A Whole Latte Love: The Restoration’s Guide to the Best Coffee Shops in Asheville
Whether you’re fueling up for a day of mountain adventures or settling into a cozy downtown stroll, discovering the best coffee shops in Asheville is an essential part of experiencing the city’s creative soul. Known for its vibrant arts scene, thriving food culture, and strong independent spirit, Asheville also happens to be home to some of the most thoughtful and craft-driven cafés in the Southeast.
Located right in the heart of downtown, The Restoration Asheville places guests within walking distance of incredible espresso bars, roaster cafés, and cozy hideaways perfect for slow mornings and mid-afternoon caffeine breaks. From expertly pulled espresso to slow-brewed pour-overs and inventive seasonal drinks, Asheville’s coffee culture reflects the city itself: curious, creative, and deeply connected to the people behind the cup.
Whether you’re a devoted coffee enthusiast or simply searching for your new favorite latte stop, this guide highlights the best coffee shops near The Restoration Asheville—all within easy reach of your stay.
High Five Coffee – Downtown Asheville Favorite
Located just a short stroll from The Restoration, High Five Coffee consistently ranks among the most beloved downtown Asheville coffee shops. With its clean design, welcoming baristas, and dedication to craft, it’s a perfect introduction to the local café scene.
High Five proudly serves Counter Culture Coffee, one of the region’s most respected roasters. Their menu features expertly crafted espresso drinks, classic drip coffee, and carefully prepared pour-over brews that highlight each bean’s unique characteristics. Whether you opt for a bold cappuccino or a bright single-origin pour-over, every cup reflects the café’s commitment to quality.
The inviting atmosphere makes High Five ideal for lingering over your morning latte or planning the day’s itinerary. Grab a seat in the sun-filled space, people-watch through the windows, or chat with baristas who are genuinely passionate about great coffee.
Summit Coffee – River Arts District Community Hub
Just a short drive or bike ride away in Asheville’s iconic River Arts District, Summit Coffee offers a cozy gathering spot infused with creative energy. Known for sustainability practices and small-batch roasting, Summit continues to build a reputation as one of the most inspired specialty coffee shops in Asheville.
Their menu highlights house-roasted espresso beans brewed into velvety cappuccinos, honey-sweetened lattes, and bold americanos. Cold brew lovers will appreciate Summit’s rotating nitro taps, while pour-over fans can explore hand-brewed single origins with nuanced flavor profiles.
Beyond the coffee itself, Summit is loved for its airy interior, ample seating, and relaxed vibe. It’s a favorite hangout for local artists, freelancers, and remote workers looking for a creative atmosphere to pair with top-tier coffee.
The Rise Coffee Bar – Onsite at The Restoration Asheville
For unmatched convenience and quality, The Rise Coffee Bar provides exceptional coffee right inside The Restoration Asheville. Guests don’t even have to step outside to enjoy expertly brewed drinks crafted with locally sourced beans and barista precision.
The Rise menu includes everything from classic espresso drinks to smooth pour-overs and seasonal specialty beverages. Fresh pastries complement the offerings, creating the perfect start to mornings or a mid-day treat before exploring Asheville’s art galleries and shops.
The indoor café environment reflects the hotel’s modern-residential aesthetic — relaxed, bright, and welcoming. Whether sipping at a quiet table or grabbing coffee to take on the go, hotel guests can rely on The Rise for consistently great coffee without the wait.
Izzy’s Coffee Den – Asheville’s Quirky Staple
For a true locals-only vibe, Izzy’s Coffee Den offers an unapologetically eclectic experience that captures Asheville’s offbeat charm. This unassuming hole-in-the-wall café is beloved for its strong coffee, funky décor, and laid-back staff.
Izzy’s menu keeps things refreshingly simple — quality drip coffee, bold espresso drinks, and classic café staples done right. There’s no fuss here — just good coffee served exactly how it should be.
The small space feels more like stepping into a friend’s creative living room than a traditional café. If you’re seeking an authentic Asheville experience beyond the polished aesthetic of many shops, Izzy’s delivers with personality and heart.
Rowan Coffee – Minimalist Precision
For guests drawn to refined simplicity, Rowan Coffee on Lexington Avenue offers one of the most quietly impressive experiences among the best coffee shops in Asheville. Known for minimalist interiors and laser-focused brewing standards, Rowan excels at letting the coffee speak for itself.
Their menu centers on classic espresso beverages and impeccably brewed drip options sourced from respected roasters. There’s no excess — just perfectly balanced flavors presented with thoughtful consistency.
The serene atmosphere at Rowan makes it ideal for quiet moments of reflection, catching up on reading, or working remotely while enjoying one of Asheville’s best espressos. Sometimes, the most understated cafés produce the most exceptional coffee — and Rowan proves that beautifully.
PennyCup Coffee Co. – Asheville Roasters with a Local Following
One of Asheville’s most respected local roasters, PennyCup Coffee Co. has built a loyal following for their ethically sourced beans and hands-on roasting approach. With multiple café locations throughout the city — including convenient access from downtown — PennyCup offers expertly pulled espresso drinks, smooth cold brews, and seasonal specialties crafted from beans roasted right here in Asheville.
The welcoming café spaces strike a balance between modern and cozy, making them ideal for both casual coffee runs and relaxed morning hangs. Whether you’re sipping a classic latte or exploring one of their rotating single-origin offerings, PennyCup consistently delivers both quality and local flavor — a true staple among the best coffee shops in Asheville.
Dobra Tea + Coffee – Asheville’s Most Experiential Café
More than just a coffee shop, Dobra Tea + Coffee is a sensory journey and one of Asheville’s most distinctive café experiences. Known primarily for its world-class tea program, Dobra also serves premium espresso and creative coffee drinks that reflect the shop’s adventurous spirit.
Step inside and feel transported — plush cushions, low tables, eclectic décor, and soft global instrumentation create an atmosphere unlike any other downtown café. Guests are invited to slow down, unplug, and savor thoughtfully prepared beverages in a uniquely immersive setting.
Whether you’re enjoying a traditional espresso, sampling an herbal tea flight, or sipping a specialty latte infused with globally inspired flavors, Dobra offers something you won’t find anywhere else. For visitors wanting to experience the cultural depth of Asheville’s café scene, this stop is essential and easily earns its spot among the best coffee shops in Asheville.
Farewell Coffee Roasters – Asheville’s New-Wave Coffee Scene
One of Asheville’s most celebrated newer additions to the local coffee community, Farewell Coffee Roasters is rapidly building a following for its meticulous roasting program and ultra-modern approach to café culture. Located near downtown with easy access from The Restoration Asheville, Farewell focuses on ethically sourced, light-to-medium roasts that highlight bright, nuanced flavor profiles.
Espresso drinks are balanced and smooth, while their rotating single-origin pour-overs showcase the craftsmanship behind each roast. Baristas take pride in both technique and hospitality, offering guests recommendations based on flavor preferences — whether you lean toward bold chocolate notes or crisp citrus-forward cups.
With its sun-filled interiors, clean lines, and minimalist aesthetic, Farewell is particularly popular with creative professionals, photographers, and coffee connoisseurs looking for a fresh slice of Asheville’s evolving café culture. It’s proof that the city’s coffee scene continues to grow, innovate, and delight — making it a standout addition to any guide to the best coffee shops in Asheville.
Why Asheville’s Coffee Scene Stands Out
What makes Asheville special isn’t just the quantity of cafés — it’s the community spirit behind them. Most coffee shops embrace ethical sourcing, direct-trade relationships, and small-batch roasting. Baristas know regulars by name and take pride in their craft.
Compared to bigger metro areas, Asheville cafés offer more personality and slower, more intentional service — inviting visitors to linger rather than rush. This culture reflects the pace of the mountains surrounding the city: thoughtful, relaxed, and connected to creativity.
Staying at The Restoration Asheville places you right at the center of this café ecosystem.
Plan Your Coffee Crawl Staying at The Restoration Asheville
Downtown Asheville is extremely walkable, making café hopping part of the fun. Many of the city’s top coffee shops sit within a 5–10 minute walk from The Restoration Asheville — no car required.
Guests can easily plan a perfect coffee crawl itinerary:
Start mornings at The Rise Coffee Bar onsite for convenience.
Stroll to High Five Coffee for a midday espresso stop.
Explore galleries in the River Arts District with a cold brew break at Summit Coffee.
End the day with creative seasonal drinks at Trade and Lore or quiet reflection at Rowan Coffee.
Each café adds its own mood and style to the experience, allowing you to taste Asheville’s many creative personalities in just one weekend.
Experience the Best Coffee Shops in Asheville for Yourself
From cozy hideaways to thoughtfully curated espresso bars, Asheville offers something special for every coffee lover. Whether your ideal cup is a meticulously brewed single-origin pour-over or a calming lavender latte enjoyed on a rainy afternoon, the best coffee shops in Asheville are waiting just outside your door.
And there’s no better home base for exploring them than The Restoration Asheville — a boutique hotel that pairs modern comfort with unbeatable downtown access.
Ready to Sip Your Way Through Asheville?
Book your stay directly with The Restoration Asheville and enjoy exclusive Restoration Insider perks — including 10% off our best available rate when you book direct.
