Asheville Food Tours Review: The Food Fan Tour with Stu Helm
Asheville food tours are one of the best ways to experience the city’s dining scene. Instead of bouncing between reservations, a guided tour lets you sample several restaurants while learning the stories behind the food.
During our weekend in Asheville, we joined the Food Fan Tour with Asheville Food Tours. From the start, it was clear this experience went beyond tastings. Instead, it offered insight into Asheville’s chefs, neighborhoods, and evolving food culture.
Most importantly, the tour felt intentional. Each stop had a purpose, and the pacing never felt rushed. As a result, we were able to enjoy both the food and the experience itself.
Meet the Expert Behind the Tour: Stu Helm
One of the things that truly sets this experience apart is Stu Helm himself. Known locally as The Food Fan, Stu brings an incredible depth of knowledge to the tour—covering not just the food, but the chefs, the stories behind the restaurants, and even Asheville’s history and architecture along the way.
Throughout the tour, Stu effortlessly connected the dots between what we were eating and the people who created it. He shared insights into Asheville’s evolving food scene, pointed out architectural details we would have otherwise walked right past, and added context that made each stop feel meaningful rather than rushed. His passion for the city and its restaurants is obvious, and it’s contagious.
Stu is also the force behind the Food Fan Awards, which recognize standout restaurants, chefs, and dishes in Asheville each year. Hearing about the awards and the thought process behind them added another layer of appreciation for the care that goes into celebrating the local food community.
Simply put, Stu’s expertise was the highlight of the tour. This didn’t feel like a scripted experience; it felt like being shown around Asheville by someone who genuinely loves the city and knows its food scene inside and out.
About the Food Fan Tour
The Food Fan Tour is designed for travelers who want a relaxed way to experience Asheville’s food scene. Instead of rushing through stops, the afternoon unfolds at an easy pace. It feels more like a progressive meal than a series of tastings.
Our group had just five people total, which made the experience feel personal. There was time to ask questions and actually enjoy each stop. Nothing felt crowded or rushed.
The variety of food was impressive. Stops ranged from casual favorites to more elevated dining. Portions were generous, and the walking distance was very manageable. By the end, we were full—but not overwhelmed.
First Stop: Mountain Madre
Our first stop on the Food Fan Tour was Mountain Madre, and it was the perfect way to kick things off. The space has a laid-back, welcoming vibe that immediately set the tone for the afternoon—casual, fun, and very Asheville.
We sampled a chicken tinga quesadilla that was packed with smoky, savory flavor and came with an incredible cilantro crema sauce. I’m not exaggerating when I say it was so good you could practically drink it. It tied the whole dish together and easily stole the show.
To go with it, we had a classic margarita that was crisp, refreshing, and not overly sweet—exactly what you want at the start of a walking food tour. The portions were generous but well-paced, making this a great opening stop that eased us into what would be a very food-forward afternoon.
Next Stop (and My Favorite): Strada Italiano
If there’s one thing guaranteed to win me over, it’s Italian food paired with a good red blend, and Strada Italiano delivered on both. This stop ended up being my favorite of the entire Food Fan Tour.
We started with arancini, a fried mozzarella and risotto ball served with a rich sherry-tomato cream sauce. Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, it was comforting in the best way and set the stage for what came next.
The standout dish for me was the grilled Florentine ravioli, filled with spinach and ricotta and served over arugula with a sherry-tomato cream sauce, balsamic reduction, and pecorino romano. Every bite was balanced and full of flavor without feeling heavy. Paired with Strada’s house red blend, it was the kind of combination that makes you slow down and really savor the moment.
Between the food, the wine, and the cozy atmosphere, Strada felt like the heart of the tour for me. It’s exactly the kind of place I’d go back to for a full dinner—and the kind of stop that makes you immediately start planning a return visit.
Next Stop: Asheville Bee Charmer
After the richness of Italian food and red wine at Strada, the stop at Asheville Bee Charmer was a fun and lighter change of pace. This tasting-focused shop specializes in thoughtfully sourced honeys from around the world, and it was fascinating to see just how different each variety could be.
We sampled five to six different honeys, including sourwood, blackberry, Tasmanian leatherwood, a vanilla-infused honey, and a hot honey with a subtle kick. Each one had a distinct flavor profile, ranging from floral and delicate to bold and spicy.
It was a quick stop, but a memorable one—and a great palate reset before heading to our next round of food and drinks.
Elevated Views & a Standout Bite at Capella on 9
Capella on 9, located on the top floor of the AC Hotel, was one of the most memorable moments of the tour, thanks to both the food and the setting. The sweeping views over downtown Asheville immediately elevate the experience and make this stop feel special.
We shared a perfectly cooked ribeye that was rich, flavorful, and surprisingly generous for a tasting stop. It was served with a house-made steak sauce that complemented the meat beautifully without overpowering it, adding just the right finishing touch.
This stop also featured one of my favorite drinks of the entire tour, and I still wish I could remember exactly what it was. Whatever went into it, the cocktail was beautifully balanced and incredibly memorable—one of those drinks you think about long after the glass is empty.
Hearing the story behind the chef, Rakim Gaines, added another layer to the experience. Learning more about his background and approach made the food feel even more intentional and helped explain why this stop stood out.
Between the views, the ribeye with that homemade steak sauce, and an unforgettable cocktail, Capella on 9 felt like a moment to pause and really soak in Asheville—a refined, standout stop that added depth to the tour.
A Pleasant Surprise at Miyako House
Miyako House turned out to be one of the most surprising stops on the tour, in the best way. I’ll be honest: I’m not usually a sushi person, so I went into this one with low expectations. That changed very quickly.
We tried a fried California roll, and it was fantastic. The crispy exterior added warmth and texture, while the inside stayed flavorful and approachable, making it a great option even for someone who doesn’t typically gravitate toward sushi. It felt indulgent without being heavy and was a fun contrast to some of the earlier stops on the tour.
This stop was a great reminder of why the Food Fan Tour works so well. It introduces you to dishes and restaurants you might not order on your own, and sometimes those end up being the biggest wins of the day.
An Asheville Staple: White Duck Taco Shop
No Asheville food tour would feel complete without a stop at White Duck Taco Shop. It’s a well-known local favorite and a spot that consistently comes up when people talk about Asheville staples.
We sampled the shrimp and grits taco, and it was definitely on the heavier side, rich, filling, and packed with bold flavor. At this point in the tour, it felt more like a full bite than a light tasting, which made it especially satisfying. The frozen coconut margarita was a standout here, smooth and refreshing, and a welcome contrast to the richness of the taco.
This stop leaned into comfort food territory and added a more casual, indulgent moment to the tour. It was hearty, fun, and very on-brand for White Duck’s creative approach to tacos.
A Change of Pace at Mehfil
Mehfil was a really enjoyable change of pace on the tour. Indian food isn’t something I gravitate toward often, so this stop felt like a chance to try something a little outside my usual comfort zone—and I’m glad I did.
The decor immediately stood out. The space blends traditional Indian elements with Asheville’s laid-back, artsy vibe in a way that feels thoughtful and cohesive rather than themed. It’s warm, colorful, and inviting, and it ended up being one of the most visually memorable stops of the day.
We tried an Asian pear mule that was bright, refreshing, and incredibly well balanced. For food, there was a small buffet set up for us featuring naan, rice, chicken makhani, and tandoori chicken. Everything was flavorful without being overwhelming, and it was easy to sample a bit of everything.
This stop really highlighted what I appreciated about the Food Fan Tour overall—it introduces you to cuisines and restaurants you might not choose on your own, and often those end up being pleasant surprises. Mehfil was exactly that.
A Sweet Finish at Mary’s Mountain Cookies
The final stop on the Food Fan Tour was Mary’s Mountain Cookies, and it was the perfect way to wrap things up. After a full afternoon of savory bites and cocktails, ending with something sweet felt exactly right.
We tried a Pepper Patty cookie, which was a fun and nostalgic way to close out the tour. Soft, comforting, and just indulgent enough, it hit the spot without being over the top. It was one of those simple treats that remind you why classic desserts stick around for a reason.
This stop felt like a natural exhale at the end of the tour—no rush, just a sweet bite and time to reflect on everything we’d eaten and learned along the way. It was a cozy, satisfying finale to a food-filled afternoon in Asheville.
Final Pour: Is the Food Fan Tour Worth It?
The Food Fan Tour with Asheville Food Tours is absolutely worth doing if food is part of why you’re visiting Asheville. The experience feels thoughtful from start to finish. Nothing feels rushed or random.
The small group size made a big difference. Each stop felt intentional, and the pacing allowed time to enjoy both the food and the stories behind it. We tasted a wide range of cuisines, including a few things I wouldn’t normally order.
By the end of the tour, we felt like we had experienced Asheville in a deeper way. It wasn’t just about eating well. It was about understanding the city through its food.
And if you’re planning a full getaway, you can read more about where we stayed, what we did, and how we spent the rest of our time in Asheville in my girls weekend in Asheville recap here.
