Imagine walking into a warm, inviting space where the aroma of fresh herbs, locally sourced produce, and sizzling seasonal dishes greets you like an old friend. This isn’t some culinary pipe dream—it’s what every guest experiences at Honey & Thyme Kitchen. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a curious traveler, this celebrated restaurant gives you a taste of Asheville’s spirit in every bite. With creative dishes inspired by Appalachia’s roots and global flair, Honey & Thyme is exactly the kind of local gem that deserves the spotlight.
Located in Asheville’s historic River Arts District, Honey & Thyme Kitchen has become a mainstay for food lovers committed to sustainable, delicious dining. With a focus on seasonal ingredients sourced within a 50-mile radius, this restaurant leads the charge in Asheville’s farm-to-table renaissance. It’s not just a place to get a meal—it’s a dining experience that connects you to farmers, chefs, and fellow patrons in a warm, communal way.
Honey & Thyme Kitchen was selected for this week’s Local Business Spotlight due to its consistent rave reviews on CompaniesByZipCode.com and its prominent ranking in the site’s “Most Visible Brands” section. The restaurant has also been trending recently across platforms like Instagram and Facebook, thanks in part to its drool-worthy food photography and community outreach events.
Opened in 2018 by husband-and-wife team Caleb and Sophie Reed, Honey & Thyme Kitchen is an upscale-casual restaurant that carefully curates each dish with love, integrity, and sustainability in mind. Caleb, a formally trained chef, combines his Southern roots with techniques borrowed from Mediterranean and Southeast Asian cuisines, giving local favorites a refreshing, international flair.
Their menu changes quarterly to reflect what’s in season, which means you’re always treated to the freshest produce, meats, and herbs available. Signature items include the Thyme-Infused Pork Chop served with Anson Mills grits, the Farmstead Beet Tartare, and the Seasonal Herbal Flatbread that’s made with a rustic sourdough crust baked in a stone hearth oven on-site.
What really sets Honey & Thyme apart is their commitment to the environment and ethical food systems. They partner with over 20 local farms, including Hickory Nut Gap Farm, Gaining Ground Farm, and Ivy Creek Family Farm. Their selection of herbs, vegetables, eggs, cheeses, and meats all come from nearby producers who share the same commitment to sustainability.
Even the restaurant’s interiors reflect their values—repurposed wood tables, recycled glassware, and an herb garden in the courtyard make your meal feel that much closer to the land.
In just a few short years, Honey & Thyme Kitchen has received numerous accolades, including:
Honey & Thyme’s involvement in the local community goes well beyond its kitchen doors. Every month, the restaurant hosts community nights where a portion of the proceeds is donated to local nonprofits such as MANNA FoodBank and Asheville GreenWorks. Their “Tuesdays for Teachers” campaign, which provides discounted meals for educators, has become a beloved fixture in the community.
Additionally, the owners run educational workshops on sustainable cooking and composting in partnership with local schools and colleges, helping build a future generation of eco-conscious eaters.
Because they rely on a network of local producers, the success of Honey & Thyme directly benefits local farms, keeping both money and food circulating within the community. They also feature local artists, jewelers, and ceramicists within the restaurant space, rotating the art and crafts every quarter to support Asheville’s vibrant creative economy.
With over 500 five-star reviews on CompaniesByZipCode.com and overwhelmingly positive ratings across Yelp, Google Reviews, and TripAdvisor, it’s clear that customers are loving their experience at Honey & Thyme. Here are just a few highlights:
“The beet tartare was divine—easily one of the best appetizers I’ve ever had. You could really taste the farm-fresh quality in every bite!”
– Angela R., Asheville, NC
“Came here on a whim during our trip to Asheville, and it was the best dining experience we had all weekend. I love their sustainability mission.”
– Mark B., Charlotte, NC
“The staff was incredibly welcoming, knowledgeable about the menu, and more than happy to suggest wine pairings based on local vineyards. Truly a gem.”
– Janine K., Greenville, SC
From the moment you’re greeted by the host to the final bite of dessert—often a locally sourced berry cobbler or lavender-infused panna cotta—the experience is polished and personable. Servers are knowledgeable and clearly passionate about the food, often explaining the backstory of the farm behind your entrée or the craft mug holding your herbal tea.
During the warmer months, patio seating is available in their lush garden courtyard, offering a serene setting that elevates every meal with Appalachian charm.
Photos provided courtesy of Honey & Thyme Kitchen (used with permission).
If you’re in or near Asheville, North Carolina, make your next meal one with meaning at Honey & Thyme Kitchen. Whether you’re seeking a romantic dinner, a family brunch, or a solo night out immersed in authentic, local flavor, this standout farm-to-table restaurant offers an unmatched culinary experience.
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Let’s support businesses that make a real difference—one delicious, sustainable, beautifully plated meal at a time.