Best Charlotte restaurants? These 10 spots are ‘worth the drive,’ OpenTable says
Deciding where to eat in Charlotte can feel like a bigger commitment when it means getting in the car first.
OpenTable recently updated its list of Charlotte restaurants “worth the drive,” spotlighting eateries across the city serving everything from tacos and Italian dishes to sushi and seafood. The roundup also spans a range of price points, from casual bites to fine dining.
Here’s which spots made the cut.
What are the Top 10 restaurants worth visiting in Charlotte?
According to OpenTable, these were the Top 10 restaurants worth the drive in Charlotte as of Thursday, April 16:
- La Belle Helene
- Culinary Dropout
- 204 North Kitchen & Cocktails
- Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley
- Chima Steakhouse
- PARA
- Superica
- Ruth’s Chris Steak House
- Dolce Ristorante
- 800 Degrees Lounge
What’s the Charlotte restaurant most worth the drive?
La Belle Helene, located in uptown Charlotte, is a French brasserie from the team behind several Church and Union concepts across the country. The restaurant features classic French fare alongside beer and wine in a soaring, elegant dining room anchored by a long, lively bar.
According to OpenTable, it is part of a broader portfolio that includes Church and Union locations in Charlotte, Charleston, Nashville and Denver, as well as Ophelia’s in Nashville and Tempest in Charleston.
Where can you find affordable eats in Charlotte?
We asked Charlotte residents earlier this year where to find the city’s best cheap eats in a TikTok that drew hundreds of comments.
Among the most frequently mentioned spots were Maria’s Mexican Restaurant in LoSo, praised for lunch specials ranging from about $8.99 to $11.99, and Park Road Soda Shoppe, a longtime diner favorite known for generous portions at modest prices.
Commenters also highlighted Lang Van, a beloved Vietnamese restaurant recently recognized by Michelin, alongside Yummy Sushi in LoSo, which drew attention for its all-you-can-eat sushi deal at $15.99.
Other shoutouts included Sabor Latin Street Grill in NoDa, and Clark’s Snack Bar and Calle Sol Latin Café in Plaza Midwood.
How did OpenTable rank these Charlotte restaurants?
OpenTable said it ranked restaurants based on multiple factors, including:
- Table availability
- Restaurant location
- Search criteria
- Restaurant reviews and ratings
“Payment made by a restaurant to OpenTable is also a factor for the relative ordering of restaurants,” the website said.
