The 25 Best Restaurants in Charlotte, NC in 2024
Southern spirit takes on deliciously winsome flavors in the restaurants in Charlotte, NC. There’s no shortage of diverse options, with regional classics filling menus in restaurants around Charlotte, NC as much as fascinating global creations. Restaurants around Downtown Charlotte in particular provide an adventure map of specialty cuisines and domestic dishes crafted with charm and care.
Which restaurants on the Charlotte, NC food scene align most directly with your dining expectations? Our collection of the finest restaurants throughout Charlotte, NC for grabbing a bite alone, with friends or your whole family in tow will help you excavate the gems without having to dig too deep. From clever speakeasies to warm and cozy restaurants, these hand-picked restaurants in Charlotte, NC all serve eager diners a delicious experience.
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25 Best Restaurants in Charlotte, NC
1. Fahrenheit
Chef Rocco Whalen stirs up something savory among the restaurants of Charlotte, NC with Fahrenheit, a classed-up concept eatery that's not too fussy for comfort.
The Vibe
Business casual dress makes this laid-back Charlotte restaurant a bit more polished than the others.
What to Order
Get bowled over by a seafood tower, with crab, lobster, sashimi and other aquatic beauties stacked high and tasty.
Fahrenheit | 222 S. Caldwell St., 21st Floor, Charlotte, NC 28202 | $$$
2. Stoke Charlotte
The name is no coincidence; Stoke stirs the gourmet fires for restaurants in Charlotte, NC that take food craft seriously. This from-scratch kitchen welcomes diners into a soothing environment where dining is a quiet celebration.
The Vibe
Cozy, elegant and aglow in soft, warm light from top to bottom.
What to Order
The Chicken BLT puts upscale touches on a familiar sandwich, much to the delight of diners who love deli selections done well.
Stoke Charlotte | 100 W. Trade St., Charlotte, NC 28202 | $$$
3. Rooster's Wood-Fired Kitchen
Rooster's Wood-Fired Kitchen invites guests to linger over fresh fixings, an activity that restaurants in Charlotte, NC seem to adore. Choose simple, flavorful dishes from the delicious traditions of Southern homestyle cooking.
The Vibe
Rustic décor blends with modern lines to create a fusion of old and new.
What to Order
Potato gnocchi and braised short rib from the Pasture menu is a Southern Italian dining revelation.
Rooster's Wood-Fired Kitchen | Multiple Locations | $$
4. The King's Kitchen
Southern fare reimagined by a gourmet chef is what The King's Kitchen brings to restaurants in Charlotte, NC. You'll find seasonal shifts in ingredients and menus, thanks to connections with local farms and growers.
The Vibe
Airy, open seating makes the most of bright and contemporary Southern-style comfort.
What to Order
A fried green tomato starter with shrimp and grits for your main and bacon-flavored collards on the side is Southern style on a plate.
The King's Kitchen | 129 W. Trade St., Charlotte, NC 28202 | $$
5. Dandelion Market
Dandelion Market leans into the Old South aesthetic without losing its place among the best 21st-century restaurants Charlotte, NC has on the menu. Bring your appetite for elevated bar bites and clever reinventions of Southern specialties.
The Vibe
Eclectic décor like shoe stretchers and wagon wheels add whimsy to this modern bistro.
What to Order
Hangover Hash from the brunch menu will set you up for a quick — and delicious — recovery meal.
Dandelion Market | 118 W. Fifth St., Charlotte, NC 28202 | $$
6. The Cellar at Duckworth's
The Cellar at Duckworth's is a speakeasy-style adventure for those exploring restaurants in Charlotte, NC. The atmosphere recreates a real Prohibition-era hideout where sweet drinks and savory eats are all the rage.
The Vibe
Authentic barstools from the era, exposed beams and wrap-around liquor walls transport visitors to another time.
What to Order
Go big with a tomahawk bone-in ribeye or keep things simple with a smoked salmon flatbread to pair with your juicy cocktails.
The Cellar at Duckworth's | 118 W. Fifth St., Charlotte, NC 28202 | $$$
7. Mert's Heart and Soul
You can't navigate restaurants in Charlotte, NC without experiencing the Southern stylings of Mert's Heart and Soul. This dazzler of a soul food restaurant is a delicious tribute to American Low Country cuisine.
The Vibe
This site is a joyful explosion of colorful art between vibrant walls lined with historical photos.
What to Order
A fried shrimp po' boy with salmon cakes is the right combination to fill your belly and your soul with ferocious Southern flavor.
Mert's Heart and Soul | 214 N. College St., Charlotte, NC 28202 | $$
8. Red-Eye Diner
Do the old-fashioned thing at Red-Eye Diner, an open-'round-the-clock entry that's among the coolest restaurants in Charlotte, NC. Fresh steak burgers and specialty biscuits and gravy bring the menu up several notches above the usual diner fare.
The Vibe
Glowing neon and bright-red aprons keep the spirit of the American diner alive here.
What to Order
Miss Gail's Chicken Salad hails from a family recipe, made fresh daily for a dish with authentic Southern flair.
Red-Eye Diner | 210 E. Trade St., Charlotte NC 28202 | $
9. Angeline's
Italian dining gets the Southern treatment at Angeline's, a fusion jewel in the restaurants around Charlotte, NC. Seasonal ingredients grow up to become regional favorites here, with generous dashes of both Italian and Southern tradition in every recipe.
The Vibe
A peekaboo wine case, industrial lighting and intriguing art make this space shine.
What to Order
Chicken Milanese is a tasty reimagining of chicken Parmesan, with a buttery white wine and mushroom topping.
Angeline's | 303 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 28202 | $$
10. Essex Bar & Bistro
Spin the globe and place your order at Essex Bar & Bistro. This spectacular restaurant on Charlotte, NC's dining map brings together international creations and craft cocktails for urbane dining moments.
The Vibe
Pristine and pub-like, with long tables for friendly encounters with fellow diners.
What to Order
Mortadella and arugula-topped flatbread is a light bite with big flavor. For something heartier, bite into short rib sliders.
Essex Bar & Bistro | 101 S. Tryon St., Ste. 14, Charlotte, NC 28280 | $$
11. Mimosa Grill
Settle in for a sugary sip with something savory at Mimosa Grill, an uptown favorite for fans of restaurants in Charlotte, NC. This chic eatery blends cozy allure with thoughtful chef-driven fare for a new kind of Carolina dining experience.
The Vibe
Stonework and floral displays strike a keen balance between strong and soft.
What to Order
A roasted harvest salad and pumpkin soup is the perfect combination for lovers of locally-grown ingredients. Go for a starter of Maryland-style crab dip to whet your appetite.
Mimosa Grill | 327 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202 | $$
12. Cowbell Burger & Whiskey Bar
Restaurants in Charlotte, NC would have a hard time getting any more rock and roll than Cowbell Burger & Whiskey Bar. This laid-back lounge charges the bar-and-grill set with fun electricity.
The Vibe
Honkytonk chic lights up the space with intriguing art and bar-style comfort.
What to Order
The Bluto is a fried chicken sandwich topped with spicy aioli that really packs a wallop.
Cowbell Burger & Whiskey Bar | 201 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202 | $$
13. Sea Level NC
Coastal cuisine pulled fresh from the Gulf makes Sea Level NC one of the best restaurants around Charlotte, NC for seafood lovers to sail into. Specialists here uphold sustainability as a core business principle.
The Vibe
As mellow as a day at sea, with a family-friendly atmosphere.
What to Order
All their seafood is sublime, but their lunch options are winners all the way. Try a flounder Reuben sandwich for a fun, coastal reinvention of a classic dish, or opt for either a Maine-style or Connecticut-style lobster roll.
Sea Level NC | 129 E. Fifth St., Charlotte, NC 28202 | $$
14. Ink N Ivy
Get your fill of social interaction at Ink N Ivy, one of the premier restaurants in Charlotte, NC for finding new friends and fellow food enthusiasts. No other restaurant in Charlotte, NC has the energy this hot spot offers.
The Vibe
Luxe interiors and stunning 360-degree views of the cityscape make this space a true jewel.
What to Order
A kale and avocado wrap gives vegetarians something delicious to chew on while they make merry.
Ink N Ivy | 222 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 28202 | $$
15. Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar
Tap into the sweetest spot for down-home American fare with a trip to Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar. This eatery stands out among restaurants in Downtown Charlotte thanks to its faithful reproductions of real Southern staples.
The Vibe
Woodsy décor and tin-paneled walls remind you you're in the heart of country dining territory.
What to Order
The Lemon Garden Party is a salad that feels more like a celebration, with mixed greens cradling garden vegetables and feta. For something less green, the Sriracha honey fried chicken and waffles is the ultimate in swicy goodness.
Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar | 101 S. Tryon St., Ste. 130, Charlotte, NC 28280 | $$
16. Que Onda Tacos & Tequila
A touch of Tex-Mex at Que Onda Tacos & Tequila takes restaurants in Charlotte, NC into spicy territory. Customary creations made from fresh ingredients with a bit of chef-based ingenuity are a welcome treat.
The Vibe
The décor recalls beachside cantinas, with a hearty splash of contemporary panache.
What to Order
Daily specials include $3.00 Taco Tuesdays and $5.00 Mini-Nacho Wednesdays, plus discounts on juicy drinks.
Que Onda Tacos & Tequila | 333 W. Trade St., Ste. 101, Charlotte, NC 28202 | $$
17. Basil Thai Cuisine
Authentic Thai flavor abounds in the modern creations from Basil Thai Cuisine. This sophisticated Asian-Pacific restaurant in Charlotte, NC offers a serene space for delightful drinks and fresh takes on traditional favorites.
The Vibe
The open dining space here is great for large groups to gather for fun and food.
What to Order
Pad thai tops the menu, of course, but there are also inventive dishes like crispy red curry duck and massaman, a mix of potatoes and cashews.
Basil Thai Cuisine | 210 N. Church St., Charlotte, NC 28202 | $$
18. The Bella Ciao
Pasta, pizza and other Italian-American favorites are part and parcel of the menu at The Bella Ciao. The name means, "Goodbye, beautiful," though you'll have difficulty bidding farewell to this enchanting restaurant in Charlotte, NC.
The Vibe
This vibrant space is awash in happiness, perfect for dining with families and friends.
What to Order
The pesto spinach pie is a green dream, with zesty pesto cream sauce, spinach and marinated tomatoes.
The Bella Ciao | 201 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202 | $$
19. Rí Rá Irish Pub
Raise a glass and cry, "Slainte!" when you step into Rí Rá Irish Pub, the most authentic public house experience you'll find among the myriad restaurants around Charlotte, NC. You may not find another restaurant in Charlotte, NC with this much Emerald Isle magic.
The Vibe
Quaint elegance takes this space a step above the usual pub ambiance.
What to Order
Sample the Guinness BBQ burger for a mash-up of hearty beef and whiskey-infused sauce.
Rí Rá Irish Pub | 208 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202 | $$
20. Jinya Ramen Bar
Savory comfort food gets a spark of contemporary flavor at Jinya Ramen Bar. This chic ramen restaurant in Charlotte, NC provides traditional food in a space filled with stylish flair.
The Vibe
Geometric ceiling fixtures and striking brick-wall murals provide intrigue in every corner.
What to Order
Yuzu Shio Delight is a sprightly blend of broth, chicken and pork, with yuzu-flavored nori seaweed on the side.
Jinya Ramen Bar | 601 S. Tryon St., Unit 132, Charlotte, NC 28202 | $$
21. Bang Bang Burgers
The best spot for patty lovers of all stripes is Bang Bang Burgers, where restaurants in Charlotte, NC get juicy. Brioche buns, Angus beef and locally-grown toppings only make your options here more delicious.
The Vibe
Red brick and exposed beams give this joyful Charlotte restaurant a chic farmhouse sheen.
What to Order
The K-Pop adds kimchi and succulent pork belly to a double patty for a fusion burger sensation.
Bang Bang Burgers | Multiple Locations | $$
22. Pinky's Westside Grill
There's a little bit of everything cooking at Pinky's Westside Grill, a diner offering one of the most diverse menus among restaurants in Charlotte, NC. The selections incorporate specialties from worldwide cuisines.
The Vibe
This chilled-out bar and diner has an ample sense of humor to put customers at ease.
What to Order
Korean Pork BBQ Tacos and the Grilled Greek Pita are a tasty merging of cultural specialties.
Pinky's Westside Grill | 1600 W. Morehead St., Charlotte, NC 28208 | $
23. Eddie V's Prime Seafood
Prepare for posh moments at Eddie V's Prime Seafood, a contender for the toniest of restaurants in Charlotte, NC. Fine linens and romantic lighting create five-star moments in this deluxe dining room.
The Vibe
Dress up for a more luxurious dining experience, complete with valet parking and live entertainment.
What to Order
The Big Eddie combines crab, shrimp, tuna, lobsters and oysters into a full ocean's worth of seafood on a single plate. For a side that will live on in your memory, order truffle macaroni and cheese.
Eddie V's Prime Seafood | 101 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28280 | $$$$
24. Living Kitchen
Organic eaters and vegetable fans will find greener pastures at Living Kitchen. This vegan-friendly restaurant in Charlotte, NC goes out of its way to replicate fast-casual staples using only plant-based ingredients.
The Vibe
Bohemian style with a stroke of upscale verve makes this space sublimely fresh.
What to Order
An Epic Grilled Cheese is a plant-based analog of the comfort food classic, complete with eggplant bacon bits.
Living Kitchen | 2000 South Blvd., Suite 300, Charlotte, NC 28203 | $$
25. Aura Rooftop
Atmosphere is a key ingredient at Aura Rooftop, where restaurants in Charlotte, NC take to the skies. J.W. Marriott pulls out all the stops at this invigorating roof-level bar and kitchen, serving hotel guests as well as visitors who love living life at a higher elevation.
The Vibe
Casual style rules in this hip, heavenly paradise, an oasis for sips and snacks that takes restaurants in Charlotte, NC to a higher plane.
What to Order
Craft drinks sitting beside gourmet bar bites are just the introduction for decadent desserts like white chocolate mousse topped with strawberry puree.
Aura Rooftop | 600 S. College St., Charlotte, NC 28202 | $$
Try Cooking Charlotte Foods
If home-cooked classics sound like your dish, cooking classes in Charlotte can get your kitchen game in prime shape. Explore a host of sessions that make the most of Southern flavor, all led by exceptional local chefs who add their own flair to every dish. It’s the next-best thing to dining in the most happening restaurants in Charlotte, NC.
Join 200,000+ Culinary Enthusiasts
The restaurants in Charlotte, NC are more than a collection of American eateries, diners and cafés. They’re also a celebration of the array of tastes and cultures that make the city special. When you explore the restaurants of Charlotte, NC, you tap into the unique culinary cultures that make this classic Southern city a dining destination to be reckoned with!
For even more ways to explore Charlotte and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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