Food and Drink

‘Top Chef’ is coming to Charlotte. Here’s where you think the judges should eat

Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways

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  • ‘Top Chef’ will film Season 23 in Charlotte and nearby Greenville this summer.
  • Locals submitted dozens of restaurant picks for the chefs, from classics to newcomers.
  • Award-winning chefs and legacy eateries offer Charlotte's broad culinary snapshot.

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‘Top Chef’ films in Charlotte

CharlotteFive sat down with the Bravo show’s most famous faces to chat about exploring Charlotte’s food scene.

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‘Top Chef’ is coming to Charlotte. Here’s where you think the judges should eat

‘Top Chef’ is coming to Charlotte. Here’s where you think the judges should eat
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Where did ‘Top Chef’ judges eat in Charlotte? Here’s a taste of what they tried
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Where the ‘Top Chef’ judges should eat while they’re filming in Charlotte
Charlotte handpicked to host upcoming season of ‘Top Chef.’ What to know

Charlotte handpicked to host upcoming season of ‘Top Chef.’ What to know

Editor’s note: Here’s where the “Top Chef” judges have eaten in Charlotte — so far.

As we all prepare for the “Top Chef” filming crew to land in Charlotte for filming Season 23, we know the food is really going to take center stage.

Host Kristen Kish and judges Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons will be arriving this summer, with a few stops planned for filming in Greenville, S.C. And Kish reached out to fans via Instagram for recommendations on where to eat in Charlotte.

I offered my personal recommendations, based on what I know about the “Top Chef” personalities and a little more research on their own food. And then I called out to you to help, as well.

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Three people, two women and one man, stand side-by-side in front of a modern, wood-paneled set that resembles a kitchen or studio. The woman on the left has short, dark hair and is smiling at the camera, wearing a brown leather-look bralette and loose grey pants with orange shoes. The man in the center is bald and smiling, dressed in a black cardigan over a white shirt and dark pants. The woman on the right has long brown hair and is smiling, wearing a pink jumpsuit and white heels, with her hands in her pockets. Behind them, there are shelves with decorative paddles or oars on the left and a wall of illuminated, vertically-oriented panels on the right. A curved counter with a wood slatted front is in the foreground.
Kristen Kish, Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons of “Top Chef” are heading to Charlotte to film Season 23. David Moir Bravo
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What came in was a verifiable flood of locally owned gems, including some of Charlotte’s most classic restaurants, new hotspots and everything in between.

Along with the “Top Chef” cast and crew, we’re all looking for good eats. So, with that in mind, here are 39 spots you’d recommend in Charlotte:

3rd & Fernwood

Location: 1100 Metropolitan Ave #170, Charlotte, NC 28204

3rd & Fernwood, nominated by @Chellz via Instagram, is a seasonal Southern restaurant from chef and owner Greg Collier, a multiple-time James Beard Award semifinalist and finalist, and his wife and partner, Subrina Collier. Stop in for lunch to get a smoked mushroom burger or fried chicken sandwich, or enjoy braised oxtail meatloaf or fish and grits at dinner. (Collier is famous for his grits, so bring high expectations.)

A top-down view shows a wooden table laden with various dishes in brown bowls. In the top row, from left to right, there’s a salad with greens and what looks like fried onions, a creamy white dish sprinkled with green herbs, a dark stew or grain dish, and a plate with a burger and potato chips. In the middle row, there’s a small glass vase with a single light orange flower and green leaves. Surrounding it are smaller bowls: one with roasted orange chunks (possibly sweet potatoes), and another with a bean or lentil stew. In the bottom row, from left to right, there’s a vibrant green salad with a yellow crumbly topping, a bowl with what appears to be macaroni and cheese or a similar pasta dish, a grain salad with green vegetables, and a slaw or salad with shredded vegetables. The table is light wood, and dark brown chairs are partially visible at the bottom of the frame.
3rd & Fernwood is now open at Metropolitan Charlotte. Jonathan Cooper
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Albertine

Location: 525 S Tryon St #125, Charlotte, NC 28202

Albertine is Joe and Katy Kindred’s newest restaurant, a stunning masterclass in luxury design that matches the mood with upscale Mediterranean cuisine such as labneh-marinated chicken thigh and rock crab mafaldine pasta. The uptown fine-dining spot was recommended via Instagram by Matthew Means, Emily Riby-Williams, Catherine Heather and Phillip Platoni.

A top-down view shows a silver platter filled with crushed ice, holding six oysters on the half shell. Each oyster is topped with a green relish, some with what appear to be sliced green jalapeños. A small fork rests on the ice next to the oysters. A person wearing a blue sleeve is holding the platter, with part of their body and arm visible on the left. In the background, out of focus, there’s a table with a lit candle.
Albertine offers a selection of chilled seafood such as N Sea Oyster Co. oysters on the half shell with mignonette and Sapelo Island clam escabeche with Pedro Jimenez potlikker and sofrito. Tonya Russ Price CharlotteFive
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Alexander Michaels

Location: 401 W 9th St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Alexander Michaels, known affectionately around here as Al Mike’s, was recommended via our reader poll. The 4th Ward restaurant putting out hearty pub dishes like What It Is — a blackened chicken breast over fresh rotini in a Cajun cream sauce — is also said to have a touch of paranormal activity here and there.

A slightly elevated view captures a casual dinner spread on a rustic wooden table. In the foreground, two white oval plates are prominently displayed. The plate on the left holds a serving of fusilli pasta topped with a piece of chicken, garnished with herbs and grated cheese, accompanied by a piece of toasted bread. The plate on the right features a similar pasta dish with mushrooms and what appears to be a sausage, also with a slice of bread and grated cheese. In the mid-ground, a tall Guinness draught stout glass is filled with water, next to a champagne flute with a bubbling drink. Further back, another plate is visible with a burger topped with cheese, lettuce, and tomato, served with a side of onion rings. A red bottle of Heinz Tomato Ketchup stands upright near the burger plate.
Nostalgia and European pub-style comfort food are both on the menu at Alexander Michael’s in the Fourth Ward. Timothy DePeugh CharlotteFive
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Brooks Sandwich House

Location: 2710 N Brevard St, Charlotte, NC 28205

Brooks Sandwich House has been feeding Charlotteans since 1973 and has racked up a faithful fan base through the generations, proving it’s still going strong. The ultra-casual eatery nominated by Ryan Allen and Phillip Platoni is where you’ll want to head when you’ve got a craving for a chili cheese dog or a juicy burger served all the way with chili, mustard and onions.

A pair of hands gently holds a small, classic cheeseburger against a blurred blue background. The burger features a soft, light-brown bun, a dark, well-done patty, a slice of melted yellow American cheese, a dollop of yellow mustard, and a generous layer of what appears to be minced onions or a chili-like topping on the patty. The bottom bun has some visible drippings.
At Brooks’ Sandwich House, “all the way” means onions, mustard and chili. (And cheese, of course.) Wendy Yang Charlotte Observer

Botiwalla by Chai Pani

Location: Optimist Hall, 1115 N Brevard St UNIT 203, Charlotte, NC 28206

Botiwalla — recommended by Restaurant Constance chef and owner Sam Diminich — is well known for bringing a street-food version of chef Meherwan Irani’s James Beard Award-winning flavors from Asheville to Charlotte. Its Desi salads pack an outstanding punch of flavor, along with its rolls, made with skewers of chicken or paneer tikka (or another protein of your choice), inside a warm, buttered naan with Desi slaw, onions, cilantro, chutneys and raita.

A top-down close-up shows a Botiwalla Desi salad served in a compostable paper bowl. The bowl is filled with a colorful array of ingredients including what appears to be shredded cabbage and carrots as a base. Prominently featured are several pieces of grilled paneer cheese, some with char marks, alongside grilled red and green bell peppers and onions. The salad is garnished with fresh cilantro, sesame seeds, and what look like crushed nuts. At the top of the bowl, a small red potato is visible. A clear plastic cup filled with a vibrant green chutney or dressing is placed on top of the salad, slightly off-center towards the top.
Botiwalla’s Desi Salad is shredded white and red cabbage, carrots, scallions and roasted cashews topped with toasted sesame seeds, cilantro, and crunchy chickpea noddles. It’s served with a cumin-lime vinaigrette. This one is topped with Paneer cheese. Melissa Oyler CharlotteFive

Cajun Queen

Location: 1800 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28204

Cajun Queen’s New Orleans-style cuisine was nominated via our reader poll as a must-eat spot. The BBQ shrimp and crawfish scampi were called out as favorites, and the lively 7th Street Gator Band fittingly matches the mood to create an experience you won’t find elsewhere in Charlotte.

A close-up, slightly elevated shot of a bowl of New Orleans-style BBQ shrimp. Large, cooked shrimp, some with their tails still on, are generously coated in a rich, reddish-brown, buttery sauce heavily speckled with black pepper and green herbs (likely scallions or parsley). Several triangular pieces of what appear to be polenta or grits, some with a reddish sprinkle, are nestled among the shrimp. The dish is presented in a wide, white ceramic bowl.
Almost everything on the menu at Cajun Queen is made in-house by William Wessling, executive chef, including this serving of New Orleans B.B.Q. shrimp. John D. Simmons The Charlotte Observer
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Catalina Kitchen & Bar

Location: 1942 E 7th St #106, Charlotte, NC 28204

NFL Hall of Famer and television commentator Mike Ditka’s Catalina Kitchen & Bar has proven quite popular since it opened in fall 2023, landing on Yelp’s Top 25 new restaurants list the next year. The eatery offering modern American cuisine in small plates, handhelds, pasta and more was nominated via Instagram by @Chellz and Tara Perrotta Goodfellow.

A slightly elevated close-up shows a large white oval plate with a blue rim holding a generous lobster roll and a side of golden-brown french fries. The lobster roll is made with a toasted, buttered split-top bun overflowing with chunks of bright orange and white lobster meat mixed in a creamy dressing, garnished with fresh green chives. A lemon wedge sits next to the lobster roll. The french fries are piled neatly next to a small white ramekin filled with red ketchup. The plate rests on a gray mottled countertop, and another blurry plate is visible in the upper right background.
The New England Lobster & Shrimp Roll at Catalina Kitchen & Bar. Tonya Russ Price CharlotteFive

Chapter 6

Location: The Line in South End, 2151 Hawkins St, Suite 120., Charlotte, NC 28203

Don Crate emailed to suggest Chapter 6, a Mediterranean restaurant from Jon and Kim Dressler’s stalwart Rare Roots Hospitality Group that recently made an appearance in “The Hunting Wives.” In addition to a dinner menu of mezze, small plates, tapas and skewers, you can also settle in for a Sunday brunch of shakshuka or crab brik, a deep-fried pastry filled with a runny egg.

A high-angle shot captures a vibrant spread of dishes on a wooden table, with a person’s hand reaching for a piece of toast. The central dish is a large round platter with a yellow rim, holding a bowl of dip topped with chives, surrounded by toasted bread, a pile of green olives, several small fish (sardines), and roasted peanuts. To the left, a dark brown bowl contains what appears to be braised meat with potato chips. Below it, a green bowl is filled with a seafood stew featuring mussels, clams, and bread. To the top right, a blue and white patterned plate holds more toasted bread. On the bottom right, a light pink plate has a dollop of white cream cheese or burrata topped with green pesto.
Chapter 6 focuses on Mediterranean flavors from Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, France and Italy. LunahZon Photography/The Plaid Penguin

Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen

Location: 4001 Yancey Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217

Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen, the CharlotteFive Readers’ Choice poll finalist for best pie and recommended by @mrsnoll via Instagram, offers Family Table Meals for pickup or delivery in addition to its popular lineup of cooking classes. Frenched chicken breasts, braised beef pot roast and adobo spiced tofu are among the options, which also include sides, salads and desserts.

A top-down view of a “Chef Alyssa’s Family Meal” takeout order arranged on a light-colored surface. In the center-right, a large, rectangular, light brown compostable container is topped with a clear plastic container of reddish-orange soup or sauce. To the left, a brown paper bag with a clear window reveals several baked rolls, and “Chef Alyssa’s Table” is printed on the bag. Above the bag, two round clear plastic containers with lids hold side dishes: one with green broccoli and another with what appears to be a grain or pasta salad with red cabbage.
Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen family meals are designed to withstand delivery. Cory Wilkins Daily Special CLT

Customshop

Location: 1601 Elizabeth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204

Customshop — which came recommended by Sam Diminich, Phillip Platoni and Madison King — shows off chef-owner Andres Kaifer’s skills in the kitchen with small plates, grilled entrees and fresh pasta. One thing not to miss for sure, though, is his flan, made with his mother’s recipe.

A beautifully plated gourmet dish is presented on a minimalist white plate with a subtle speckled rim, set on a light marble surface. On the left, five slices of perfectly cooked duck breast, showing pink meat and crispy golden skin, are fanned out over a vibrant yellow puree or sauce. To the right, a thick, oval slice of what appears to be a sausage or forcemeat is nestled in a rich, dark brown sauce or reduction that pools on the plate. A piece of textured white paper with dark lines is visible to the left of the plate.
The Rohan duck dish at Customshop. Ryan Allen
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Dot Dot Dot

Location: 4237 Park Rd Unit B, Charlotte, NC 28209

Dot Dot Dot has long been a staple spot for cocktail lovers in Charlotte despite its tucked-away presence in Park Road Shopping Center, with master mixologist and co-owner Stefan Huebner behind the bar. The cocktail lounge — which also serves up notable food to pair with the drinks — was another nomination by Phillip Platoni.

El Puro Cuban

Location: 5033 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28217

From weekend brunch to late-night dancing, El Puro Cuban is always a good time. Tara Perrotta Goodfellow and Madison King nominated this family-owned South Charlotte restaurant, which boasts big Latin flavors in its croquetas, ropa vieja and Cuban sandwiches.

A close-up, top-down view of a serving of “Arroz Frito Cubano” (Cuban fried rice) in a white bowl with a textured brown rim. Large, pinkish-orange shrimp are scattered throughout the dish, which also contains rice, chunks of orange carrots, and green vegetables, possibly zucchini or bell peppers. A fresh sprig of green parsley or cilantro garnishes the center of the dish. The background is a blurred wooden surface.
Arroz Frito Cubano at El Puro Cuban Restaurant. Courtesy of El Puro Cuban Restaurant

El Veneno

Location: Varies

Sam Diminich pick El Veneno just finished up a stint at Monarch Market and has returned to food truck service. Its wildly popular tacos, tortas and other Mexican favorites featuring al pastor, barbacoa, steak, chicken and mushrooms with queso.

Ever Andalo

Location: 3116 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205

Diners can count on a solid meal at Ever Andalo, nominated by @Chellz via Instagram. The Italian restaurant where Crepe Cellar used to be was reimagined as an ode to co-owner Jeff Tonidandel’s family roots in northern Italy. As such, you can’t go wrong with the fresh pasta — or the orange olive oil cake.

A top-down view of two desserts on a light wooden table. On the left, a slice of orange olive oil cake, topped with thin orange slices and small pink edible flowers, rests on a pool of white cream sauce. Green sauce is drizzled around the cake, with small flower petals scattered on the plate. On the right, a glass of tiramisu is visible, dusted with cocoa powder and topped with crumbled cookies, a few green candied pieces, and bright yellow and purple edible flowers.
Tiramisù and Orange Olive Oil Cake at Ever Andalo. Courtesy of Ever Andalo

Good Food on Montford

Location: 1701 Montford Dr, Charlotte, NC 28209

Good Food on Montford, another recommendation by Madison King, recently rolled out weeknight deals for budget diners to experience its James Beard Award-worthy cuisine. Among the specials are Good Food’s famous green curry mussels with green curry cream, coconut milk, cilantro and house roti, which you can get on Mondays for just $12.

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A vibrant close-up of a white bowl filled with steamed mussels in a creamy green sauce, likely a broth or curry, garnished with fresh green herbs. Several pieces of flatbread or focaccia bread are leaning against the mussels in the bowl. In the background, a martini glass with two olives sits on a wooden table, and beyond that, a stack of white plates with a black napkin is visible, suggesting a restaurant setting with brick walls and blurred chairs.
On Monday at Good Food on Montford, mussels and martinis will be $12 each. Good Food on Montford

House of Pizza

Location: 3640 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205

One of Charlotte’s Classic Eats, House of Pizza, was nominated by Ryan Allen. The beloved restaurant has been feeding generations of Charlotteans since 1979, and not much has changed. Fan favorites include its wings, spinach dip and the Philly cheesesteaks, along with the pizza.

A large, round, freshly baked pizza sits on a light wooden cutting board. The pizza has a golden-brown, thick crust and is generously topped with melted white cheese, slices of green bell peppers, mushrooms, and what appear to be pieces of ham or another meat, along with some red sauce visible beneath the cheese. The cheese has golden-brown bubbly spots, indicating it’s just out of the oven.
The House Special Pizza at House of Pizza has pepperoni, mozzarella, sausage, ground beef, ham, mushrooms, onions and peppers. Alex Cason CharlotteFive

Imperial Treasure

Location: 1826 Windsor Square Dr, Matthews, NC 28105

Location: 14815 Ballantyne Village Way #250, Charlotte, NC 28277

Phillip Platoni called out Imperial Treasure, and there’s two locations to enjoy. Expect more than 50 handmade dim sum items to choose from, along with Beijing roast duck and plenty of other Chinese rice and noodle dishes. Takeout is an option here, and seating is limited.

Jon G’s BBQ

Location: 116 Glenn Falls St, Peachland, NC 28133

Jon G’s BBQ is a bit of a drive, and it’s one of those dining destinations where you’ve got to arrive several hours early, prepared to spend a good bit of your Saturday waiting in line. (That’s the only day it’s open, unless you can catch one of its occasional food truck stops in Charlotte.) But oh, how Jon G’s Texas-style brisket, pulled pork and ribs are worth the hurdles. Recommendations rolled in from Terri Edwards, Frank Hamel and Lindsey Anderson, along with Madison King, via Instagram.

A generous platter of barbecue food is presented on a metal tray lined with brown butcher paper, set on a rustic wooden picnic table. The tray holds a variety of meats and sides: several large, dark beef ribs, a pile of pulled pork, and slices of sausage. Sides include a clear plastic container of creamy macaroni and cheese, a bowl of baked beans, a portion of red rice, slices of dill pickles, and pickled red onions. Three slices of white bread are stacked in the center. Four small plastic cups with various barbecue sauces are also on the tray. To the left, a white cup with a lid and straw holds a drink, and a green glass bottle of Mountain Dew is visible. A yellow t-shirt with “Jon G’s” embroidered in blue is partially visible in the upper right corner.
Jon G’s offers pulled pork, ribs, house-made sausage links and more, including the Porky B. Taco, complete with pickled red onions. Joey Ventrano Craft City Films

Kindred

Location: 131 N Main St, Davidson, NC 28036

Kindred — where chef Joe Kindred has been a James Beard Award semifinalist multiple times — was a popular option, nominated via Instagram by Mary Schneider, Frank Hamel, Phillip Platoni, Tara Perrotta Goodfellow, Matthew Means, Emily Riby-Williams and Heather Smith. Its menu changes often with the seasons, but among the things you’ll want to look for are its iconic milkbread rolls, which inspired a whole other restaurant for the Kindreds.

A close-up shot of a golden-brown, freshly baked milk bread, possibly a pull-apart loaf or rolls, rising out of a speckled mint green enamel mug. Large crystals of salt are visible sprinkled over the top of the bread, which has a shiny, golden crust. The mug sits on a white marble countertop, with a blurred background suggesting an indoor setting.
Kindred’s milk bread is its signature starter. Courtesy of Kindred

La Lima Sangucheria

Location: 131 E Park Ave, Charlotte, NC 28203

New Peruvian sandwich shop La Lima Sangucheria, nominated by Matthew Means, has drawn an early reputation for outstanding flavors that has kept lines long. At the casual restaurant co-owned by Viva Chicken and Yunta’s Bruno Machiavelli, you can’t go wrong with the Chicharron, the Sakura tuna tartare or the Tusan, with lomo saltado.

Lang Van

Location: 3019 Shamrock Dr, Charlotte, NC 28215

Lang Van is a Vietnamese restaurant nearly every Charlotte foodie seems to be able to agree upon, and where owner Dan Nguyen welcomes you like she’s known you forever. The Plaza Shamrock eatery was recommended for our guide by Ryan Allen, Phillip Platoni and in our reader poll, where the responded noted they were eating: “Whatever Dan (the owner) tells me I should get.”

Leluia Hall

Location: 1829 Cleveland Ave, Charlotte, NC 28203

Picture premium steaks, high end seafood and plenty of sunshine peeking in through the wide-open windows of a former church, and you’ll be on your way to envisioning Leluia Hall. The newest restaurant from the Tonidandel-Brown restaurant group — home of Ever Andalo (recommended above) and Supperland (recommended below) — was called out by Jenny Wheeler and Erin Fitzgerald Marvin.

A rectangular white plate with a gold rim holds four golden-brown fried croquettes, garnished with fresh microgreens and orange flower petals. A lemon wedge is tucked among them, and a small white and gold patterned bowl of white dipping sauce, topped with green herbs, sits on the right side of the plate. In the blurred background, another white bowl with a salad or light dish is visible on a wooden table.
Leluia Hall’s fish sticks with panko, black cod, shrimp and lobster mousse, served with house-made tartar sauce. Heidi Finley CharlotteFive

Le’s Sandwiches & Cafe

Location: 217 E Sugar Creek Rd #150, Charlotte, NC 28213

Le’s Sandwiches & Cafe, another recommendation of Phillip Platoni’s, is Charlotte’s OG spot for banh mi. Despite the Nguyen family restaurant’s move to shiny new digs a few years ago, you can still count on the traditional flavors of the pickled veggies combining with that unforgettably crusty bread for bites with zip that you’ll want to keep coming back for.

L’Ostrica

Location: 4701 Park Rd D, Charlotte, NC 28209

L’Ostrica, nominated by Catherine Heather, just about has it all. You can casually stop in for sandwiches or salads during its lunchtime market hours Wednesday-Saturday, or indulge in one of Charlotte’s most talked about tasting menus for dinner. Whichever experience you choose, fresh, seasonal produce from local farmers will be at the center of your meal.

Lupie’s Cafe

Location: 2718 Monroe Rd, Charlotte, NC 28205

Lupie’s Cafe, another of Ryan Allen’s picks and one of Charlotte’s Classic Eats, is a restaurant that’s withstood the test of time. There’s not another spot in town that dedicates as much time and effort into chili: Texas-style, Cincinnati-style, Southern-style and vegetarian, included. Pile it onto a chili slaw burger or a chili dog, then leave full and happy.

A Cincinnati 4-Way chili, with spaghetti and the characteristic spiced meat chili, abundantly covered in finely shredded cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of diced white onions.
Lupie’s Cafe has been serving comfort food in Charlotte for 34 years. Shown here is its Cincinnati-style chili served over spaghetti noodles with cheese, onions and cornbread. Alex Cason CharlotteFive

Menya Daruma

Location: 1941 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28204

Menya Daruma, where omakase counter Kappo En just closed, offers memorable house-made ramen with fresh noodles and slow-simmered broths, plus Japanese snacks and a killer hot chicken-style tori katusu sando. The restaurant was also nominated by Catherine Heather.

Mert’s Heart and Soul

Location: 214 N College St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Both Ryan Allen and Madison King nominated Mert’s Heart and Soul, which wraps you in a warm hug of about as much comfort as it sounds like it would. The Charlotte’s Classic Eats restaurant highlighted by Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” will fill you up with Lowcountry and Gullah cuisine, sandwiches and soul food favorites.

A close-up shot of a “Soul Roll” appetizer from Mert’s Heart and Soul, served on a white plate against a red background. Four crispy, golden-brown spring rolls are arranged on a bed of shredded lettuce. They are drizzled with a light yellow sauce and garnished with diced red tomatoes and scattered purple and red finely chopped ingredients, possibly red cabbage or beet. One roll in the foreground is slightly broken open, revealing its savory filling.
The Soul Roll at Mert’s Heart and Soul. Courtesy of Mert’s Heart and Soul

Nana Morrison’s Soul Food

Location: 3824 Corning Pl Unit A, Charlotte, NC 28216

Location: 2908 Oak Lake Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28208

Location: 9725 Red Stone Dr, Indian Land, SC 29707

A favorite of many people responding to our reader poll, Nana Morrison’s Soul Food is a family-owned, local chain that’s growing for good reason. Readers rolled out a long list of their favorite dishes that included the restaurant’s fried chicken, mac and cheese, catfish, collard greens, meatloaf and banana pudding, with one noting: “Their yams are to die for.”

A close-up, overhead shot of a generous serving of Southern comfort food on a white disposable plate. Two pieces of crispy, golden-brown fried chicken (a drumstick and a thigh) are prominent in the foreground. Behind them, a large portion of creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese is visible on the left, and a serving of brown-eyed peas or similar beans in a sauce is on the right. A cornbread muffin sits at the top right of the plate. Two packets of hot sauce are visible in the upper left corner of the frame. The plate rests on a wooden surface.
Fried chicken plate at Nana Morrison’s soul food. Tonya Russ Price CharlotteFive

Oak Steakhouse

Location: 4777 Sharon Rd, Charlotte, NC 28210

Oak Steakhouse, another favorite spot nominated by @Chellz, is a modern take on a steakhouse. The chain restaurant with a handful of locations offers a standard $75 prix fixe if you’re looking for a basic, well-executed meal of filet mignon or market catch. But you can, of course, take things all the way and top a prime porterhouse with a grilled lobster tail or shrimp for an ultra luxe evening.

Omakase Experience by Prime Fish

Location: 2907 Providence Rd STE 101, Charlotte, NC 28211

For adventurous sushi lovers, it’s hard to top Omakase Experience by Prime Fish. This restaurant, also suggested by Sam Diminich, is a chef-led surprise of the day’s freshest fish, flown in from Tokyo and presented with great care and creativity. Plan ahead for an intimate, two-hour experience with four to six people in the group, total.

A well-dressed bald man in a dark suit with a patterned tie is pouring red wine from a green bottle into a wine glass on a light wooden bar counter. He is focused on the task, with a watch visible on his left wrist. The bar counter is set with several place settings, including folded napkins, glasses, and small dishes. In the blurred background, there’s a window and a modern restaurant interior with wooden accents and various shelves.
At Omakase by Prime Fish, Terrell Johnson pours a glass of 2020 Château de Chamirey, a French wine. Timothy DePeugh CharlotteFive

Open Kitchen

Location: 1318 W Morehead St, Charlotte, NC 28208

Open Kitchen, credited with bringing pizza to the Queen City, has fed Charlotteans for about 70 years now. To hold onto that kind of staying power, it takes good food, good service and a lot of heart, all of which you’ll find at this Charlotte Classic Eats spot recommended by Ryan Allen.

A warm and inviting scene at an Italian-American restaurant, with a red and white checkered tablecloth covering the table. In the foreground, a white plate holds a mound of golden-brown fried calamari next to a small white bowl of red marinara sauce, garnished with a lemon wedge. A wine glass filled with red wine sits prominently. Behind it, a whole pizza topped with cheese, olives, and yellow banana peppers is on a metal pan. Various tabletop items are scattered around, including shakers for grated cheese and red pepper flakes, salt and pepper shakers, and rolled silverware. In the background, other tables with similar tablecloths and blurred patrons create a lively atmosphere. Two tall glasses with clear drinks are visible on the right.
Pizza a la Greque and calamari at Open Kitchen. Timothy DePeugh CharlotteFive

Platform Coffee + Kitchen

Location: 919 Berryhill Rd #104, Charlotte, NC 28208

Location: 2902 Providence Rd S, Waxhaw, NC 28173

Location: 11011 Monroe Rd, Matthews, NC 28105 (opening in August)

Platform Coffee + Kitchen nominated itself via Instagram, and we can appreciate that they want to show off what they do. The menu at the local coffee shop that’s about to open its third Charlotte-area location includes breakfast sandwiches and avocado toast in the morning, and for lunch you can grab a steak or turkey wrap, a Railyard Burger or a West Charlotte salad that’s heavy on veggies.

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Rada

Location: 2820 Selwyn Ave Ste 180, Charlotte, NC 28209

Rada is growing a fine-dining fan base in Charlotte, with nominations coming in from Sam Diminich, Phillip Platoni, Matthew Means and Amy Kahn. Order a Rada negroni or a mezcal sour, then try small plates of beef tartare, tuna carpaccio or ravioli with fresh summer tomatoes at this new American restaurant.

A top-down view of a gourmet meal served on a white marble surface. In the foreground, a rectangular white plate holds a perfectly cooked cut of steak, richly red and topped with a generous layer of finely chopped green herbs and what appear to be red chili flakes. The steak rests in a pool of light brown au jus. Three half-moon shaped portions of what looks like potato puree or dumplings are arranged on the plate around the steak. In the upper left, a white bowl contains a mix of whole purple and yellow potatoes. In the upper right, another white bowl is filled with a green leafy salad, possibly mixed greens with red accents.
The chimichurri bavatte from Chef Callan Buckles is an example of a made-to-share large plates at Rada in Charlotte. Laura Pol
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Restaurant Constance

Location: 2200 Thrift Rd, Charlotte, NC 28208

At Restaurant Constance, James Beard Award semifinalist Sam Diminich has developed close relationships with local farmers that help bring his upscale food to life. The cozy, intimate restaurant has a strong following, with nominators including Ryan Smith, Christina Spratley, Haley Winters, Tara Perrotta Goodfellow, Phillip Platoni and Ryan Allen.

A close-up, high-angle shot of a vibrant seafood dish served in a white bowl. Four triangular slices of raw fish, likely tuna or a similar white fish, with a reddish-pink edge, are arranged in a shallow pool of bright orange-red sauce. Each slice is topped with a small dollop of a relish-like mixture, a thin slice of green jalapeño, and garnished with fresh green microgreens. Black and white sesame seeds are sprinkled throughout the sauce and on the fish. The bowl sits on a metallic surface, possibly a kitchen counter.
Kombu cured hamachi at Restaurant Constance. Alex Cason CharlotteFive
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Sora

Location: 2907 Selwyn Ave, Charlotte, NC 28209

Sora is a new, French-Asian inspired tasting restaurant that turns delicate ingredients into dishes you’ll be thinking about for weeks afterward. The fine-dining restaurant with a flair for beautiful plating was nominated by Alexandra Cole via Instagram.

A high-angle close-up shows three artfully plated appetizers on a rustic, mottled brown ceramic plate. In the foreground to the left, a small, fluted pastry cup holds a dollop of white cream topped with slivered almonds and a vibrant red, thin disc, possibly a beet chip or fruit slice. In the center-right, a round piece of bread serves as a base for a mound of light pink tartare or chopped seafood, garnished with fresh green and purple microgreens. Towards the back, a rectangular, crispy fried item is topped with a generous pile of finely shredded, light-colored ingredient, possibly fried onions or finely grated cheese. A sprig of lavender also rests on the plate behind this item.
Sora’s menu consists of European and Asian influenced courses. Sora

Supperland

Location: 1212 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205

Supperland gets a hefty amount of attention, and there’s good reason for it. The steakhouse-meets-church potluck restaurant set in a renovated historic church — a precursor to sister spot Leluia Hall — was nominated by Tara Perrotta Goodfellow, Jenny Wheeler and Phillip Platoni. And with James Beard Award semifinalist Colleen Hughes at the bar, a cocktail or mocktail should not be passed up.

A smiling blonde woman in a denim shirt holds a short glass with a drink, possibly a cocktail with an orange peel, in a well-stocked bar. She is looking to her right, with a pleasant expression and red lipstick. Behind her, multiple shelves are filled with various bottles of liquor, and a marble countertop with bar equipment and taps is visible. The background is slightly blurred, emphasizing the woman.
Colleen Hughes, shown behind the bar at Supperland, works with the U.S. Bartenders Guild. There, she’s helped to shape the industry landscape for people who have alternative learning styles by figuring out how to ”help people wrap their heads around how to make more inclusive spaces,” she told CharlotteFive. Alex Cason CharlotteFive

Tacos el Nevado

Location: 4715 Central Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205

Location: 4640 South Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28209

One of Charlotte’s go-to spots for authentic Mexican food, Tacos el Nevado, was nominated by Sam Diminich. At its two locations, you will find all kinds of tacos you’ll keep coming back for, along with tortas, quesadillas, burritos and a variety of house specials including enchiladas, carne asada and mole negro.

A close-up, overhead shot shows two corn tortillas, partially folded, filled with seasoned meat, diced white onions, and chopped fresh cilantro. They are served on a white plate with brown stripes around the rim. Accompanying the tacos are a wedge of lime, several slices of red radish, a roasted whole onion, and a roasted green jalapeño pepper.
At Tacos El Nevado, the tacos are served very simply: Corn tortillas, meat, onions, a little cilantro, and a whole onion and jalapeno on your plate. Kathleen Purvis

Yunta

Location: 2201 South Blvd Ste 130, Charlotte, NC 28203

Yunta has developed into one of Charlotte’s most reliable hotspots, with recommendations via Instagram by Lindsey Anderson, Matthew Means, Philip Platoni and @figomezzo via Instagram. The Peruvian Nikkei restaurant’s ceviches are top-notch, as is its sashimi and nigiri. And the beverage program is not to be passed over, with a heavy influence on Pisco, the national spirit of Peru.

A dark, textured circular plate holds five golden-brown, oval-shaped croquettes, artfully arranged on a diagonal smear of light yellow sauce. Each croquette is garnished with a few green herbs. To the right of the main arrangement, several small, bright yellow dots of sauce are scattered on the plate. The plate rests on a light-colored, possibly white or light gray, countertop.
The shrimp croquettes from Yunta. Kris Kornbluth
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Zepeddie’s Pizzeria

Location: 4516 Nations Crossing Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217

Nostalgia-stoking Zepeddie’s was a popular spot in ‘90s Charlotte that disappeared and then made a comeback. The pizzeria also nominated by Phillip Platoni is built for takeout, but there are a few seats inside and on the patio where you can enjoy a few slices of Big Gabagool, Bacon Cheeseburger or White Pizza with wings or a salad.

A vibrant, fully loaded bacon cheeseburger pizza sits on a metal pizza pan in what appears to be a casual restaurant setting. The pizza has a golden-brown, crispy crust and is generously topped with a layer of melted cheese and what looks like seasoned ground meat. A large mound of fresh, shredded iceberg lettuce covers the entire pizza, and it’s generously sprinkled with diced red tomatoes and what appear to be pickled jalapeños or cucumbers. In the blurred background, several dark tables with chairs are visible against a light-colored brick wall.
Zepeddie’s bacon cheeseburger pizza. Heidi Finley CharlotteFive
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Uniquely Charlotte: Uniquely Charlotte is an Observer subscriber collection of moments, landmarks and personalities that define the uniqueness (and pride) of why we live in the Charlotte region.

This story was originally published August 6, 2025 at 6:00 AM.

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Heidi Finley
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Heidi Finley is a writer and editor for CharlotteFive and the Charlotte Observer. Outside of work, you will most likely find her in the suburbs driving kids around, volunteering and indulging in foodie pursuits. Support my work with a digital subscription
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