Well, this is more like a list of our favorite places in the Charlotte areas. The food scene in Charlotte is growing. While there is still a lot more to do to compete with other cities (such as Chicago or DC) we plan to visit at least one new restaurant a month for dinner. I don’t plan on adding any chain restaurants to this list, there may be one or two worth mentioning. This list will be updating as we find new places we love. Any recommendations are more than welcome!
Kindred
This place has consistently been on the top of the lists for a few years and after visiting, it’s easy to understand why. The menu isn’t vast, which means more attention can be given to the plates they do serve. Each dish was perfection and all flavors exquisitely complimented one another, exceeding all expectations. Due to the cozy nature of the restaurant, it can be a little noisy.
Best for: Hanging out or date night.
Reservation recommended? Yes!
La Belle Helene
When I found out there was a new French restaurant, of course it went on my list of places to visit. We finally got around to making a reservation. I was so hopeful that this would not disappoint because so many do. IT.DID.NOT.
Best for: Date Night
Reservation recommended? Yes!
The Fig Tree
While this place holds a special place near and dear to my heart, I haven’t yet come across a better restaurant in the Charlotte area. You could close your eyes and land your finger on any random menu item and it’s just good. Everything is prepared to perfection.
Best for: Date Night
Reservation recommended? Yes!
Sheng Ramen Ballantyne
The best ramen in the area. I’m super picky about dumplings and they have some of the best gyoza for a restaurant. Too often restaurants carry dumplings that taste like they came out of the freezer section of the local grocery store…and they might be. The Tonkotsu and Curry Ramen are our favorites, with the curry being my favorite.
Best for: Authentic or creative ramen
Reservation recommended? No
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
I’ve slept on this place for quite some time because they seem more like a chain. They offer seating to accommodate the atmosphere you’re looking for. Slightly overpriced, however, the dish I was most impressed with was their crab cake appetizer. Sitting at 7 ounces, you could eat this as an entree and add a side. Hands down the best cream cake yet.
Best for: Date Night, Work dinners, or hanging out with friends.
Reservation recommended? Yes!
Crepe Cellar Kitchen and Pub
Crepes are hands down one of my favorite things to ever exist. I always get a savory and sweet for the perfect balance and take turns having a bite of each. Favorite dessert crepe is the strawberry, banana and Nutella. Swoon.
Lang Van
A local favorite. I finally tried this place after a couple of years of living here and I can say it did not disappoint. The reviews are true, they do treat you just like family every time you want through their door. This food also did not disappoint at all. The menu is vast, which was a concern for me at first, but the concerns vanished as soon as we received our food.
Oak Steakhouse
We tried this place shortly after they opened. Great atmosphere, high quality steaks, all food prepared well with an attentive staff. Intimate, cozy atmosphere, relatively quiet with the seating generously spaced.
Best for: Date Night
Reservation recommended? Yes!
The Dumpling Lady
Before settling into Optimist Hall, they were a food truck. I was never able to find the time to track them down properly when I was in Charlotte but since being at their new home, I’m able to plan my visits better. It’s now easy to order online and pick up inside. They also offer frozen dumplings to make at home and I often stock up on them to bring home. They keep in the freezer well saved back for a rainy day I’m craving their dumplings and I don’t want to get out or make the drive. My personal favorite is the pork belly dumplings. A little spicy but it burns so good.
Best for: Authentic dumplings.
Reservation recommended? No.
Velvet Taco
Let me just start off with the fact the patio is pupper friendly. Ahhh. While they have a variety of tacos to choose from…there’s really just not a bad one to be had. My personal favorites are the falafel and chicken tikka.
Best for: Unique taco combinations.
Reservation recommended? No
Sea Level
When the oyster cravings hit, this is where we go and take full advantage of their Happy Hour Oysters Tues-Fri 4pm-7pm. I personally prefer west coast oysters for their more briny flavor…but usually I’m not very picky. Also, we typically top it off with a seafood tower. Solid.
Best for: Quality seafood and date night,
Reservation recommended? Yes!
Baku
Located in Southpark area across from the mall, offering small plates on small plates. High quality sushi. This is perfect for when I want a little bit of everything. It’s the next best thing to a tasting menu.
Best for: Small plates and date night
Reservation recommended? Yes!
Little Spoon
I love their simple dishes that give you a good portion without being overfed. Nice presentation and cozy feel. Also, a few steps from a wine store or Clean Catch Fish Market to pick up dinner items before you leave.
Best for: Brunch
Reservation recommended? Yes, during prime brunch hours.
