Food and Drink

Where influencers eat: Explore Charlotte's culinary scene through these enticing food updates

Stories by Charlotte Observer journalists, with AI summarization

The curated articles collectively highlight Charlotte's dynamic culinary scene through the lens of influencers and notable visitors.

Each piece shares a common theme of recommending dining experiences based on personal interactions and insights. Influencers and visitors like Top Chef judges and K-pop fans showcase specific spots, influencing culinary trends and spotlighting traditional and emerging dishes.

Several articles feature Bojangles, which impressed 'Top Chef' judges with its iconic fried chicken, Cajun spices, and biscuit meal.

Mukja stands out by introducing K-dogs to Charlotte, capturing the attention of locals and concertgoers alike.

Influencers emphasize various must-visit restaurants, with mentions of places like Steak 48 for upscale experiences and Link and Pin for reliable food service.

Angela Chan of Charlotte Date Night “can’t just pick one” favorite restaurant — she visits a variety of spots.

NO. 1: WHERE TO FIND CHARLOTTE’S BEST BITES, ACCORDING TO FOOD BLOGGERS AND INFLUENCERS

Get an insider’s view on top Charlotte dining spots with these recommendations from 14 local food bloggers and creators. | Published September 5, 2024 | Read Full Story by Mari Pressley

Aespa fans waiting in line to get in to the Spectrum Center, dressed in carefully curated outfits. By Sara Murphy

NO. 2: DANCING AND K-DOGS: HOW TO FULLY IMMERSE YOURSELF IN A K-POP WEEKEND IN CHARLOTTE

Meeting up with new friends and finding delicious Korean eats in Charlotte can add to your K-pop experience. | Published February 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Sara Murphy

Open Kitchen near Wesley Heights is a family restaurant that still feels like the 1950s. By Timothy DePeugh

NO. 3: NEW TO CHARLOTTE? EAT AT THESE 15 RESTAURANTS, THEN YOU CAN CALL YOURSELF A LOCAL

It’s hard deciding what to eat in your new city when also nursing gastronomic whiplash. Here, 15 restaurants that are uniquely 704 or that have stood the test of time. | Published May 1, 2025 | Read Full Story by Timothy DePeugh

“Top Chef” host Kristen Kish and judges Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons are heading to Charlotte to film Season 23, with a few stops in Greenville, S.C. By David Moir/Bravo

NO. 4: WHERE WOULD A ‘TOP CHEF’ JUDGE EAT IN CHARLOTTE? HERE’S WHAT THEY’VE TRIED SO FAR

The “Top Chef” team has landed in Charlotte to begin filming Season 23 of the award-winning culinary competition, and all eyes are on the food. | Published August 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by CharlotteFive Generic, Heidi Finley

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.