These are the 10 hottest restaurants in Charlotte right now
Charlotte’s restaurant scene never stands still.
New concepts are constantly popping up, while longtime neighborhood favorites keep drawing packed dining rooms year after year.
Whether you’re planning a special occasion dinner, grabbing a casual lunch or searching for your next date-night destination, these 10 restaurants are among the hottest tables in town:
Albertine
Location: 525 S. Tryon St #125, Charlotte, NC 28202
Albertine quickly attracted attention from local foodies and national critics alike, landing on Garden & Gun’s list of must-try restaurants last year. The menu combines Mediterranean and North African flavors with a Southern touch, featuring seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. If you go, order the wood-grilled mahi mahi with the samneh fried potatoes.
Ardente: Roman Kitchen & Market
Location: 500 E. Morehead St., Charlotte, NC 28203
One of Charlotte’s newest Italian concepts in the former Capiche space in Dilworth, Ardente Kitchen offers handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza and a market stocked with specialty goods. The restaurant also imports ingredients directly from Italy and offers family-style meals alongside its dine-in service. I haven’t been yet, but a friend of mine who went recently said the carbonara is “fire.”
Café Audire
Location: 4090 Raleigh St., Suite 143, Charlotte, NC 28206
Newly opened at The Pass near NoDa, Café Audire combines a coffee shop, vinyl listening lounge and community gathering space under one roof. Visitors can enjoy locally sourced coffee, pastries and a retro-inspired atmosphere. With Soul Gastrolounge just a few doors down and Independent Picture House steps away, it could be the perfect stop for your next daycation.
Good Food on Montford
Location: 1701 Montford Dr., Charlotte, NC 28209
This neighborhood staple remains one of Charlotte’s most reliable spots for small plates and shareable dishes. The restaurant launched bites on a budget last year, featuring deals like $10 small plates and half-price bottles of wine. If you’re a cocktail drinker, go with the Smoke Em’ If Ya Got Em’ -- with lunazul blanco tequila, del maguey vida mezcal, ghost pepper, orange and turmeric -- just don’t have too many of em’ like I did.
Lang Van
Location: 3019 Shamrock Dr., Charlotte, NC 28215
A longtime Charlotte favorite and Michelin Guide honoree, Lang Van has built a loyal following with its authentic Vietnamese cuisine and welcoming atmosphere. Popular dishes include pho, vermicelli bowls and fresh spring rolls. I learned the hard way not to fill up on spring rolls, though.
Rada
Location: 2820 Selwyn Ave., Suite 180, Charlotte, NC 28209
Recognized as one of the 50 best restaurants in the U.S. by the New York Times in September, Rada serves vegetable-forward, European-inspired cuisine in an intimate setting. In her review of the restaurant, NYT reporter Kim Severson gushed over the restaurant’s “New York feel,” describing a sense of enchantment and glow that “spills from the windows like a favorite spot on a West Village corner” before you even set foot inside. But does it really feel like New York? Not in my opinion, but the food is on par with any dish you find in the Big Apple’s best eateries.
Restaurant Constance
Location: 3002 Central Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205
Restaurant Constance, helmed by James Beard Award semifinalist Sam Diminich, showcases locally sourced ingredients through a seasonal, chef-driven menu. Diners can expect elevated coastal cuisine, including rock shrimp and lobster rolls, cold-water oysters and jalapeño cornbread waffles, served with white cheddar pimento cheese and pepper jelly. I’m definitely trying the waffles next time I go.
Supperland
Location: 1212 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205
Located inside a restored church in Plaza Midwood, Supperland has become one of Charlotte’s most recognizable dining destinations. The restaurant is known for its steakhouse-inspired menu, dramatic interior design and inventive cocktail program led by beverage director Colleen Hughes, a James Beard Award nominee for Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service. I visited for my birthday last year and paired the prime filet with a couple of sides -- everything was delicious. It’s also likely the most expensive restaurant on this list, with entrée prices ranging from $32 to $140.
Surefire Market
Location: 301 Camp Rd #101, Charlotte, NC 28206
One of the latest additions at Camp North End, Surefire Market is known for its smash burgers, chicken sandwiches and house-made sauces. My friend Tim called their chicken sandwiches the “best in Charlotte” and he’s not wrong. The Honey Butta – a crispy, hormone-free, hand-breaded chicken breast dipped in luscious homemade honey butter sauce, served on a brioche bun – is much better than that fast food sandwich that went viral in 2019.
The Crunkleton
Location: 1957 E. 7th St., Charlotte, NC 28204
Part cocktail bar and part restaurant, The Crunkleton is known for its extensive whiskey collection and elevated comfort food. Guests can expect expertly crafted drinks alongside dishes like their wagyu burger, prime New York strip steaks and seasonal specials, plus desserts, like its award-winning pecan pie. Try the mezcal sour (I’m a huge fan of mezcal) or, if you’re in the mood something sweet, go with the Hemingway daiquiri.
