Looking for the best places for food in Charlotte? The city has many options to choose from, and although you can find some delicious Southern favorites, you'll also find a great deal of culinary diversity. Many restaurants serve food inspired by other cultures, often on the same menu.
From a restaurant with a patriotically-painted Volkswagen Beetle on its roof to a fine dining establishment located in a historic home, there's something to suit every budget, taste and vibe.
The following are some of the best places for food in Charlotte.
Midwood Smokehouse, 1401 Central Ave. (and several other locations)
704-295-4227
http://midwoodsmokehouse.com
With a laid-back, somewhat loud atmosphere and fabulous food, Midwood Smokehouse became even more well-known when then-President Obama paid a visit to the restaurant.
It's known for its many variations on barbecue as well as its Hot Mess Burger made of chuck and brisket. Appetizers such as jalapenos stuffed with cheese and wrapped with bacon are popular, and diners drool over the "burnt ends," which are crispy, caramelized cubes of brisket tossed in barbecue sauce – what one diner deliciously describes as "meat candy."
The Fig Tree Restaurant, 1601 E. 7th St.
704-332-3322
http://charlottefigtree.com
The Fig Tree Restaurant offers a fine dining experience and menu with seasonal French- and Italian-inspired dishes. One of the best places for food in Charlotte, it's located in the historic Lucas House and is the perfect spot to celebrate a special occasion, complete with a high-end meal and a fine wine. Try the uniquely delicious Elk Chop, which features grilled elk chop or horseradish spaetzle with smoked bacon-braised purple cabbage and Boursin-Dijon sauce.
Heirloom, 8470 Bellhaven Blvd.
704-595-7710
http://www.heirloomrestaurantnc.com
Heirloom is a farm-to-table restaurant that's become very popular among foodies and has earned a large number of regular customers. The menu can change according to what's available seasonally, and dishes are prepared using North Carolina-produced vegetables, fruit, seafood, meat and beverages. Try the six-course tasting menu, which features the freshest daily fare and can be tailored to your specific preferences or allergies with 24 hours' notice. An a la carte menu is also offered if you don't feel up to sampling six courses.
Pinky's Westside Grill, 1600 W. Morehead St.
704-332-0402
http://eatatpinkys.com
Pinky's Westside Grill sets a tone of fun and whimsy from the start, with a red, white and blue Volkswagen Beetle on the roof and a concrete triceratops in front of the building. It's been featured on the Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives," with Guy Fieri visiting to eat Greg's pickles, corn dog shrimp, a Triple-G Burger and Viking corn dog. Although it's primarily known for its burgers, Pinky's also serves up other popular dishes, including a tuna melt with wasabi mayonnaise, falafel and waffle fries topped with homemade pimento cheese.
Zen Fusion, 1716 Kenilworth Ave.
704-358-9688
http://www.zenasianfusion.com
The atmosphere is trendy at Zen Fusion, which is located five minutes from uptown Charlotte. The food has definitely won some fans, since the restaurant has won several awards from Charlotte Magazine. The menu has Spanish and Asian accents as well as techniques from many cultures including Thai, Chinese, Japanese and Latin. Plenty of tapas selections and stir-fry and hibachi dishes are offered, and happy hours are held from Sunday-Thursday with different drink specials for each night.
Cox Media Group
