Food and Drink

5 standout Charlotte-area dining experiences that define food culture in 2025

Stories by Charlotte Observer journalists, with AI summarization

Charlotte's food scene in 2025 is defined by standout experiences that mix tradition with innovation.

Original Chicken ‘n Ribs, a family-run classic since 1952, has been named the best fried chicken spot, cherished for its perfectly seasoned Southern staples.

Optimist Hall stands out as one of the best food halls in the country, offering diverse choices from Asian-style dumplings to Southern barbecue in a vibrant, historic space.

A local pizza lover has named Zepeddie’s Pizzeria as the best slice in town.

And just outside Charlotte, Lexington Barbecue continues to reign as North Carolina’s best barbecue destination, praised for its wood-smoked pork shoulder and signature Piedmont flavors.

Chase Muhammed is a culinary assistant at Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen.

NO. 1: THESE ARE THE TOP RESTAURANTS TO VISIT IN CHARLOTTE, ACCORDING TO LOCAL FOODIES

Restaurant professionals in the area share their top spots for casual dinners, date nights, special occasions and more. | Published January 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Alexandra Maloney

Jermaine Blackmon, owner of Original Chicken ‘n Ribs. By Alex Cason

NO. 2: A FAVORITE FOR DECADES HAS BEEN NAMED THE BEST FRIED CHICKEN IN THE CHARLOTTE AREA

The winner of the CharlotteFive Readers’ Choice Best Fried Chicken poll has a third-generation owner running the restaurant. | Published February 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chyna Blackmon

At Lexington Barbecue, a plate of coarse chopped barbecue is prepared in the kitchen on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 in Lexington, N.C. By Robert Willett

NO. 3: THIS BARBECUE JOINT RANKS NO. 1 IN NORTH CAROLINA — AGAIN. WHAT MAKES IT SO SPECIAL?

Here’s what to know about the fan-favorite restaurant. | Published March 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Simone Jasper

Tristan Graziano at Geno D’s Pizza. By Jamie Graziano

NO. 4: A CHARLOTTE PIZZA CHALLENGE: ONE FAMILY’S JOURNEY TO FIND THE BEST SLICE IN TOWN

A cheesy bond: After a local father and son eat their way though 16 of the city’s top pizzerias, a few spots came out on top. | Published March 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jamie Graziano

A spread of Optimist Hall food options. By Kenty Chung

NO. 5: CHARLOTTE FOOD HALL IS ONE OF THE BEST IN THE COUNTRY, USA TODAY SAYS

Here’s which popular dining destination in Charlotte was voted as one of the Top 10 in the U.S. | Published April 30, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chyna Blackmon

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.