The Ultimate Guide to Plant-Based Living in Asheville, NC (Restaurants, Recipes & Reviews)

Welcome to Cowboy Cooking Vegan, where we explore the best plant-based destinations across the country. Today, we’re diving into Asheville, NC – a vibrant, artsy city with a flourishing plant-based food scene.

Why Plant-Based Living is Thriving in Asheville, NC

Asheville, NC is consistently ranked one of the top destinations in the U.S. for conscious eaters and wellness lovers. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this city offers a blend of eco-conscious culture, sustainability, and a love for handcrafted, locally sourced cuisine. Whether you’re searching for “Plant Based Asheville NC restaurants” or “Plant Based Asheville NC reviews,” this blog has everything you need.

Discover Asheville North Carolina in This Guide:

  • Plant Based Asheville NC
  • Plant Based Asheville NC reviews
  • Plant Based Asheville NC restaurants
  • Plant Based Asheville NC Recipes
  • Vegan restaurants Asheville
  • Best vegan food Asheville NC
  • Vegan cooking classes Asheville
  • Healthy eats Asheville
  • Vegan food truck Asheville

The Problem: Finding Truly Plant-Based Options Can Be Tough

Even in a vegan-friendly city like Asheville, it can be overwhelming to navigate menus or find meals that are truly plant-based and not just vegetarian. Tourists and locals alike often wonder: Where can I find legit plant-based restaurants in Asheville that offer both delicious and healthy options?

The Solution: Here’s Your Curated Guide to the Best Plant-Based Restaurants in Asheville

1. Plant

An upscale, all-vegan restaurant featured in national vegan travel guides.

2. Rosetta’s Kitchen & The Buchi Bar

A downtown favorite that’s part comfort food, part kombucha bar.

3. Laughing Seed Cafe

Known for global vegetarian and vegan fare with local, organic ingredients.

4. The Smokin’ Onion Food Truck

Vegan comfort food on wheels. Perfect for a grab-and-go lunch.


FAQ: What You Need to Know About Plant-Based Asheville

Is Asheville NC good for vegans? Yes, Asheville is one of the most vegan-friendly cities in the Southeast, with dedicated plant-based restaurants, food trucks, and festivals.

Are there vegan food trucks in Asheville? Yes! Check out The Smokin’ Onion for rotating locations and mouthwatering vegan comfort food.

What grocery stores in Asheville have plant-based options? From local co-ops like French Broad to national chains like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s, Asheville is packed with plant-based shopping options.

What’s the best time to visit Asheville for vegan eats? Spring and fall offer seasonal produce at its peak and coincides with events like VeganFest and farmer’s markets.


Plant-Based Asheville NC Reviews: Real People, Real Flavor

Sites like Yelp, HappyCow, and Google Reviews are goldmines for feedback. You can even find a complete roundup of reviews in my Plant-Based Asheville NC Review Roundup. Most diners highlight portion sizes, flavor profiles, and how allergy-friendly the menus are.


  1. Vegan tacos – vibrant, local Latin-inspired dish. source: Explore Asheville (vegoutmag.com)
  2. Colorful plant-based bowl – source: World of Vegan (worldofvegan.com)
  3. Vegan pizza & eats in Asheville – source: Asheville food tour
  4. Smokin’ Onion buffalo cauliflower bites – source: VegOut (vegoutmag.com)

Cowboy Cooking Vegan Asheville-Inspired Recipes

Can’t make it to Asheville right now? Bring the flavors home with these original recipes inspired by the city’s best vegan kitchens:

🥗 Smoky Mountain BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches

🥗 Blue Ridge Beet & Walnut Salad

🥗 Sweet Potato & Pecan Empanadas

These recipes use ingredients you can find locally or online. Check out our curated Amazon Shop for all the kitchen essentials. C.C.V may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, which helps support this blog.


Top Plant-Based Grocery Stores in Asheville

🌱 French Broad Food Co-op

Local produce, vegan brands, bulk grains, and superfoods.

🛒 Earth Fare

A clean-eating market with tons of plant-based pantry staples.

🏞️ Trader Joe’s & Whole Foods

National chains with solid vegan selections.


Bonus: Vegan Cooking Classes in Asheville

If you’re planning a trip, check out:

  • Asheville Wellness Tours – Includes vegan cooking and forest bathing.
  • The Foxy Chef – Offers free vegan cooking classes featuring fresh, flavorful plant-based recipes
  • Hosts pop-up events and workshops like “Night of Vegan Cooking” in partnership with AmeriHealth Caritas at 216 Asheland Ave
  • Perfect for beginners or seasoned cooks wanting hands-on experience and community vibes
  • From intimate gatherings to inclusive events, The Foxy Chef brings a vibrant, supportive twist to vegan cooking education in Asheville.

Gear Up for Plant-Based Cooking

Here are a few must-haves from Amazon to get you started:


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Asheville is calling, and now you’re ready. Whether you’re visiting or living local, there’s never been a better time to dive into the plant-based lifestyle right here in the mountains.

Thanks for reading, and happy cooking!


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