Tired after a long day exploring the vibrant arts scene, hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, or simply navigating the bustle of downtown Asheville? The last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. Fortunately, Asheville’s burgeoning food scene is easily accessible from the comfort of your own home, thanks to a wide array of food delivery services. From farm-to-table freshness to globally inspired flavors, Asheville offers a diverse culinary landscape ready to be delivered right to your doorstep.
Asheville’s food culture is renowned. It’s a place where innovative chefs blend Southern traditions with contemporary techniques, creating a unique dining experience. The city’s commitment to locally sourced ingredients is a testament to its dedication to quality and sustainability. However, sometimes convenience trumps all. That’s where food delivery Asheville NC steps in, bridging the gap between exceptional cuisine and effortless dining.
This article will explore the diverse food delivery options available in Asheville, North Carolina, highlighting popular restaurants, delivery services, and providing tips to ensure you have the best possible experience. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor craving a taste of Asheville’s culinary delights, read on to discover how to enjoy delicious meals without ever leaving your home. We’ll help you navigate the world of food delivery Asheville NC.
Popular Food Delivery Services in Asheville North Carolina
Asheville boasts a mix of nationally recognized delivery platforms and local services, each offering its own advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these options is the first step in making informed decisions about your next meal.
National Delivery Apps with an Asheville Focus
Several prominent national delivery apps operate in Asheville, providing access to a broad selection of restaurants. These platforms offer convenience and a familiar user experience.
DoorDash has become a staple in many cities, and Asheville is no exception. Its extensive restaurant network provides a wide array of choices, from casual eateries to upscale dining establishments. DoorDash frequently offers promotions and discounts, making it a potentially cost-effective option. However, remember that delivery fees, service fees, and tips can add up, so it’s crucial to compare prices before finalizing your order. While generally reliable, there’s always a slight risk of inaccuracies in orders, a common concern across delivery platforms. In Asheville, popular DoorDash restaurants often include Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar (known for its Southern comfort food) and Nine Mile (Caribbean-inspired dishes).
Uber Eats, another dominant player in the food delivery arena, mirrors many of DoorDash’s features. The seamless integration with the Uber app makes it incredibly convenient for existing Uber users. Like DoorDash, Uber Eats also charges fees and relies on independent contractors for delivery, potentially leading to occasional inconsistencies in service. If you are looking for something quick and easy, consider trying out Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian or maybe some authentic Mediterranean at Jerusalem Garden Cafe.
Grubhub, while perhaps slightly less prominent in Asheville compared to DoorDash and Uber Eats, still offers a valuable service. Grubhub sometimes partners with restaurants that aren’t available on other platforms, providing access to unique culinary gems. The fee structure is similar to its competitors, and it’s always wise to compare prices before committing to an order. Be aware that while Grubhub might not have the largest selection of Asheville restaurants, it is a solid place to discover hidden treasures like Tastee Diner for some greasy food when you’re craving it.
Local or Regional Delivery Services
Supporting local businesses is often a priority for Asheville residents and visitors alike. Exploring local or regional delivery services, if available, can be a rewarding way to contribute to the local economy while enjoying exceptional food. Unlike the national platforms, local delivery services are often able to provide a more personalized experience, with dedicated drivers and a stronger connection to the community. They might also offer lower fees or more flexible delivery options. Researching local Asheville delivery companies is highly recommended. These services are often advertised with vibrant fliers and signs so keep an eye out.
Restaurant-Specific Delivery
Some restaurants in Asheville offer their own in-house delivery services. This is particularly common among pizza places and other establishments specializing in takeout. Ordering directly from the restaurant can sometimes be more cost-effective, as it eliminates the intermediary fees charged by third-party apps. It also ensures that the restaurant has complete control over the delivery process, potentially leading to a more reliable and efficient service. The disadvantage is usually a smaller delivery radius. Always check the restaurant’s website or call to inquire about their delivery options.
Top Restaurants for Food Delivery in Asheville North Carolina
Asheville’s diverse culinary scene translates into a plethora of options for food delivery. Here are some top restaurant picks, categorized by cuisine, to help you narrow down your choices.
Best Overall Restaurants for Delivery
These restaurants consistently receive positive reviews for both food quality and delivery service. Their menus are diverse, and their dishes tend to travel well.
Cúrate Bar de Tapas: Experience the authentic flavors of Spain without leaving your home. Their tapas are perfect for sharing, and they arrive beautifully packaged.
Plant: If you are looking for high-end vegan cuisine, Plant is your place! It is one of the most sought after delivery options for people who are plant based.
The Admiral: A hidden gem known for its eclectic menu and creative dishes, The Admiral offers a unique culinary experience that’s surprisingly well-suited for delivery.
Zambra: Moroccan and Mediterranean flavors that are delicious when delivered right to you.
Specific Cuisine Categories
Craving something specific? These restaurants excel in their respective culinary niches.
Best Pizza Delivery
Standard Pizza Co.: Wood-fired pizzas with creative toppings.
All Souls Pizza: Delicious sourdough crust and fresh ingredients.
Best Burger Delivery
Farm Burger: Locally sourced beef burgers with customizable options.
Holeman and Finch Bottle Shop: This place can make some serious burgers with incredible flavors that are sure to please.
Best Southern Comfort Food Delivery
Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar: A Southern institution known for its honey-dusted fried chicken and other classic dishes.
12 Bones Smokehouse: Award-winning barbecue with flavorful sauces and tender meats.
Best Healthy Food Delivery
Green Sage Cafe: Organic and vegetarian-friendly options.
Laughing Seed Cafe: Another excellent choice for vegetarian and vegan cuisine.
Best International Food Delivery
Nine Mile: Caribbean-inspired cuisine with flavorful curries and jerk dishes.
Mela Indian Restaurant: Authentic Indian flavors with a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
Late-Night Food Delivery
When those late-night cravings hit, these restaurants are ready to deliver. Always check their hours of operation, as they can vary. These restaurants are harder to come by but well worth the search when you are hungry late at night. Some bars that have kitchens may offer delivery past the usual times, but this must be confirmed with a phone call.
Tips for the Best Food Delivery Experience in Asheville North Carolina
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable food delivery experience in Asheville, consider these helpful tips.
Compare Prices and Fees: Delivery apps often have varying fees and promotional offers. Take a few minutes to compare prices across different platforms before placing your order.
Read Reviews: Restaurant and driver reviews can provide valuable insights into the quality of food and service. Pay attention to comments about delivery times, accuracy, and customer service.
Provide Clear Delivery Instructions: Make it easy for your driver to find you by providing detailed instructions, such as building names, apartment numbers, or landmarks.
Tip Appropriately: Tipping is customary in the food delivery industry. A standard tip is around fifteen to twenty percent of the order total.
Check Your Order Carefully: Upon arrival, carefully inspect your order to ensure that everything is correct and that nothing is missing.
Consider Pickup Options: If you are near the restaurant, consider picking up your order yourself. This can often save you money on delivery fees.
Track Your Order: Use the app’s tracking feature to monitor your order’s progress and anticipate its arrival.
Support Local Businesses: When possible, opt for local delivery services or order directly from restaurants. This helps to support the Asheville community.
Double Check the Menu: Restaurants update their menus often, and while a national delivery company attempts to keep up, it may be slightly outdated on occasion. It is best to verify the menu with the restaurant’s website before you order.
Confirm the Hours: Don’t assume a restaurant is open because it is listed on the delivery app. Confirm the hours of operation before ordering so you aren’t disappointed when they are closed.
Conclusion
Food delivery in Asheville North Carolina offers a convenient and diverse way to experience the city’s thriving culinary scene. With a wide range of restaurants and delivery services to choose from, there’s something to satisfy every craving. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable food delivery experience. Remember to support local businesses whenever possible and to explore the unique flavors that Asheville has to offer. Whether you are a local or just visiting, food delivery Asheville NC is a great option. So next time you’re looking for food delivery in Asheville, NC, remember to check out these options and enjoy a delicious meal delivered right to your door!
