Food and Drink

7 must-try food experiences in Charlotte, including the best restaurants in the city

Stories by Charlotte Observer journalists, with AI summarization

Charlotte’s food scene offers a mix of classic favorites and fresh trends, perfect for adventurous eaters. Kolapasi Indian Canteen serves fast-casual Indian fare with a menu full of biryani and curries, while The Valley Grill serves up Mediterranean staples like halal shawarma and mixed grill platters.

Late-night diners can enjoy Taste of Asia Halal, where dishes such as spring rolls, chicken fried rice, and mango lassi are available until 5 a.m. For authentic international flavors, try hole-in-the-wall spots like Lupitas Carniceria Y Tortilleria for Mexican meats or Enat for flavorful Ethiopian cuisine. Charlotte’s vibrant mix of restaurants ensures there’s always something new and satisfying to try.

A meal from Curry Gate complete with garlic naan, vegetable curry, palak paneer and basmati rice. By Tonya Price

NO. 1: YOUR GUIDE TO THE BEST INDIAN FOOD FOR DINE-IN OR TAKEOUT IN THE CHARLOTTE AREA

Here’s where you can find biryiani, curries, tandoor cuisine and more. | Published May 29, 2024 | Read Full Story by Alexandra Maloney

Too Good To Go is available in more than 17 countries around the world. By Courtesy of Too Good To Go

NO. 2: APP FOR DISCOUNTS ON SURPLUS FOOD FROM RESTAURANTS LAUNCHES IN RALEIGH, CHARLOTTE AREAS

A popular European app that offers surplus food at a discounted price is now available in North Carolina. Here’s how it works. | Published June 5, 2024 | Read Full Story by Chyna Blackmon

Taste of Asia Halal offers a variety of Asian cuisine from 5 p.m.-5 a.m. By Tonya Price

NO. 3: ‘I THOUGHT IT WAS A MISTAKE ON GOOGLE!’ HIDDEN RESTAURANT OPEN OVERNIGHT IN CHARLOTTE

Peek inside Taste of Halal, which has an extensive menu of stir fry, spring rolls, Chicken 65, samosas and other Indian cuisine. | Published June 20, 2024 | Read Full Story by Mari Pressley

NO. 4: ‘I’M JUST A GIRL WHO LIKES TO EAT’: MY 10 FAVORITE AUTHENTIC RESTAURANTS IN CHARLOTTE

You may not know about these under-the-radar Charlotte restaurants: Here’s where to find them and what to order. | Published July 10, 2024 | Read Full Story by Samantha Husted

NO. 5: 15 BEST RESTAURANTS IN CHARLOTTE FOR HALAL FOOD — AND SOME ARE OPEN ‘TIL 4 A.M. OR LATER

Charlotte has a variety of options for those seeking to keep a halal diet, or for those who are simply interested in dining on halal food every once in a while. | Published July 16, 2024 | Read Full Story by Alexandra Maloney

At Kolapasi Indian Canteen, you can select the components of your meal similarly to how you’d do it at Chipotle Mexican Grill. By Tamia Boyd

NO. 6: FAST-CASUAL INDIAN RESTAURANT OPENS NEWEST U.S. LOCATION IN CHARLOTTE. WHAT TO EXPECT.

Here’s a look at Kolapasi Indian Canteen’s newest location, offering nearly 1,000 menu combinations. | Published March 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chyna Blackmon

A falafel plate at The Valley Grill.

NO. 7: A NEW INDIAN TRAIL RESTAURANT IS SERVING UP HALAL SHAWARMA, KABOBS AND MORE

Here’s what to know about the new Mediterranean spot and the family behind it. | Published March 31, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mari Pressley

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.