Your Guide to Charlotte - Discover Where to Eat and Drink from the Best Restaurants to Hidden Gems

Charlotte is an odd city. It’s full of stunning, incredibly expensive restaurant buildouts that somehow manage to feel corporate, sterile, and overpriced. There isn’t a natural sense of place here, which means you have to work a lot harder to find the soul.

But that doesn’t mean Charlotte is a bad city—you just need a better filter to navigate the city. Beneath the glossy surface, the real gems are there if you know where to look. This guide bypasses the over-hyped traps to bring you the spots actually worth your time and money: the best restaurants in the city, the hidden holes-in-the-wall, the master bakeries, and the bars making flawless craft cocktails. Consider this your road map to enjoying Charlotte.

Your Guide to Charlotte, NC

Chef Sam Diminich Opens Grey’s Diner

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27 Essential Restaurants in Charlotte, NC

From a hidden taqueria to a world-class omakase, discover which restaurants are showcasing the best of Charlotte’s food scene right now.

Omakase by Prime Fish

Discover why Omakase by Prime Fish is the gold standard for sushi in the South. With James Beard and Michelin recognition, this is the only tasting menu in Charlotte on par with NYC and LA.

Counter-

Have you been thinking about a reservation at Counter, Charlotte's Michelin-starred tasting menu? Click to read my full review.

Events & Activities

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The Headspa Sanctuary

Discover why The Headspa Sanctuary is the most luxurious spa experience in the Carolinas. From Japanese headspas and Korean facials to their life-changing Sanctuary 6 experience.

Mood House

EliteMD

From $55 labs to 24/7 doctor access and "pain-free" Dysport—see how EliteMD in Matthews, NC is fixing the broken healthcare system with Direct Primary Care.

The Maps

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The Best Barbecue Restaurants across the Southeast

From whole hog to Texas-style brisket, discover the best barbecue restaurants across the Southeast that are worthy of a pilgrimage.

27 Essential Restaurants in Charlotte, NC

From a hidden taqueria to a world-class omakase, discover which restaurants are showcasing the best of Charlotte’s food scene right now.

Food & Drink

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Grey’s Diner and Community Kitchen

An inside look at Grey's Diner and Community Kitchen in Charlotte, NC. Chef Sam Diminich revives the historic 1940s Mattie's Diner car in Plaza Midwood with an upscale, farm-to-table spin on classic comfort food, creative vegan options, and nostalgic desserts.

Omakase by Prime Fish

Discover why Omakase by Prime Fish is the gold standard for sushi in the South. With James Beard and Michelin recognition, this is the only tasting menu in Charlotte on par with NYC and LA.

Prime Fish Cellar

From DIY handrolls to elegant jewel boxes, Prime Fish Cellar is Charlotte’s best new sushi destination. Discover why it's the perfect balance of elite quality and date-night atmosphere.

Rada

Experience the best of Charlotte’s high-end dining at Rada. From the San Sebastian Martini to seasonal pastas and an incredible two-pound au poivre striploin, see why this NYC-inspired spot is worth a visit.

Prime Fish

Discover the best sushi in Charlotte. With recognition from both James Beard and Michelin, and a commitment to the highest quality ingredients, Prime Fish is the only restaurant in Charlotte serving the caliber sushi you would find in NYC and LA. It’s no wonder they set the gold standard—click to read the full review.

Pho Huong Que

Authentic Vietnamese food in Charlotte, NC.

Bird Pizzeria

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.

Lam's Kitchen

Lam’s Kitchen in Matthews was once the best Chinese restaurant in the Charlotte area. Read our updated review on their famous Hong Kong lobster, wok hei classics, and why recent quality declines mean it's no longer a must-visit.

Emmy Squared

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.

Jon G's Barbecue

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.

Lodging

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