Charlotte may not be the capital or the largest city in North Carolina, but the smaller city has plenty to offer visitors. From the NASCAR Hall of Fame to the Mint Museum, it’s easy to fill a long weekend there.
I recently attended Savor Charlotte, a week and a half in March in which the city’s restaurants and chefs host interactive events for foodies from near and far to taste and experience the city’s food. Based on the bites I sampled, here are the 10 must-try spots for your next trip.
Parts of this trip were hosted.
1. Little Mama’s Italian
- Cuisine: Italian
- Vibe: Family-friendly
- Favorite Dishes:
- Homemade mozzarella for a can’t-miss shareable appetizer
- Housemade pastas
- Crispy crab cakes loaded with juicy, sweet crab and accompanied by a creamy mustard sauce
- SheBuysTravelTip: For a more relaxed atmosphere and a similar menu, visit sister restaurant Mama Ricotta’s..
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2. Ever Andalo
- Cuisine: Italian
- Vibe: Cozy and intimate
- Favorite Dishes:
- House-made burrata
- Focaccia
- Roasted and raw oysters
- SheBuysTravel Tip: Order a yummy bottle off the all-Italian wine list, curated by owners Jeff Tonidandel and Jamie Brown.
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3. Spaghett
- Cuisine: Italian
- Vibe: Historic and charming
- Favorite Dishes:
- Any of the seasonal homemade pastas
- Foccacia
- Seasonal tiramisu
- SheBuysTravel Tip: Don’t miss the spirit-forward craft cocktail menu.
4. Haberdish
- Cuisine: Southern
- Vibe: Bright and spacious
- Favorite Dishes:
- Fried chicken
- Cast-iron trout
- Collard greens
- SheBuysTravel Tip: If a dinner reservation is hard to find, come for lunch, dinner or weekend brunch.
5. L’Ostrica
- Cuisine: Southern Fusion
- Vibe: Upscale
- Favorite Dishes:
- Smoked Trout Dip
- Carolina Farm Stand Salad
- NY Strip
- SheBuysTravel Tip: Visit Wednesday through Saturday for a casual bite (including a rotating Sandwich of The Day, announced on Instagram) and to browse the attached market.
6. Supperland
- Cuisine: Southern steakhouse
- Vibe: Rustic
- Favorite Dishes:
- Charred wedge salad
- Wood-fired lobster
- Pork can-can
- SheBuysTravel Tip: Weekend brunch ($65 per adult) is an opulent buffet that includes passed cinnamon rolls and oysters.
7. Uptown Yolk
- Cuisine: Southern
- Vibe: Homey and whimsical
- Favorite Dishes:
- Shrimp and grits
- Sweet potato biscuits
- Southern waffle
- SheBuysTravel Tip: Brunch is served until 5 pm Friday through Sunday.
8. Albertine
- Cuisine: Mediterranean and southern
- Vibe: Upscale and intimate
- Favorite Dishes:
- Crispy charred malawich
- Labneh-marinated chicken thigh
- Rock crab malfadine
- SheBuysTravel Tip: The stunning restaurant interior (which has been featured in several magazines) is worth a visit on its own.
9. Yafo Kitchen
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Vibe: Fast casual
- Favorite Dishes:
- Israeli hot chicken
- Kibbeh pita tacos
- Falafel
- SheBuysTravel Tip: The restaurant offers family meals that feed three to four people, including a protein and sides.
10. For A Little of Everything
If you’re looking to please a crowd, head to Optimist Hall for a smorgasbord of options. Try the Tortilla Espinola at Marina’s Tapas, Dan Dan noodles at The Dumpling Lady and the sambusas at Enat Ethiopian.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Leave room after lunch at Optimist Hall for a scoop (or three) from Honeysuckle Gelato.
Getting There
Charlotte Douglas International Airport has direct flights from most major cities in the US. It’s a short 15-minute drive to downtown Charlotte or a 30-minute bus ride.
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