An ode to some of your favorite, can’t miss eateries.
We asked you a simple question: “Where would you take someone who was visiting Charlotte if you could choose one place” and boy, did you guys deliver. From Southern to farm-fresh to globally inspired, elegant and casual, mom and pop to chains, we truly think this is the ultimate guide for eating your way across Charlotte. We hope you enjoy!
1. Supperland
We’ve mentioned Supperland before and Charlotteans mentioned this restaurant quite a few times, so we’re starting off with a bang. Supperland is a renovated midcentury church that’s been formed into a stunning restaurant that serves elegant steakhouse fare and church potluck-inspired dishes.
2. Kid Cashew
photo credit @eatdrinkclt via Instagram.
Kid Cashew is an American bar serving lunch, dinner and brunch (and they’ve even got an entire section dedicated to vegan dishes). From Cast Iron Mac & 5-Cheeses to Wild Caught Salmon with tri-color quinoa to a vegan Wood-Fired Portabello Gyro.
3. Optimist Hall
Optimist Hall is a dining hall filled with a few different eateries, bars and shopping that’s perfect for people with different tastes. From the fried-chicken restaurant known as BoxCar Betty’s to Spindle-Bar, a vintage cocktail bar with fruit-forward drinks, you’re likely to spend a whole afternoon here.
4. Napa on Providence
Napa on Providence pays homage to the vineyard aesthetic, bold wines, and classic American food from brunch to dinner time. From Charcuterie Boards to Duck to a delicious brunch menu, Napa’s the perfect place for good wine and food to match.
5. Pinky’s Westside Grill
Pinky’s Westside Grill is one of those fun, no-frills bars with beer consistently flowing from the tap to go along with a hearty burger and fries. There’s nothing like good food, good portions, and good prices. P.S. They were also featured on Triple D!
6. Beef and Bottle
Beef & Bottle Steakhouse is a legendary dine-in steakhouse here in Charlotte. Choose from their impressive wine list, and go with a cut of steak tailored to your liking. They’ve also got a delicious King Crab steak topping that looks amazing if you’re into surf n/ turf.
7. CO
CO is a stunning restaurant serving Asian dishes inspired by Thai, Vietnamese, and Japanese cuisine. And that bar (resembling a mushroom) is to die for! Come here for delicious noodles, sushi, rice dishes and cocktails.
8. Kindred
We love Kindred in Davidson for its beautiful interior and American classics that are seasonally served and sustainably sourced. It doesn’t get much better than that and we think the beautiful presentation of their dishes really speak for themselves.
9. Cloud Bar
Cloud Bar at the Le Meridian and owned by World-Renowned Celebrity Chef, David Burke, is a feast for the eyes. Take in stunning skyline views while sipping on expertly crafted signature cocktails.
10. RuRu’s Tacos and Taqueria
We’re surprised that Mexican food is so far down on the list, but Charlotteans really love RuRu’s when they’re craving authentic Mexican cuisine and delicious, spicy cocktails.
11. The Goodyear House
The Goodyear House is a little farmhouse style restaurant serving good American food from local farmers, like their S’mores Cookie Sammie or their Winner Winner, which is an elevated BBQ Chicken plate with all the fixings.
12. Krazy Fish
Krazy Fish is serving up classic, hearty soul food in good ole’ Plaza Moodwood, like their Po’ Boy Sandwiches with a side of Potato Salad. Another Tripe D favorite here!
13. Cajun Queen
Another Soul Food favorite here. Their menu offers Southern dishes like Fried Green Tomatoes, Cajun Fried Oysters, Seafood Gumbo, Étouffée, or Cajun Pasta. We’ll have one of everything.
14. GoodFood on Montford
GoodFood is serving up creative American dishes heavily inspired by global cuisine. From their Cacio e Pepe Tagliolini from Rome to their Lamb Tostadas hailing from Mexico, this is a one-stop shop that’ll hit all your cravings.
15. Stagioni
Go here to experience each season perfectly prepared on a plate and the influences of Italy. The menu changes as the seasons do, so we don’t want to go too in-depth with the menu, but right now, they’ve got a Pork Gnocchi that looks divine.
16. Kiki’s Bistro
Kiki Bistro is a French and Greek-inspired American restaurant with a beautiful interior to match its stunning dishes. Not only do they have an elegant striped and stone design, but they’ve got a Liquor Lounge and a Rooftop Terrace as well. Don’t forget to try their Brunch menu as well.
17. Peppervine
Peppervine is a casual dinner restaurant located in SouthPark. Here, you’ll find a globally inspired wine list, signature cocktails, locally sourced small plates, and an extended tasting menu.
18. Alchemy C3 Lab
photo credit @mghagerty via Instagram
AlchemyC3 Lab is a creative restaurant and bar with a vegetarian-focused cuisine. Not only are they a restaurant, but they’re also an event space and gallery that promotes local artists.
19. Seoul Food Meat Co.
A great late night eatery (they’re open until 2am on Friday and Saturday) that serves Korean food in South End and NoDa. Try Crispy Pork Belly, Prime Rib, Beef Brisket and fusion dishes like Tacos & Wings.
20. Zio
Zio is a casual Italian eatery with, what one Charlotte resident says, the best lasagna in town! Definitely give it a try and check out their extensive Italian wine list to pair with it.
21. Leah & Louise
Tagged as a Southern-inspired Juke Joint where they interpret Southern dishes in a way that honors and is inspired by the South like Mississippi, New Orleans, Jackson, and Memphis. They’ve got blackened catfish, fried chicken, bread pudding, and a yummy breakfast biscuit sandwich.
22. The Cellar At Duckworths
This speakeasy underneath Duckworths does some great gastropub food like their hand cut truffle fries and specialty and rare beers like their German Pilsner from the brewery, Resident Culture, plus their highlight, the hand-crafted speciality cocktails.
23. Mama Ricotta’s
Mama Ricotta’s food looks amazing. They’re crafting delicious Italian cuisine from lighter dishes like Pasta Primavera to hearty and delicious Chianti Short Rib.
24. Bulla Gastro Bar
Bulla Gastro Bar is a tapas bar inspired by some of the most famous restaurants in Spain. From churros and hot chocolate to Jamon Serrano to Paella, this is the spot to go to for some Mediterranean dishes to die for.
25. 300 East
300 East is a quaint North American eatery serving fresh dishes for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Try a freshly prepared and stacked Avocado BLT or a Grilled Hanger Steak and then finish the meal with a seasonal cheesecake.