atlanta good eats tagged interest

Charlotte’s Essential 18 reflects the city's wide range of cuisines, budgets, and levels of fancy. This year, a hyperlocal menu switch-up, a taco truck, and an unpretentious pizza joint are all actively remedying the city’s culinary stagnation.

Warning: relative newcomers on the scene have swept some archetypal Charlotte standbys aside. We still love them, but change is good. Fresh faces are good, and a remembrance of longtime underdogs is good, too.

It’s 2024, and restaurants don’t exist in a vacuum — they are integral parts of the cultural fabric of this city and can’t be separated from social, cultural, and environmental issues. That’s why each one of these spots lives on the list. They show off Charlotte’s pockets of diversity that stretch across town, they spotlight new voices unafraid to break the mold, or they flex the rich Piedmont produce that has the potential to put Charlotte on a national map. Sometimes, they do it all.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Jermaine Blackmon is the third-generation owner of Original Chicken andamp; Ribs on the west side of Charlotte. He’s loyal to his craft of hospitality, organizing the occasional free kids’ lunch, and he’s distinctly loyal to the vision of his grandfather who opened the joint in the 1950s. Blackmon still serves the people (and their children) who saw him grow up behind the counter. He’s also still frying birds in the take-out-only kitchen. The fried food here is of the distinguished, crispy kind — chicken wings, drummettes, the occasional liver and gizzards, and a fair share of fried shrimp and perch. And don’t skip the sides, like the orbs of okra and a substantial dollop of mac n’ cheese. The restaurant draws on the tradition of meat and three and the power of sweet tea. As the west side of Charlotte develops, this unadorned spot has been a beacon for the community — the only establishment from the original Green Book still standing in Charlotte.

NoDa’s Salud Cerveceria is an iykyk (if you know, you know) situation, and those who do are the lucky ones. It emanates a certain cool that can’t be manufactured. Although, maybe it’s the natural wine and funky beers that do the trick. This food is not so serious but hits the spot, like the weekends-only breakfast Crunchwrap and the pizza draped in white sauce, ricotta, and prosciutto. The house-made focaccia is salted and fluffy and is even better when dressed up as one of Salud’s sandwiches, which are delicacies meant to be destroyed. There’s a loungey upstairs, casual downstairs with craft beers, and a great, social side patio. Grab a bite here before and a drink here after a show at the Evening Muse or the Neighborhood Theatre.

Chef Chris Coleman has fun with food, specifically Southern cuisine, over at the Goodyear house on North Davidson Street. The marinated shrimp with a mignonette butter meant for slathering atop saltines is a joy to eat, as is the decked-out beef tartare. The “goopy” burger using Shipley Farms meat and a pillowy potato bun is easy eating. The menu clearly pays its respects to Carolina cuisine, but the food’s more lighthearted and notably lighter. It’s a restaurant with some of the darlingest designs in town — very farm-cottage-with-open-windows vibes. And famed mixologist Bob Peter’s cocktails are fresh, sometimes vegetal, and sometimes fruity little things.

Plaza Shamrock’s Lang Van is an enduring, makes-the-list every year type of spot. The menu is a parade of Vietnamese dishes — hot pot, pho, vermicelli noodles, and lemongrass curries. Go with a big group and wash the dishes down with red table wine that shouldn’t even pair with the food, but somehow, when passed around the table, glugged, and re-filled generously by owner Dan Nguyen, it fits like a glove. Nguyen remembers guest names like an art form, making the informal dining experience at Lang Van both memorable and irresistible (especially on gloomy days begging for a cozy dinner).

January 2023 saw the start of a new chapter in Charlotte food, and specifically, Wesley Heights, thanks to chef Sam Diminich, who exults local produce and farmers with a fervor that’s almost infectious. The quaint restaurant is full of light and antique-y touches, while Diminich literally walks the walk, touring around tables. Diners are bound to be surprised by something hyper-seasonal, from a fig tartlet or barbecue eggplant to an apple cider bread pudding or kombu-cured sashimi. Restaurant Constance has a comprehensive nonalcoholic beverage list, largely shaped by Diminich’s own sobriety journey, and is the most inspired NA list in town, using tea, herbs, and shrubs. Kindly share the small plates to start. Selfishly hoard the entrees and desserts to finish.

Counter is the place Charlotteans pine for — and save for. Chef Sam Hart has made waves in the city since opening up this experimental restaurant a little over four years ago. The restaurant has shifted through 1.0 to 3.0 iterations. But, the experience was always meant to change, where the whimsical dishes and accompanying art switch up quarterly. The $250 tasting menu and drinks embody a theme, from color to terroir, and are designed to push the boundaries of dining. While this style may be new to some folks, there is undeniable story, play, and purpose woven into each component. The universal appeal over the years has been the elaborate nature of the experience — themed music, art, occasional poetry, choreography, each plate dropping with precise timing. The Counter team will accommodate dietary restrictions no matter the menu.

Fast-casual Dumpling Lady, which started as a food truck in 2016, now has three locations in Optimist Hall, South End, and Uptown. The dizzying dan dan noodles and pork and chive dumplings represent this spot’s desire to stay loyal to traditional, non-Americanized Szechuan cuisine. The wontons and dumplings are like silk, until the heat kicks in, and suddenly, it’s silken molten lava, and eaters are back in their bodies. Expect the items to be draped in sesame, scallion, or chili oil — it may be messy, but it will be worth it. Pro tip: The South End location is open late on weekends for those late-night cravings. Another pro tip: Follow the Dumpling Lady’s Instagram for homemade recipe videos.

For a while, Bird was a sly spot on a corner strip in the Optimist Park. But then, the New York Times called it one of the best pizza restaurants in the U.S., and since then, it’s been a bit of a commotion trying to pre-order one of the pies. But the buzz is for good reason. Bird’s crust is molded and crisped with deftness, making for a chewy-enough-sturdy-enough base. Customers can build their own pies; if you do, get the hot honey drizzle, whether you’re rocking with a red or white sauce. Ingredients are achingly fresh, and the cheese caramelizes to a picture-perfect light golden brown. Pros know to take it to-go and head next door to Substrate for a crushable red wine.

El Veneno doesn’t need a brick-and-mortar to make the list. The search for this taco (and much more) truck is worth it because Kimmy Bazan makes a smoky black al pastor and a succulent, melty mulita. The menu is certainly modern, honoring Mexican flavors and shape-shifting them into barbecue, banh mi, and bagel specials while highlighting local, handmade corn tortillas and a robust mole negro. El Veneno is the queen of collabs, joining forces with Charlotte’s best-kept secrets — Union Barbecue, Dolce Dreams Cafe, Noche Bruta, and Already Sammies — for pop-ups worth visiting.

Community Matters Cafe is the brainchild restaurant of the Charlotte Rescue Mission, which places graduates of the nonprofit’s rehabilitation program into the cafe as part of a life skills education. Here, executive chef Chayil Johnson, an emerging chef hailing from Johnson and Wales, pays homage to Southern Black foodways and his Louisiana upbringing, making country ham squash gnocchi, cornmeal pancakes, and a Cajun buttermilk fried chicken sandwich. Anything with sausage or pork on the menu is a guaranteed star. The baked goods and coffee on the other side of the dining room are a nice, snug touch. The theme here is to “restore hope,” and with service like this, it kind of does. And the views of Uptown from the outdoor patio are strikingly up-close and personal.

The FS Restaurant Group is known for Italian food, but that narrative shifted when Calle Sol came to town (now in both Plaza Midwood and South Park). Calle Sol’s $10 lunch special entered the scene and turned Charlotte’s meager lunch options on their head. The dazzling ceviche is a must-get, and the accompanying fried plantains act as boats for the fish. Drawing from Cuban, Peruvian, and Chinese influences, the palate is exciting, and the portions, especially of dishes like the vaca frita and fried rice, are hearty. Punchy rum cocktails taste better inside this colorful, vibrant neighborhood spot.

Customshop is a cornerstone of Charlotte’s food scene; the obvious answer for when someone asks how to impress their out-of-town friends or their new crush with good taste. Coming from Miami, chef Andres Kaifer revamped Elizabeth’s Customshop into a handsome, lively place to be. What’s cool about Customshop is that it transcends being a spot with singularly good seafood or a singularly good cut of meat. Each item on the menu — from the crudo trio to the duck breast painted with miso and blackberry — could be considered the restaurant’s claim to fame. The whole menu is full of smart but simple offerings. The marble bar stuns, and the cocktails, like a chili salt espresso martini and a mezcal and beet sour, match up to the food.

Camouflaged in the back hall of everyone’s favorite noodle spot, Menya, is Kappo En — an eight-seater speakeasy omakase. It’s on the newer side, but stands out as a Charlotte staple with fish imported straight from Japan, which isn’t happening too often in Charlotte. The guided experience opens with umami apps and transitions into a procession of sleek, simple nigiri plates and grilled wagyu. It’s an intimate experience of wine, sake, and fine-tuned knife cuts, starting at $185. Menya, the casual noodle bar up front, with broth that feels like it heals something, deserves a nod, too.

At the Crunkleton, service and steak are the standouts. This upscale spot has unparalleled class (and the comfiest, plushest bar seats in the city). Over at the bar, bartenders show off the specialty bourbons and indulge patrons in a little chit-chat while chopping ice from a gigantic ice block. It feels like a flex. Real ones know to reserve a table at the Crunk in advance, order an Old Fashioned, and pair it with the food-coma-inducing chorizo mussels and the chimichurri-drenched hanger steak. Conclude the evening with a nightcap stop next door at the moody back bar of Puerta, the Crunkleton’s sister restaurant.

Vicente is relatively newer to the city, but since its opening in May 2023, Charlotteans realized what they’d been missing: pretty, perched, delicately laminated pastries. The treats, like the dulce de leche croissant or pain au chocolate, are enveloped in an ultra-thin, buttered blanket that flakes and reveals a decadent filling inside. Many of the offerings have a South American flair, and while the sweet-tooth pastries are worth a morning wait, it’s the savory breakfast sandwiches on a dijonnaise-painted croissant that steal the show. It’s a walk-up, sit-down, casual cafe vibe in South End, and it’s just really good. Get an espresso to pair.

Charlotte changes, and Stagioni sits back and watches. It’s been around for over a decade, but the striking Italian villa where it lies has been there for 100 years. While chef Bruce Moffett and his restaurants like Good Food on Montford and Barrington’s have been steady classics in the city, Stagioni has a distinct charm. Patrons are greeted with cherubs, bookshelves, a spectacle of an open kitchen, and deep red hues under dim lights upon their entry. Negronis abound. Grilled romaine with crispy oysters show off. Butternut squash and braised rib ravioli alleviate tension. An Italian by-the-glass list works its magic.

When Cat Carter and chef Eric Ferguson opened up L’Ostrica in November 2023, they filled a gap in Charlotte’s culinary landscape with an upscale tasting menu. Patrons can select a five- or 10-course option, but truthfully, the more, the merrier with dishes showcasing meticulous technique and deep respect for Piedmont produce. L’Ostrica’s dishes change religiously with the seasons. Some shining dishes from the various menus have included a local mushroom cappelletti with smoked mussels, kombu-braised leek hearts, and split pea and ham soup — an ode to Carter’s father. Each ingredient on the plate in the restaurant has intention — no extra fluff. If a tasting menu isn’t in the budget, linger and lounge at the bar, or pop in midday to try the rotating sandwich special.

It’s peak humanity over at Jon G’s — early morning sunsets, people miraculously willing to wait their turn in line, unapologetic Texas-style barbecue in North Carolina. Each Saturday morning (and only on Saturdays), loyalists make the pilgrimage to Peachland, North Carolina, to indulge in the tang, zing, and tenderness that is Jon G’s brisket. An a la carte platter is the way to go. Sides don’t have to be second thoughts — the mayo-based slaw, the Tajin-drenched elote, and the jalapeño cheesy grits give the brisket a run for its money. It’s going to be hard to narrow down the meat choice, but some elite options include the brisket breakfast taco, the Cheerwine sausage links, and the iconic bacon burnt ends. Visitors can also bring their own beer while waiting in line. It’s never too early to start drinking if Jon G’s is involved.

Jermaine Blackmon is the third-generation owner of Original Chicken andamp; Ribs on the west side of Charlotte. He’s loyal to his craft of hospitality, organizing the occasional free kids’ lunch, and he’s distinctly loyal to the vision of his grandfather who opened the joint in the 1950s. Blackmon still serves the people (and their children) who saw him grow up behind the counter. He’s also still frying birds in the take-out-only kitchen. The fried food here is of the distinguished, crispy kind — chicken wings, drummettes, the occasional liver and gizzards, and a fair share of fried shrimp and perch. And don’t skip the sides, like the orbs of okra and a substantial dollop of mac n’ cheese. The restaurant draws on the tradition of meat and three and the power of sweet tea. As the west side of Charlotte develops, this unadorned spot has been a beacon for the community — the only establishment from the original Green Book still standing in Charlotte.

NoDa’s Salud Cerveceria is an iykyk (if you know, you know) situation, and those who do are the lucky ones. It emanates a certain cool that can’t be manufactured. Although, maybe it’s the natural wine and funky beers that do the trick. This food is not so serious but hits the spot, like the weekends-only breakfast Crunchwrap and the pizza draped in white sauce, ricotta, and prosciutto. The house-made focaccia is salted and fluffy and is even better when dressed up as one of Salud’s sandwiches, which are delicacies meant to be destroyed. There’s a loungey upstairs, casual downstairs with craft beers, and a great, social side patio. Grab a bite here before and a drink here after a show at the Evening Muse or the Neighborhood Theatre.

Chef Chris Coleman has fun with food, specifically Southern cuisine, over at the Goodyear house on North Davidson Street. The marinated shrimp with a mignonette butter meant for slathering atop saltines is a joy to eat, as is the decked-out beef tartare. The “goopy” burger using Shipley Farms meat and a pillowy potato bun is easy eating. The menu clearly pays its respects to Carolina cuisine, but the food’s more lighthearted and notably lighter. It’s a restaurant with some of the darlingest designs in town — very farm-cottage-with-open-windows vibes. And famed mixologist Bob Peter’s cocktails are fresh, sometimes vegetal, and sometimes fruity little things.

Plaza Shamrock’s Lang Van is an enduring, makes-the-list every year type of spot. The menu is a parade of Vietnamese dishes — hot pot, pho, vermicelli noodles, and lemongrass curries. Go with a big group and wash the dishes down with red table wine that shouldn’t even pair with the food, but somehow, when passed around the table, glugged, and re-filled generously by owner Dan Nguyen, it fits like a glove. Nguyen remembers guest names like an art form, making the informal dining experience at Lang Van both memorable and irresistible (especially on gloomy days begging for a cozy dinner).

January 2023 saw the start of a new chapter in Charlotte food, and specifically, Wesley Heights, thanks to chef Sam Diminich, who exults local produce and farmers with a fervor that’s almost infectious. The quaint restaurant is full of light and antique-y touches, while Diminich literally walks the walk, touring around tables. Diners are bound to be surprised by something hyper-seasonal, from a fig tartlet or barbecue eggplant to an apple cider bread pudding or kombu-cured sashimi. Restaurant Constance has a comprehensive nonalcoholic beverage list, largely shaped by Diminich’s own sobriety journey, and is the most inspired NA list in town, using tea, herbs, and shrubs. Kindly share the small plates to start. Selfishly hoard the entrees and desserts to finish.

Counter is the place Charlotteans pine for — and save for. Chef Sam Hart has made waves in the city since opening up this experimental restaurant a little over four years ago. The restaurant has shifted through 1.0 to 3.0 iterations. But, the experience was always meant to change, where the whimsical dishes and accompanying art switch up quarterly. The $250 tasting menu and drinks embody a theme, from color to terroir, and are designed to push the boundaries of dining. While this style may be new to some folks, there is undeniable story, play, and purpose woven into each component. The universal appeal over the years has been the elaborate nature of the experience — themed music, art, occasional poetry, choreography, each plate dropping with precise timing. The Counter team will accommodate dietary restrictions no matter the menu.

Fast-casual Dumpling Lady, which started as a food truck in 2016, now has three locations in Optimist Hall, South End, and Uptown. The dizzying dan dan noodles and pork and chive dumplings represent this spot’s desire to stay loyal to traditional, non-Americanized Szechuan cuisine. The wontons and dumplings are like silk, until the heat kicks in, and suddenly, it’s silken molten lava, and eaters are back in their bodies. Expect the items to be draped in sesame, scallion, or chili oil — it may be messy, but it will be worth it. Pro tip: The South End location is open late on weekends for those late-night cravings. Another pro tip: Follow the Dumpling Lady’s Instagram for homemade recipe videos.

For a while, Bird was a sly spot on a corner strip in the Optimist Park. But then, the New York Times called it one of the best pizza restaurants in the U.S., and since then, it’s been a bit of a commotion trying to pre-order one of the pies. But the buzz is for good reason. Bird’s crust is molded and crisped with deftness, making for a chewy-enough-sturdy-enough base. Customers can build their own pies; if you do, get the hot honey drizzle, whether you’re rocking with a red or white sauce. Ingredients are achingly fresh, and the cheese caramelizes to a picture-perfect light golden brown. Pros know to take it to-go and head next door to Substrate for a crushable red wine.

Community Matters Cafe is the brainchild restaurant of the Charlotte Rescue Mission, which places graduates of the nonprofit’s rehabilitation program into the cafe as part of a life skills education. Here, executive chef Chayil Johnson, an emerging chef hailing from Johnson and Wales, pays homage to Southern Black foodways and his Louisiana upbringing, making country ham squash gnocchi, cornmeal pancakes, and a Cajun buttermilk fried chicken sandwich. Anything with sausage or pork on the menu is a guaranteed star. The baked goods and coffee on the other side of the dining room are a nice, snug touch. The theme here is to “restore hope,” and with service like this, it kind of does. And the views of Uptown from the outdoor patio are strikingly up-close and personal.

Camouflaged in the back hall of everyone’s favorite noodle spot, Menya, is Kappo En — an eight-seater speakeasy omakase. It’s on the newer side, but stands out as a Charlotte staple with fish imported straight from Japan, which isn’t happening too often in Charlotte. The guided experience opens with umami apps and transitions into a procession of sleek, simple nigiri plates and grilled wagyu. It’s an intimate experience of wine, sake, and fine-tuned knife cuts, starting at $185. Menya, the casual noodle bar up front, with broth that feels like it heals something, deserves a nod, too.

At the Crunkleton, service and steak are the standouts. This upscale spot has unparalleled class (and the comfiest, plushest bar seats in the city). Over at the bar, bartenders show off the specialty bourbons and indulge patrons in a little chit-chat while chopping ice from a gigantic ice block. It feels like a flex. Real ones know to reserve a table at the Crunk in advance, order an Old Fashioned, and pair it with the food-coma-inducing chorizo mussels and the chimichurri-drenched hanger steak. Conclude the evening with a nightcap stop next door at the moody back bar of Puerta, the Crunkleton’s sister restaurant.

Vicente is relatively newer to the city, but since its opening in May 2023, Charlotteans realized what they’d been missing: pretty, perched, delicately laminated pastries. The treats, like the dulce de leche croissant or pain au chocolate, are enveloped in an ultra-thin, buttered blanket that flakes and reveals a decadent filling inside. Many of the offerings have a South American flair, and while the sweet-tooth pastries are worth a morning wait, it’s the savory breakfast sandwiches on a dijonnaise-painted croissant that steal the show. It’s a walk-up, sit-down, casual cafe vibe in South End, and it’s just really good. Get an espresso to pair.

Charlotte changes, and Stagioni sits back and watches. It’s been around for over a decade, but the striking Italian villa where it lies has been there for 100 years. While chef Bruce Moffett and his restaurants like Good Food on Montford and Barrington’s have been steady classics in the city, Stagioni has a distinct charm. Patrons are greeted with cherubs, bookshelves, a spectacle of an open kitchen, and deep red hues under dim lights upon their entry. Negronis abound. Grilled romaine with crispy oysters show off. Butternut squash and braised rib ravioli alleviate tension. An Italian by-the-glass list works its magic.

When Cat Carter and chef Eric Ferguson opened up L’Ostrica in November 2023, they filled a gap in Charlotte’s culinary landscape with an upscale tasting menu. Patrons can select a five- or 10-course option, but truthfully, the more, the merrier with dishes showcasing meticulous technique and deep respect for Piedmont produce. L’Ostrica’s dishes change religiously with the seasons. Some shining dishes from the various menus have included a local mushroom cappelletti with smoked mussels, kombu-braised leek hearts, and split pea and ham soup — an ode to Carter’s father. Each ingredient on the plate in the restaurant has intention — no extra fluff. If a tasting menu isn’t in the budget, linger and lounge at the bar, or pop in midday to try the rotating sandwich special.

It’s peak humanity over at Jon G’s — early morning sunsets, people miraculously willing to wait their turn in line, unapologetic Texas-style barbecue in North Carolina. Each Saturday morning (and only on Saturdays), loyalists make the pilgrimage to Peachland, North Carolina, to indulge in the tang, zing, and tenderness that is Jon G’s brisket. An a la carte platter is the way to go. Sides don’t have to be second thoughts — the mayo-based slaw, the Tajin-drenched elote, and the jalapeño cheesy grits give the brisket a run for its money. It’s going to be hard to narrow down the meat choice, but some elite options include the brisket breakfast taco, the Cheerwine sausage links, and the iconic bacon burnt ends. Visitors can also bring their own beer while waiting in line. It’s never too early to start drinking if Jon G’s is involved.