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🥗 Healthy, Fast, and Affordable: 10 Healthy Restaurants in Asheville

  • Writer: Kimber Jones
    Kimber Jones
  • Jul 7
  • 5 min read

Updated: Aug 20


Where to find healthy restaurants in Asheville that won't break the bank

Ok, I think there is a HUGE gap in the market in our town for food that is:

-healthy

-quick

-affordable

I think there is a gold mine waiting for the right person, but in the meantime, I’ve assembled my go-to list of places I eat at when I’m out and about and don’t have time to go home and cook.

Does my style of holistic health wish you could eat fresh, home cooked meals all the time? Yes. But is that realistic? Does that always happen, even in my life? No! (Want to know what this Ayurveda thing is all about?) Show yourself some grace and aim for 80%. And sometimes just having a plan is all it takes to avoid regretting a food choice that leaves you with an upset stomach and bloating later in the day. PRO TIP- If you are feeling rushed and on the go that day, favor WARM, COOKED food over cold or raw. (Find out more about your digestive type here!)

Here’s your guide to some of my favorite spots for fast, nourishing, and budget-friendly food in Asheville. You can find healthy restaurants in Asheville! *NOTE* Ayurveda says the fruit only combines with greens, and we should avoid eating/drinking cold/frozen foods and beverages. This puts most smoothie combinations totally out of the running. Pulp and Sprout and Whole Foods are the only places I’ve found that have smoothie options with out nut butter, milk, nut milk, and weird fruit/dairy combos.  Want to watch how I healed my ulcerative colitis (auto-immune gut disease) with food and a healthy lifestyle?


Top 10 Healthy Restaurants in Asheville


✅ What to get: Chicken shawarma wrap, hummus plates, lentil soup, gypsy rice bowl ✅ Why I love it: Fresh Mediterranean flavors with lots of veggie-forward options. Great portions, quick service, and plenty of gluten-free and vegan choices. Not the most most affordable, but it's not bad, and it’s a sit down place, but you can always order it to go. 



✅ What to get: Burritos/wraps seems to digest better than their bowls, Appalachian Trail breakfast, don’t go for the kale salad- impossible to digest, egg dishes are good, lunch burgers are good ✅ Why I love it: They’re all about organic ingredients and eco-conscious practices. BEWARE- People think this is the healthiest place in town, but some of their food combining choices will make you gassy (especially the smoothies)! And they are certainly not the cheapest option out there. I put this on the list to dispel some myths, but it’s not a place I frequent all too often



✅ What to get: KITCHARI! They are one of the only places in town who have it, get the green goddess smoothie )with water and ask for the water to be warm!) it’s one of the only actually digestible smoothies in town ✅ Why I love it: It’s really really great service, and they seem way less uppity even for being a vegan place. Easy place to sit down and work, or meet a friend.



🥕4. Dobra Tea

✅ What to get: FOOD ONLY AT WEST LOCATION- they have KITCHARI! Seriously, it’s so great! Their bowls are actually digestible, too, just avoid raw kale. ✅ Why I love it: It’s a great place to hang and chat with a friend, work on your laptop, and enjoy some amazing tea (in summer try the bee’s knees, in fall/winter try the shak-tea). 



🥕 5. Hot Bars (Whole Foods, Earth Fare, French Broad Co-op)

✅ What to get: You’re in control of food combining here, and most food was made fresh that day ✅ Why I love it: It’s the quickest, and depending on how much food you get, can be affordable. Resist the urge to just eat cold raw salads, avoid raw kale especially. The green goddess smoothie at whole foods is actually digestible and doesn’t have terrible food combing (fruit + nuts or dairy). Quickest option on the list!



✅ What to get: Veggie breakfast bowl, yam scram (very vata pacifying), cali bowl (avoid spicy dressing for pitta) Learn your digestive type here! ✅ Why I love it: They use lots of local farmers and local ingredients! And the food is tasty and actually decent sized portions. Good price based on how much food you get! Definitely a sit down place, not as fast of service. 



✅ What to get: Their juices are great here (you’re going to pay for them, though), none of the smoothies are good food combining, breakfast burrito, no raw kale salad! ✅ Why I love it: Not the most affordable, or the best portion size, but definitely high quality and definitely delicious. Decently quick service. Good for a pop in and out. 



✅ What to get: The standard, Buddha bowl ✅ Why I love it: Pretty quick service, and it’s really yummy- not going to be the most food in the world- so don’t show up with a huge appetite, but also great for a breakfast or brunch with friends that isn’t just greasy, fried food



✅ What to get: Farmhouse skillet- trust me! ✅ Why I love it: Pretty quick service, nice vibe, good staff. It’s always really busy, so beware if you are in a rush! Nice outdoor seating, or can stay inside close to an outlet and get some work done. 


✅ What to get: Coconut Curry plate, Bhudda bowl, the tempeh wings are amazing! ✅ Why I love it: Vegetarian and vegan options, they pay it forward and will help homeless folks get a meal, too. They are an Asheville staple and a business I feel good supporting!



🌟 Eating Well, Easily, in Asheville

Quick food doesn’t have to mean junk food. Just because Chik-fil-A and Cook Out abound, doesn't mean they have to be part of your weekly repertoire. Asheville’s food scene makes it relatively easy to grab something that’s quick, kind to your wallet, and nourishing for your body. Next time you’re in a rush or between errands, give one of these spots a try — your body (and taste buds) will thank you!


Got a favorite fast, healthy spot I missed? Drop me a comment below — I love discovering new local gems! Want to learn more about how to support amazing health with on-point digestion? Take your digestive type quiz here!

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