The restaurant scene in Charlotte is booming. You’ll find locally sourced concepts with fresh ingredients, eclectic and creative menus, and even reimagined Southern comfort food. If you’re looking to eat your way through this city (and I totally recommend that you do), here are 10 of the best restaurants in Charlotte to start with.
Stoke
Best For: Locally Sourced Cuisine
Stoke is a restaurant that I jut can’t get enough of. It’s easily one of the best restaurants in Uptown Charlotte. Each time I go back, I learn something new about this restaurant that makes me fall more in love with it. Chef Chris Coleman has truly assembled an exceptional team and the menu is a product of their creativity. Everything is made from scratch in their open kitchen using local ingredients. Even their sodas are made in house and are so refreshing that you will find yourself wanting to try them all. The staff is warm and friendly and are more than willing to cater to dietary restrictions or help you with menu recommendations. Go family style on this one. Trust me there are too many scrumptious dishes that you don’t want to miss out on! And do not miss out on their 1 lb doughnut .You have never had anything like this in your entire life and you’ll find yourself wondering how you’ve lived this long without it.
What to Order: Mom’s deviled eggs, pretzel brioche, carbonara, allll the companions, and of course their donut
Pro Tip: Do not miss out on their Stoke Fashioned. It’s one of the best Old Fashioned’s that I’ve ever had
Aria
Best For: Tuscan Food
Aria boasts some of the best Tuscan food in Charlotte. With pasta made in house, you can’t go wrong with almost anything on the menu. And believe me, I’ve basically eaten my way through their menu. With its proximity to the Blumenthal theater, Aria is also the perfect spot to grab dinner before or after a show. Though dinner is the star at this restaurant, if you are looking for lunch in uptown charlotte, they also have an express lunch option that is an absolute steal.
What to Order: Penne a la Vodka, Wild Mushroom Pizza, Pasta al Nero, Tiramisù
Pro Tip: Get the Eggplant Parmigiana al Forno and ask them to put it over linguine to upgrade the appetizer into a full (and delicious) entree
Heirloom
Best For: Personalized Dining Experience
Heirloom is truly a gem in Charlotte. Get ready for your tastebuds to sing. This farm to table restaurant sources its ingredients locally within 100 miles. The chef and owner, Clark Barlowe, is very involved with the restaurant so you get an incredibly personalized and unique dining experience. The Chefs tasting menu is the best way to get a sampling of the best of what this restaurant has to offer. As the tasting menu features the freshest ingredients, it changes constantly so you can keep coming back and try different dishes if you fall just as in love with this places as I did.
What to Order: Tasting Menu with wine pairing
Pro Tip: For those with food allergies, dietary restrictions or specific preferences, be sure to call the restaurant at least 24 hours in advance so that they can tailor the tasting menu to fit your needs.
Zeppelin
Best For: Cocktails
This rustic, cozy restaurant and cocktail lounge is the perfect start to your evening. With flavors inspired by different parts of the world, there’s something for everyone here. Though their dishes are enough to have you keep coming back for more, the real showstoppers are the cocktails.
What to Order: Uncle Eddy Cocktail, Ricotta Gnocchi, and Notorious P.I.G. Puppies
Pro Tip: Tell the bartender what spirits you like and let them work their magic. Trust me, they know what they’re doing
Superica
Best for: Stylish Tex-Mex
Superica is a wonderful addition to the Mexican restaurants in Charlotte. With a cozy industrial feel coupled with exposed brick, it’s a restaurant that you’ll find yourself drawn to. The servers are very knowledgeable and more than willing to help you narrow down amongst your options. You’ll start your meal off with their chips and two of the best salsas I have ever tasted. Honestly, if it was even remotely socially acceptable, I would have tipped the bowls straight into my mouth. Get ready for an elevated Tex-Mex experience at this restaurant.
What to Order: Queso Fundido, campechana de mariscos, tampiquena, vegetable mixta, vegetable enchiladas
Pro Tip: Superica is incredibly vegetarian friendly. If you’re a vegetarian, be sure to tell your server and they will accommodate you and will even warn you if something you’ve ordered has chicken broth in it
Crepe Cellar
Best For: Date Night
I am OBSESSED with this little European Gastrobar. Low music, low lighting, and a cozy vibe all make it the perfect place for good conversation. If you aren’t the hugest fan of crepes, don’t worry they have plenty of other options besides crepes and all are wildly flavorful. I almost always (okay just always) eat wayyy too much but it’s so worth it.
What to Order: Pesto Brie Fries (a must!), burrata, mushroom walnut tagliatelle, spinach and wild mushroom crepe, and the brownie in a blanket dessert crepe
Pro Tip: The pesto brie fries are a must but in my opinion, so is the burrata. If you’re not that hungry, order the burrata as an appetizer and get fries as your side and pay the up-charge to make them pesto brie. You’re welcome.
Haberdish
Best For: Southern Comfort Food
Haberdish is a gorgeous restaurant. The natural lighting makes this place an ideal visit during the day for either brunch or lunch. They serve up southern inspired dishes centered around the history of the mill town of North Carolina. Not only do their dishes rival your grandmother’s cooking, but also their cocktail list is extensive and delicious. Perfect for a boozy brunch.
What to Order: Breakfast bellini, hushpuppies, sweet potato dumplings, chicken tenders, cauliflower
Pro Tip: Split an entree and focus all your attention on the sides
Flour Shop
Best For: Being a Part of the Action
The first thing you notice when you walk into this intimate restaurant is the kitchen. An open kitchen concept puts your right in the center of the action and gives you an added element to your dining experience. As you wait for your food, enjoy watching the Chef and his team work their magic. With a traditional style of cooking combined with local fresh ingredients, you can’t go wrong with anything on their menu.
What to Order: House-Made Burrata, salmon belly, ricotta ravioli, and squid ink linguini
Pro Tip: Get a seat at the bar so you can have front row seats to the action
The Cellar
Best For: Speakeasy Vibe
Located on the bottom floor of Duckworths in Uptown, The Cellar is a Gastropub that you have to try. There’s something about feeling like you’re transported back to the Prohibition era that is ever so tantalizing. The Cellar not only offers creative cocktails with the freshest ingredients but also has eclectic fare to pair with them. There are a number of clear winners on this menu that are suited for a small bite to eat with your cocktail or a full dinner. Just don’t forget dessert! It’s easily my favorite section of their menu
What to Order: truffle fries, truffle mac and cheese, scallops, and allll three of the desserts
Pro Tip: Be sure to ask for a tour of their Beer Cellar while you’re there
Growler’s Pourhouse
Best For: Neighborhood Pub Fare
Growler’s Pourhouse is that neighborhood spot where the bartender knows your name. Their food is all “beer food” meaning that everything pairs well with the craft beer they serve. Key to my heart? I think so. Growler’s also has a beer engine so that the beer is poured without extraneous carbon dioxide. This ensures that you get to experience the nuanced tastes and aromas that the beer is supposed to have.
What to Order: large soft pretzel, fries with beer cheese, mac and cheese and, of course, one of their craft beers to go with it
Pro Tip: They have a Beer Education event at 7pm, on the first Tuesday of every month where they explore different topics related to beer.
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