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Charlotte Observer
Where to find Charlotte’s best bites, according to food bloggers and influencers
By Mari Pressley,
3 days ago
Often, it seems like the most stressful few minutes of preparing for a night out with the family or an outing with friends starts with: “Hey Siri! Find restaurants near me.” And while a quick search can offer a plethora of options, sometimes it’s just better to have a recommendation from a real person.
So, what restaurants should you add to your dinner plans in Charlotte? That answer will, of course, depend on who you ask.
We turned to 14 Charlotte creators and food bloggers who are passionate about the city’s culinary scene. We asked them about their favorite places to eat, standout dishes they’ll never forget and the spots where they’ve experienced the best food service.
Here’s your go-to guide for whenever you just can’t decide out where to go for the night, as recommended by Charlotte foodie influencers (whose answers have been edited for grammar and clarity):
Must-visit dining spots in Charlotte: Homestyle Kitchen, Sixty Vines, Halal Food Cart and Sea Level
All-time favorite meal in the city: “My fav would have to be the lobster roll at Waterman’s. Literally anything they have, lol.”
Best food service experience in Charlotte: “ Capital Grille and Sea Grill. They are super prompt. Precise and friendly. Amazing service from arrival to the end.”
Among Ashley Nez’ favorite Charlotte restaurants are Homestyle Kitchen, Sixty Vines, Halal Food Cart and Sea Level. Ashley Nez
Must-visit dining spot in Charlotte: “I can’t just pick one because it depends on my mood. But I usually go with Muraya, Culinary Drop Out, Los Chamos, Midnight Diner, Yume and Yiding Hot Pot.”
All-time favorite meal in the city: “Thai coconut curry ramen bowl at Yume at the moment.”
Best food service experience in Charlotte: “Link and Pin for sure!”
Angela Chan of Charlotte Date Night “can’t just pick one” favorite restaurant — she visits a variety of spots. Charlotte Date Night
Must-visit dining spot in Charlotte: “I cannot choose one! Yunta, Mama Ricotta’s, Beef ‘N Bottle, 300 East and many more.”
All-time favorite meal in the city: “Again, it’s hard to choose, but the Étouffée 3-Way at Cajun Queen is pretty d*** good. Also, I often crave the Nutella Pie at Mama Ricotta’s.””
Best food service experience in Charlotte: “Steak 48 consistently offers some of the best service I’ve ever had.”
Yunta, Mama Ricotta’s, Beef ‘N Bottle and 300 East are among CLT Eats influencer April Smith’s favorite Charlotte restaurants. April Smith
Must-visit dining spot in Charlotte: “The Waterman — I’m from South Florida so it reminds me of the casual seafood spots I love on the beach!”
All-time favorite meal in the city: “I don’t know that I have an all-time favorite, but one of the best meals I remember having within the last six months was at Mizu. Every dish they create is unique and delicious, and watching the sun go down from the rooftop is gorgeous.”
Best food service experience in Charlotte: “Deluxe Fun Dining always wows me with their unforgettable food presentations!”
CLT Food Girl Amy Strasser heads to Deluxe Fun Dining for dynamic presentations. Amy Strasser
Must-visit dining spot in Charlotte: “When it comes to a restaurant that consistently wows me, Customshop is always a standout. They take their food seriously, and it shows. If you’re looking for something more affordable, VINYL’s food will leave you wanting more!”
All-time favorite meal in the city: “Pittsburg-style Delmonico steak from Link and Pin with General Tso’s Cauliflower and a Lake Love cocktail — it never does me wrong.
Best food service experience in Charlotte: “Is it cheating to say Steak 48? Each time I’m in there I feel like a celebrity — the staff is so warm, accommodating and nothing goes unnoticed. Alternatively, if you sit at the bar at Dot Dot Dot, they will have you leaving feeling like you just met a new friend.”
Andrea Fox of Daily Dre CLT heads to Customshop for a Charlotte food experience that “consistently wows” her. Andrea Fox
Must-visit dining spot in Charlotte: “Crav’n Carribean. It’s located inside of a ghost kitchen called City Kitch, and they serve up some amazing dishes like the Oxtail Cheesesteak and Jerk Bourbon Chicken & Oxtail Fried Rice. These are items you can’t get anywhere else.”
All-time favorite meal in the city: “While not directly in Charlotte, right down the road is Jon G’s Barbecue, which is absolutely incredible BBQ that rivals any that I’ve had in the country. Everything from the brisket, ribs, turkey, pulled pork and even the sides are on point and will leave you craving it week after week — only open on Saturdays, though!”
Best food service experience in Charlotte: “The best food service experience I’ve had is at Counter- . This is a tasting menu restaurant serving up high end, unique dishes with incredible service. The staff really pays attention to every detail, and you can tell.”
Cory Wilkins of The Daily Special singles out Crav’n Carribean as a must-visit dining spot with menu items you can’t get anywhere else in Charlotte. Cory Wilkins
Must-visit dining spot in Charlotte: “Whenever I tell people I’m a food influencer, typically their next phrase is, “What’s your favorite restaurant?” I usually say it depends on what you’re looking for in terms of cuisine, price, location, etc… but there are always two restaurants that I recommend to everyone. Those two are Steak 48 and Ever Andalo. … Every single appetizer, entree, dessert and cocktail I have had at both of these establishments is always a 10/10!”
All-time favorite meal in the city: “My all time favorite meal in the city is an insanely hard ask but, as a seafood lover, Caroline’s Oyster Bar has a special place in my heart and stomach. The Caroline’s Seafood Plateau has oysters, the biggest shrimp I’ve seen in Charlotte, Alaskan king crab and seasonal ceviche. This is hands down the freshest seafood I’ve had in our city, and everything I’ve tried on the menu here has been phenomenal.”
Best food service experience in Charlotte: “Lang Van! This was actually one of my first times having Vietnamese food so I wasn’t quite sure what to order. I was with a group of friends, some who had been before, and some new like myself. As soon as you walk into Lang Van, you feel like you’re in someone’s home kitchen. Everyone is insanely friendly, asking your name, asking if you’ve been before, getting to know you like they truly care … because they do! … I didn’t really know what to order so I asked the server to bring us some of her favorite dishes, or whatever she thought we all would enjoy the most. This is the way to go because she absolutely killed it!”
Hunter Brame of Hunter Brame Eats puts Steak 48 and Ever Andalo at the top of his Charlotte restaurant recommendations. Hunter Brame
Must-visit dining spot in Charlotte: “Supperland is one of my personal favorites! They have a spectacular dinner service and a Southern-style weekend brunch that is to die for. It’s owned by the Tonidandel-Brown Restaurant Group. Quite frankly, all of their restaurants are top-notch, and they also own another one of my favorites, Ever Andalo in NoDa, which offers amazing Italian cuisine.
Geno D’s Pizza located in The Market at 7th Street is one of the best pizza joints in Charlotte. It’s Jersey-style pizza made fresh to order, which you’ll have to wait for, but it is so worth the wait. Their Grandma Pizza will change your life!
Optimist Hall is a place that I can never get tired of because of the variety of vendors located within that space. I love the atmosphere and vibe there. Among some of my favorites at Optimist Hall are Billy Sunday, which I am a huge fan of for their unique and fun drinks; and Bao and Broth has some of the freshest bao buns, and I order them every single time I visit Optimist Hall. Suarez Bakery there has the best chocolate croissants that are a must have. Also located in Optimist Hall is Spindle Bar, whose cocktails are amazing, and I love that you can walk around with your drink while there and enjoy everything that Optimist Hall has to offer.
Also, for my vegan friends, I always recommend Oh My Soul. The outdoor patio vibes are so cool, and the food is great whether you are vegan or not.
Lastly, if you’re looking for a delicious breakfast, Easy Like Sunday has my favorite Ricotta Stuffed French Toast, and they also offer Red Velvet Pancakes, which are amazing. It’s always a great way to start your day.”
All-time favorite meal in the city: “It’s really hard to pick just one. But a few of the ones that are my personal favorites are the Masitas de la Loma at El Puro Cuban Restaurant, the Classic Grilled Chicken Platter at Greco Fresh Grille, the Japanese Wagyu at MOA Korean BBQ, the filet mignon at The Gallery — located within the Ballantyne Hotel — and the Ropa Vieja at Verde in Huntersville is well worth the drive. You really can’t go wrong with any of these.”
Best food service experience in Charlotte: “The two that immediately come to mind are Steak 48 and Supperland. They are certainly upscale and on the higher end of the price spectrum, but I have always walked away from both of those restaurants with memorable dining experiences. If you’re looking for a place to celebrate a special occasion, a date night with your significant other, or an unforgettable night out with friends, these two places will not disappoint.”
Jensen Savannah Nichol has a long list of Charlotte favorites, with El Puro Cuban Restaurant among them. Jensen Savannah Nichol
Must-visit dining spot in Charlotte: “First Watch is one of my all-time favorite places to brunch. The restaurant has a bright, clean atmosphere, excellent service, while the menu items and drinks have always been fresh, flavorful and appropriately portioned. There are also multiple locations throughout Charlotte as well as locations in Huntersville, Concord and Fort Mill, SC.”
All-time favorite meal in the city: “My all-time favorite meal is the Big Daddy Kane Surf and Turf Sandwich which comes from Good Food by Food Geeks Eatery, which is located on the Goodwill Opportunity Campus, 5301 Wilkinson Blvd, in Charlotte, NC. The sandwich comes with a crispy, well-seasoned piece of fried fish, one juicy smash burger, sautéed red onions, cheese, Geek sauce, lettuce, tomato and perfectly seasoned fries.”
Best food service experience in Charlotte: “Q’s Culinary Cart, which began as a food truck, but now has a brick and mortar location (8432 Old Statesville Rd, Ste 100) is a business that should be recognized for their exemplary customer service. They value their customers’ time by delivering orders in a timely fashion, are knowledgeable about their menu items, all while having positive and energetic attitudes.”
April Blanding of Miss Black Foodie heads to Good Food by Food Geeks Eatery and Q’s Culinary Cart for her favorite bites and great service. April Blanding
Must-visit dining spot in Charlotte: “Muraya. (This restaurant, I feel, is one of the best restaurants in Charlotte).”
All-time favorite meal in the city: “The plate name is ‘chicharrón BAO BUNS’ (on Muraya’s brunch menu). It is a type of arepa with chicharrón, which is pork, and a type of sauce and other very exquisite accompaniments.”
Best food service experience in Charlotte: “Hacienda El Rey Mexican restaurant (In this restaurant, the service is incredible, and it is worth mentioning that their food is very fresh and delicious).”
Muraya is at the top of Paula Prado’s Charlotte restaurant list. Paula Prado
Must-visit dining spot in Charlotte: Ever Andalo, Calle Sol, Puerta and Little Mama’s.
All-time favorite meal in the city: “Lil’ Mama’s still takes first place for the best Chicken Parmesan in Charlotte, hands down!”
Best food service experience in Charlotte: “Supperland — from the restored church benches inside for seating and the themed speakeasy and hidden bar inside. Not only is the food great, the presentation here is everything! They also host a glorious buffet brunch you have to try at least once.”
Little Mama’s is among the Charlotte restaurants that have Shionda Farrell’s heart, along with Ever Andalo, Calle Sol and Puerta. Shionda Farrell
Must-visit dining spot in Charlotte: “I’ve always had a delicious time at Geno D’s inside the 7th Street Market. It’s a great spot for lunch with friends, and we always order the Grandma’s ‘zaa. I personally like to add pepperoni to mine, but the vegetarian version on their menu is fabulous, as well. If you’re headed over for dinner, order your pizza and then grab a glass of wine (or bottle, depending how big your party is) across the way from Assorted Table. Oh, and don’t forget to grab some local merch from CLT Find!”
All-time favorite meal in the city: “If you’re looking for the best meal you’ve ever had … venture up to Barrel and Fork in Cornelius. Sit at the bar (the only place I ever sit when dining here), order a smoked cocktail, and just take in the moment while chatting with their knowledgeable bartenders. For starters, we enjoy their pig candy and arancini. Keep in mind though, their menu is seasonal and changes often. Our main meal always includes their Bone-in Veal Parmesan (which is a staple of their menu): pounded breaded veal chop, pomodoro sauce and house-pulled mozzarella over bucatini pasta. Swooooon.”
Best food service experience in Charlotte: “Hands down, Dot Dot Dot. You need to be a member (which is only $10 per year … and totally worth it), and I recommend making reservations before your visit. Dress like you’re a character in Mad Men, and treat yourself to inventive cocktails and phenomenal food pairings. Ask Stefan what to start with for drinks (I’ve even dined here while pregnant and he made a mocktail specifically for me ), then Nori (their GM) or Chef Matt will have awesome recommendations for dinner. It’s an experience for sure.”
Jess Bentley of Slice of Jess heads to Barrel and Fork in Cornelius for her favorite meal, the restaurant’s Bone-in Veal Parmesan. Brian Bunn Films
Must-visit dining spot in Charlotte: “My list of Charlotte restaurant recommendations is as long as a rush-hour traffic jam on Independence at 5 p.m., but one spot that has swiftly ascended to the top of my must-visit list for both locals and visitors is Restaurant Constance. With an elegant yet eclectic menu highlighting local ingredients with an occasionally global twist, it feels like holding a mirror up to the vibrant character of our city.”
All-time favorite meal in the city: “My all-time favorite meal in Charlotte is from Curry Gate. Their chicken makhani is rich, bold and spicy (though I can’t, in good conscience, recommend anything hotter than a level 7!). If I were to count the number of times I’ve had each meal in Charlotte, this dish would be at the top of the list as my most-eaten.”
Best food service experience in Charlotte: “Would you believe that my most unforgettable restaurant service experience happened at a counter-service spot? Every time I pick up lunch from Johnny Burrito in Uptown, I leave not just with a hefty burrito and a pack of Chiclets, but also with a huge smile on my face. However, nothing tops my first visit, when I arrived a bit lost and flustered, only to be greeted with the warmest welcome, a keychain and an extra-large portion. With their weekday-only schedule, it’s tough to eat here as often as I’d like, but when I’m in uptown and have a little ‘cash-eesh,’ there’s simply no reason to turn to a chain restaurant.”
Wayward Blog writer Alyssa Nelson puts Restaurant Constance at the top of her must-vist restaurant recommendations. Alyssa Nelson
Must-visit dining spot in Charlotte: “My must-visit dining spot hands down is Idlewild. Not a true ‘dining spot,’ but it’s the perfect pre- or after-dinner drink spot. The hospitality is a 10 out of 10, and they always knock their drinks out of the park. It’s a unique concept because there is no menu, so any drink preference, flavor and taste is possible!”
All-time favorite meal in the city: “It’s a tie between an Ace burger or the Mac & Cheese with the Crispy Chicken skins from Haberdish (don’t make me choose, lol).”
Best food service experience in Charlotte: “Steak 48 wows me every time with their attention to every detail. From the moment you step in the door to the moment you walk out, it’s an entire experience. The team at Steak 48 is knowledgeable, kind and super hospitable, and their steak is my favorite steak in Charlotte.”
For Wynee Bermudez of Wynee’s World, Idlewild is a go-to spot. Wynee Bermudez
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