Charlotte has rapidly become home to people from many cultures and backgrounds, and our restaurants have followed this trend. Local dinning also was enhanced by the 2004 opening of a Johnson & Wales University campus in Charlotte. Its College of Culinary Arts has become a feeder for restaurants throughout the region. This page contains some of our favorite local dining spots:
Amelie’s
Amelie’s is a French-inspired restaurant located on N. Davidson St. The restaurant, also known as The Mother Ship, offers many baked goods such as tarts, quiches, breads, and cakes. Amelie’s is sure to have something sweet or savory to satisfy any palate.
Uptown Location: 330 S. Tryon St.
Davidson Location: 2424 N Davidson St #102.
Number: (704) 376-1781
Basil Thai Restaurant
Located on a delicious strip of restaurants in Uptown Charlotte, Basil has a mixture of Thai, Asian, and vegetarian food. At Basil you can enjoy an outdoor seating area where you could have a romantic night, family outdoor dinner, or a private party. Items from the menu include: Thai chicken wings, fresh basil rolls, satay, stuffed shrimp, and much more. Not far from Uptown and on the CATS bus line, Basil is a great pick for lunch, dinner, or anything in between.
Location: 210 N. Church St.
Phone: (704) 332-7212
Cabo Fish Taco
Cabo Fish Taco was created out of pure creativity and a love for fresh California/Mexican style cuisine. Mexican fish tacos swept up the west coast, so co owners, Gary, Meghan, and Rob brought them back to the east coast for Charlotte residents to enjoy. Cabo houses a fusion of fresh, unique California and Mexican flavors in their menu that includes tacos, wraps, burritos, soups, and more.
Location: 3201 N Davidson St
Number: (704) 332-8868
Chicken Box Cafe
The Chicken Box Cafe has two locations, one on Sugar Creek and the other on N. Tryon. The Chicken Box Cafe offers a wide selection of “home-cooked” southern meals such as chicken, oxtails, meatloaf, and pork chops. At reasonable prices, The Chicken Box Cafe gives you a bang for your buck.
Location: 3726 N. Tryon St.
Phone: (704) 566-6000
Crave Dessert Bar
World-class sweets meet Charlotte evening entertainment at this Uptown dessert and hookah bar. Crave offers a destination for socializing or beating hunger with countless appetizers, dessert options such as layered cakes and fondue, and signature cocktails and wine.
Location: 500 W. 5th St, #120.
Phone: (704) 335-0588
Dolce Ristorante
Dolce Ristorante is an Italian restaurant that serves lunch and dinner. Dolce also serves salads, desserts and a variety of authentic pasta, seafood and sandwiches. The restaurant has a large wine selection, a great atmosphere, and an inviting outdoor patio.
Location: 1710 Kenilworoth Ave. #210
Phone: (704) 332-7525
Green’s Lunch
Green’s Lunch is an old fashioned diner located in Uptown Charlotte. Since 1926, Green’s has been known for its breakfast as well as for its famous hot dogs. Other menu items include cheeseburgers, sandwhiches, salads, and various deserts.
Location: 309 W. 4th.
Phone: (704) 332-1786
Nana’s Soul Food
Nana’s Soul restaurant offers a southern comfort cuisine usually found in a local setting. Nana’s restaurant offers southern classics such as macaroni and cheese, red velvet cake, fried chicken, candied yams, and banana pudding.
Location: 2908 Oak Lake Blvd.
Phone: (704) 357-3700.
Pio Pio Restaurant
Pio Pio is a Latin American restaurant with two Charlotte locations and the “Best Chicken in Charlotte.” The restaurant has a special sauce that marinates its rotissire chicken with Latin Ameircan infused flavor. Pio Pio offers classics such as ceviche and arroz con pollo in addition to kid-friendly options and large-style catering.
East Charlotte Location: 1408 East Blvd.
Phone: (704) 379-1911
South Charlotte Location: 15025 Lancaster Hwy.
Phone: (704) 542-2629
Red Rocks Cafe
This restaurant is a brewery, bakery, and cafe rolled into a comfy south Charlotte restaurant. Serving unique American style cuisine, Red Rocks Cafe also offers a wide variety of fine wines and specialty beers.
Location: 4223 Providence Rd.
Phone: (704) 364-0402
Roosters
With two different locations in Charlotte; one in Uptown and the other in South Charlotte, Roosters provides a fresh take on food grown by local farmers. Chef Jim Noble strives to provide Charlotte residents with fine service, but with a comfortable dining atmosphere. Menu items include: macaroni and cheese, fried oysters, salads, roasted chicken, and pan fried corn.
South Charlotte Location: 6601 Morrison Blvd.
Uptown Location: 150 N College St.
Phone: (704) 370-7667
SoHo Bistro
Soho is fine Chinese dining located in uptown Charlotte. Classic Chinese staples such as egg rolls, lo mein, and fried rice are tasty options to choose from. Soho offers dine in, takeout and delivery.
Location: 214 N. Tryon St.
Phone: (704) 333-5189
Terrace Café
Terrace Café is located in Ballantyne and in South Park. Terrace Cafe offers fresh and unique breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Their red velvet waffles, and s’mores French toast make it a popular breakfast spot.
Location: 4625 Piedmont Row Dr. & 14815 Ballantyne Village Way.
Number: (704) 369-5190
The 7th Street Public Market
The 7th Street Public Market is presented by Carolinas Medical Center. The former location of Reid’s Fine Foods, the Market features fresh produce from local farms and vendors. Some of the vendors include BarChocolate, Eden Flowers, Pure Pizza, and Charlotte Tea and Spice. On Wednesday nights, the 7th Street Market also holds a live music night.
Location: 224 E 7th St.
Phone: (704) 230-4346.
Villa Francesca
Hailing from Queens New York, the Suppa Family invites you to “enjoy a nice relaxing meal and enjoy the food made with love” at their Italian restaurant located on N. Caldwell St. Villa Francesca offers Italian classics such as pizza, salads, and pasta. They also deliver for free around Uptown with a minimum purchase.
Location: 321 N. Caldwell St.
Phone: (704) 333-7447
18 Asian and Sushi Bar
This restaurant serves delectable cuisine, sushi rolls, and a wide selection of noodle and rice bowls. The price range is affordable, with most meals under $30.
Location: 9935 Rea Rd.
Phone: (704) 845-1801
505E Resturant and Lounge
505E is new two story resturant in Uptown Charlotte. On the first floor, 505E offers a modern fine dining experience that includes a sushi bar, drinks, pasta, seafood, desserts and live music. On the second floor, guests can enjoy a chill hookah lounge and bar.
Location: 505 East 6th St.
Phone: (704) 817-9374
