Charlotte is a sprawling metropolis in the heart of the Tarheel State. The city famed for its history with banking once got a bad rap for not having much of a culinary scene. However, there’s much more to Charlotte’s growing restaurant scene and now there are plenty of delicious Charlotte restaurants to try.
As the largest city in North Carolina, it’s a cultural mecca with an expertly crafted and ever-evolving culinary scene, and there are some fantastic restaurants in Charlotte to try. The Queen City is now a mouthwatering melting pot home to various cuisines.
Of course, that doesn’t mean Charlotte has lost its roots; you can still find plenty of Southern classics like banana pudding barbecue. A delicious blend of charmingly old school and refreshingly modern. Let’s dig into the best Charlotte restaurants to get your grub on.
Best Charlotte Restaurants – Quick Answers
- Best Seafood Charlotte Restaurants – Fin & Fino
- Best BBQ in Charlotte – Sweet Lew’s BBQ
- Best Places to Eat in Charlotte for Sushi – Prime Fish Sushi Charlotte & New Zealand Cafe
- Best Mexican Restaurant in Charlotte – Superica
- Music, Vibes, and Food – Haymaker
- Best Cheap Eats in Charlotte – Pinky’s Westside Grill
- Best Breakfast Restaurants in Charlotte – Flying Biscuit
- Best Fine Dining Restaurant in Charlotte – Heirloom
Best Restaurants in Charlotte
Haberdish
The mill town era of the city inspires this eatery. The decor is rustic, with exposed wooden beams and reclaimed spindles adorning the interior. The brindled, battered, and fried chicken has made quite a name among the foodies on the scene in Charlotte. However, there are a whole host of delightful dishes to discover on this menu.
We recommend starting with smoked trout deviled eggs or hush puppies with sweet tea butter. The brunch here is the full package with a dedicated section just for biscuits, exactly how we like it. Enjoy all the local classics with a side of Southern hospitality at Haberdish.
Brooks’ Sandwich House
You may not think of a burger and hot dog joint as one of the best restaurants in Charlotte. Brooks has gained legendary status by having the best burgers in town and has fed the hungry since 1973. Their sandwiches and hot dogs are equally tasty and include all the Southern classics, such as the chuckwagon.
It’s a family-owned and operated establishment with the current third generation learning the ropes. The simple menu feels like a charming nod to their old-fashioned flair. Even the sodas seem special with original Carolina classics like Cheerwine and Sundrop.
Their secret chili recipe has been passed down for generations – you can order it on its own, as a topping for any other menu item, or by the pound to take home. It’s a no-frills roadside joint in the heart of NoDa that always has a line around the block. Hop in the queue, and you’ll soon find out why. This hidden gem is the heavenly hole-in-the-wall that no trip to Charlotte is complete without.
Haymaker
Haymarker honors the history and heritage of food from this region while maintaining a modern upscale ambiance. The space features brass fixtures and large leather banquettes, all drenched in natural light, providing comfort and elegance at the same time. This is one of the best restaurants in Downtown Charlotte and the menu features fares inspired by the South but with a fresh take!
All local, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients are used. The beer and wine selection is always rotating. From truffle tater tots to the famous Billy D’s Fried Chicken Sandwich, your taste buds are in for a real treat here. This is one of the most beautiful and best Charlotte restaurants.
Fin & Fino
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: American Seafood
- Address: 35 Levine Avenue of the Arts #100 (GPS)
- Website: See menu
Fin & Fino serve up some of the freshest seafood anywhere in Queen City and one of the best uptown Charlotte restaurants. Be transported to a tropical oasis with tiki inspired cocktails and an impressive raw bar. They source sustainable shellfish that are delivered daily. There are a minimum of 12 different types of oysters on deck at all times.
The menu is inspired by seafaring cultures and includes an array of delectable dining options such as the scallop ceviche and grilled octopus. The cocktails are expertly crafted and exciting in every sense, from the ingredients to the taste to the quippy names. Be sure to inquire about their personalized tasting menu which includes a small donation to the charity of your choice in the price.
The Artisan’s Palate
The unassuming facade of Artisan’s Palate does not prepare you for the adorable rustic charm you are about to experience. They aim to cultivate a unique and immersive ambiance inspired by all five senses.
The space is adorned with warm reclaimed woods, soft lighting, and touches of metal. As well as an eatery, it serves as an all the time art gallery and a sometimes music venue for local bands to play. The pieces displayed change monthly, so there’s often something new and exciting to see.
Enjoy the secret garden seating for some al fresco fares out back. The wine selection boasts varietals from all around the globe, and the cocktails are mixed to perfection and creatively crafted. The share plates perfectly reflect the ethos of this creative gathering space designed to foster artistic community.
We recommend pairing one of the boards with your beverage, for the flavor and for your Insta feed, you can get cheese, olive, smoked salmon, or sausage. This dining destination is a dream come true for any artisan.
River’s Edge
It turns out the US National Whitewater Center is a surprising hotspot for culinary delights. The River’s Edge was named quite literally, as it offers breathtaking views above the rushing man-made rapids, with the Catawba River sparkling in the distance as well.
The taps boast a varied selection of drafts. They serve up gourmet sandwiches, snacks, and salads. This is the perfect place for a bite and a beverage after a thrilling outdoor adventure in Charlotte.
Stagioni
A bit off the beaten path, this Italian eatery is hidden away in a historic home. Its atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a cozy decor that will have you feeling comfortable within seconds. The beer choices are local, and the wine list is a curated collection of the best Italy has to offer, both by the bottle and by the glass.
While the menu may look familiar, with plenty of pizzas and pastas to order, each provides an unexpected quirk designed to delight the senses. We highly encourage everyone to try the Truffle Tagliatelle.
As a seasonal menu, the meals are always changing, meaning you’re in for something fun and new each time you visit. This must be the reason why locals love to go to Stagioni.
Pinky’s Westside Grill
Pinky’s is a rollicking rite of passage for all who pass through Charlotte. Even its exterior boasts unmissable kitsch with a giant dinosaur statue greeting you at the entrance and a Volkswagen Beetle sitting securely atop the facade. The inside is cozy and quirky, a setting completely unique to them.
They specialize in good, old-fashioned comfort food, and who are we to deny ourselves a festive evening full of fried foods? The burgers are piled high with patties and toppings, the hot dogs come in all forms, and the sandwiches cover all the classics.
The cocktails are as inventive and amusing as you’d expect, but the Cheerwine is an especially enthralling libation. Pinky’s is the most beloved lowbrow institution in the city, a truly one-of-a-kind dining experience.
Alexander Micheal’s
You’ll find this quaint eatery in the 4th Ward of the city, where it’s been a fixture of the community for decades. The walls are adorned with vintage photographs that attest to this. This gives a charming and laid-back ambiance for a real friendly neighborhood feel.
The menu is eclectic but inspired by Cajun cuisine, and as such the flavors are bold and vibrant. The Blackened Catfish Plate and the Shrimp Marsala are both impressive offerings. Enjoy a wide range of local brews on tap here. This tried-and-true tavern is one of the best Charlotte restaurants.
Heirloom
Heirloom is a haven for all foodies fixated on where the ingredients on their plates come from and how they are sourced.
These fares give a new meaning to the phrase farm-to-fork. Everything is seasonal, down to the sides and craft cocktails. The menu is full of meals celebrating North Carolina products, whether they’re foraged or grown locally.
The six-course tasting menu is a real treat if you’re in the mood for an expertly crafted culinary adventure. The Beer Can Rabbit Ravioli is a revelation, and the Pickle Fried Chicken is a fan favorite. The decor is country chic, with rustic touches like warm wood paneled walls and mason jar chandeliers.
Leah & Louise
Designed as a modern juke joint, Leah & Louise is a must-visit in Queen City and one of the most amazing black owned restaurants in Charlotte NC! They are cooking up modern takes on the classic cuisines from the Mississippi Valley foodways.
With a large communal table as a focal point of the decor, the community feel really comes through here. It’s clearly a place for gathering and sharing. The furnishings are eclectic and vintage, making it a warm and comfortable atmosphere that anyone would want to spend some time in.
Each dish feels like a labor of love, from the fried chicken skin starter to the oxtail and dumplings. You’ll find some vague listings on the menu, which leave room for changing up ingredients each day based on what is fresh and available locally.
Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a touch of mystery and surprise on their plate? The layers of flavor in this food are sure to leave you impressed and craving more.
Sweet Lew’s BBQ
Sweet Lew’s gives us an authentic North Carolina barbecue experience, and for that we are eternally grateful. Set inside an old service station, this no frill joint lets the sweet taste of perfectly smoked meats speak for themselves.
They use a blend of hickory, pecan, and peach woods to slow roast spareribs, beef brisket, and chopped pork just to name a few. Be sure to stock up on all the fixings as well, such as collard greens and mac and cheese. Their boiled peanuts are even infamous made with a secret family recipe.
Church and Union Charlotte
5Church is a buzzy steakhouse and hip hotspot in the city. The space feels industrial and cool with such fixtures as sleek black leather banquets, soaring black ceilings covered in white scribbles, and bare wooden tables.
It’s set inside the sleek hotel the Ivey’s and feels like a sexy extension of that atmosphere for sure. The cocktails offerings are often a contemporary take on old school classics, such as the Viper, made with tequila, orange liquor, cucumber, lime, and cayenne pepper.
The wine list is extensive with some offbeat bottles and options as well like a rose flight. Expect the unexpected from this funky and inventive menu. It’s best to leave your preconceived notions about food at the door and try each tasty concoction bravely. The Yellowfin Tuna Tater Tots and the Moroccan Meatballs are just a few such scrumptious selections. This is definitely our favorite church in Queen City.
La Belle Helene
If you’re in the mood for an exquisite French affair, this is the perfect place. It’s a refined brasserie in the heart of Charlotte celebrating the classic culinary traditions of the city of love. The ambiance is upscale yet inviting with globe lights, wicker seats, dark green accents, and checkered floors.
The Crispy Duck Confit and Boeuf Bourguignon are delectable dishes to die for. The beverage offerings honor the elevated and elegant culture of France with vintage varietals and classic cocktails. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate any occasion or make one up, because you can always find a reason for some champagne and madame charlotte cake.
Superica
Superica has been creating craveable tex mex cuisine for many years, and the Charlotte location is set in a restored building that’s over a century old. They pride themselves on fares that are heavy on the flavor and light on the fuss.
They’ve carefully cultivated an atmosphere reminiscent of the southwest, with decor depicting Texas in the early days, accented with exposed brick and brown leather banquettes. The outdoor space is charming as well for savoring some nachos and sipping a margarita in the warm Carolina sunshine.
The street style and wood grilled tacos are all delectable as are the other familiar favorites, like the fajitas or enchiladas. Their beer list ranges from tecates to local craft brews. The cocktails are a true testament to the versatility of tequila, but if you are really craving beer you’ll have to check out one of the best breweries in Charlotte.
Also, don’t miss out on their south of the border brunch – the huevos rancheros are muy rico. Some of the displayed curios aren’t just for added kitsch, you can actually purchase them. Come in for an authentic Mexican meal and leave with the tortilla warmer of your dreams.
131 Main Restaurant
- Price: $$$
- Cuisine: American restaurant
- Address: 5970 Fairview Rd #100, Charlotte (GPS)
- Website: See menu
Situated in the chic South Park shopping district, 131 Main Restaurant serves lunch and dinner in a cozy and stylish dining area with beautiful wood detail and unique touches such as gas lamps.
On the menu, you’ll find a variety of salads and sandwiches along with an extensive choice of entrees including fresh-cut salmon, Southern shrimp and grits and blackened chicken pasta. On nice days, you can take your meal outdoors near a fire pit.
Ever Andalo
Ever Andalo’s is a place where locals go to see familiar faces and where visitors go to meet friendly locals. This cozy eatery is likened to dining in a friend’s kitchen right from the fresh, home-cooked meals to the welcoming ambiance.
Italian cuisine is the specialty and the menu is full of pasta dishes, seafood dishes and delicious desserts. The wines and cocktails are Italian too.
Lang Van
If you love Vietnamese cuisine or you’ve never tried it before and would like to, the best place to do so in Charlotte is at Land Van. Everything on the menu is top quality and made fresh. Spring rolls, pineapple fried rice, a variety of noodle-based dishes and even vegetarian options are just some of the items available.
Counter
When it comes to unique dining experiences in Charlotte, none come close to the experience you’ll have at Counter! Let’s start with the interior décor which is striking and industrial-inspired. Because the restaurant claims to offer a full-sensory experience, what you see is just the beginning.
Everything from the background music to the artwork is carefully chosen to ensure you have a relaxing and engaging meal. The restaurant serves a 10-course tasting menu and a wide variety of wines are available to go along with your meal.
Supperland
Supperland is a country-inspired steakhouse with a stylish and modern twist. The most unique thing about this place is the building it’s in; a former church that has been fully renovated into the amazing place it is today. The menu features mainly Southern specialties along with a selection of wines and cocktails and fresh, local ingredients are used whenever possible.
As if choosing something from the fantastic menu isn’t hard enough, wait until you have to choose where you will eat your meal. You can dine in the main dining room, the cozy bar, the southern garden, or on the outdoor patio. A DJ is on-hand some nights to entertain diners.
Abugida
At Abugida, an exquisite meal starts with a comfortable environment with traditional, worldly touches. The cuisine is Ethiopian, so if you’ve never tried it before, you’re in for a treat. The menu is full of dishes from the African country, including vegetarian options, and you can complement your meal with a quality cup of Ethiopian coffee.
Grecos Steak ‘n Hoagies
- Price: $
- Cuisine: Cheesesteak restaurant
- Address: 3401-C South Blvd, Charlotte, NC (GPS)
- Website: See menu
Grecos Steak’n Hoagies is a long-standing eatery in Charlotte that serves genuine Philadelphia-style cheese-steaks and hoagies among other delicious options.
Everything is made from scratch using quality, fresh ingredients and distinctive oils and dressings to ensure you enjoy a meal like none you’ve tasted before!
Church & Union
It’s trendy, it’s cozy, it’s exciting and the food is delicious. I’m talking about Church and Union Restaurant in the center of downtown Charlotte. This steakhouse features an array of modern dishes created by a renowned chef who goes all out in preparing the best possible meals for guests.
On the menu, you’ll find a selection of burgers and entrees such as Koji swordfish and filet mignon. The dessert menu is just as amazing with options like white chocolate crème brulee, carrot cake and strawberry tres leches. A full bar is available and brunch is served on weekends.
Sea Level NC
Many restaurants in Charlotte offer seafood dishes but not many have earned the reputation for having the best seafood in the city like Sea Level NC has. Those unique and delicious seafood dishes can be paired with a variety of other menu options including traditional southern dishes.
The best part about the food offerings is only the very best locally-harvested fish is used. A wide selection of cocktails and beers is also available and you can dine on the outdoor patio. An Oyster Happy Hour is hosted on weekdays.
Little Mama’s Italian
With a cozy, traditional environment, delicious Italian dishes made with fresh ingredients the old-fashioned way and a full bar serving cocktails, beer and wine, you can’t go wrong at Little Mama’s Italian. Every dish is inspired by classic recipes right from Italy and the pasta is made from scratch.
Pasta salads, Marsala steak, chicken carciofi and shrimp oreganata are just some of the options available on the menu but make sure to leave room for one of the amazing desserts!
Prime Fish
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: Sushi restaurant
- Address: 11212 Providence Rd W B, Charlotte (GPS)
- Website: See menu
If you’re in the mood for seafood but more for the sushi variety, Prime Fish is the place to go in Charlotte. This sushi restaurant is fairly new having just opened in 2020 and you can expect top-quality sushi with modern additions that you may not have tried before.
Only the best local ingredients are used and the award-winning food is prepared with incredible care. A selection of soups and salads are also served to go with your sushi and both indoor and outdoor dining is available.
Midwood Smokehouse
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: Barbecue restaurant
- Address: 12410 Johnston Rd, Charlotte (GPS)
- Website: See menu
It’s not hard to find barbecued food in the Deep South, but if you’re seeking quality, mouth-watering smokehouse-style barbecue, head to Midwood Smokehouse. Besides barbecue plates, you’ll find an assortment of other options on the menu including salads, sandwiches and tacos.
Rock Store Barbecue
- Price: $
- Cuisine: Barbecue restaurant
- Address: 3116 Old Monroe Rd, Stallings (GPS)
- Website: See menu
Housed in an old stone building, Rock Store Barbecue is another option for barbecued food in Charlotte. This small and cozy place serves up a wide variety of barbecued items, such as sandwiches and baby back ribs, and other items to complement your meal such as salads.
The Smoke Pit
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: Barbecue restaurant
- Address: 1507 W Roosevelt Blvd, Monroe (GPS)
- Website: See menu
Imagine a place where you can get all of your favorite barbecue items in one place. Ribs, brisket, pulled pork, wings…All cooked fresh and smoked to perfection. In Charlotte, you don’t need to imagine because you can enjoy this and a variety of sides and other items in a down-home country atmosphere at The Smoke Pit.
Jon G’s Barbecue
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: Barbecue restaurant
- Address: 116 Glenn Falls St, Peachland (GPS)
- Website: See menu
The thing that makes Jon G’s Barbecue stand out is the fact that you can BYOB. That’s right, you can pack a cooler with your favorite adult drinks and sip while you eat and who doesn’t like a cold one when dining on barbecued food?
Everything on the menu, including the amazing Texas-inspired smoked meats, is expertly prepared with all the trimmings. Tacos and a variety of sandwiches are also available.
Flying Biscuit Cafe
At the Flying Biscuit Café, biscuits don’t actually fly but they are available to eat along with a variety of other dishes at breakfast, lunch and dinner. While all three meals are served daily at multiple locations around the city, breakfast can be enjoyed from the time the café opens to the time it closes so you can enjoy your bacon and eggs for dinner if you wish!
Sit down to a plate of waffles, grits, home fries, eggs made every which way you can think of and so much more. Of course, only the freshest ingredients are used and the atmosphere is great too!
Stacks Kitchen
At Stacks Kitchen, breakfast is served all day long but you can also enjoy a wide variety of other fresh, homemade options including soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches and wraps made with local ingredients.
The atmosphere is bright, modern and inviting which makes enjoying a delicious meal even better.
Viva Chicken
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: Peruvian restaurant
- Address: 1617 Elizabeth Ave, Charlotte (GPS)
- Website: See menu
It doesn’t matter which of the several locations you choose to eat at, Viva Chicken is the place to go if you’re looking to enjoy a quick bite in a casual environment. As per the name of this joint, the main specialty is charcoal-fired chicken and chicken-based dishes made with fresh ingredients.
A great dish to try is the Pollo a la Brasa Peruvian Rotisserie Chicken which is a traditional street food in Peru.
New Zealand Café
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: Sushi restaurant
- Address: 1717 Sardis Rd N #6-A, Charlotte (GPS)
- Website: See menu
One of the best Charlotte restaurants if you love sushi! Specializing in cuisine from New Zealand, China and Japan, New Zealand Café is an international dining experience in Charlotte that can’t be missed. Sushi, salads, seafood dishes and a variety of grilled items are just some of the items that are found on the menu.
While you dine and relax in this cozy but unpretentious place, you’ll also enjoy a drink menu featuring sake, international beers and wine.
Kabab-Je Rotisserie & Grille
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: Lebanese restaurant
- Address: 2233 Matthews Township Pkwy, Matthews (GPS)
- Website: See menu
Mediterranean cuisine, with a particular focus on Lebanese cuisine, is featured on the menu at Kabab-Je Rotisserie & Grille. That means that most dishes feature fresh ingredients such as vegetables, grains, nuts, oils and meat. Everything is healthy and made on-site and you can choose from a variety of grilled, baked, or sautéed options.
Whether you’re in the mood for a cup of soup, a light salad, a filling sandwich, or an exquisite entrée, such as Lamb Kebab, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your hunger here!
Wooden Robot
One cannot just leave Charlotte without a visit to at least one of the fabulous breweries that are around town and Wooden Robot is a great one to start with. This contemporary farmhouse with an urban touch features a varying selection of beers crafted in Charlotte.
With a mix of old and new brewing techniques and the use of local malt and an assortment of fresh fruit and spices, you just might find your new favorite craft beer
Best Restaurants in Charlotte Map
EXPLORE THE AREA
Hopefully, this helped you determine which of these restaurants in Charlotte to try! For more travel in the area, see below:
