Historically, September is a bustling time for our family, and this year was no exception. Upon returning from separate travels, we were eager to reconnect and celebrate our upcoming engagement anniversary.
Living just two hours from Asheville, North Carolina, we decided a quick 24-hour road trip was the perfect getaway! Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is renowned for its vibrant arts scene, historic architecture, and stunning natural beauty. Our goal was to relax, enjoy delicious gluten-free food, and explore downtown Asheville. Here are our top five gluten-free dining spots in Asheville, NC.
Asheville North Carolina Guides:
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5 Must-Visit gluten-Free Restaurants in Asheville, North Carolina
1. Over Easy Cafe – permanently closed 11/2020
Update: You no-longer need to wait up to 2 hours to enjoy Over Easy Cafe. The owners have opened a new location in Asheville, North Carolina, called ELDR Restaurant. A magical restaurant surrounded by gardens serving locally sourced food. Visitors love the atmosphere, delicious drinks and service. Local guides say they offer gluten free pasta and pizza.
Start your day with a healthy breakfast at Over Easy Cafe. This small, eclectic restaurant opens at 8 AM and fills up fast, so arrive early. By 8:15, we snagged the last table inside. I enjoyed scrambled local farm eggs, gluten-free bread, locally sourced sausage, and fresh fruit, while Nick savored gluten-free hash browns sautéed with onions. If big breakfasts aren’t your thing, they also offer smoothies and fresh-squeezed juices.
If you are staying at the Windsor Boutique Hotel, AC Hotel by Marriott or Renaissance Asheville, Over Easy Cafe is a short walk away.
2. Trade & Lore Coffee (Update: Permanently Closed)
The second most important part of any morning, besides breakfast, is coffee. I had read that Trade and Lore Coffee was one of the top ten places to visit for coffee in Asheville and I wasn’t going to miss it. The cafe is located one block away from the Grove Arcade down a quiet side road.
The inside of Trade & Lore Coffee is minimalist in style with hanging Edison bulbs, brick walls, exposed ceiling and wood floors. You can cozy yourself on a couch or step outside and enjoy the morning light at a picnic table. I ordered a latte with almond milk, which was served to me in a vintage coffee cup and saucer.
3. French Broad Chocolate Lounge
My heart still skips a beat thinking about this little piece of heaven. For a gluten-free dessert, French Broad Chocolate Lounge is a must-visit. We loved it so much, we went twice! Our first visit included iced coffee and gluten-free chai crème brûlée. On our second visit, we indulged in gluten-free raspberry cheesecake and another almond milk latte. With numerous gluten-free and dairy-free options, it’s hard to choose just one treat.
4. Farm Burger Asheville
Nick never misses a chance to try a local burger, and Farm Burger Asheville North Carolina was an easy choice. Their grass-fed beef burgers are dry-aged and ground fresh. I opted for a simple burger with lettuce, tomato, and onion on a gluten-free bun. Nick went for the No. 5, featuring grass-fed beef, goat cheese, arugula, peach chutney, and basil dressing on a gluten-free bun, paired with a side of kale slaw. The ordering process is straightforward, and our burgers arrived within minutes.
5. The Cantina at Historic Biltmore Village
We left downtown Asheville for dinner at The Cantina At Historic Biltmore (permanently closed). A three-minute drive from the historic Biltmore entrance and located in the historic Biltmore Village. This quaint village offers a charming setting for gluten-free Mexican cuisine. The staff was attentive to my Celiac needs, ensuring a safe meal. I enjoyed the Black and Blue Nachos, while Nick had the Simply Grilled Tacos on corn tortillas. Both indoor and outdoor seating are available, though parking can be limited.
Asheville North Carolina: Where We Stayed
Our one-night stay was at the Renaissance Asheville Downtown Hotel, part of the Marriott brand. As Marriott Rewards Members, we enjoyed a great rate on a King Guest Room with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The hotel offers free parking, walking distance to downtown attractions, live music on Thursday nights, a comfortable lobby, and breathtaking mountain views.
What we loved about the Renaissance Asheville Hotel:
- Free parking
- Walking distance to everything downtown Asheville
- LIVE music on Thursday nights from 6:30 Pm to 8:30 PM
- Comfortable lobby
- Views of the Blue Ridge Mountains
Other Notable Gluten Free Restaurants
We hope you enjoy your gluten-free adventure in Asheville, North Carolina! We’re already planning our next trip and can’t wait to discover more of this vibrant city.
PIN FOR ASHEVILLE NORTH CAROLINA TRIP
