The best meals at Charlotte restaurants, hands down: What are they?
What are the top meals available in Charlotte's vibrant restaurant scene? Every year, CharlotteFive journalists and readers share their top choices of the year. These guides showcase a wide range of gourmet experiences, from classic dishes to innovative culinary creations.
In one notable selection, Aqua e Vino impressed with a curated selection from Chef Gabriele Grigolon, offering cauliflower flan with bechamel, rock shrimp risotto, and braised short ribs.
The Crunkleton's extended brunch hours provided a relaxed setting for enjoying steak and eggs paired with a refreshing drink.
At Curry Gate, the spicy chicken tikka masala served alongside garlic naan stood out as a favorite takeout option with generous portions.
What was your favorite meal in 2025? Let us know, and check out favorites from past years for inspiration.
NO. 1: THE 16 BEST MEALS WE’VE EATEN ALL YEAR IN CHARLOTTE, 2021 EDITION
Take a look back to some of the best meals of 2021. | Published December 22, 2021 | Read Full Story by CharlotteFive staff
NO. 2: THESE ARE THE BEST MEALS WE ATE IN CHARLOTTE IN 2022
New hot spots, old favorites and hidden gems have filled us with great food all year. Here’s where our reporters and editors ate in 2022. | Published December 22, 2022 | Read Full Story by CharlotteFive staff
NO. 3: THE BEST MEALS WE ATE ALL YEAR: HERE ARE OUR FAVORITE CHARLOTTE-AREA RESTAURANTS IN 2023
New hot spots, old favorites and hidden gems have filled us with great food all year. Here’s where our reporters, photographers and editors ate in 2023. | Published December 13, 2023 | Read Full Story by CharlotteFive staff
NO. 4: THE BEST MEALS YOU’VE EATEN ALL YEAR IN CHARLOTTE: YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS FROM 2023
Ceviche, steak and scallops were among reader standout favorites on Charlotte menus. | Published December 28, 2023 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley
NO. 5: THE 21 BEST MEALS WE ATE ALL YEAR: HERE ARE OUR FAVORITE CHARLOTTE-AREA RESTAURANTS IN 2024
Y’all, this is our favorite story of the year. | Published December 2, 2024 | Read Full Story by CharlotteFive staff
NO. 6: WHAT’S THE BEST MEAL YOU ATE IN 2025 AT A CHARLOTTE-AREA RESTAURANT? LET US KNOW.
Ok foodies, we ride at dawn: Here's your chance to share your favorite meal of the year this year. | 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.