Experience the flavors of Central Avenue with these 9 can’t-miss spots to grab a meal
Central Avenue restaurants and bakeries show off one of Charlotte’s most diverse neighborhoods, filling the area with food from Africa, Asia, Latin and South America, the Mediterranean and more.
Immigrants from across the globe have settled here, building small businesses from scratch to keep us fed. You’ll find bubble tea and pho, pupusas and plantains, falafel and shawarma, and other flavors from all over the world without having to leave the city.
Here are 9 places to eat on Central Avenue that will open your palate to new tastes and foodie adventures.
Abugida Ethiopian Cafe & Restaurant
Location: 3007 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
What to know: The restaurant owned by Shito Negussie and her daughter, Yodite Tesafye, brings the flavors of their home country to Charlotte. Vegetarian items are included on the menu, which features lamb, beef and chicken, as well. Online ordering is available.
Cedar Land
Location: 4832 Central Ave Charlotte, NC 28205
What to know: Find scratch-made Middle Eastern food such as falafel and shawarma, along with oils, spices and other specialty grocery ingredients imported from Turkey, China, Lebanon, Belgium, Syria, Germany, Indonesia, Egypt, Japan, Bosnia, France and more. Owner Musa Imreish was born and raised in Jordan.
Central Tea House
Location: 3000 Central Ave #6, Charlotte, NC 28205
What to know: Pair a banh mi with bubble tea at this restaurant owned by Phu Trinh, who immigrated to the United States from Vietnam when he was 7. The menu also includes milk teas and fruit teas, plus a variety of toppings for customizing your drink.
El Pulgarcito De America
Location: 4816 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
What to know: Find Salvadorian classics such as pupusas and fried plantains, along with Mexican staples, at this budget-friendly restaurant. Breakfast is also available.
Manolo’s Bakery
Location: 4405 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
What to know: Owner Manolo Betancur — originally from Colombia — was named the Overall Winner in the US Bread Hero category in the Tiptree World Bread Awards in 2021 for pairing community work alongside his efforts to put out Latin breads, cakes, pastries and more. Some online ordering is available, but stop by the shop for a large selection of baked goods.
Morazan Restaurant
Location: 4918 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
What to know: This Honduran restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Look for menu highlights like Lempira grilled steak and fried pork with plantains. (There are locations on Archdale Drive and South Boulevard, too.)
Pho An Hoa
Location: 4832 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
What to know: This Vietnamese restaurant takes care with its pho broth, so much so that owner Tiep Pham will throw it out and close for the day if he’s not happy with it. Come prepared to ask questions about the menu, which is sparse on details.
Tacos El Nevado
Location: 4715 Central Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205
What to know: Find flautas, tortas and all kinds of tacos at this Mexican restaurant. Pair your meal with a horchata or a. fruit-flavored refrescos. (There’s a South Boulevard location, too.) Online ordering is available.
Van Loi Chinese Barbecue
Location: 3101 Central Ave # 1, Charlotte, NC 28205
What to know: First-generation Vietnamese immigrants will find familiar flavors here, where the owners roast whole ducks and pigs. This is a restaurant for the adventurous souls willing to try chicken feet or pork stomach salad. (Never fear, there’s banh mi and fried rice, too.)
