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These picks are based on our 2021 Best of the Best Awards, 2021 50 Best Restaurants lists, and rolling editorial decisions.
Plaza Midwood, a.k.a. Charlotte’s “stroll district,” is a quirky, laid-back neighborhood known for its consignment shops, tattoo parlors, and low-key dive bars. There’s also a vibrant restaurant culture where you can find barbecue, banh mi, and down-home Southern food. Ditch your car and walk the streets of this former streetcar suburb while you work up an appetite.
Calle Sol
Charlotte’s first cevicheria has the warmth and decor you’d find at a neighborhood joint in Tampa’s Ybor City. Dishes use plantains, tropical fruits, and aji amarillo peppers sourced from Sous Chef Alfredo Galarza’s native Peru. 1205 Thomas Ave., 704-565-8291
Soul Gastrolounge
The servers are hip, the sound system is bumping, and the menu is all over the place, with sushi rolls, daily hummus features, and shared plates. You can’t find this vibe anywhere else, and the food is just as good as it ever was, while the cocktails may be even better. 1500-B Central Ave., 704-348-1848
Bistro La Bon
Dinner favorites include the Swedish meatballs, lavender chicken, and other tapas-style selections. 1322 Central Ave., 704-333-4646
Midwood Smokehouse
With North Carolina pulled pork, beef brisket, smoked chicken, and dry or sauced ribs, there’s a ’cue for everyone—and traditional sides to pair. The restaurant has a number of Charlotte locations including Ballantyne and Park Road Shopping Center, but the Plaza Midwood spot is its flagship post. 1401 Central Ave., 704-295-4227
Along with Serbian dishes, Intermezzo serves goldencrusted pizzas. Pictured is the chicken Florentine; toppings include spinach, feta, bacon, tomatoes, and mozzarella. Photo by Peter Taylor.
Intermezzo
The No. 1 restaurant on any gray day list, this restaurant with exposed brick and small dining areas has a menu that ranges from pizza to cabbage rolls. 1427 E. 10th St., 704-347-2626
Dish
A neighborhood joint with an eclectic clientele, good, down-home Southern food, and a funky wait staff. 1220 Thomas Ave., 704-344-0343
Three Amigos
Three Amigos remains a constant on Central Avenue, specializing in enchiladas and other Mexican staples like tinga de pollo and carne asada tacos. It’s always fresh, too—they’ll never save rice, beans, or meat for use the next day. 2917-A Central Ave., 704-536-1851
Layers of Dubliner white cheddar and American cheese make up this Workman’s Friend sandwich. Photo by Logan Cyrus.
The Workman’s Friend
Enjoy Irish classics like fish and chips and shepherd’s pie in this rustic dining room, or grab a pint at the custom-built walnut bar. 1531 Central Ave., 980-224-8234
Supperland
Jamie Brown and Jeff Tonidandel, the spouses and business partners who also own Haberdish, Growler’s Pourhouse, and Reigning Doughnuts, transformed a 69-year-old former church into a restaurant and cocktail bar. Think Southern steakhouse-meets-church potluck. 1212 The Plaza, 704-817-7514
Miso Mac and Cheese is topped with miso-infused whipped cream at Supperland. Photo by Peter Taylor
Emmy Squared Pizza
The Detroit-style pizza menu is split between Reds (topped with sauce and mozzarella) and Whites (topped with just mozzarella), with the latter’s Hot Chicken pie being a major hit. 1508 Central Ave., 704-672-0993
Cilantro Noodle
Structured like Chipotle, build-your-own meals include a base starch (banh mi, vermicelli noodles, white rice, fried rice), one protein, and five toppings. 2001 Commonwealth Ave., 704-345-9490
Diamond Restaurant
This 1950s-style diner features retro teal booths, a jukebox, and classic dishes like burgers, fried pork chops, and fried chicken. 1901 Commonwealth Ave., 704-375-8959
Zada Jane’s Corner Cafe
This funky neighborhood restaurant with shuffleboard courts, a large patio, and colorful walls serves breakfast and brunch all day. 1601 Central Ave., 704-332-3663
The Warmack
This intimate 1,100-square-foot restaurant serves Asian comfort food like rice bowls, bao buns, and late-night banh mi. 1226 Central Ave., Ste. A, 704-503-9539
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