Top 13 Must-Try Restaurants in Charlotte, August 2024

Charlotte has never seen cocktails quite like these. Ramble Drinkery, though not a traditional restaurant, is a pop-up sensation collaborating with Mytouries across the city for special takeovers and events. Created by local and new-to-town mixologists Larry Suggs, David Mendez, and Tyler Bowers, Ramble offers cocktails that might seem intimidating at first but are surprisingly approachable. Enjoy unique concoctions like a trail-mix inspired rum drink and a honeydew and sugarcane cachaca punch. This pop-up proves once again that Charlotte’s most exciting culinary experiences often come from temporary ventures. Keep up with their latest locations on Ramble’s Instagram.

The Wesley Heights area is buzzing with new energy, thanks to Maiz, Agua, Sal, a vibrant tortilleria and agave bar run by chef Jonathan Olvera. This spot has quickly become a local favorite, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with impressive flair. Each taco is a $5 delight, featuring a balanced mix of meat, tortilla, and fresh flavors in every bite. The huarache, topped with nopales and cotija, offers a rich, earthy taste with its delicious blue corn masa. All tortillas are made from freshly pressed masa harina sourced directly from Mexican farmers, making them the stars of the menu. Amanda Britton’s mezcal and tequila cocktails are equally exceptional, showcasing cutting-edge mixology. The venue itself is modern and clean, with distant views of Charlotte’s growing skyline. Margarita enthusiasts, rejoice!

In the lively Wesley Heights neighborhood, Pizza Baby lives up to its playful name with a dynamic atmosphere and vibrant menu. Whether you choose to dine in or take out, the experience is full of sensory delights — from the enticing aroma of sweet and salty dough to the lively ambiance reminiscent of a cool Los Angeles-meets-Rome fusion. Try the Brussels sprouts and sesame seed-crusted pizza, a tribute to chef Trey Wilson’s New York travels, and don’t miss out on the generous serving of soft serve with a splash of amaro. Feel free to lavish your meal with Sicilian olive oil or the dipping trio, featuring a deliciously spicy Calabrian chili red sauce. Though Pizza Baby is still in its early days, its potential for becoming a fun, adult pizza party is bright.

Fresh on the scene, Substrate is a charming enoteca that brings a delightful selection of vermouths, amari, and natural wines to Optimist Park. Although there’s no formal food menu, they offer a selection of tinned fish and cured meats served atop saltines, perfect for pairing with your drinks. By day, enjoy the sunny ambiance inside as light dances across the extensive wine collection. For a more relaxed experience, head to the balcony or patio. In the evenings, the atmosphere shifts to a cozy, vibrant vibe with specials, eclectic music, and a touch of humor evident in the quirky art and playful nods to “natty wine” culture.

El Veneno, the acclaimed food truck, has a regular spot at Birdsong Brewing for Sunday brunch. Their breakfast tacos stand out with their charred, seasoned meats wrapped in corn tortillas. Must-try options include soft conchas filled with barbacoa cheese, creamy avocado, and scrambled eggs, or the specialty sourdough jalapeño bagels topped with fried eggs, queso, and bacon. With prices ranging from $5 to $16, the wait is definitely worth it.

Mano Bella has grown from its origins at 7th Street Market to a full-fledged market and sit-down restaurant in South Park. The ambiance, marked by a stunning yellow tile backsplash, a Campari sign, and shelves filled with Italian specialties, sets a delightful scene. Guests can opt to build their own pasta, with radiatori being a fun choice. However, the menu’s seasonal offerings, such as wild boar ragu and truffle gnocchi, crafted by Italian chef Raffaele Patrizi, are not to be missed. For a sweet finish, try the Amaretti cookies, which dissolve like sugar with a sip of espresso. Despite the fast-casual format, the inviting atmosphere encourages diners to linger, reminiscent of Italy’s charm.

El Malo is a fantastic addition to Plaza Midwood’s vibrant scene, bringing the joy of street tacos right to the heart of the neighborhood. Enjoy fresh tacos a la carte and complement them with refreshing agua frescas or Jarritos for an authentic experience. The menu is designed for casual dining with tacos, burritos, and quesadillas ideal for a quick meal. The burritos are particularly impressive, from the hefty breakfast burrito to the California burrito packed with fries. Even though it’s located in a shopping center, the outdoor area with spacious picnic tables offers a relaxed dining atmosphere.

Flight is making waves in Elizabeth this summer, joining the trend of sophisticated wine bars in the Queen City. Created by a passionate couple who love wine and travel, the restaurant reflects their experiences and tastes. The menu features a variety of pizzas, cooked to perfection in imported Italian ovens, but it’s the shareable dishes that truly shine. Mabel’s meatballs are a must-try, and the calamari verde toast offers a delightful mix of garlic and olive oil. The white wine selection is particularly noteworthy, with the albariño standing out as a great match for the Spanish and Italian-inspired dishes. Elizabeth’s dining scene is buzzing, and Flight is right at the forefront of this excitement.

At 3rd & Fernwood, Greg and Subrina Collier showcase the South’s beloved meat-and-three tradition with flair. Located in the Metropolitan shopping center, this family-style Mytoury begins with a complimentary bread service, accompanied by a divine whipped sangria butter. The sides, each priced under $10, are the stars of the show — velvety hambone grits that rival mac n’ cheese and braised collars that beg to be devoured. Open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., the venue will soon extend its hours with the addition of a bar, inviting guests to linger longer with its 30+ bar seats and elegant wine glasses. The Cesca-style chairs and deep red walls create a cozy ambiance within the corporate setting.

Frenchy's blends the vibe of a chic wine bar with the charm of a bottle shop, creating a relaxed yet refined atmosphere perfect for a late afternoon drink. It’s a place where you can effortlessly transition from casual to sophisticated, thanks to its sleek tiles and a striking marble bar that offers a touch of contemporary elegance. Wandering through Frenchy’s feels like navigating a treasure trove of international and natural wines, with a build-your-own cheese board option to elevate your experience. Nestled among breweries, it’s an inviting spot for unwinding after work, focusing primarily on an impressive selection of wines and local craft beers, with just a few snackable items to complement your drink.

Union BBQ is transforming the North Carolina barbecue scene with its weekend-only food truck, offering an exceptional taste of Texas-style barbecue. The dynamic team of Holden Sasser and Chase Young serve up a brisket with a perfectly charred crust, delivering tender, smoky layers that pair exquisitely with sour pickles. The pork spare ribs, enhanced with a zesty lime touch, and the beef cheek barbacoa sandwich, drenched in rajas con crema and garnished with cilantro, are standout dishes that delight in their messiness. The grand finale is the Big Deborah, a fresh-baked, oversized homage to Little Debbie’s oatmeal cream pie. Tracking down Union BBQ’s smoked meats, served in to-go pizza boxes, is a rewarding challenge — much like a delicious game of hide-and-seek. Follow their Instagram for updates on their latest locations.

L’Ostrica has uncovered a gem in Charlotte with its elegant yet welcoming tasting menu experience in the Montford neighborhood. From Wednesday to Saturday evenings, diners can indulge in a menu of five to ten courses, featuring exquisite dishes like the crispy beet chicharon and the silky mussel mushroom cappelletti. The caviar service is an essential treat for those seeking a touch of luxury. For a more casual visit, sample the daily to-go selections from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., or enjoy evening bar snacks and cocktails such as the rich fall whiskey with amaro and Carolina persimmon. On Sundays, L’Ostrica transitions to a Sunday Supper format with a rotating a la carte menu. Reservations are needed for dinner service (bar access does not require a reservation).