Southern Comfort Delights
Charlotte, North Carolina is rapidly transforming into a culinary hotspot, a place where Southern tradition meets global innovation. Gone are the days when the city was solely known for its banking industry; now, Charlotte boasts a vibrant and diverse food scene, drawing food lovers from all over the country. From classic Southern comfort food to exotic international flavors, and everything in between, the Queen City offers a dining experience for every palate. The burgeoning food scene is one of the fastest growing in the US, attracting celebrated Chefs and restaurants eager to tap into Charlotte’s foodie hunger.
This article is your definitive guide to navigating the best food options in Charlotte. We’ll explore a wide range of cuisines, price points, and atmospheres, ensuring you discover your next favorite restaurant, whether you’re a long-time resident or a first-time visitor. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure through Charlotte, North Carolina!
No exploration of Charlotte’s food scene would be complete without a deep dive into its Southern roots. Comfort food is more than just sustenance here; it’s a celebration of heritage, family, and tradition. These restaurants offer soulful dishes that warm the heart and satisfy the soul.
The King’s Kitchen
Located in the heart of Uptown Charlotte, The King’s Kitchen is more than just a restaurant; it’s a mission. This non-profit establishment serves up classic Southern fare with a purpose, using its profits to support job training and community development programs. Their signature dish, Shrimp and Grits, is a creamy, decadent masterpiece featuring locally sourced shrimp and stone-ground grits. The fried chicken is perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, a true testament to Southern culinary expertise. What makes The King’s Kitchen truly special is its commitment to giving back to the community, creating a dining experience that is both delicious and meaningful. Expect to pay a moderate price for a meal here.
Midwood Smokehouse
If you are looking for real, authentic Southern barbecue, look no further. The Midwood Smokehouse location in Plaza Midwood serves up a variety of smoked meats, including ribs, brisket, and pulled pork, cooked low and slow to tender perfection. The sides are equally impressive, from the creamy mac and cheese to the tangy coleslaw. What sets Midwood Smokehouse apart is its dedication to using high-quality ingredients and traditional smoking techniques. The atmosphere is casual and inviting, making it the perfect spot for a family meal or a casual get-together with friends. Expect to pay a moderate price.
Haberdish
Located in NoDa, Haberdish offers a modern take on traditional Southern dishes. The restaurant’s focus is on small plates, allowing you to sample a variety of flavors and textures. The fried chicken skin cracklins are an absolute must-try, as is the sweet potato dumplings. Haberdish is known for its inventive cocktails and its hip, industrial-chic atmosphere. Expect a higher price point than The Kings Kitchen, but well worth the experience.
Other Southern dishes worth mentioning include collard greens, hushpuppies, and sweet potato pie. You’ll find variations of these classics throughout Charlotte, each with its own unique twist.
A World of International Flavors
Charlotte’s culinary landscape is not limited to Southern cuisine. The city is a melting pot of cultures, and that diversity is reflected in its vibrant international food scene. From authentic Italian trattorias to spicy Vietnamese noodle houses, Charlotte offers a culinary journey around the globe.
Mama Ricotta’s
Mama Ricotta’s has been a Charlotte institution for years, serving up authentic Italian cuisine in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The pasta is made fresh daily, and the pizzas are cooked in a wood-fired oven. The lasagna is a classic, as is the shrimp scampi. Mama Ricotta’s is known for its generous portions and its family-friendly atmosphere. The prices are moderate.
RuRu’s Tacos + Tequila
Craving Mexican food? RuRu’s Tacos + Tequila offers a creative and flavorful take on traditional Mexican cuisine. The tacos are the star of the show, with options ranging from classic carnitas to inventive seafood combinations. RuRu’s also boasts an extensive tequila list and a lively atmosphere. The restaurant is located in Myers Park. Expect to pay a moderate price.
Lang Van
For authentic Vietnamese cuisine, look no further than Lang Van. This no-frills restaurant is known for its delicious pho, banh mi, and other Vietnamese specialties. The ingredients are fresh and flavorful, and the prices are incredibly reasonable. Lang Van is a hidden gem in Charlotte’s food scene and is a must-try for any lover of Vietnamese food.
You’ll find many Asian options in Charlotte. From Japanese ramen houses, Thai street food vendors, Korean BBQ grills, and more. This area is expanding rapidly. The options are endless.
You can also explore many different Mediterranean choices. With Greek gyro restaurants, Lebanese eateries, and more, Charlotte has a world of options!
Don’t forget to check out the Latin American scene in Charlotte too. With everything from Peruvian Ceviche to Colombian Arepas, you will not be disappointed.
Barbecue Nirvana
Charlotte takes its barbecue seriously. Whether you prefer Carolina-style pulled pork or Texas-style brisket, you’ll find plenty of options to satisfy your cravings. Here are three barbecue joints that consistently deliver smoky, tender, and flavorful meat.
Noble Smoke
Noble Smoke is relatively new to the Charlotte scene, and is changing the game. With a focus on wood-fired cooking, the flavors are truly outstanding. Try their brisket, ribs, and pulled pork.
Sweet Lew’s BBQ
Sweet Lew’s BBQ is a local favorite, known for its authentic Carolina-style barbecue. The pulled pork is cooked low and slow over hickory wood, resulting in a smoky, tender, and flavorful masterpiece. Sweet Lew’s is a no-frills establishment with a focus on the food, so don’t expect fancy decor. The prices are very reasonable.
City Barbeque
With several locations across Charlotte, City Barbeque is a convenient option for a quick and satisfying barbecue fix. While it may not have the same level of authenticity as some of the smaller joints, City Barbeque consistently delivers quality meat and a wide range of sides. The brisket is a popular choice, as is the pulled pork.
Pizza Perfection in Every Slice
Charlotte’s pizza scene is constantly evolving, with new pizzerias popping up all the time. Whether you prefer a classic Neapolitan pie or a New York-style slice, you’ll find plenty of options to satisfy your pizza cravings.
Pizzeria Omaggio
Pizzeria Omaggio is an authentic Neapolitan pizzeria, focusing on fresh, local ingredients, and the traditions of wood-fired pizza.
Benny Pennello’s
This iconic pizza joint serves up slices that are the size of your head. If you are looking for classic New York-style pizza, this is the place for you. The toppings are fantastic, as well.
Bird Pizzeria
Bird Pizzeria makes wood-fired pizza, and has one of the best reputations in the city. They always have lines waiting to get in! They have interesting combinations and interesting specials every week.
Brunch So Hard
Brunch is a beloved weekend ritual in Charlotte, and the city boasts a plethora of restaurants that cater to the brunch crowd. From classic breakfast dishes to creative cocktails, these restaurants offer everything you need for a perfect brunch experience.
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
Snooze is a popular brunch chain that has quickly gained a loyal following in Charlotte. The restaurant is known for its creative breakfast dishes, such as the pancake flight and the breakfast pot pie. Snooze also offers a wide range of cocktails, making it the perfect spot for a boozy brunch.
Flower Child
Although known as a “healthy option” restaurant, they also boast fantastic brunch. You can dine outside and people watch while enjoying food such as avocado toast, breakfast burritos, and more.
Yolk
Yolk is another great option for brunch in Charlotte. Yolk specializes in breakfast comfort food, but in an elevated experience. With fluffy pancakes, crisp bacon, and breakfast cocktails, this place cannot be beat.
Sweet Treats and Dessert Destinations
No meal is complete without a sweet treat, and Charlotte offers a wide range of bakeries, ice cream shops, and dessert destinations to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Amelie’s French Bakery & Cafe
Amelie’s is a Charlotte institution, known for its delicious pastries, cakes, and macarons. The bakery has multiple locations throughout the city, each with its own unique atmosphere. Amelie’s is the perfect spot for a coffee and a pastry, or for a special occasion cake.
Elizabeth Creamery
Elizabeth Creamery is one of the best spots for ice cream in Charlotte. It is made fresh, and they have unique rotating flavors every month.
Suarez Bakery
Suarez Bakery features amazing traditional desserts from around the world, from cakes to pastries to cookies. If you are in the area, be sure to stop by!
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
Beyond the well-known restaurants and popular chains, Charlotte is home to a number of hidden gems and local favorites that are worth discovering. These restaurants offer unique flavors, intimate atmospheres, and a glimpse into the true heart of Charlotte’s culinary scene.
Optimist Hall
Okay, this is not “hidden”, but it has some of the most local and iconic Charlotte restaurants, so it had to be on this list! Optimist Hall features food from all over the world!
Dish
Dish is a cozy neighborhood restaurant serving up hearty Southern comfort food. It’s located in Plaza Midwood. They are a hidden gem and known amongst the locals.
Le’s Sandwiches & Cafe
Le’s Sandwiches is a hidden gem, that serves up fresh and authentic Vietnamese sandwiches. The Pho is fantastic too.
Charlotte: A Food Lover’s Paradise
From Southern comfort food to international flavors, barbecue to pizza, brunch to desserts, Charlotte’s food scene offers something for everyone. So go forth, explore these restaurants, and discover your own favorite flavors in the Queen City. With its diverse and evolving culinary landscape, Charlotte is sure to delight and surprise you with every bite. Don’t forget to share your own recommendations in the comments below – we’re always looking for new culinary adventures!
