6 Picks for Charlotte Foodies
Cuisine in Charlotte is good for the soul. Here are restaurants where you can dine like royalty in the Queen City.
by Lauren Monitz Jun 11, 2018
Cuisine in Charlotte ranges from regional favorites like catfish, fried chicken, ‘cue and grits to innovative, chef-driven bites that go well beyond the homestyle stereotype. While I personally believe that all food is comfort food, cuisine in Charlotte is as good for the soul as it is for the spirit. Here’s where to dine like royalty in the Queen City because food is a way of life in the South.
Angeline’s
A little more upscale than your Italian grandmother used to make, Angeline’s is still a true family feast so bring the crew to taste a bit of everything. The branzino is not to be missed (served whole as an entrée or sashimi style as an appetizer), but my personal favorite was the oxtail pasta, which I will actually have dreams about.
Amelie’s French Bakery
Amelie’s is a cult-favorite in Charlotte racking up a number of celebrity fans including President Obama, who used to have their salted caramel brownies shipped directly to the White House. The lavish pastries look like Alice in Wonderland’s tea party brought to life and were featured in the movie The Hunger Games as part of the gluttonous feast en route to the capital.
Haberdish
A nod to pre-Prohibition NoDa (North Davidson), the Haberdish building was formerly a general store in an old textile mill town. The name is a play on an old-world haberdashery with booths made from fabrics produced in North Carolina and reclaimed wood from the rafters of the building itself. Known for their fried chicken, waffles and biscuits, other not-to-miss menu items include the hushpuppies served with homemade sweet tea butter and deviled eggs topped with smoked trout. The blonde bloody is the ultimate morning pick me up, made with Heirloom tomatoes that give it a distinct, mild flavor.
Merchant & Trade
Swanky Merchant & Trade is an after-work rooftop bar boasting the best views of the city and straight into BB&T Ballpark. Known for creative cocktails crafted with innovative ingredients like beets and kombucha and upscale bites like lobster corn dogs and grilled cheese dippers, it’s definitely the place to see and be seen in Charlotte.
5Church
A celebrity hotspot thanks to Top Cheftestant Jamie Lynch, the upscale American menu at 5Church is as approachable as it is innovative. Equally known for its distinct décor, the entire book the “Art of War” is inscribed on the ceiling inspired by the quote “to expand your territory and divide your spoils.” Their second outpost in Charleston actually resides in a church. Try the 60-second NY Strip, which is flash seared on one side only, seasoned and crusty on the bottom and rare on top.
The King’s Kitchen
A place to eat for good, King’s Kitchen offers multi-course feasts that feel like Southern Thanksgiving year-round. Choose your protein (the fried chicken and catfish are house favorites) and 3-4 sides and know you’re nourishing both your belly and your soul. Actually a nonprofit, all restaurant proceeds go toward running a full-service food bank and providing on-the-job training for those in need.
Click here to learn more about Lauren’s 48 hours in Charlotte.
