Nine Mile is without a doubt my favorite Asheville restaurant. It’s located just outside of the downtown area, in the gorgeous town of Montford. They serve Carribean-inspired food, and many of the dishes are either vegan or can be made vegan on request. Every entree comes with a side salad with your choice of dressing (the mango vinaigrette is off the chain) and a slice of locally-made bread (from City Bakery if you’re ever in town).
The atmosphere of the restaurant is lovely. It’s pretty small, which just makes it feel super comfortable. The lighting is dim and romantic, on weekends there is live music, and if you sit in the right spot you can watch the kitchen (ok, so maybe that’s not so important to everyone but I like to watch!). There’s also a nice selection of beer and teas.
Over the multiple times I’ve ate there, I’ve tried four of their vegan dishes: the Jamaican Me Thirsty, More Fyah!, the Nine Mile, and the Irie Ites. The best by far is the Irie Ites. It’s pasta tossed with veggies and a delicious vegan pesto. As you eat your way through the pasta the pesto actually gets creamier and tastier with every bite. My boyfriend suggested that this happens as it cools, and I think he may be on to something.
The other three dishes are spicy, vegetable filled dishes with tofu. You have a choice of rice, pasta, cucumber noodles or quinoa elbow macaroni noodles. I always opt for the pasta because you get a ton of food, and I love having leftovers to remind myself of the delicious food I had the night before. Also, and most importantly, they really know how to cook tofu. It’s perfect every time.
Even though the food costs a tiny bit more than what I would normally pay during dinner, it’s completely worth it. I love recommending this place to people. Word of such deliciousness should be shared.
Ahimsa 