Food and Drink

Tell us what you think: Charlotte's best meals, new restaurants, and holiday displays

Stories by Charlotte Observer journalists, with AI summarization

Readers, we want to know what you think! CharlotteFive invites you to engage with the local community by sharing your opinions on food, dining experiences and festive displays.

Participate in our polls to voice your choice for:

• The 'Best new restaurants around Charlotte.'

• 'What’s the best meal you ate in 2025 at a Charlotte-area restaurant?'

•  'Who has the best holiday display around Charlotte?'

Submit your thoughts using the links below and help us showcase the best of Charlotte.

The City of Charlotte, NC skyline. By Lila Turner

NO. 1: BEST NEW RESTAURANTS AROUND CHARLOTTE? TELL US YOUR FAVORITE ADDITION TO THE AREA

You’ve probably lost count of all the new restaurants that have opened in Charlotte this year — more than 150 to be exact. | Published November 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chyna Blackmon

Wendy and Darin Hall at their holiday-decorated house By Alex Cason

NO. 2: WHO HAS THE BEST HOLIDAY DISPLAY AROUND CHARLOTTE? NOMINATE A NEIGHBOR (OR YOURSELF!)

It’s (almost) the most wonderful time of the year, and neighbors across the Charlotte area are ready to bedazzle their homes, porches and lawns with dazzling light displays that scream “happy holidays.” Locals are sure to go all out with their seasonal decor, from inflatables to twinkling icicle lights, animated reindeer, colorful garland and giant candy canes to line the driveway. | Published November 19, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney

Our favorite restaurants of 2024 included, from top left: Greco Fresh Grille, Haraz Coffee House, Little Mama’s, L’Ostrica, Prime Fish Cellar. By CharlotteFive photos

NO. 3: WHAT’S THE BEST MEAL YOU ATE IN 2025 AT A CHARLOTTE-AREA RESTAURANT? LET US KNOW.

Ok foodies, we ride at dawn: | Published November 28, 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.