Smaller plates and smaller budgets are now the trend in Charlotte restaurants
Looks like Charlotte is leaning the way of our European counterparts, at least when it comes to smaller plates and portions offered at old and new local restaurants.
A major reason for this is the rise of weight loss and GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic, which have doubled in use in the U.S. since early 2024, according to a new Gallup health survey.
But it’s not just Queen City restaurants shifting with the times. Nationwide chains in Charlotte like PF Chang’s and Olive Garden have already introduced menus with smaller plates at reduced prices, with the latter citing both rising sales and affordability scores in a mid-September earnings call.
It’s a win-win: small plates let you taste more of what Charlotte chefs have on their menus, versus being locked into a single entrée. And, small plates may cost less, too, so they’re kinder on not just your waistline but also your budget.
Here’s where to get small plates in the city.
Charlotte restaurants with small plates on the menu
Albertine
Location: 525 S. Tryon St #125, Charlotte NC 28202
Albertine, a gorgeous, moody uptown restaurant, caters to the corporate crowd. But you can still casually stop by and whet your appetite with Middle Eastern mezes like red and green schugs, zaalouk eggplant spread, or apps like lamb kefta, Venetian-style artichoke, or little gems under $20 each.
Barcelona Wine Bar
Location: 101 W Worthington Ave Ste 110, Charlotte, NC 28203
Barcelona, a chain wine bar, offers an extensive charcuterie menu, where you can try three items for $21, or select from a large tapas menu, where most items like charred corn, croquetas and spiced beef empanadas are priced under $10 each.
Ever Andalo
Location: 3116 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205
You could easily make a meal out of small plates at Ever Andalo (or any traditional Italian menu, really). For example, you can select from antipasti (starters) like focaccia, burrata, anchovies and olives, contorni (sides) like fried eggplant rollatini and creamy farrotto. The Michelin-recommended restaurant also offers both cool and hot menus featuring raw oysters and a kale crumb salad, or roasted oysters and whole fried artichokes, respectively.
The Goodyear House
Location: 3032 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205
The Goodyear House, which has a dog-friendly and welcoming outdoor patio, offers both “snacks” like marinated shrimp ($17), a shaken fry bag with 3 flavor options ($9) and lil tomato sammies (when in season) at $12. You’ll also find small plates like escarole with chili crumbs and warm bacon dressing, roasted root veggies, smoked cashew mac, beef tartare and crudo ($16 to $18).
Good Food on Montford
Location: 1701 Montford Dr, Charlotte, NC 28209
Good Food on Montford is as casual or upscale as you want it to be, and it’s one of my most recommended spots in town. But the restaurant is also one that offers small plates of gnocchi, shrimp and grits, and Spanish meatballs (“albondigas”), all priced under $20, or small portions like a little gem salad, pork belly Larry’s Buns and Korean beef.
Napa
Location: 110 Perrin Pl, Charlotte, NC 28207
A small plate menu at Napa features Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, mussels, tuna crudo, and a fig and prosciutto flatbread, which, ordered just as-is, is plenty sufficient for a tasty meal on the smaller side.
Sala
Location: 715 Providence Rd #4, Charlotte, NC 28207
Sala, a new Myers Park bar, is for the grown-up crowd, offering oysters, a white bean salad, bruschetta and ceviche from a light bites and small plates menu. The upscale fare accompanies a curated European wine menu and cocktail list.
More ideas for small plates, portions and shareables
Food halls
Food halls are perfect for those wanting smaller plates or portions, or for those wanting to try many things all at once.
At Optimist Hall, why not try any of these food items that come in small sizes: an empanada from Felix’s, a junior protein and veg bowl from Mezeh, an order of vada pav sliders or single chicken tikka or kebab skewers from Botiwalla, a ¼ lb. of brisket from Noble Smoke with a side of collard greens, or some spicy Szechuan dumplings from Dumpling Lady?
ESO Artisanal Pasta also offers small portions of most of its pastas.
The best part? If your diet allows, you can follow up with a small sweet treat from Honeysuckle Gelato or Suarez Bakery and a coffee from Undercurrent.
Then, there’s Alley 51 at Super G in Pineville, where you can grab a single steamed bun from Honeybuns II and then a portion of sushi or fried karaage chicken from Yume.
Food trucks
The city’s most popular food trucks have loyal fandoms of their own, and are fantastic opportunities for everything from snacks and light bites to full meals.
Look for where Chutney Cat, El Veneno and Hello Uncle will be stationed via their Instagram pages, and don’t forget the many taco trucks dotted along South Boulevard if you’re craving small bites.
Indian restaurants with thali and tiffin on the menu
For as long as I’ve been eating Indian food, I love the ones with meat or vegetable “thali” or “tiffin” options on the menu, where you get a lot of little tastes and bites in small stainless steel bowls or sectioned platters.
It’s hard to go overboard with portions this way, while still getting to taste and try a variety of things.
Charlotte Indian spots with thali or small platters include Tabla and Sri Balaji.
Restaurants with prix fixe menus
Prix fixe menus typically offer three courses (starter, main, dessert) that are portioned on the smaller side. So you get a full meal, but you won’t leave feeling like a glutton.
For example, Spaghett offers a three-course prix fixe menu for $60, and if you go with someone else, then you can taste both options offered that evening.
This story was originally published December 1, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
