22 Essential Restaurants in Charlotte | Where to Eat in the Queen City

The Queen City is home to the Carolina Panthers, the Nascar Hall of Fame, and a whole lot of good food. Mecklenburg County has some of the best restaurants in North Carolina. Honestly, at this rate, I would compare it to New York City‘s restaurant standards, without the price tag. I lived in Charlotte for about 3 years and I am about to give you the best Charlotte restaurants and local favorites. If you have been sleeping on North Carolina’s largest city and you are a foodie like me, it’s time to pay a visit to the Queen City. I have sectioned it off into four different categories: Quick bites (not necessarily fast food but more of quick meals, Sit-down Restaurants (one where you get a waiter and such), Coffee Shops, and Dessert Spots (because who doesn’t love dessert). This guide goes over the 22 essential restaurants in Charlotte that you have to experience!

quick bites

Optimist Hall

Located at: 1115 N Brevard St. Optimist Hall is one of Charlotte’s best food halls. It is a rustic warehouse with many great food options and many charming vibes. It has so many great options to choose from but my advice: go to the Dumpling Lady. She has the best dumplings I have ever experienced.

Dumplings from the dumpling lady

Benny Pennello’s

Located at: 2909 N Davidson St #100. Benny Pennello’s is an old favorite of my husband and me because it was literally in the parking lot of our old apartment. It is also right next to another hot spot, Heist Brewery which also has great food and great craft beer. But, Benny’s is the best pizza place in all of Charlotte. The slices are huge and perfect for one person. If you have a group of people, one large pizza will feed all of them. The pizzas are huge and full of flavor.

Horaces Hot Fried Chicken

Located at: 327 S Tyron St. Horace’s is located right in the city of Charlotte. If you are spending any time for work in Charlotte this spot will probably be located near where you are working. It has the BEST fried chicken sandwich I’ve ever had and I have tried MANY others.

Oh My Soul

Located at: 3046 N Davidson St. Oh My Soul is located in NoDa which is such a busy street of shopping and bars. And this restaurant is all VEGAN! They also have a full with some incredible cocktails. Not to mention the patio is such a fun spot and sometimes they even have live music!

NoDA

Tacos Rick-O

Tacos Rick-O is an epic food truck with some of the best tacos ever! If you see it around it Charlotte, don’t hesitate to have a bite.

Seoul Food Meat Company

Located at: 1400 S Church St A. So Seoul Food Meat Company has more of a restaurant and bar feel to it but you do just order your food at the counter and find yourself a spot. We loved this place because the food was an Asian fusion with some funky but delicious small plates. It was also a great place to bring our dog because they have a play area for dogs.

Rhino Market and Deli

Located at: 2320 N Davidson St. You can find Rhino Market at many different spots around the Queen City but this exact address is my favorite location. The inside is such a vibe and they have so many craft beer options. And don’t worry, there are places to sit down and enjoy your meal as well. We also loved the brewery next door, Free Range Brewery.

Sit-Down Restaurants

Soul Gastrolounge

Located at: 1500 B Central Ave. I am actually obsessed with Soul Gastrolounge. It is the perfect spot for a romantic date night or even a first date. You can get a bunch of small plates to split and it is so fun! Also, side note, you have to get the Asian Glazed pork belly tacos. It’s located in the Plaza Midwood section which is such a fun area.

The Goodyear

Located at: 3032 N Davidson St. The Goodyear House is a rustic home was turned into a trendy restaurant with a full bar and large draft list.

Haberdish

Located at: 3032 N Davidson St. Haberdish is a classy restaurant that is full of southern comfort food including fried chicken and fried okra. The restaurant also has such a southern charm to it. Don’t miss this one, it is one of the local’s favorites.

Leah & Louise

Located at: 301 Camp Rd. Leah & Louise has the real southern comfort food and it is such a vibe. Not to mention it is located in Camp North End which is also such a fun spot for outdoor drinks and socializing!

Camp

Camp North End

Midwood Smokehouse

Located at: 1401 Central Ave. I didn’t get a chance to go to Midwood but everyone always told me that this was North Carolina’s best barbecue spot.

Hello Sailor

Located at: 20210 Henderson Rd, Cornelius, NC. Hello Sailor is located on Lake Norman which is about a 30-minute drive from the Queen City but it is still located in Mecklenburg County. It is worth the drive because Lake Norman is the biggest man-made lake in the US. Hello Sailor though is such a vibe and the views of the lake are incredible!

Kindred

Located at: 131 N Main St, Davidson, NC. Kindred is such a stylish restaurant and in such a cute upbeat town. It is located near Hello Sailor so about 30-40 minutes away from the City. The restaurant has such great meals that are a play on American Classics.

Fig Tree Restaurant

Located at: 1601 E 7th St. Fig Tree Restaurant is more of an upscale dining place and is honestly a perfect romantic atmosphere, it has many wine pairing options, great service, and amazing food quality.

5Church Midtown

Located at: 1197 Peachtree Rd NE #528. 5Church is another upscale spot with great service, trendy vibes, and amazing food quality. Pro-tip though you have to go during brunch. They have the best brunch menu and the best brunch cocktails.

Southbound

Located at: 2433 South Blvd. Southbound is a fun Mexican spot that has great food and even better margaritas. The vibes are on point and usually every night it turns up! Southbound is also a fun place to go for brunch, highly suggest it.

Coffee Shops

Amélie’s French Bakery & Café

Located at: 136 E 36th St. Amélie’s has a few locations in the Queen City but this location is my favorite. It is the cutest french style bakery with the funkiest decor. It is the perfect place to start your day.

Smelly Cat Coffee House & Roastery

Located at: 514 E 36th St. Smelly Cat to me honestly has some of the best coffee and lattes plus it is located just off of the heart of NoDa. So, it is a great place to grab a quick coffee before shopping around!

Desserts

Popbar

Located at: 3123 N Davidson St #102b. I love desserts and Popbar is such a perfect spot for a summer day. They have all different flavor pops and many different toppings to choose from.

Duck Donuts

Located at: 1710 Kenilworth Ave #220. Duck Donuts has the best donuts I have ever had and I have tried many types of donuts. This is a MUST.

Jen’s Ice Cream

Located at: 1920 Camden Rd. Jeni’s Ice Cream is definitely popular all over but don’t miss it when you come to Charlotte because it is in such a cute spot. It is the city’s best ice cream made from local seasonal ingredients. Another great place for a hot summer day.