Food and Drink

8 multicultural markets and international eateries in Charlotte

Charlotte's multicultural food scene thrives with vibrant markets and eateries. These spots offer a taste of international cultures all within the city. One common thread is the presence of diverse products, cuisines, and cultural experiences.

Agora Greek Market stands out with its range of Greek staples like cheeses, olive oil, and phyllo dough.

Enzo’s Italian Market delights with fresh pasta and pastries, soon expanding in Matthews.

Cedar Land Halal Foods provides Lebanese and Middle Eastern offerings, including olives and honey.

Utsav Supermarket + Food Hall provides a unique blend of Indian groceries and dining, including biryanis and curries.

Gleiberman's Gourmet is the go-to for kosher goods, while Pepero features Korean products, with an attached restaurant. Super G Mart, with its expansive international selection, hosts Alley 51, an Asian-inspired food hall offering various culinary delights.

Elsewhere, Compare Foods protects its immigrant clientele by offering free delivery during increased immigration enforcement.

On Central Avenue, businesses like La Luna Tienda Latina, Pho An Hoa, and Cedar Land embody community and cultural intersection. These diverse markets and eateries in Charlotte not only support culinary exploration but also foster cross-cultural connections and community strength.

NO. 1: CENTRAL AVENUE IS WHERE THREE BUSINESSES, THREE CULTURES AND ‘SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL’ MEET

Charlotte’s immigrants haven’t just found community on Central Avenue — they’ve found opportunity, too.  | Published June 23, 2022 | Read Full Story by Devna Bose

NO. 2: FROM SECRET SHOP TO THRIVING MARKET: CHARLOTTE’S AGORA GREEK MARKET IS AN ‘EXPERIENCE’

The once-secret warehouse selling authentic Greek coffee and feta has transitioned over the years into a thriving retail market in East Charlotte. | Published August 31, 2022 | Read Full Story by Shannon Greene

Enzo’s Italian Market carries a selection of housemade specialty sauces.

NO. 3: A NEW LOCATION OF THIS ITALIAN MARKET IS BRINGING PASTA, SWEETS TO DOWNTOWN MATTHEWS

Shop for take-and-bake items, fresh sausages, cakes and cannolis when store No. 3 opens this fall. | Published April 19, 2024 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley

Chyna Blackmon tries a Vermicelli Bowl from Saigon Cafe at the new Alley 51 international food hall. By Alex Cason

NO. 4: I ATE MY WAY THROUGH THE NEW INTERNATIONAL FOOD HALL NEAR CHARLOTTE. HERE’S AN INSIDE LOOK.

You’ll find Asian street food offerings including banh mi, dumplings and more. | Published May 24, 2024 | Read Full Story by Chyna Blackmon

Customers shop and chat inside Agora Greek Market. By Alex Cason

NO. 5: CHARLOTTE’S 20 TOP INTERNATIONAL MARKETS, INCLUDING SOME WITH CAFES AND FOOD COURTS

At Charlotte’s international markets, you can find flavors from Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia, right in your own backyard. | Published May 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Liz Rothaus Bertrand

Utsav grocery store + food hall, now open in Charlotte, bills itself as a one-stop shop for all things Indian cuisine.

NO. 6: FROM BIRYANIS TO GROCERIES: INDIAN FOOD HALL + SUPERMARKET OPENS IN CHARLOTTE

A new supermarket hopes to be Charlotte’s one-stop shop for all things Indian cuisine and culture. | Published October 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney

Compare Foods has several locations in the Charlotte area. By Alex Cason

NO. 7: CHARLOTTE GROCERY STORE OFFERS FREE DELIVERY TO PROTECT IMMIGRANT COMMUNITY

In a step to protect the city’s immigrant community while U.S. | Published November 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Melissa Oyler

A shopper holds a jar of McCormick Mayonesa with lime juice outside the Wow Supermarket in Charlotte. The market specializes in a wide range of international and regional food products often unavailable at major chains. By Tonya Price

NO. 8: EMPTY AISLES: LATINO MARKETS + GROCERY STORES AROUND CHARLOTTE TO SUPPORT TODAY

Shelves are stocked but aisles have been empty this week at many of Charlotte’s Latino-owned grocery stores this week as shoppers avoid the markets due to heightened U.S. | Published November 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Melissa Oyler

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.