The best restaurants in Charlotte
159 restaurants we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.
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Fresh Chef Kitchen
RestaurantsFresh Chef Kitchen nails the made-from-scratch thing, with crowd-pleasers that range from hearty salads and stacked burgers to grilled…
Fresh Chef Kitchen
RestaurantsX Brazilian Steakhouse
RestaurantsCraving real churrasco, Charlotte? X Brazilian Steakhouse is serving authentic Brazilian barbecue with premium cuts fire-grilled the…
X Brazilian Steakhouse
RestaurantsSakura Sushi
RestaurantsWhen the roll craving hits, Sakura Sushi delivers with an all you can eat lineup plus a deep menu of maki and hand rolls, fresh sushi and…
Sakura Sushi
RestaurantsMusashi Japanese Restaurant
RestaurantsCraving classic Japanese flavors plus a roll or two to mix it up? Musashi Japanese Restaurant has lunch and dinner menus and a sushi…
Musashi Japanese Restaurant
RestaurantsSupperland
RestaurantsSupperland turns a restored mid-century church into a Southern steakhouse with cheeky church potluck vibes, spread across two buildings…
Supperland
RestaurantsSushi Taku - Charlotte
RestaurantsCraving a legit sushi binge that doesn't feel like a dare? Sushi Taku in South End does all-you-can-eat with nigiri, solid rolls, and…
Sushi Taku - Charlotte
RestaurantsCity Barbeque
RestaurantsCounter-serve smokehouse chain offering classic barbecue fare in down-home settings.
City Barbeque
RestaurantsLandmark Restaurant Diner
RestaurantsThis casual roadside stop for sandwiches & other diner staples is open past midnight 6 days a week.
Landmark Restaurant Diner
RestaurantsS&K Funnel Cakes, LLC
RestaurantsMobile eatery for warm funnel cakes and other desserts such as deep-fried Oreo cookies.
S&K Funnel Cakes, LLC
RestaurantsDunwellz Custom Kitchen and Pour House
RestaurantsBurgers, street tacos & beer served in a sports pub setup with TVs & outdoor seating.
Dunwellz Custom Kitchen and Pour House
RestaurantsBad Daddy's Burger Bar
RestaurantsRelaxed burger spot with an extensive beer list.
Bad Daddy's Burger Bar
RestaurantsThe Teal Turnip
RestaurantsSmall plates, cocktails, and chef's table experiences feature at this farm-to-table restaurant.
The Teal Turnip
RestaurantsKristophers Sports Bar
RestaurantsMany TVs & draft beers complement a menu of burgers, pizzas & sandwiches at this vibrant sports bar.
Kristophers Sports Bar
RestaurantsThe Public House
RestaurantsCasual bar offering small plates and entrees alongside a wide selection of beers and cocktails.
The Public House
RestaurantsLink & Pin Arboretum
RestaurantsComfortable eatery featuring chicken and waffles, mac and cheese, and cocktails, plus steak.
Link & Pin Arboretum
RestaurantsJohnny Burrito
RestaurantsQuick-serve lunch counter serving burritos & nacho salads, plus tamales on Fridays, in basic digs.
Johnny Burrito
RestaurantsComet Grill
RestaurantsHosting bands nightly, this laid-back watering hole serves burgers, sandwiches, salads & wings.
Comet Grill
RestaurantsChima Steakhouse
RestaurantsGauchos deliver all-you-can-eat meats at this modern-looking Brazilian eatery with a salad bar.
Chima Steakhouse
RestaurantsRazzoo's Cajun Cafe
RestaurantsLocal chain with New Orleans flavor serving bayou-inspired fare in a festive setting.
Razzoo's Cajun Cafe
RestaurantsOmakase Experience By Primefish
RestaurantsExclusive, 6-seater sushi bar featuring omakase menus plus sake and wine pairings.
Omakase Experience By Primefish
RestaurantsD.D. PECKERS WING SHACK
RestaurantsHangout with burgers & lots of chicken wings in a casual space with live music & sports on TV.
D.D. PECKERS WING SHACK
RestaurantsCondado Tacos
RestaurantsBuild-your-own tacos are the specialty at this casual restaurant offering a variety of proteins and sauces.
Condado Tacos
RestaurantsDean's Italian Steakhouse
RestaurantsPrime steaks, homemade pasta, and other classic fare in a rustic setting with a robust wine list and cocktails.
Dean's Italian Steakhouse
RestaurantsRomeo & Juliet Pizzeria
RestaurantsLow-key restaurant with outdoor tables fixing up chicken wings, pizzas, sandwiches & pasta dishes.
Romeo & Juliet Pizzeria
RestaurantsOsteria LuCa
RestaurantsPizzas, pastas, and seafood at this Italian eatery with a casual atmosphere.
Osteria LuCa
RestaurantsChex Grill & Wings
RestaurantsCounter-serve chain eatery known for its chicken wings and offering sandwiches and sides.
Chex Grill & Wings
RestaurantsThe One Tapas & Bar
RestaurantsSmall plates with global influences and crafted cocktails served in a space with an outdoor patio.
The One Tapas & Bar
RestaurantsOak Steakhouse
RestaurantsLocally sourced premium steaks & a menu of American plates that changes with the seasons.
Oak Steakhouse
RestaurantsHeirloom Catering
RestaurantsCreative farm-to-table cuisine with a global spin is served in a rustic-chic space with plank walls.
Heirloom Catering
RestaurantsCity Barbeque
RestaurantsCounter-serve smokehouse chain offering classic barbecue fare in down-home settings.
City Barbeque
RestaurantsRocky's Pizza
RestaurantsStraightforward counter-serve pizzeria preparing thin-crust pies, plus subs & paninis.
Rocky's Pizza
RestaurantsChex Grill & Wings
RestaurantsCasual restaurant turning out hot subs, wraps, and chicken wings, including halal options.
Chex Grill & Wings
RestaurantsMama's Pizza Express
RestaurantsStraightforward, compact pizza joint serving up traditional pies, pasta & sandwiches at the counter.
Mama's Pizza Express
RestaurantsCatalú
RestaurantsUpscale eatery serving paella and other traditional tapas dishes, plus cocktails and wine.
Catalú
RestaurantsMcKoy's Smokehouse and Saloon
RestaurantsRustic, casual, family-run spot offering BBQ & other comfort food plus weekly drink specials.
McKoy's Smokehouse and Saloon
RestaurantsLang Van
RestaurantsVietnamese specialties from noodles to soup headline at this simple eatery that also delivers.
Lang Van
RestaurantsPhat Burrito
RestaurantsCounter-service outpost serving Southwestern-style Mexican basics in funky, colorful quarters.
Phat Burrito
RestaurantsMac's Speed Shop
RestaurantsLocal restaurant & bar chain serving BBQ, burgers, wings, Southern fare & more, plus numerous beers.
Mac's Speed Shop
RestaurantsThe Horseshoe
RestaurantsLocal sports bar with a large selection of beer and cocktails, and bar bites, plus trivia nights and an outdoor patio.
The Horseshoe
RestaurantsSullivan's Steakhouse
RestaurantsSteakhouse chain serving beef, seafood & cocktails in swanky surrounds with live music.
Sullivan's Steakhouse
RestaurantsChex Grill & Wings
RestaurantsCasual, kid-friendly eatery serving Buffalo-style wings and fried chicken, along with burgers, Philly cheesesteaks and subs.
Chex Grill & Wings
RestaurantsMOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes
RestaurantsCounter-serve chain for custom burgers, including poultry & veggie versions, plus fries & shakes.
MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes
RestaurantsThe Sweet Spot
RestaurantsBreakfast restaurant serving classic fare such as pancakes, crepes, and eggs Benedict in a laid-back setting.
The Sweet Spot
RestaurantsSteak 48
RestaurantsHigh-end steakhouse serving prime cuts, seafood & shellfish in an elegant, modern venue.
Steak 48
RestaurantsLittle Mama’s Italian
RestaurantsClassic Italian comfort food such as meatballs and homemade mozzarella, served in a casual setting with a full bar.
Little Mama’s Italian
RestaurantsBenny Ferrovia’s Pizza
RestaurantsRelaxed restaurant serving 14" slices or 28" whole pies of New York-style pizza, plus beer.
Benny Ferrovia’s Pizza
RestaurantsBad Daddy's Burger Bar
RestaurantsHip, buzzy chain serving creative burgers with gourmet toppings, plus hand-cut fries & other sides.
Bad Daddy's Burger Bar
RestaurantsSmashburger
RestaurantsCounter-serve chain featuring signature smashed burgers, plus sides & shakes.
Smashburger
RestaurantsBeef 'N Bottle Steakhouse
RestaurantsThis traditional steakhouse serves high-end steaks & seafood in a candlelit, wood-paneled setting.
Beef 'N Bottle Steakhouse
RestaurantsSushi Star
RestaurantsCasual sushi restaurant at Rosedale Shopping Center offering specialty rolls and other Japanese fare.
Sushi Star
RestaurantsHaberdish
RestaurantsStylish Southern kitchen serving craft cocktails, plus comfort food like fried chicken & biscuits.
Haberdish
RestaurantsCarrabba's Italian Grill
RestaurantsChain eatery & bar serving a diverse menu of classic Italian fare in a family-friendly setting.
Carrabba's Italian Grill
RestaurantsLuce
RestaurantsModern, high-end Northern Italian cuisine served in a sophisticated setting with a patio.
Luce
RestaurantsPho Van
RestaurantsCasual restaurant specializing in Vietnamese comfort food, including pho, rice dishes, and banh mi.
Pho Van
RestaurantsLas Meras Tortas
RestaurantsAuthentic Mexican eatery serving tacos, tortas, gorditas, tamales and burritos, most prepared to order.
Las Meras Tortas
RestaurantsHunter House | Circa 1913
RestaurantsHistoric, charming, intimate venue showcasing craft cocktails and Southern eats in a renovated farmhouse.
Hunter House | Circa 1913
RestaurantsStone Fired Social
RestaurantsWood-fired and gluten-free pizza served in a casual eatery with a beer selection, arcade games and pinball machines.
Stone Fired Social
RestaurantsMoo & Brew
RestaurantsA long list of burgers & craft beer served in a chill space with a patio & sports on TV.
Moo & Brew
RestaurantsWingstop
RestaurantsCasual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.
Wingstop
RestaurantsSpice Charlotte
RestaurantsUpscale dining spot showcasing global cuisine and an elaborate cocktail menu in chic surroundings.
Spice Charlotte
RestaurantsOutback Steakhouse
RestaurantsBoisterous Australian-themed chain serving steaks, seafood & other hearty steakhouse fare.
Outback Steakhouse
RestaurantsViet-Thai
RestaurantsFamily-owned venue offering familiar Vietnamese dishes, particularly pho, in a casual setting.
Viet-Thai
RestaurantsDrift on Lake Wylie
RestaurantsUpscale bistro featuring views of Lake Wylie, plus steaks, seafood entrees and cocktails.
Drift on Lake Wylie
RestaurantsPie In the Sky Pizza
RestaurantsCasual pizza parlor serving New York-style slices and pies, plus sandwiches and local beer.
Pie In the Sky Pizza
RestaurantsMama Mia Too
RestaurantsFamiliar Italian meat & pasta dishes are featured at this informal option with a comfy ambiance.
Mama Mia Too
RestaurantsRuth's Chris Steak House
RestaurantsOutpost of upmarket steakhouse chain known for sizzling, butter-topped beef in an elegant setting
Ruth's Chris Steak House
RestaurantsMoochie's Tavern
RestaurantsChill hangout with build-your-own burgers & craft cocktails, plus TVs, outdoor seating & live music.
Moochie's Tavern
RestaurantsTap and Vine Quail Hollow
RestaurantsCasual place offering tapas and comfort food, plus a range of wines, and live music.
Tap and Vine Quail Hollow
RestaurantsLula Banh Mi & Pho (Arboretum)
RestaurantsCasual eatery frying up Vietnamese classics, including noodle dishes, sandwiches and beef stew.
Lula Banh Mi & Pho (Arboretum)
RestaurantsMezzanotte Ristorante
RestaurantsBrick-oven pizza & other rustic Italian fare is served in a dark-wood space with a patio.
Mezzanotte Ristorante
RestaurantsChex Grill & Wings
RestaurantsCounter-serve spot offering a variety of chicken wings plus grilled items, sides, and other comfort food.
Chex Grill & Wings
RestaurantsSTIR
RestaurantsRelaxed, roomy venue offering carefully sourced plates, an extensive cocktail menu & take-out.
STIR
RestaurantsRu San's
RestaurantsCasual Japanese eatery with a large menu including yakitori, creative sushi rolls & seafood.
Ru San's
RestaurantsBiscuit Belly
RestaurantsFamily-friendly biscuits-focused eatery serving breakfast and brunch dishes such as fried green tomatoes, gravy and pork sausage…
Biscuit Belly
RestaurantsTony's Pizza
RestaurantsCasual eatery with oversized NY-style pies & slices, plus Italian subs & red-sauce entrees.
Tony's Pizza
RestaurantsBang Bang Burgers
RestaurantsArtisanal burgers with housemade toppings & other sandwiches are made at this counter-serve outfit.
Bang Bang Burgers
RestaurantsLancaster's BBQ & Wings
RestaurantsGenerous plates of BBQ & Southern comfort grub are the draw at this time-tested, casual restaurant.
Lancaster's BBQ & Wings
RestaurantsBarcelona Wine Bar
RestaurantsWarm and welcoming Spanish tavern serving seasonal small plates, plus Spanish wines.
Barcelona Wine Bar
RestaurantsStacks Kitchen
RestaurantsBright, contemporary kitchen whipping up familiar diner fare, including breakfast served all day.
Stacks Kitchen
RestaurantsYama Loso
RestaurantsJapanese restaurant offering small plates and other fare, along with beer, wine, cocktails, and sake.
Yama Loso
RestaurantsMidwood Smokehouse
RestaurantsRegional BBQ specialties served up on plates & in sandwiches in a roadhouselike setting.
Midwood Smokehouse
RestaurantsMac's Speed Shop
RestaurantsLocal restaurant & bar chain serving BBQ, burgers, wings, Southern fare & more, plus numerous beers.
Mac's Speed Shop
RestaurantsCowbell Burger & Whiskey Bar
RestaurantsCocktails, gourmet burgers & more in a trendy room with dark wood, chandeliers & music memorabilia.
Cowbell Burger & Whiskey Bar
RestaurantsEasy Like Sunday
RestaurantsCasual breakfast and brunch restaurant serving comfort food, plus beer, wine, and cocktails.
Easy Like Sunday
RestaurantsPisces Sushi Bar and Lounge
RestaurantsClassic & unconventional sushi, plus Japanese teppanyaki fare & cocktails in colorful, mod environs.
Pisces Sushi Bar and Lounge
RestaurantsPinky's Westside Grill
RestaurantsLocal American chain serving sandwiches, hot dogs, tacos & cocktails in a casual, offbeat space.
Pinky's Westside Grill
RestaurantsBanh Mi Brothers
RestaurantsFamily-owned eatery offering spring rolls & banh mi sandwiches with vegan options in a casual space.
Banh Mi Brothers
RestaurantsNew Zealand Cafe
RestaurantsDishes from New Zealand, China & Japan, including sushi & hibachi fare, in a snug, simple space.
New Zealand Cafe
RestaurantsTwin Peaks
RestaurantsSports-bar chain known for its waitresses, serving American comfort food in lodgelike surroundings.
Twin Peaks
RestaurantsDeluxe Fun Dining
RestaurantsVibrant establishment serving elevated New American & global cuisine in a stylish, whimsical space.
Deluxe Fun Dining
RestaurantsJack Brown's
RestaurantsBar chain serving creative burgers & a lengthy list of beers in a casual, funky space.
Jack Brown's
RestaurantsJet's Pizza
RestaurantsCounter-serve chain offering Detroit-style pizza with flavored crusts, plus wings & subs.
Jet's Pizza
RestaurantsMidwood Smokehouse
RestaurantsRegional BBQ specialties served up on plates & in sandwiches in a roadhouselike setting.
Midwood Smokehouse
RestaurantsAmberJack Seafood & Steaks Restaurant
RestaurantsWhimsical steak & seafood eatery with a nautical theme supplying American classics & cocktails.
AmberJack Seafood & Steaks Restaurant
RestaurantsSomi Sushi
RestaurantsRelaxed Japanese eatery in a shopping center turning out sushi rolls, bento boxes, and sake.
Somi Sushi
RestaurantsPho@University
RestaurantsCasual Vietnamese eatery known for its pho broth and big portions.
Pho@University
RestaurantsDogwood Southern Table & Bar
RestaurantsRestaurant serving Southern eats made with local ingredients in a stylish, rustic space with a bar.
Dogwood Southern Table & Bar
RestaurantsEver Andalo
RestaurantsCozy Italian eatery featuring grilled octopus, branzino, pastas and a wine list, plus cocktails.
Ever Andalo
RestaurantsFumée
RestaurantsCasual restaurant and bar offering comfort food, cocktails, hookah, and regular live music.
Fumée
RestaurantsPARA Charlotte
RestaurantsCozy restaurant, lounge and bar serving small plates from around the world plus cocktails.
PARA Charlotte
RestaurantsEggspectation - Charlotte
RestaurantsStylish chain serving a lengthy egg-focused breakfast menu, plus American lunch & dinner fare.
Eggspectation - Charlotte
RestaurantsSnooze, an A.M. Eatery
RestaurantsVibrant, retro chain serving a seasonal menu of creative breakfast & lunch fare, plus cocktails.
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
RestaurantsSlice House Pizza
RestaurantsChill site offering NYC-style pies, hearty Italian entrees, salads & subs plus a kids' menu.
Slice House Pizza
RestaurantsMidnight Diner
RestaurantsDiner serving scratch comfort food 24/7 in a classic railroad car-style space.
Midnight Diner
RestaurantsThe Cellar at Duckworth's
RestaurantsClassy speakeasy with a vintage vibe offering creative cocktails & eclectic American fare.
The Cellar at Duckworth's
RestaurantsSouth 21 Matthews
RestaurantsClassic joint serving up burgers, fried chicken, fish & milkshakes in casual digs.
South 21 Matthews
RestaurantsZämbies Pizza
RestaurantsCasual, easygoing pizzeria serving crispy, thin-crusted pies, plus garlic knots and beers.
Zämbies Pizza
RestaurantsPizzeria Omaggio
RestaurantsCraft pizzas, sandwiches, pasta & starters with beer & coffee in stylish digs with photography.
Pizzeria Omaggio
RestaurantsFamous Toastery
RestaurantsComfortable setting for classic & creative takes on American breakfast, brunch & lunch dishes.
Famous Toastery
RestaurantsQue Onda Tacos + Tequila Uptown
RestaurantsTrendy hangout for Mexican street fare paired with a wide variety of tequilas & classic cocktails.
Que Onda Tacos + Tequila Uptown
RestaurantsRuby Sunshine
RestaurantsCasual-chic eatery serving Louisiana-inspired dishes such as shrimp and grits along with Southern brunch standards.
Ruby Sunshine
RestaurantsBen Thanh Restaurant
RestaurantsCasual, low-key setting for classic Vietnamese fare including noodle soups & rice dishes.
Ben Thanh Restaurant
RestaurantsPho Real
RestaurantsBright, modern setting for Vietnamese soups & entrees, with beer & wine available at the bar.
Pho Real
RestaurantsMEZCAL 87 CANTINA+BAR
RestaurantsTrendy eatery serving Latin-inspired fare such as paella alongside mezcal cocktails in a casual, versatile environment.
MEZCAL 87 CANTINA+BAR
RestaurantsCarolina Ale House - Concord Mills
RestaurantsCasual restaurant & sports bar with multiple outposts for pub fare, a long beer list & kids' menu.
Carolina Ale House - Concord Mills
RestaurantsWing King Cafe Charlotte NC
RestaurantsHot wings served with many different flavors of sauces along with burgers, sandwiches & tavern food.
Wing King Cafe Charlotte NC
RestaurantsSabor Latin Street Grill
RestaurantsPopular counter-serve outpost featuring classic Mexican plates & margaritas in a contemporary space.
Sabor Latin Street Grill
RestaurantsNoble Smoke
RestaurantsSpacious, industrial-style BBQ restaurant serving hickory-smoked meats & comfort sides.
Noble Smoke
RestaurantsMama Ricotta's
RestaurantsTraditional Italian cooking & New Haven-style pizza in a warm, roomy setting with a covered patio.
Mama Ricotta's
RestaurantsDave's Hot Chicken
RestaurantsCasual joint serving Nashville hot chicken dishes such as sliders, fries, and milkshakes.
Dave's Hot Chicken
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