30 best restaurants of 2024 in Charlotte
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Yunta in South End. Photo: Emma Way/Axios
Charlotte's dining scene is booming. We see it firsthand when reporting about new restaurants opening each week.
Why it matters: It can be hard to keep up, let alone sift through every new addition and rank them. That's what this list is — a culmination of the best cuisine Charlotte has to offer.
The big picture: In 2023, we reported about 91 new restaurants and bars; this year we're on track to see just as many new additions.
- Charlotteans love to flock to the shiny and new, often forgetting about the restaurants that laid the foundation for those newer restaurants to succeed in a relatively young city.
What's new: There's so much great food here, this list now only contains restaurants within Charlotte city limits. That's why — although our team agrees it deserves all the accolades — for the first time since it opened, Kindred in Davidson didn't make it in the rankings.
What they're saying: We recently surveyed our newsletter subscribers and Instagram followers, asking them "What's your favorite restaurant in Charlotte?" More than 300 people responded. These were the most popular answers:
- Yunta (#1 on this list), Customshop (#2) and Supperland (#6).
- Other Charlotte favorites that didn't make our list this year include Muraya, The Goodyear House, Rooster's, Crunkleton and Steak48.
Our methodology: We dined at every restaurant on this list more than once, and we always pay our way. All of these restaurants deliver what they say they'll deliver — in quality of food, service and vibe, with quality of food being the most important barometer.
No. 1: Yunta
A Peruvian-Japanese fusion restaurant with shareable plates, top-tier service and a big-city atmosphere. Since opening in South End in 2022, Yunta has steadily maintained its reputation as one of the best in the city, with difficult-to-snag reservations even on weeknights.
Why we love it: Dynamic but consistent, Yunta gives you a taste of New York or Miami vibes right here in Charlotte.
Dig in: The menu is split into 10 categories from bites ($6-$15) and ceviche ($16-$38) to maki rolls ($16-$19) and "the wok" ($16-$27). Don't leave without trying the tiger's milk ceviche ($22).
Pro tip: If you're looking for a more chill dinner, opt for a weekday reservation. On weekends, a live DJ sets the tone for a more lively night.
Stop by: 2201 South Blvd. in South End.
What we're watching: Chef Bruno Macchiavello of Yunta and Viva Chicken wants to bring more Peruvian cuisine to Charlotte
No. 2: Customshop
A mainstay in Elizabeth for more than 15 years, Customshop has earned a prime spot on this list two years in a row.
Why we love it: It's elegant but unpretentious. Dress up or dress down, Customshop is the kind of place you can go to for any occasion and know there's something on the menu for everyone.
Dig in: The menu changes weekly and depends on the availability of ingredients from local farms. However, the burrata and flan are mainstays on the menu for a reason.
Pro tip: If you're familiar with the restaurant but haven't been in recent years, this is your sign to check it out. Its new chef-owner Andres Kaifer has made some major changes since taking over in 2022.
Stop by: 1601 Elizabeth Ave. in Elizabeth.
What we're watching: Its owners are opening a Spanish tapas food stall at Optimist Hall in August
No. 3: Menya
Touted by food lovers and local chefs alike, this noodle counter in Elizabeth offers a taste of Japan.
Why we love it: It's affordable, delicious and authentic.
Dig in: You'll find Japanese comfort food in the form of handmade noodle dishes, like ramen and soba.
Pro tip: Hidden inside Menya is a speakeasy-style Japanese tasting menu restaurant called Kappo En. The tasting menu starts at $185 and includes about 17-18 courses.
- Parking is limited due to nearby construction. There's free neighborhood parking along E. 5th St and Clement Ave.
Stop by: 1941 E 7th St. in Elizabeth.
No. 4: Counter-
Chef and owner Sam Hart was nominated for best chef in the Southeast by the James Beard Foundation for this tasting-menu restaurant.
Why we love it: Counter-'s immersive dining experience is one-of-a-kind. It's constantly evolving with new tasting-menu themes, like the Titanic, Drive-Thru and Here & Now, to name a few.
Pro tip: The whole experience lasts about three hours.
- Prepaid reservations range between $150-$250 for a 7-14-course meal.
Stop by: 2001 W Morehead St. in Ashley Park.
What we're watching: 5 major changes happening at Counter-
No. 5: Restaurant Constance
Owner-chef Sam Diminich opened this Wesley Heights restaurant a mile from where he was once experiencing homelessness.
Why we love it: It feels like you're dining inside Diminich's home and by the time you leave you'll feel like you know him personally.
Dig in: Because of the nature of the farm-to-table restaurant, the menu changes often.
Pro tip: Dining times are limited. Because of the tight space and high demand, your reservation is limited to 90 minutes.
Stop by: 2200 Thrift Road in Wesley Heights.
No. 6: Supperland
Southern steakhouse in a remodeled historic Plaza Midwood church by local restaurateurs Jeff Tonidandel and Jamie Brown, the owners of Ever Andalo, Growlers Pourhouse, Reigning Doughnuts and Haberdish.
Why we love it: It's a special occasion spot meant to impress. The service is spectacular, the ambiance is unbeatable and the food never disappoints.
Dig in: Top off your steak ($68-$120) with a poached lobster tail ($64) for a little surf-and-turf action.
Pro tip: Below Supperland's cocktail bar is a speakeasy that offers themed tasting menus for about $160 per person.
Stop by: 1212 The Plaza in Plaza Midwood.
What we're watching: Its owners are opening a surf-and-turf restaurant in Dilworth called Leluia Hall
No. 7: Stagioni
Modern take on classic Italian dishes by chef-owner Bruce Moffett.
Why we love it: Dining at Stagioni is like stepping into an Italian villa.
Dig in: Stagioni's pizza scissors get all the buzz — as they should; they're fun — but this Myers Park restaurant also should be celebrated for fresh pasta dishes and excellent slow-roasted meats, including the meatballs.
Pro tip: On a date, one person should order the pasta and the other should order the pizza to share.
Stop by: 715 Providence Road in Myers Park.
No. 8: Calle Sol
Café and cevicheria inspired by Latin restaurants in cities like Miami and Tampa, by local restaurateur Frank Scibelli, of Mama Ricotta's, Midwood Smokehouse, Paco's Tacos & Tequila, among others.
Why we love it: It's consistent and inexpensive with large portions and great vibes.
Dig in: Order the Tampa-style Cubano ($13).
Pro tip: Calle Sol's cafeteria menu at its Plaza Midwood location is a great bang for your buck — you get one entrée and two sides for $10. It's available 11am-3pm on weekdays.
Stop by: 1205 Thomas Ave. in Plaza Midwood and 3100 Apex Drive in SouthPark.
Go deeper: Popular cevicheria Calle Sol expands to SouthPark
No. 9: Bird Pizzeria
Literal hole-in-the-wall, pick-up-only pizzeria with some of the best pizza in the country, per the New York Times (and us).
Why we love it: Owner Kerrel Thompson used his time during the pandemic lockdown to perfect the craft of pizza-making. He made pizza every day, sharing the extra pies with friends and family, and eventually started hosting pizza pop-ups. Now, the popular take-out spot is getting national attention and is on the precipice of expanding its space.
Dig in: Bird specializes in what the Thompsons describe as gourmet East Coast-style pizza.
Pro tip: Grab a 14" pie and head over to Substrate next door to enjoy indoors with a nice glass of wine.
Stop by: 510 E. 15th St. in Optimist Park
What we're watching: Bird Pizzeria is adding an indoor dining room and bigger menu
No. 10: Chapter 6
Mediterranean restaurant with shareable plates located right off the light rail.
Why we love it: The variety of food, quality drinks and fun atmosphere make this restaurant one of the best additions to the city's culinary scene in the last year. Plus, it's located in the heart of South End, so there's plenty to explore nearby before or after dinner.
Dig in: Chapter 6's menu features cuisine from six different regions in the western Mediterranean including Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, France and Italy. Expect house-made pasta, fresh seafood and seasonal produce.
Stop by: 2151 Hawkins St. in South End
Go deeper: New Mediterranean restaurant Chapter 6 opening in South End with a patio overlooking the Rail Trail
No. 11: Curry Gate
Indian and Nepalese dishes in no-frills space.
Why we love it: Curry Gate's fast-growing footprint in Charlotte has turned locals into lovers of Indian and Nepali cuisine across its locations on Graham Street, South Boulevard, Monarch Market and one coming soon to Matthews.
Dig in: Everything is done well at Curry Gate, from the butter garlic naan ($5) to the tikka masala ($18) to our favorite, the samosa chaat ($14).
Pro tip: Mouth on fire? Order a mango lassi ($5).
Stop by: Curry Gate 2 at 5516 South Blvd. for stellar dine-in service, or Curry Gate at 630 W. 24th St. for easy takeout.
Go deeper: Charlotte's beloved Curry Gate restaurant is now open on South Boulevard
No. 12: Ever Andalo
Upscale Italian restaurant with a romantic setting.
Why we love it: Their housemade pasta, large selection of Italian wines and delicious Italian dishes.
Dig in: To start, get the focaccia ($10), which is served with a flight of olive oil. The burrata ($16) includes a few slices of focaccia, but you're going to want extra bread, trust us. For your main, you can't go wrong with any of the pastas but don't skip out on the short rib if it's available.
Pro tip: Street parking is limited; we recommend Uber or Lyft.
Stop by: 3116 N. Davidson St. in NoDa.
No. 13: Lang Van
Beloved Vietnamese restaurant that treats every customer like family.
Why we love it: This family-run east Charlotte mainstay serves up Charlotte's best pho. The warm and attentive service is just the bean sprout on top.
Dig in: Lang Van offers 11 varieties of its popular beef broth pho ($13.95), not including its specials. Take your pick — you can't go wrong.
Pro tip: Don't be alarmed if you're greeted with a hug, that's just their thing.
Stop by: 3019 Shamrock Dr. in Shannon Park.
No. 14: New Zealand Cafe
Charlotte's most beloved sushi restaurant.
Why we love it: It's a no-frills classic in southeast Charlotte where quality ingredients meet value.
Dig in: The extensive menu ranges from classic sashimi and nigiri to ornate, artfully crafted sushi boats and bento boxes.
Stop by: 1717 Sardis Road N. in Sardis Woods.
No. 15: Fin & Fino
Seafood, small plates and a fun cocktail program by local restaurateur Jon Dressler, of The Porter's House, Dressler's and Chapter 6, among others.
Why we love it: Some of the best seafood in Charlotte is served at this Uptown restaurant, which recently expanded to Birkdale Village.
Dig in: If you can't decide what to order, splurge for "The Treatment" for $70. It's a chef-driven tour of the entire menu, and $5 goes to charity. Every night it's a little different, but guaranteed you'll leave stuffed.
Pro tip: Guests who visit Fin & Fino on Mondays can get a free dozen oysters if they hand over their cell phones.
Stop by: 135 Levine Avenue of the Arts in Uptown and 8630 Lindholm Dr. in Huntersville.
No. 16: El Puro
Cuban restaurant by the family behind Havana Carolina in Concord.
Why we love it: Dinner at El Puro is an experience meant to take you back in time to 1950s pre-revolutionary Cuba. They have live music and regularly host salsa lessons.
Dig in: Expect modern takes on typical Cuban cuisine. The ropa vieja, for example, is made with shredded brisket, creole sauce and congrí rice. Most entrees come with a side, and you'd be doing yourself a disservice to not throw an order of sweet plantains.
Pro tip: Its "happy hour bites" menu features shareable plates for $9, available Tuesday-Friday from 3-6pm.
- On Tuesday-Fridays from 11am-4pm they have a $20 "prefix" lunch special, where you get a choice of one appetizer, an entree and dessert.
Stop by: 5033 South Blvd in Madison Park.
Go deeper: Havana Carolina owners open new Cuban restaurant in Charlotte
No. 17: Puerta
The Crunkleton team excels in two things: cocktails and vibes. This Mexican restaurant by the same owners is no exception.
Why we love it: Puerta feels like a restaurant you'd find in a city like New York or Austin. On the weekends, there's a DJ, food is served until midnight and the bar is open until 1am.
Dig in: A must-try dish is the yellowtail ceviche, made with a triple citrus marinade, chili and cilantro ($21).
- If you're looking for a deal go on Tuesdays, most tacos are $4.
Pro tip: Though you may be able to walk in and get drinks at the bar, don't plan on snagging a table at Puerta without a reservation.
Stop by: 1961 E 7th St. in Elizabeth
No. 18: Good Food on Montford
The O.G. of Charlotte small-plate restaurants.
Why we love it: As the story goes, Bruce Moffett wanted to open his second restaurant on Montford Drive when a barista told him, "There's no good food on Montford."
- Moffett proved us all wrong when he opened Good Food in 2009.
- Since then, dozens of other Charlotte restaurants have latched on to the small plates approach to dining, but none do it with as much versatility as Good Food, with influences from Greece, Korea, Italy, and more.
Dig in: You gotta try Amy's bread ($6), rock shrimp fritters ($17) and the pommes frites ($12). The pasta comes in half-servings, but just go ahead and get the full serving. We especially liked the tagliolini ($16).
Pro tip: Sit at the chef's counter for a full culinary experience.
Stop by: 1701 Montford Dr. in Montford.
Go deeper: Changes are coming to Good Food on Montford with the return of chef Kerry Moffett
No. 19: L'Ostrica
Tasting menu restaurant with global culinary influences.
Why we love it: With its seasonal tasting menu, craft cocktail program and chef's market, it's the kind of place you can go to for a quick drink, fancy night out or lunch to go.
Dig in: The intimate tasting menu dinners, with eight to 10 courses, change seasonally and are influenced by Italian, Korean, Japanese and French cuisine.
- Tasting menus start at $175 per person.
Pro tip: For grab-and-go options, you can pop inside and visit the market, which serves fresh pasta, sauces, snacks, salads, dips, soups, sandwiches and sweets, all made in-house.
Stop by: 4701 Park Road, near Montford.
Go deeper: New tasting menu restaurant and chef's market LʼOstrica opening near Montford
No. 20: Omakase Experience by Prime Fish
A unique dining experience for sushi lovers looking for fresh seafood, authentic cuisine and eccentric ingredients.
Why we love it: The restaurant only seats six people, creating an intimate dining experience with plenty of one-on-one time with chef-owner Robin Anthony, who prepares everything in front of you.
Dig in: A 10-course lunch menu is available for reservation only on Fridays and Saturdays at 1pm for $150 per person.
- Dinner reservations for their 16-course menu start at $300 per person.
Stop by: 2907 Providence Road in Providence Park.
Go deeper: 3 things to know before eating at Omakase Experience by Prime Fish
No. 21: Aqua e Vino
An old-school, upscale Italian restaurant
Why we love it: Tucked in Strawberry Hill, Aqua e Vino is one of Charlotte's best-kept secrets. It's an old-school spot, the kind where you can only make reservations over the phone, and white tablecloths drape over every table.
Dig in: This upscale restaurant offers some of the most affordable tasting menus in the city. You can get three starters, three pastas and three desserts for $60 a person.
Pro tip: This isn't where to go for a quick meal; each course is meant to be savored. The tasting menu took us three hours.
Stop by: 4219 Providence Road in Providence Park.
No. 22: Beef N' Bottle
Old-school steakhouse.
Why we love it: A Charlotte staple since 1958, Beef 'N Bottle hasn't changed much over the years. Inside, the South Boulevard restaurant is dark and cozy with wood paneling and decades-old photographs on the walls.
Dig in: Steaks always arrive tender and cooked to your preference (medium rare, duh), and come with a salad and a side or two sides if you don't want a salad.
Pro tip: Wine is half off on Mondays.
Stop by: 4538 South Blvd. in Collingwood.
No. 23: Alexander Michael's
Cozy Fourth Ward restaurant and pub.
Why we love it: Al Mike's is a Charlotte institution in Fourth Ward known as much for its intimate, welcoming dining room as it is for its longstanding classic dishes like the spicy crab soup.
Dig in: Don't skip the "What It Is" — blackened chicken breast over fresh rotini in a Cajun cream sauce ($19.75). It's a classic. The shareable fried pickles ($7) are also some of the best in Charlotte.
Pro tip: Get a ride to Al Mike's for a hearty dinner, then walk to a big game or concert in Uptown. Not a ton of parking options, but the walk is lovely.
Stop by: 401 W. 9th St. in Uptown.
No. 24: Barrington's
Classic SouthPark restaurant that helped establish Charlotte's culinary scene.
Why we love it: The space is welcoming and non-fussy — in a good way. The menu is similarly approachable, but refined.
Dig in: The Springer Mountain Farms chicken ($34) has been on the menu for more than 20 years "for a reason," our server pointed out.
Pro tip: There's plenty of parking on the lot but if you're having more than one of their (very strong) cocktails, we recommend Uber or Lyft.
Stop by: 7822 Fairview Road in Governor's Square.
No. 25: The Fig Tree
Sets the standard for a white tablecloth, fine dining destination in Charlotte.
Why we love it: Located inside a historic Craftsman-style bungalow in Elizabeth, this upscale restaurant is the kind of place you go to for a special occasion.
Dig in: Order the famous elk chop ($58), served with Horseradish Spätzle, bacon-braised red cabbage and Boursin-Dijon sauce.
Pro tip: Their wine selection is as thick as a bible and has by-the-bottle and glass options.
Stop by: 1601 E 7th St. in Elizabeth.
No. 26: Mama Ricotta's
Traditional longstanding Italian restaurant.
Why we love it: The 30-plus-year-old Midtown favorite isn't about gimmicks or reinventing Italian-American cuisine; it's focused on the classics.
Dig in: The Penne alla vodka ($20/$35) arrives with sautéed pancetta in a peppery tomato cream sauce. And Mama Ricotta's lasagna ($18), with layers of ground beef, veal, sausage, and a whole lotta cheese, is so good it's like a hug straight from nonna.
Stop by: 601 South Kings Dr. in Midtown.
Pro tip: For a different experience but a similar menu, consider Little Mama's in SouthPark or Rea Farms.
Go deeper: Mama Ricotta's celebrates 30 years. This is what owner Frank Scibelli would order there
No. 27: Noble Smoke
Carolina and Texas-style BBQ by Jim Noble, the restaurateur behind Rooster's, The King's Kitchen and Bossy Beulah's.
Why we love it: The massive (10,797-square-foot) space makes it fitting for large gatherings. It's a great place to take family and friends who are visiting from out of town.
Dig in: Order a bunch of meats and sides to share with the table. You can't go wrong with the beef brisket and the pulled BBQ chicken, available in quarter, half and one-pound quantities. For sides, order the mac & cheese, pan-fried corn, Anson Mills hush puppies and Brussels sprouts (seasonal).
Stop by: 2216 Freedom Dr. in Enderly Park and a food stall in Optimist Hall.
No. 28: Tacos el Nevado
If you're looking for authentic Mexican food in Charlotte, this is it.
Why we love it: It's home to some of the best street tacos and quesadillas we've had in Charlotte.
Dig in: Try the Choriqueso (queso dip with chorizo, $7.25) and the chicken quesadilla ($9.99). Tacos are about $3 each.
Pro tip: The menu is pretty big, so if you're unsure what to get, ask your server.
Stop by: 4640 South Blvd. in Collingwood and 4715 Central Ave. in Windsor Park.
Go deeper: 14 must-try Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants in Charlotte
No. 29: 300 East
Located in a craftsman-style home in historic Dilworth, the nearly 40-year-old restaurant is reliably welcoming and delicious any time of day.
Why we love it: The new American spot is consistently busy, but never feels rushed — go ahead and order another one of pastry chef Lex Druhan's desserts.
Dig in: No dinner is complete without the baked goat cheese with garlic confit ($15) and a seasonal ice cream sandwich. Make sure to listen to the specials; that's where 300 East's menu shines.
- For brunch, the breakfast pizza ($18) is a must.
Pro tip: Bottles of wine are half-price on Wednesdays.
Stop by: 300 East Blvd. in Dilworth.
No. 30: Peppervine
Progressive American restaurant from the owners of Banner Elk's Artisanal.
Why we love it: The SouthPark fine-dining establishment has an experienced team behind it: Bill and Anita Greene, who are also the couple behind one of North Carolina's most picturesque restaurants, Artisanal, located in a converted barn in Banner Elk.
Must-order dishes: Every item is made with meticulous, intentional ingredients that burst with flavor. The atmosphere is reminiscent of an art museum, with earthy tones, a window into the kitchen and trendy music.
Pro tip: On Tuesdays, bottles of wine under $200 are half-price.
Stop by: 4620 Piedmont Row Dr. in SouthPark.
Go deeper: The most anticipated new restaurants and bars in Charlotte