Discover the Best Food in Charlotte

Charlotte, North Carolina is a vibrant and diverse city, with a wealth of amazing food to explore. From classic southern comfort food to modern gastronomic experiences, there’s something for everyone in Charlotte. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite for lunch or a luxurious dinner out, Charlotte has it all. Here, we’ll explore some of the best food in Charlotte and discover what makes it so special.

Southern Comfort Food

Charlotte is well known for its classic southern comfort food. From hearty barbeque to creamy mac and cheese, there are plenty of delicious dishes to try. For a true southern experience, head to the Queen City Q for some of the best barbeque in town. The restaurant offers up classic barbeque favorites like pulled pork, beef brisket, and smoked chicken. For a twist on the classic, try their unique smoked wings or their homemade smoked sausage.

If you’re looking for a more traditional southern meal, you can’t go wrong with the mac and cheese at Mama Ricotta’s. This classic Italian restaurant offers up a rich and creamy version of the classic dish that is sure to satisfy. For something a little different, try their mac and cheese pizza, topped with ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese.

For a truly unique take on southern comfort food, head to the Soul Gastrolounge. This chic spot specializes in fusion cuisine, combining classic southern flavors with more modern ingredients. Try their signature bbq pork tacos with a hint of lime, or their sweet potato fries with smoked sea salt. They also have an impressive selection of local beers, so you can wash it all down with a cold one.

Modern Gastronomic Experiences

Charlotte is home to some of the most innovative chefs in the country, creating modern gastronomic experiences that are sure to impress. If you’re looking for a truly luxurious experience, head to the Stagioni restaurant. Here, Chef Michael Shortino uses local, seasonal ingredients to create flavorful dishes that are a feast for the senses. From his signature house-cured charcuterie to his fresh pastas and wood-fired pizzas, Chef Shortino’s dishes are sure to delight.

For a more casual but still sophisticated experience, try the Roaring Fork. This upscale restaurant specializes in wood-fired cooking, with a menu that features classic American dishes with a modern twist. Try their signature wood-fired burgers, or their roasted chicken with garlic mashed potatoes. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, so you can pair your meal with the perfect bottle.

Finally, if you’re looking for something truly unique, try the Barrington’s restaurant. Here, Chef Bruce Moffett creates contemporary dishes that are inspired by classic French and Italian cuisine. From his signature foie gras to his slow-roasted pork shoulder, Chef Moffett’s dishes are sure to impress. The restaurant also has an impressive selection of local craft beers, so you can pair your meal with the perfect pint.

Seafood Favorites

Charlotte is home to some of the freshest seafood around, with plenty of restaurants offering up delicious dishes. For a classic seafood experience, head to the Sea Level NC. This chic seafood spot offers up a variety of fresh catches, from Alaskan salmon to locally-caught shrimp. Try their signature crab cakes, or their savory shrimp and grits. They also have an extensive wine list, so you can pair your meal with the perfect bottle.

For something a little different, try the Kindred restaurant. This chic spot specializes in seafood-inspired dishes, with a menu that features creative dishes like lobster risotto and seared scallops. The restaurant also has an impressive selection of craft beers and local wines, so you can pair your meal with the perfect drink.

Finally, for a truly unique seafood experience, head to the Kingfish Grill. This upscale spot specializes in fresh seafood and creative cocktails. Try their signature oysters, or their ceviche with a hint of cilantro. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, so you can pair your meal with the perfect bottle.

Vegan and Vegetarian Fare

Charlotte is home to a variety of vegan and vegetarian restaurants, offering up delicious dishes that are sure to please. For a truly unique experience, try the Fern, a vegan restaurant that specializes in modern takes on classic dishes. Try their signature seitan tacos, or their roasted cauliflower steak with a hint of garlic. The restaurant also has an impressive selection of vegan wines and craft beers, so you can pair your meal with the perfect drink.

For a more traditional vegan experience, try the Nourish. This chic spot specializes in vegan comfort food, with a menu that features classic dishes like mac and cheese and burgers. The restaurant also has an extensive selection of vegan wines and craft beers, so you can pair your meal with the perfect drink.

Finally, for a truly unique vegetarian experience, head to the Not Just Coffee. This cozy cafe specializes in vegetarian dishes, with a menu that features creative dishes like falafel bowls and veggie wraps. The cafe also has an impressive selection of vegan wines and craft beers, so you can pair your meal with the perfect drink.

Pub Fare

Charlotte is home to a variety of pubs and taverns, offering up delicious pub fare that is sure to please. For a classic pub experience, head to the Duckworth’s Grill and Taphouse. This cozy spot offers up classic pub favorites like fish and chips and burgers. The pub also has an impressive selection of local beers, so you can wash it all down with a cold one.

For something a little different, try the Bold Missy Brewery. This chic brewery specializes in craft beer and pub food, with a menu that features creative dishes like poutine and pretzel bites. The brewery also has an extensive selection of local beers, so you can pair your meal with the perfect pint.

Finally, for a truly unique pub experience, try the Craft Growler Shop and Tasting Room. This cozy spot specializes in craft beer and pub food, with a menu that features creative dishes like beer-braised short ribs and pulled pork sandwiches. The shop also has an extensive selection of local beers, so you can pair your meal with the perfect pint.

International Fare

Charlotte is home to a variety of international restaurants, offering up delicious dishes from around the world. For a classic Italian experience, head to the Portofino’s restaurant. This cozy spot offers up classic Italian dishes like lasagna and gnocchi. The restaurant also has an impressive selection of Italian wines, so you can pair your meal with the perfect bottle.

For something a little different, try the Yafo Kitchen. This chic spot specializes in Mediterranean cuisine, with a menu that features creative dishes like lamb shawarma and falafel. The restaurant also has an extensive selection of craft beers, so you can pair your meal with the perfect pint.

Finally, for a truly unique international experience, try the Curry in a Hurry. This cozy spot specializes in Indian cuisine, with a menu that features classic dishes like butter chicken and tandoori chicken. The restaurant also has an impressive selection of Indian beers and wines, so you can pair your meal with the perfect drink.

Desserts

Charlotte is home to a variety of dessert spots, offering up delicious treats that are sure to please. For a truly unique experience, head to the Amelie’s French Bakery. This chic spot specializes in French pastries, with a menu that features classic desserts like macarons and croissants. The bakery also has an impressive selection of craft beers and wines, so you can pair your meal with the perfect drink.

For something a little different, try the Golden Cow Creamery. This cozy spot specializes in ice cream, with a menu that features creative flavors like peanut butter cup and salted caramel. The creamery also has an extensive selection of craft beers and wines, so you can pair your meal with the perfect drink.

Finally, for a truly unique dessert experience, try the Common Market. This cozy spot specializes in artisan cheesecakes, with a menu that features classic flavors like blueberry and raspberry. The market also has an impressive selection of craft beers and wines, so you can pair your meal with the perfect drink.

Coffee Shops

Charlotte is home to a variety of coffee shops, offering up delicious drinks that are sure to please. For a truly unique experience, head to the Not Just Coffee. This chic spot specializes in specialty coffee drinks, with a menu that features classic favorites like cappuccinos and lattes. The shop also has an impressive selection of craft beers and wines, so you can pair your meal with the perfect drink.

For something a little different, try the Queen City Grounds. This cozy spot specializes in cold brew coffee, with a menu that features creative drinks like nitro cold brew and chai lattes. The shop also has an extensive selection of craft beers and wines, so you can pair your meal with the perfect drink.

Finally, for a truly unique coffee experience, try the Smelly Cat Coffeehouse. This cozy spot specializes in craft coffee drinks, with a menu that features creative drinks like cold brew floats and affogatos. The shop also has an impressive selection of craft beers and wines, so you can pair your meal with the perfect drink.

Conclusion

Charlotte is a vibrant and diverse city, with a wealth of amazing food to explore. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite for lunch or a luxurious dinner out, Charlotte has it all. From classic southern comfort food to modern gastronomic experiences, there’s something for everyone in Charlotte. From seafood favorites to vegan and vegetarian fare, and from pub food to international dishes, Charlotte has it all. And with its variety of coffee shops and dessert spots, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So what are you waiting for? Discover the best food in Charlotte today!