Breakfast in Asheville isn’t just a meal—it’s an adventure. The city wakes up with the smell of sizzling eggs and fresh biscuits drifting from corners both tucked-away and bustling. Asheville’s breakfast scene pulls in morning wanderers with flaky pastries, farmhouse classics, and the occasional left-field creation that somehow makes perfect sense after a sip of local coffee.
I’ve spent more sunrise hours than I’d care to admit scouting the best bites in this town. One day, it’s a giant, fluffy biscuit loaded with pimento cheese; the next, it’s a perfect croissant from a bakery that runs on the kind of careful joy you can taste. Each spot I mention has earned its way onto this list by serving thoughtfully prepared, satisfying breakfasts that actually live up to the hype. If you crave breakfasts done right—and want to know exactly where to find them—keep reading. The rest of your morning depends on it.
Where to find the best breakfast in Asheville, NC
Here are some of the top spots to find the best breakfast in Asheville, NC:
- Sunny Point Cafe
- Well-Bred Bakery & Cafe
- Hole Doughnuts
- Biscuit Head West Asheville
- Biscuit Head Biltmore
- Five Points
- Old Europe Pastries
- Blue Ridge
- Village Social
- Cornerstone
1. Sunny Point Cafe
Sunny Point Cafe is the place where Asheville’s mornings find their groove. Tucked into West Asheville, this cozy spot draws locals and travelers alike with its bright, garden-adjacent vibe and energetic hum. There’s a reason the patio fills up early, rain or shine.
What makes Sunny Point special? Dishes burst with freshness, and there’s always a creative twist. Everything feels hearty and honest, from scratch-made biscuits to craveable breakfast burritos.
On my last visit, the Huevos Rancheros set the bar—layers of creamy black beans, salsa, and farm eggs over crisp tortillas. The biscuit sandwich, groaning with fluffy eggs and melted cheese, carries serious comfort. Look for their signature omelets and daily specials, too. No matter what you order, expect a breakfast that’s as sunny as the name.
2. Well-Bred Bakery & Cafe
Well-Bred Bakery & Cafe feels like Asheville’s unofficial pastry headquarters. Both locations hum with the sound of grinders and gleeful chatter, but there’s a certain calm in knowing you’re about to be treated to serious baking. The glass cases are a parade of temptation, lined up with flaky croissants and cloud-like scones.
The showstopper here is the mountain eclair. It’s a marvel—pillowy pastry filled with silky cream, not too sweet, and big enough to split (but no judgment if you don’t). Their breakfast sandwich, stacked on a soft roll and layered with fluffy eggs and sharp cheddar, offers a savory counterpoint if you want something heartier.
I always leave with an extra scone and a hot cup of their locally roasted coffee for the road. From classic comfort to inventive vegan bakes, Well-Bred manages to surprise and satisfy, one bite at a time.
3. Hole Doughnuts
Hole Doughnuts turns the humble doughnut into an event. Stepping inside, you’re greeted by the smell of dough frying and sugar melting—pure comfort before you’ve even tasted a bite. The real hook is watching each doughnut made to order, fried fresh and served warm. They don’t cut corners here; every batch gets full attention.
The classic cinnamon sugar is unbeatable. It’s crisp on the outside, soft within, and not weighed down by cloying sweetness. Each bite feels nostalgic and a bit magical, like breakfast and dessert found common ground.
If curiosity calls, try the weekly special. It’s a rotating showcase for creativity, politely daring you to stray from the basics. Pair your pick with their hot, locally roasted coffee and there’s your Asheville morning, perfectly simple and unforgettable.
4. Biscuit Head West Asheville
Biscuit Head West Asheville takes Southern breakfast and dials it up in all the right ways. Each visit promises towering biscuits, the sort that barely fit in your hand but manage to vanish quickly. The space echoes with easy buzz—there’s always a sense of anticipation as trays stack up behind the counter.
The standout is their biscuit with jam bar. There’s an array of homemade spreads, from tart blueberry to creamy sweet potato butter. No two plates here ever look the same, thanks to clever pairings and playful toppings.
If you want something with true Asheville character, try the fried green tomato biscuit sandwich. Vegetarian and gluten-free friends are just as spoiled for choice. Whether your style is classic or creative, Biscuit Head makes breakfast memorable without trying too hard.
5. Biscuit Head Biltmore
Biscuit Head Biltmore captures the heart of Southern breakfast, delivering sky-high biscuits that beg to be topped, layered, and enjoyed without fuss. The location is bright, inviting, and always humming with neighbors and newcomers swapping biscuit strategies.
The signature cathead biscuits are the real draw. Each one arrives golden and giant, a soft canvas for jam, honey, or a hearty veggie gravy. There’s a playful energy here—you’ll spot combinations you never thought possible, each somehow working in perfect harmony.
My go-to is the classic biscuit with smoky sweet potato butter, but you can’t go wrong building your own. Biscuit Head Biltmore nails breakfast for every appetite—vegan, gluten-free, or all-in on fluffy decadence. Show up hungry and let your morning unfold, one buttery bite at a time.
6. Five Points
Five Points is where Asheville’s old soul wakes up for breakfast. This unfussy diner holds onto retro charm, delivering strong coffee and classic plates to early risers and late sleepers alike. The friendly staff knows regulars by name—and if you show up twice, you’re halfway to being one yourself.
The draw is their breakfast platter, loaded with fluffy eggs, golden potatoes, and thick, just-right toast. Everything is cooked to order, hot and hearty without a fuss. For something lighter, the spinach and feta omelet is a perennial favorite, brimming with tangy cheese and plenty of greens.
Five Points nails the basics with confidence, but it’s the comfort and sense of belonging that keep me coming back. Sometimes, the best breakfast in Asheville is simply the one that feels like home.
7. Old Europe Pastries
Old Europe Pastries whisks you out of Asheville and straight into a European café. Tucked in downtown, the shop glows with a steady buzz and the scent of fresh espresso. The pastry cases sparkle with care—think flaky croissants, airy cakes, and rustic, old-world tarts that look too pretty to touch.
The almond croissant is a quiet triumph, buttery and rich with just the right sweetness. For something more classic, a thick slice of Hungarian coffee cake pairs beautifully with their Italian-style espresso.
What sets Old Europe apart is its baked-from-scratch legacy and the steady hands behind the counter. Breakfast here lingers, slow and elegant—an indulgence worth seeking out on any Asheville morning.
8. Blue Ridge
Blue Ridge sits high above Asheville, serving sunrise along with a buffet that feels like a mountain celebration. The dining room is all windows and sweeping views—there’s no better place to linger over breakfast while the light plays across the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The star here is their Morning Table breakfast buffet. From the omelet station, where eggs are whisked to order, to a yogurt bar brimming with toppings, quality backs every bite. Homemade pastries, tender roasted vegetables, and just-baked breads round things out for a true local feast.
I always find myself making multiple trips for the fresh fruit and crisp breakfast potatoes. Blue Ridge turns breakfast into an experience: wide-open views, thoughtful options for every dietary need, and that slow pace that makes a morning feel endless.
9. Village Social
+1 828-257-5968
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Village Social makes breakfast feel indulgent, yet laid-back, right in the heart of Biltmore Estate. The setting balances contemporary style with a dose of Southern ease—think big windows, plenty of sunlight, and a welcoming hum from guests still basking in the glow of the grounds outside.
Breakfast favorites here are anything but routine. The avocado toast layers creamy mash on crusty bread, topped with bright tomato and crunchy seeds. Their sweet potato hash, packed with greens and topped with a perfectly runny egg, hits the sweet spot of hearty and fresh.
Whenever I want a breakfast that actually feels like a treat, I stop for the steel-cut oats—rich, aromatic, and scattered with nuts and fruit. Village Social’s menu is diverse without feeling overwhelming, perfect for a leisurely start to any Asheville day.
10. Cornerstone
Cornerstone is the kind of place you visit when you want Asheville’s warmth in both the welcome and the food. Its classic diner atmosphere is matched by a menu packed with well-loved breakfast standards and just enough local flavor to keep things interesting. Even the regulars seem to greet their plates with the same anticipation each day.
Their challah French toast is the show-stealer, golden-edged and dusted with a light touch of powdered sugar. Omelets come jammed with fresh veggies and gooey cheese, perfect for refueling before a day out in the mountains.
One visit had me reaching for their crispy home fries, which somehow keep their crunch even under a pile of eggs. Cornerstone’s appeal is in the little details—the warm service and reliable, satisfying classics that invite you to linger over coffee just a bit longer.
More Things to Try in Asheville, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Asheville’s breakfast scene different?
Asheville blends Southern comfort food with creative, fresh ingredients. The city’s breakfast spots range from classic diners to farm-to-table cafés, each one putting its own spin on morning staples.
Are there vegan and vegetarian breakfast options?
Absolutely. Many places, including Biscuit Head, Sunny Point Cafe, and Green Sage Cafe, offer a wide selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes, such as veggie gravies, plant-based scrambles, and fresh baked goods.
Which Asheville breakfast spots are best for families?
Moose Cafe, Early Girl Eatery, and Cornerstone are favorites for their welcoming atmospheres and kid-friendly menus. These spots have plenty of space and options to please every appetite.
Do any places serve gluten-free breakfast?
Several local favorites like Well-Bred Bakery & Cafe and Biscuit Head offer gluten-free choices—think gluten-free biscuits, muffins, and more, so you don’t have to miss out on Asheville’s best breakfasts.
Do I need a reservation for breakfast in Asheville?
Most breakfast spots in Asheville work on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations are needed at popular places like Sunny Point Cafe or Hole Doughnuts—just expect a bit of a wait on busy mornings.