June 11 2021
Culinary adventures await you in Charlotte! Upscale gourmet dishes, comforting Southern bites, and one-of-a-kind fusions are just a taste of the incredible meals this city has to offer. With so many fabulous establishments to choose from, deciding where to go (and for what occasion) can leave you wondering where to start. To help ensure that you don’t miss out on the best menus around, we’ve composed a list of the top-rated restaurants in Charlotte, NC.
The Fig Tree
This elegant establishment is perhaps the most popular fine dining experience in the city, and for good reason. Each dish is artfully crafted by The Fig Tree’s masterful chefs, with a French and Italian-inspired menu that will stir your senses with every bite. Their impressive wine menu and upscale ambiance make this the perfect place to celebrate special occasions.
Lang Van
A favorite of Charlotte locals, this small eatery serves up big flavors. The Vietnamese menu at Lang Van includes spicy pho, fresh summer rolls, and tasty traditional hot pots. This East Charlotte eatery is in a quaint but charming building, and while Lang Van might be easy to miss, the food is impossible to forget.
Midwood Smokehouse
With three locations in Charlotte and two more in Columbia and Huntersville, you know the pit-masters at Midwood Smokehouse are dishing out some serious BBQ. In addition to their classic, mouth-watering barbecued pork, their smoked meatballs, brisket, and tex-mex tacos will have you planning your next visit to the smokehouse before you’ve cleared your plate.
Luce Restaurant & Bar
An elegant uptown restaurant with ambient indoor seating and atmospheric al fresco dining, Luce is the place to go for sophisticated Italian cuisine. Their menu includes delicate carpaccio, artisan antipasto, rich bolognese, and fresh market fish. The only issue you’ll have at Luce is deciding what to order first.
Mert’s Heart and Soul
You can’t go wrong with Southern soul food, and the folks at Mert’s are doing it really, really right. This husband-and-wife-run restaurant was featured on the hit show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, and that recognition was well earned. Enjoy classics like fried green tomatoes and fried chicken, or turn up the spice with Cajun creations like shrimp creole and low country boil. Whatever you do, don’t miss out on Mert’s famous salmon cakes.
Beef ‘N Bottle
A Charlotte staple since 1958, Beef ‘N Bottle Steakhouse is known for its high-quality meats and cozy, ambient atmosphere. This award-winning spot serves juicy steaks, delicate seafood, and has an artfully curated wine selection. If you’re interested in trying something unique, their rich and tender bison ribeye is an excellent choice.
The Melting Pot
Nothing hits the spot quite like a decadent fondue, and The Melting Pot in Midtown is guaranteed to satisfy your need to indulge. In addition to their incredible selection of artisan cheeses and dreamy chocolate confections, the Melting Pot offers a top-notch selection of steaks, seafood, and local specials.
The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
Fresh sushi and gourmet burgers under one roof might sound a tad peculiar, but the menu at Cowfish is a delightful contradiction. Chow down on a black truffle cheeseburger, indulge in a delicate sampling of nigiri, or get adventurous with their unique and delightful burgushi; a fusion of sushi-style burgers and burger-style sushi. Is it a strange idea? Of course. But what’s even stranger is that it’s absolutely delicious.
Once you’ve tried a taste of the city life, come enjoy the peace and quiet of Davison, NC. This charming town has its own share of incredible restaurants, fabulous shops, and easy access to all the attractions of Lake Norman. Just 30 minutes from downtown Charlotte, Davidson Village Inn has 18 well-appointed guest rooms that include a delicious gourmet breakfast each morning, and our exclusive Davidson Dining Package gives every Inn guest a special rate at the town’s top restaurants.
