Explore Charlotte’s Culinary Delights
Charlotte’s culinary scene is bursting with flavor, offering everything from upscale dining experiences to quick, satisfying bites. No wonder it’s a haven for food lovers! This handpicked guide explores the city’s best restaurants, chosen for their delicious food, excellent service, and unique ambiance. Whether you’re a Charlotte local searching for hidden gems or a visitor ready to taste the city’s finest, consider this your passport to an unforgettable culinary adventure. Let’s dive into the best restaurants in Charlotte worth visiting, whether you are a local or a tourist.
DEL FRISCO
Del Frisco’s Grille is famous for its delicious steak prepared by experienced chefs who do every dish the justice it deserves. Its wines have won awards for obvious reasons. From the handcrafted cocktails to the American cuisine, modern to be precise, you will enjoy your stay in this Charlotte restaurant. Besides steak, Del Frisco also serves seafood. The professionalism the staff members exhibit, characterized by courtesy and quick service, is the icing on the cake.
Fig Tree
Fig Tree is another restaurant in Charlotte serving delicious modern American cuisine. If you need breakfast, dinner, or snack, it is a perfect choice. The menu comprises pasta, cakes, sandwiches, waffles, chips, burgers and toast. Depending on taste or mood, meat lovers can enjoy chicken, fish, or pork. Enjoy various types of tea and coffee, including tea, hot chocolate, herbal tea, decaf, latte, cappuccino, espresso, and Americano coffee. Grab a cold drink such as juice, energy drink, coke, or water if it is hot. This restaurant also serves smoothies.
Steak 48
Steak 48 is a Steakhouse that has earned a place among the best in Charlotte. The restaurant’s delicacies include mouthwatering appetizers, salads, seafood, steaks and chops. Steaks include ribeye, KC Strip, filet mignon, NY Strip, and Steak Farina with various varieties. Seafood includes lobster, king crab, sea bass, sea scallops, and salmon. Its appetizers include crispy shrimp, deviled eggs, lobster rolls, crispy shrimp, and meatballs.
Beef ‘N Bottle
The fact that Beef ‘N Bottle has been a popular choice for decades speaks volume about the quality of its dishes and customer service. It mainly serves delicious steak and seafood dishes. The casual, elegant dining style always hits right. Its menu contains appetizers, salads, chicken, pasta, steaks and seafood. Its sides include potatoes, fries, onion rings, mushrooms, spinach, and broccoli. Its combinations include fillet mignon served with scallops, bourbon marinated salmon, Alaskan king crab legs, crab cake, fried oysters, or lobster tail. You can also combine shrimp and scallops.
Bentley’s
At Bentley’s, an exquisite fusion of French and American flavors awaits to tantalize your taste buds. Indulge in a distinctive array of appetizers, such as the delightful Caviar-infused Tuna Tartar or the exquisite Oysters Bentley. The menu features an enticing selection of main courses, including succulent prime-choice steaks, tender chops, and an assortment of fresh seafood from the depths of Hawaii. Foster or the luscious Crepe Suzette, prepared with exquisite artistry at your table.
McNinch House
It is hard to forget your dining experience at McNinch House. Before you can even enjoy their delicious meals, its Victorian-era house is breathtaking. That’s why it is perfect for memorable moments, including birthdays and anniversaries. It is also ideal for executive and private corporate dining, among other special events. You can choose between 4 courses and 5 courses meals. Regardless of the choice, you get a sorbet, entrée and dessert. However, the chef selects the Chef’s Tasting – 5-course meals on your behalf, including wine pairings.
North Italia
Get ready to enjoy Italian cuisine without leaving the Queen City. Simply visit North Italia since the restaurant serves authentic Italian dishes. The common ones include pizzas and pasta delicious enough to leave you leaking your fingers.
MOA Korean BBQ
MOA Korean BBQ is a restaurant that offers delectable Korean dishes. From classic bulgogi to the ever-popular bibimbap and traditional kimchi Korean pancakes, they have something for everyone to enjoy. Other options include Edamame, MOA corn cheese, shrimp shumai, chicken wings, cheese fries, rice cake, mandoo, and fried calamari.
The Goodyear House
Vegans have found an oasis of delicious means, the Goodyear House. Even non-vegans also have a lot of options to consider. The restaurant is famous in Charlotte for serving an extensive selection of modern American cuisine. From Grit Bowl to flavorful Salmon Gravlax and delectable Smoked Cashew Mac, their menu has something for every palate.
Supperland
Supperland is located in a beautifully restored mid-century church in Charlotte’s Plaza Midwood area. Supperland is an extraordinary southern steakhouse with an eclectic, whimsical menu inspired by the church building. The unique atmosphere, creative dishes, and focus on fine dining make this restaurant a remarkable experience for diners of all tastes.
Link & Pin
Link & Pin offers an intriguing and unique culinary-driven menu that will delight diners. At the core of this dining experience lies delicious food that has been expertly crafted and created with inspiration from the executive chef. Yet despite its gourmet touches, this fare is also incredibly approachable; there’s something for everyone on the menu!
Leah & Louise
Whereas there are many cooks, only a handful have made it to the semifinals of the James Beard Award. Leah & Louise allows you to eat food prepared by such an individual, Chef Greg Collier. He works closely with his wife, Subrina Collier, to offer an innovative yet respectful interpretation of classic Southern dishes, ingredients, and techniques. Drawing inspiration from the Mississippi River Valley’s diverse foodways, they create a unique fusion of flavors that pays homage to Memphis, Jackson, Mississippi, and New Orleans. They strive to preserve the culinary heritage of the South while presenting fresh takes on old favorites.
Hawkers Asian Street
If you seek Asian cuisine that’s quite original and delicious, Food Hawkers Asian Street Food fits the bill. It is situated in the South End and is renowned for its delectable and genuine Asian fare. Here, you can experience a true taste of Asia without ever leaving the city, a delightful variety of tempting dishes from countries like China, Thailand, Malaysia, and more. Hawkers has something for everyone’s palate, from traditional favorites to exciting new flavors!
Barcelona Wine Bar
Barcelona Wine Bar is a delightful restaurant serving an impressive selection of traditional and savory Spanish dishes. With an atmosphere that exudes warmth and hospitality, guests can expect to enjoy a delicious meal with tantalizing flavors from all across Spain. From tapas to paella, there is something for everyone to enjoy at Barcelona Wine Bar Charlotte. Whether you are looking for a romantic evening out or want to share quality time with friends, this cozy spot will surely provide an enjoyable experience.
Lang Van
Lang Van is renowned for its exquisite traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Offering an array of flavorsome dishes prepared with the utmost care and attention to detail, Lang Van has become a popular destination for those looking to experience the delightful tastes of Vietnam without having to travel far. From steaming pho noodle soups to zesty summer rolls, this beloved eatery is guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds!
Midwood Smokehouse
Midwood Smokehouse, located in the Ballantyne area, specializes in offering delicious and mouthwatering barbecue dishes. The menu has an extensive array of options for diners, from ribs and brisket to pulled pork. The succulent meats are cooked perfectly using traditional Southern methods, ensuring customers enjoy each bite. Furthermore, the warm atmosphere provided by the attentive staff creates an inviting setting for guests to relax and savor the flavors of Midwood Smokehouse’s delectable barbecue dishes.
The Melting Pot
Whether you need a simple dinner or a bigger celebration, the Melting Point restaurant is a suitable choice. Its uniqueness is characterized by its art of fondue that you and your friends will enjoy to the last bite. Options include seafood fondue, chocolate fondue, and cheese fondue, among other special delicacies.
Miro Spanish Grille
Its name says it all. So, Spanish cuisine enthusiasts living or visiting Charlotte should try this incredible restaurant. Miro Spanish Grille serves various dishes, including seafood, tapas, and paella. Every dish is authentically Spanish to ensure your taste buds get what they want. The refreshing atmosphere is also worth noting, making the savory dishes even better.
Pinkey’s Westside Grille
There is a reason why people keep coming back after enjoying dishes at Pinkey’s Westside Grille. So, consider grabbing a bite to join its happy fraternity. Its delicacies include sandwiches, salads, and seafood. The menu contains almost anything that’s part of the modern American cuisine.
Cajun Queen
The Cajun Queen serves Cajun-style cuisines including po’boys, jambalaya, and gumbo, among other Creole cultural foods. That speaks volumes about the uniqueness of this place, hence a perfect opportunity to explore new meals. Besides delicious food, the coziness makes every second spent in Cajun Queen enjoyable.
Peppervine
For a fan of modern American cuisine, Peppervine is one of the restaurants in Charlotte that’s worth your time and effort. Its long menu means having many choices. Whether it is a sandwich, salad, or seafood, Peppervine got you. In addition to delicious meals, every visitor highly appreciates the customer support its employees offer.
Customshop
Customshop specializes in modern American cuisine. They offer an extensive menu of delicious options, from seafood specialties to salads and sandwiches. Their selection will surely please even the most discerning customers with its unique flavors and fresh ingredients.
Dilworth Tasting Room
Located in Southpark, Dilworth Tasting Room is another popular restaurant that serves modern American cuisine. There is also its unpredictability regarding what you will get on its menu. These ever-changing choices make every visit unique and memorable. Seafood lovers have always found a dish that suits their taste at the Dilworth Tasting Room. Items include hanger steak, salmon, butternut squash bisque, and cheese charcuterie. There are also sandwiches and salads, not forgetting the various entrees at your disposal, including mixed nuts and olives.
Fahrenheit
If you are in uptown Charlotte and looking for a place to grab delicious sandwiches, you can never go wrong if you settle for Fahrenheit. It has other dishes, including salads, pasta, chicken, ribs, desserts, burgers, and seafood. The chefs ensure you don’t leave this restaurant disappointed by ensuring delicious meals. Whether you want to spend time with your family or friends, Fahrenheit is suitable for any occasion for a celebration.
Easy Like Sunday
Easy Like Sunday is a popular Charlotte eatery specializing in modern American cuisine. Its menu has many items that share something in common: being tasty. Some dishes include seafood, fries, eggs, French toast, pancakes, fried chicken sandwiches and salads. Easy Like Sunday always fits the bill regardless of the occasion whether it’s brunch or night out.
Conclusion
Charlotte’s culinary scene is a vibrant and diverse tapestry of flavors, styles, and cultures. The beauty of Charlotte’s restaurant scene is that it’s always evolving. New eateries are constantly popping up, offering exciting new options for food lovers. So while this list includes some of the best restaurants in Charlotte right now, there are undoubtedly many more gems waiting to be discovered.
As you know, the ‘best’ restaurant can often be subjective as it largely depends on personal preferences for cuisine type, ambiance, location, and price range among other factors. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to do some research and read reviews before making a reservation. So here’s to good food, memorable experiences and exploring the best restaurants in Charlotte!
