Looking for the best restaurant in Charlotte?
Whether you’re planning a casual brunch in Uptown, want an honest review for upscale dining in SouthPark, or prepping for date night in the South End, check out these restaurant reviews as your go-to guide to dining in Charlotte.
In these pages, you’ll find detailed information about the hottest (and sometimes not-so-hot) spots to eat, drink, and hang with friends around Charlotte. These reviews cover quality of food, service, ambiance, value — even how to get a reservation (if needed).
There's something for everyone to eat in this city, from dive bars to hole-in-the-wall secrets to upscale fine dining experiences.
If you love burgers, tacos, BBQ, sushi, and ice cream… these reviews are a must-read before you dine out! Searching for the best brunch in Charlotte? How about a to-die-for bakery for your sweet tooth? I’ve tried it all. And I’ll tell you where to frequent, what spots to avoid, and most importantly — what to order. So… what’s the best restaurant in Charlotte? You’ll have to dive into my honest restaurant reviews to find out.
All Charlotte Food + Drink reviews
A pop up restaurant called Chilito Tacos has rebranded to El Toro Bruto and is permanently located inside of Resident Culture in the South End of Charlotte. Click to read the full review.
If you are looking for some of the best pizza in Charlotte, look no further than Bird Pizzeria. It is a small, family-owned pizza shop near Optimist Hall, serving fresh, East-Coast Style pies.
If you are looking for the best Chinese food in Charlotte, look no further than Lam’s Kitchen. While it’s technically in Matthews, not Charlotte, it’s worth the drive. It’s highly authentic, yet still features a lot of the classic dishes we are used to in the USA. Want to know more? Click to read the full review.
Prime Fish is hands down the best sushi restaurant in Charlotte. Chef Robin is constantly working to improve, offering the highest quality fish and innovative dishes. This is the only sushi restaurant in Charlotte that could hold it's own in NYC or Boston. Click to read the full review.
If you are looking for the best pizza in Charlotte, look no further than Emmy Squared. Normally I like NY Style pizza; however, this Detroit Style Pizza has me hooked. The flavor combination of the toppings is excellent. Click to read the full review.
Looking for a great steak, with a slightly casual vibe to the restaurant? Well Dean’s Steakhouse in Charlotte is definitely for you. Try the Dean’s Filet, which is a domestic wagyu filet topped with béarnaise and lobster. Click to read the full review of one of the best steaks in Charlotte.
If you are looking for the best BBQ in Charlotte, look no further than Jon G's Barbecue. They offer everything from fatty brisket to bacon burnt ends to tacos! Click to read the full review of this restaurant's Texas Style BBQ.
Looking for the best burger in Charlotte? Look no further than Ace No. 3. Their burger is PHENOMENAL. Order the Ace burger, or build your own. They also serve crispy fries, a fried bologna sandwich, and boozy milkshakes.
If you are looking for the best French Cuisine in Charlotte, look no further than La Belle Helene. The French Food here will transport you to Paris - especially the dessert. Click to read the full review.
If you are looking for a high-end dinner in Charlotte, Peppervine should be your go-to spot. Focusing on small plates and fresh ingredients, the chef changes the menu seasonally. Click to read the full review.
A community driven cafe, with a focus on teaching life skills people in recovery. Food is excellent. Service is friendly. And they are out making a difference in people's lives. I highly recommend supporting their mission.
Stagioni serves modern Italian with very creative and well balanced flavors. Stagioni is one of the best Italian restaurants in Charlotte, NC - albeit on the pricey side, given the portions. Click to read my full review of Stagioni.
Osteria LuCa is a superbly average Italian restaurant, serving food that you could expect to find in a chain-Italian restaurant. There is great ambiance, and the cocktails are strong; however, the food could use some improvement.
Hello, Sailor is a lakefront restaurant, just outside of Charlotte, NC. The menu features assorted seafood, and a few vegetarian options. It's the perfect weekend brunch spot, when the weather is nice - and an even better spot for drinks.
The Waterman is a seafood restaurant, located in Charlotte, NC. It has a very lively crowd, and great outdoor space. While the food is great when it is fresh, it is often known to sit under a heat lamp for a significant amount of time, before it is served.
Mal Pan is a Mexican Restaurant in SouthPark Charlotte, NC. Although small, it has a very trendy interior and great food presentation.
Orto is an Italian restaurant located in NoDa, serving delicious pasta and some of the best cocktails in the city.
Oak Steakhouse, in Charlotte, has rave reviews and an old school vibe. I personally found their execution to lack, making it a very expensive experience and terrible value. Click to read my full review of Oak Steakhouse.
Looking for the best, most authentic Vietnamese food in Charlotte? Check out Saigon Palace. This dive offers delicious, fresh, authentic cuisine - from spring rolls to pho - just like what I'd get in Ho Chi Minh. Click to read my full review of Saigon Palace.
If you are looking for the best restaurant or dining experience in Charlotte, look no further than Steak48! This place is my go-to for all things. It's the perfect place for any occasion from a birthday to anniversary to client dinner. The food, the service, the entire experience is impeccable. Click to read my full review of Steak48.
Craving ramen in the Ballantyne neighborhood of Charlotte? Sheng Ramen has you covered. In addition to their classic tonkotsu ramen, they also offer food for even the pickiest of eaters - from chicken teriyaki to yakisoba to a bowl of noodles and broth. Click to read all about my thoughts on Sheng Ramen.
300 East is an institution of a restaurant, that has been serving the Charlotte community for over 30 years. It has rave reviews; however, I did not find the restaurant to live up to the hype. Click to read my full review of 300 East.
If you are looking for the best ramen in Charlotte, look no further than Wu-Rons! This hole in the wall restaurant is my go-to for a classic tonkotsu ramen and delicious pork buns. Rich. Creamy. Delicious. Click to read my full review of Wurons.
Have you been thinking about a reservation at Counter, Charlotte's newest tasting menu restaurant? Click to read my full review.
If you are looking for a fun restaurant for drinks and appetizers, Red Salt by David Burke is a great choice. Click to read the full review of this restaurant.
If you are looking for a delicious, casual brunch in Charlotte, look no further than VANA. Click to read the full review of this restaurant, and their delicious brioche french toast.
Bossy Beulah's is arguably the best fried chicken sandwich in Charlotte, NC, according to locals. Read my full review to see how I think it stacks up.
Leah and Louise, in Charlotte, is an inventive restaurant in Camp North. It doesn't all land for me; however, I appreciate the risks being taken. Certain dishes are phenomenal though, like the burger. Click to read my full review of Leah and Louise restaurant.
If you are craving something sweet, look no further than The Batchmaker. The sweet confections here will have singing in pure delight. This is hands down the best bakery in Charlotte, NC.