mother bakery & cafe | south slope — Restaurant in Asheville

I rarely write reviews about the service because usually I think that good food trumps bad service. However, this is a different story. Overall, the food was just ok. As plenty of other reviews say, definitely overpriced! $24 for a lamb burger that was average at best, $26 for a small portion of spaetzel (flour and water...), and they are trying to over complicate things with too many flavors.

Let's get to the service: probably the rudest server I've ever encountered. I went back and looked at other reviews, and this is not the first time. There are many reviews about this place describing the service as sub par, rude, and unfriendly.

We got there early as we have 2 kids (who by the way, behave very well at restaurants). Sat down inside around 5.45pm late October, with outside temperatures in the high 50s and dropping as the evening set. Initially the restaurant had their door open, as well as a garage-like door opened as well. At first it was fine, but as it got colder outside, we started feeling a cooler draft at our table. When our food arrived, we asked if they wouldn't mind closing the door so we didn't have to eat with the cold draft. We were told "no because they want to appear open for people walking by". When I pointed out that the existing customers might be more important than the potential walking person who might stumble upon this place (which by the way, there is very little foot traffic on this street), the server snapped and said: "fine I'll close it. It's the wrong decision but I'll do it". He then walks away, and we do not see him the rest of the evening. Never checked on us again, and in fact, a different server ended up bringing us the check.

Whatever happened to "customer is always right"? I'm not saying I always am, but I don't think it is unreasonable to want to eat without a cold draft blowing from outside. If their excuse of wanting to draw in customers with the door open had been presented in a respectful manner, maybe I would have understood. However, not being willing to make your diners comfortable by shutting the front door seems unreasonable. It's not like we were in shorts and t-shirts. We were all in long sleeves with sweatshirts and pants. Other customers in the restaurants were wearing heavier jackets.. so we weren't the only ones chilly...

What shame to treat customers poorly, on top of serving overpriced food.. Definitely feels like they are prioritizing profit margins while ignoring the basic principles of customer satisfaction. An unfortunate evening for...

Mother is truly one of the best dining spots in Asheville. I’ve been getting bread from Mother’s River Arts shop since shortly after they opened, and their South Slope café has far exceeded my very high hopes. Every meal I’ve had here has been phenomenal. The wine is expertly selected, the egg salad is the best egg salad you’ll ever have, and all of the sandwiches are both generously portioned and wildly delicious.

For an anniversary lunch, my partner and I went around 2:30pm on a Wednesday. We were able to grab a spot to sit immediately, and the service was fantastic. I love the atmosphere here — airy, unpretentious but pleasantly curated, and comfortable.

To drink, I had the 2022 Rosa-ae by Torre dei Beati, which was exceptional and paired well with everything we ordered.

I was lucky enough to get the last order of braised lamb, and my partner ordered the wagyu roast beef sandwich, which is new to the menu. The herbed yogurt and pickled fennel balance the beautifully prepared lamb, and the sourdough flatbread is a dream. The roast beef sandwich is also wonderful: bright, clean flavors on perfectly made focaccia. And we shared a side of egg salad as well, just because it’s so good.

They were out of the panna cotta (understandable given our timing) so we split the grape toast for desert — essentially a very elevated jam on toast, made with local scuppernongs and muscadines with crème fraîche atop a thick slice of brioche. I appreciated that it’s not overly sweet, which lets the natural sugars of the grapes shine.

If you’re visiting Asheville, Mother is a can’t miss. And if you’re local, as we are, add this to your regular rotation. As someone at a nearby table remarked while we were there today, I’d be very happy to eat...

I found my new favorite brunch spot! I debated on leaving a review because I don't want the word to get out but I want this place to succeed and open more locations, hopefully Fairview:) This restaurant is soooooo good! Let's start with the apple french toast. It was as if apple pie and french toast got together and had a baby! I was shoveling in this delicious creation into my mouth so ravenously that I didn't even notice my poor toddler's mouth open like a baby bird waiting for a bite! The coffee is perfection, the atmosphere clean and relaxing. The bread is fresh and fluffy with the perfect tang of sourdough flavor. If I had to complain about something I would vote for different, more chill music and maybe the option for half and half for the coffee. Otherwise this place is absolutely one of the highlights of downtown Asheville! A true hidden gem! Be patient because when they open a flood of people come in ready and hungry. With a small intimate space they do a great job juggling the rush. Be ready to chill, eat scrumptious food and enjoy the company of the people at your table. I shared the aftermath of our french toast as I didn't take the time to get a photo of the beautiful presentation when I arrived...