‘I’m just a girl who likes to eat’: My 10 favorite authentic restaurants in Charlotte
There are few things that I love more than discovering a genuine, hole-in-the-wall restaurant — especially one that serves authentic cuisine. I get such a thrill out of finding an under-the-radar spot with not just incredible food, but a sense of character as well.
Since moving to Charlotte in 2018, I’ve made it a point to explore the restaurant scene here. Much like the city’s ever-evolving skyline, new restaurants seem to pop up overnight. While many have had profound impacts on our culinary landscape, a few have even earned James Beard nominations — though I find myself drawn to the ones that aren’t so prolific. I like the type of eateries that are off the beaten path, tucked away in shopping plazas or located in old Pizza Hut buildings.
Having worked in the restaurant industry for a few years now, I discover many of my favorite restaurants through word of mouth. If there’s one thing restaurant people are good at, it’s eating (and drinking, but that’s a story for a different time) — especially the chefs. Sometimes, I simply follow a craving. Other times, I follow my intuition. I have a sixth sense when it comes to this kind of thing.
Before we jump into the list, let me concede that I am by no means an expert on world cuisine. I’m just a girl who likes to eat. I also like to explore and for some reason I have a penchant for places that aren’t necessarily shiny and new. I like restaurants with personality and soul. And sometimes that’s found in a dimly-lit Korean joint in the back of an Asian market. More on that later.
At the end of the day, I really do believe that Charlotte has such a rich culinary culture — you just have to know where to look.
Here are my top 10 authentic Charlotte restaurants you may not know about:
Curry Gate
Location: 630 W 24th St, Charlotte, NC 28206
Location: 5516 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28217
Location: Monarch Market, 101 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Location: 1240 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd, NC 28105
Instagram: @curry.gate, @currygate02
Over the past few years, Curry Gate, an Indian/Nepali-style restaurant, has exploded in popularity, expanding to four locations across Charlotte. Not to be that person, but I knew about Curry Gate before Curry Gate was cool. I’ve been ordering the makhani curry with paneer for years — way before Curry Gate opened its second location, Curry Gate 2, in an old Pizza Hut building on South Boulevard. On a side note, I genuinely believe that the South End location tastes better because it exists in an old Pizza Hut. I think there are telltale signs to a place’s authenticity and existing in an old Pizza Hut building is absolutely one of them!
Enat
Location: Enat at The Plaza, 4450 The Plaza, Ste D Charlotte, NC 28215
Location: Optimist Hall, 1115 N Brevard St, Charlotte, NC 28206
Instagram: @enatcharlotte
The first time I tried Ethiopian food, I was hooked by the rich flavors and the unique spongy texture of the injera bread that the food sits on. I was so excited when I found Enat, best known for vegan-friendly east African cuisine. Enat is located in a shopping plaza next to a tobacco store and a thrift shop — this is how you know it’s good. I find that places that exist in an unassuming sort of way are always the ones that serve the best food. Enat also has a location in Optimist Hall.
Halal Street Food
Location: 4044 Connection Point Blvd B, Charlotte, NC 28212
Location: Camp North End, 701 Keswick Ave #101, Charlotte, NC 28206
Located on the corner of Trade and Tryon, the Halal Food Truck has long been a staple in Uptown, best known for its delicious chicken and lamb over rice combo and an incredibly spicy hot sauce, called “Dare You Sauce.” I’ve been a regular at that food truck for years. But did you know it now has two brick-and-mortar locations? Halal Street Food is a wonderful fusion of Dominican and Mediterranean flavors, prepared in line with traditional Islamic halal practices. Whether you stop by the food truck or make it to one of the restaurants for a sit down meal, you won’t be disappointed.
Johnny Burrito
Location: 301 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28282
Instagram: @real_johnny_burrito
Johnny Burrito is a small, kitschy restaurant located in the basement of the One Wells Fargo Center building in Uptown that has been serving authentic, California-style burritos for over 25 years. I first found out about Johnny Burrito through some good friends of mine who are ardent fans — so much so one of them even has a commemorative Johnny Burrito tattoo. If you’re lucky enough to stop in while Johnny himself is there, you’ll be greeted with all sorts of Johnny-isms like “rookie today, regular tomorrow.” Plus, if it’s your first time visiting, you get a free bottle opener keychain.
Lang Van
Location: 3019 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC 28215
Lang Van is one of Charlotte’s most beloved Vietnamese restaurants, and for good reason. The best way to describe Lang Van’s atmosphere is cozy, warm and welcoming. It’s the kind of place where the booths sag just right, undoubtedly worn from the thousands of people who’ve frequented the spot over the years. The best part, owner Dan Nguyen, never forgets a face. Her memory is impeccable. After your first visit, she knows who you are and what you ordered. It’s amazing watching her as she zips through the restaurant checking on tables, delivering food, and topping off beers. It’s definitely one of those places you have to go if you love Vietnamese food.
Lupitas Carniceria Y Tortilleria
Location: 5316 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28217
I was recently introduced to Lupitas by my boss. He told me to order the chicharones, barbacoa and carnitas, along with some freshly made corn tortillas. It was everything I needed and more. Lupitas operates like a deli or a butcher shop, with a separate counter where you can order lunch. You can also pick up some fresh salsa and a delightfully spicy green sauce as you’re checking out. Keep in mind, the parking lot is compact and it gets quite busy during lunch time.
Musashi
Location: 10110 Johnston Rd, Charlotte, NC 28210
Musashi has been serving delicious Japanese food and sushi since 1998, but I first heard about it last year through a coworker. If you’re looking for traditional Japanese food, Musashi is, without a doubt, the place to go. The interior, though small, is transportive — it feels like you’re in Japan. Everything on its menu is worth trying. Since it is small, you may have to wait during busy hours. Plan accordingly.
Pepero
Location: 10920 Monroe Rd, Matthews, NC 28105
Pepero is a tiny Korean restaurant hidden in the back of an unassuming Asian grocery store. It’s completely off the grid and entirely authentic — exactly the kind of place I look for. I found Pepero on a whim after returning from a trip to Seoul, South Korea. I was craving some tteokbokki (rice cakes simmered in delicious spicy sauce) and went to the first place that I found that had it on the menu. Luckily, I was not disappointed. I also ordered some bibimbap (an assorted rice bowl with Korean-style beef) as well as kimchi pancakes. After I finished my meal, I headed over to the market and got myself a sweet treat.
Pho Hoa
Location: 3000 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
Anthony Bourdain’s remedy for a hangover is as follows: “Aspirin. Cold Coca-Cola. Smoke a joint. Eat some spicy Sichuan food.” My ultimate cure for a hangover is much the same, but instead of spicy Sichuan food, I opt for bone broth. Enter: Pho Hoa. In my opinion, there’s something so curative about a warm bowl of pho. It lifts your spirits, warms you from the inside out, and hopefully cures that pounding headache that’s been nagging you all day. Pho Hoa is technically a franchise, but it’s family-run and wholly authentic. It’s located in the same shopping plaza as Cold Blooded & Bizarre, a reptile pet shop and curiosity store, which is also a Charlotte staple and worth a visit if you have the time post-pho.
Tacos El Nevado
Location: 4715 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
Location: 4640 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28209
Instagram: @tacosnevado
Charlotte’s East side boasts an assortment of amazing Latino restaurants. One of my favorites for authentic Mexican food is, without a doubt, Tacos El Nevado. This family-run restaurant serves classic Mexican favorites like tortas, quesadillas, tacos, and of course, chips and guac. However, Tacos El Nevado also offers more authentic dishes such lengua (beef tongue) tacos and, on Sundays, you can grab menudo, a traditional Mexican soup made with cow’s stomach in a spicy red chili broth. I recommend pairing it with an iced-cold michelada.
