Sunny Point Cafe

Sunny Point Cafe: Upscale, Farm-to-Table Comfort Food in West Asheville
Local Expert's Rating:
5.0 / 5
The Bottom Line:

Sunny Point Cafe is a landmark eatery that beckons diners from across the South. There's simply no better way to experience trendy West Asheville's vibrancy, hospitality, and farm-fresh flavors.

- The SmokyMountains.com Local Expert Team

One of the most popular eateries in West Asheville, Sunny Point Cafe dishes out award-winning eats daily. As a local favorite since 2003, Sunny Point Cafe has charmed visitors with its hippie-chic vibe, colorful chalkboard specials, and delicious cocktails that pair with the array of food flavors. Sunny Point Cafe operates its own garden next to its dining area, and the staff works hard to harvest fresh ingredients for daily specials. Simply put, fresh food doesn’t get much fresher than this.

To say Sunny Point Cafe is in a league of its own would be an understatement. This cafe embodies everything that puts West Asheville on the map. One visit introduces you to Beer City’s on-tap craft beers, homemade entrees with edible flower and herb garnishes, and the eco-friendly mindset that keeps visitors coming back for more. In the true spirit of Asheville, the menu includes a choice of hormone-free meats, vegan dishes, and gluten-sensitive selections.

Perusing the cafe’s menu may overwhelm you, so consider trying one of these Sunny Point Cafe favorites:

Huevos Rancheros
Sunny Point’s signature breakfast is the Huevos Rancheros, a dish consisting of two eggs, black bean cakes, chorizo (or tofu chorizo), feta cheese, potatoes, and green salsa. A delicious cilantro crema and freshly made tortilla chips top this delicious dish. Pair it with a mimosa special to start the day off right.

Shrimp and Grits
An award-winning house special, the Shrimp and Grits is rich and smoky with a decadent finish. The dish includes chipotle cheddar grits, blackened shrimp, bacon, roasted tomatoes, and a white wine Dijon cream sauce. The grits offer a kick you won’t find anywhere else, so don’t pass up the chance to try them.

Fried Chicken and Waffle Sandwich
One of the best parts about Sunny Point Cafe is that the sandwiches aren’t for lunch only. Case in point: You can order the Fried Chicken and Waffle Sandwich any time of day, from breakfast to dinner, and no one will bat an eye. The local favorite consists of a sweet potato waffle with fried chicken thigh, pimento cheese, bacon, and jalapeno jam served with your choice of side.

No matter which dish you choose at Sunny Point Cafe, the flavors, freshness, and portions aim to please.

Sunny Point Cafe is at 626 Haywood Road in West Asheville across from Oyster House Brewing Co. You’ll know you’ve found it by the sunny yellow brick facade with attached outdoor seating. Service at Sunny Point Cafe is among the friendliest in town, with servers going out of their way to accommodate guests if an order mix-up occurs.

Insider Tips:
-A small parking lot next to the building has two accessible spaces as well as a gravel overflow lot next to the garden. Additional on-street parking is available, but take care to respect neighborhood businesses and residential driveways.
-Be patient. The wait at Sunny Point can be excruciating, even if you get here shortly after opening. Although you would expect this type of wait for such an iconic eatery, you may want to skip peak hours and aim for a late lunch or early dinner — unless you don’t mind waiting up to an hour or more.
-If you do choose to wait for a table, pass the time by strolling through the garden. You’ll find some stone benches on the corner to accommodate guests who want to watch West Asheville life pass by.
-Take home a souvenir. Sunny Point offers a few gifts and goods for sale, including the establishment’s own cookbook, “Breakfast and Beyond: Comfort Food From Dawn to Dark.” These items are available only at the restaurant.