There’s something beautifully satisfying about a really great sandwich. And in Asheville, where culinary excellence is a way of life, finding that next-level deli can be a true adventure.
Well folks, East Asheville just scored big.
East Asheville Just Got Deli Delicious – Zella’s Deli & Restaurant Has Landed!
📍 Zella’s Deli & Restaurant has officially opened its doors at 611 Tunnel Rd, right across the street from the NC Highway Patrol and right next to Yoshida Express. With easy access, lots of parking, and a whole lot of flavor, this is a must-visit for food lovers across WNC.
Zella’s journey is one of resilience and passion. They originally opened in downtown Asheville in 2022, then moved to Swannanoa in 2024 — only to be devastated by the September storm. But they didn’t fold. They planned, rebuilt, and rose again — this time in East Asheville — with a fresh new space and a bold new beginning.
🌆 Inside, you’ll find charming deli decor, comfy seating, and a subtle homage to Katz’s Delicatessen in NYC, one of the inspirations behind Zella’s.
🥪 The Sandwich: A Global Staple with Local Soul
Let’s take a quick trip through sandwich history.
The word “sandwich” was popularized by John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, in 18th-century England. Legend has it, he requested meat tucked between bread slices to eat while gambling — and a timeless culinary concept was born. From that point on, variations of meat, cheese, and veggies between slices of bread spread across the globe.
Some notable standouts:
- The Reuben: An American icon. Traditionally built with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on rye bread, grilled to perfection.
- The Italian: A Northeast deli favorite, stacked high with ham, salami, capicola, provolone, and topped with crisp lettuce, tomato, onions, oil, vinegar, and spices — all on a hearty roll.
🥪 Our Visit to Zella’s
We went all in. We ordered The Reuben and The Italian, and neither disappointed. The Reuben was rich and savory, layered generously with corned beef and the perfect tang from the sauerkraut. The Italian was bold, spicy, and exactly what a classic Italian sub should be.
They also had fresh cookies on the counter — we skipped them this round, but we’ll be back.
East Asheville’s food and coffee scene is growing, and Zella’s is a perfect addition to the map. It’s got style, substance, and a whole lot of flavor.
🗺️ Location: 611 Tunnel Rd, Asheville, NC 28805
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