Savor these amazing places to eat in Charlotte North Carolina. A sampling from hundreds of great places to eat in Queen City. I am astonished by the culinary scene and will return often to research more food epicness. Go visit Charlotte and do your own research! #CharlottesGotalot
The following Charlotte NC restaurants are listed in alphabetical order.
I was a hosted guest of Charlotte Regional Visitor’s Authority and Travel Media Showcase but this #COOLinary content is carefully crafted with the McCool Travel audience in mind.
8 Great Places to Eat in Charlotte North Carolina
1. Bonterra
NOTE: Bonterra rebranded as Phillip’s Bistro and Wine Bar.
Bonterra occupies a historic church in Charlotte’s Dilworth Historic District and serves the largest selection of wines by the glass on the US East coast. Over 200 options includes some wines not served by the glass anywhere else. Their Blackened Watermelon Pork Belly appears prominently in my dreams. Rather than using gas or electric, chef Blake Hartwick cooks everything over natural wood. Ask about the painting over the bar (fascinating history).
Bonterra: 1829 Cleveland Avenue | website



>> See the McCool Travel article: 8 Great Things to do on a Cabarrus County Getaway
2. Fahrenheit
Fahrenheit is located on the 21st floor, above the Hyatt Place and Skye condos. Visit Fahrenheit for remarkable views of Charlotte (from one of Queen City’s top rooftop spots), creative drinks (I had the Mastodon), and incredible food. My amazing lobster roll appetizer and scallop dinner only paved the way for the scrumptious dessert—a massive peanut butter candy bar with salted caramel ice cream.
Fahrenheit: 222 South Caldwell Street | website



3. Fidelli Kitchen
Two words: Meatball Cone. It is remarkable. Want a second opinion? Well, Fidelli won the “best new bite” award in the recent Taste of Charlotte contest. Fidelli Kitchen does have other cones if you must. Other options include building your own pasta bowl, ordering house made soups or sandwiches or desserts, and buying wine by the taste, small glass, full glass, or bottle. “Blurring the line between fast and fancy” is their motto.
Fidelli Kitchen: 1616 Camden Road | website


4. 5Church Charlotte
5Church occupies part of The Ivey’s Hotel, a new upscale boutique hotel in uptown Charlotte. Visit them for a popular Sunday brunch with local sustainable food. My shrimp and grits was delicious and my side salad was much larger than expected with super fresh ingredients.
5Church Charlotte: Corner of 5th and Church | website



5. Papi Queso //Â Sycamore Brewing
Papi Queso’s claim to fame is rocking the Charlotte food truck scene and appearing on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives but they recently opened up a pop up kitchen inside Sycamore Brewing in South End. Um, GO! Papi serves simply amazing grilled cheese combos but the Cubano (when available) is #DroptheMic incredible.
Papi Queso: 2161 Hawkins Street | website
6. River’s Edge // US National Whitewater Center
First of all, when you visit Charlotte, you better go to USNWC. It is called an adventure playground for adults. I loved rafting, zip lining, mountain biking there, even with a couple of minor injuries. Hey, play hard, eat well! After working up an appetite getting thrown from a raft in Class IV rapids, I really enjoyed my bison Mexicali burger at River’s Edge. On a prior visit, my wife and I shared a remarkable quinoa salad and local craft beers.
River’s Edge at US National Whitewater Center: 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway | website
7. 7th Street Public Market
I love a repurposed building! 7th Street Public Market operates as an incubator for up and coming culinary startups in Charlotte, supporting local farmers and artisans. The muffin of the day at Local Loaf was a sinful orange butterscotch crumble. I bought the last one during a break from a super fun Charlotte Segway tour. I must return to 7th Street and try the tempting crusts at Pure Pizza. Any recommendations?
7th Street Public Market: 224 East 7th Street | website


>> See the McCool Travel article: Fantastic Things to Do in Durham North Carolina: Art, Baseball, Craft Beer, and More
8. Stoke
Stoke is located inside the revamped Charlotte Marriott City Center, a sleek modern concept hotel unlike any other Marriott. Only a dozen steps from Independence Square, Stoke epitomizes relaxed luxury dining. Order the delectable deviled eggs and the magnificent sticky pork shank.
Stoke: 100 West Trade Street | website



For more information about visiting Charlotte, North Carolina:
Charlotte Visitor Bureau: website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
FEAST Food Tours (visit several foodie stops on one tour!): website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Independence Square Charlotte, North Carolina by Sand and Snow
What are your favorite places to eat in Charlotte North Carolina?
See also these fun North Carolina travel articles:
Great tips for traveler
Thanks for sharing
Thank you for the note. Have you been to Charlotte?
What a foodie scene Charles. Incredibly impressive. NC in general is super; my cousin moved to Wilmington last year and loves it.
Wilmington is a great foodie city. See my article about it?
Dang, man! You ate well in Charlotte. I’ve really gotta spend more time there and especially explore its breweries, like Sycamore. Thanks for sharing this and I hope you can make it our way someday:)
Sounds like a great plan. Love NC and the craft brew scene.