in downtown Asheville offering a dedicated gluten-free kitchen. Be sure to make a reservation on their website! Posana takes pride in sustainable dining materials and an extensive patio.

Organic, Healthy & Nourishing Bites

Green Sage Cafe
Green Sage has many locations around town including downtown, Merrimon, South Asheville & Westgate. Emanating healthy, organic & sustainable foods, you will leave feeling energized and fulfilled from your chemical-free dining experience.
Milk & Honey Farm Kitchen
Local, organic, artisanal, homemade, vegan paleo cuisine found here as well as cold-pressed juices, elixirs, coffees and teas. Stop by for a quick bite and a drink to die for in Arden of South Asheville.

Locally-Sourced Restaurants

Farm Burger
The best burgers in downtown Asheville! Enjoy ingredients from organic, local farms free of GMOs, antibiotics or hormones. Located just walking distance from many attractions downtown. A veggie burger is also available.
HomeGrown
HomeGrown has two locations: West Asheville and North Asheville. With a local farming and “slow food, right quick” philosophy, you won’t be left hungry after a sweet, southern, nutritious slow-style meal.
Zia Taqueria
Mood for tacos? Zia Taqueria! Located in West Asheville, Zia offers a menu of vegetarian tacos as well as a full menu of southwestern cuisine with a phenomenal waste reduction policy and locally-sourced foods.
Local tip: Enjoy vegan night starting at 5PM on Tuesdays!

Revitalizing Juices & Smoothies

Mountain Juicery
Revitalize your body with a stop by the leading juicery in town offering cold-pressed juices, smoothies, smoothie bowls, shots and elixirs all aimed at your highest healing. Mountain Juicery now has two locations, one on Hendersonville Road and the other on Spartanburg Highway.
Simple
Located in West Asheville, Simple offers a wide variety of healing nectars as well as wholesome brunch and lunch bites suitable for any diet!
Elements Real Food
Organic and local cold-pressed juices, smoothies, nut mylks and plant-based foods abound in this revitalizing downtown cafe located near Asheville Yoga Center.

Mindful Mocktails (Non-Alcoholic Drinks)

Here’s what to drink in Asheville besides beer!

Mocktails at Laughing Seed
Yes, we mentioned them before! They are that good. If you are seeking social hour but would rather have a tasty non-alcoholic drink, check out Laughing Seed’s collection of mocktails in downtown Asheville. (Miranda’s must-have is the Blackberry-Ginger-Mint Lemonade.)
Local tip: Laughing Seed also offers kombucha on tap!
Buchi Bar at Rosetta’s Kitchen
Rosetta’s is so nice, we’re mentioning it twice. Sample a flight of six flavors of local Buchi Kombucha on draft at their Buchi Bar downstairs.
Asheville Dispensary Elixir Bar
The elixir bar located on Haywood Road in West Asheville offers all things wellness. Dance with live music, enjoy an herbal beverage from the elixir bar’s menu and chill out in the cozy atmosphere they provide.
Shanti Elixirs Jun
Brewed sustainably in Asheville, the core Shanti Jun Elixirs are flavored for each of the chakras. Jun is a fermented effervescent tea, rich in healthy acids and probiotics. Jun is made with green tea and raw honey. It has become known as the “Champagne of Kombucha” due to its light, smooth, and unique flavor profile. Pick one up at any of their retail locations found here.

Best Teahouse in Town

Dobra Tea
Dobra Tea wins the award of the most authentic, extensive International tea menu in town. Be amazed by their endless selection of teas you’ve never heard of before including a vegan/vegetarian-friendly light bite menu. Locations include downtown and West Asheville.

Mindful Grocery Stores

French Broad Co-Op
The Co-Op lives in the heart of downtown and provides 100% organic groceries for the people of Asheville, owned by the people of Asheville. Goods are sourced from local farmers and producers. Learn how you can become an owner here and support the local economy!
Hopey & Co.
Hopey is a budget-friendly grocery store and community gathering spot located in downtown Asheville. Not only will you find affordable and unique groceries and goods, you can also swing by for live music or to get a cup o’ joe in the cafe. Hopey is a family-owned company and takes pride in sourcing discounted organic groceries from local farmers.
Earth Fare
You can find three Earth Fare locations in Asheville: one near downtown, another in Westgate and the third in Fletcher.
Whole Foods
There are two Whole Foods, the most well-known wholesome grocery store across the country, in Asheville. Take a gander to downtown Asheville or gather your goods on Tunnel Road in East Asheville.
Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s is located downtown next door to Whole Foods. Take care of all your exotic grocery needs for a good price and healthy style.

Ready to make your own decadent, mindful foods?

Asheville Mountain Kitchen

Check out one of Asheville Mountain Kitchen’s cooking classes here! The owner, Ofri, will teach you how to whip up vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free meals on your own time and dime.