South End Charlotte is known for having a diverse culture and an even more diverse palate. The variety of dining options have consistently pushed South End Charlotte to become one of the best dining destinations in the United States.
From new restaurants with trendy flavors to traditional food staples that serve up classic dishes, there is truly something for everyone. Here are the top 10 Best Restaurants in South End Charlotte and why we love them!
The 10 Best Restaurants in South End Charlotte
1. Hawkers
Hawkers is an Asian fusion, small-plate restaurant open for lunch and dinner. Serving classic Asian street food, Hawkers feels bright, fresh, and unique.
Hawkers décor matches the Hong Kong street vendor style which is what the menu tries to mimic. It’s the perfect spot for groups, families, or a casual date night.
Why we like it:
All plates are served tapa style, allowing you to try a variety of small plates ranging from $5-$12. We love the happy hour which features a $3 small plate menu and half-priced drinks.
When you visit, you must try the Korean wings or the Pad Thai. Not only is the food delicious but the atmosphere and service really makes this a fun spot to visit.
2. Stir Charlotte
STIR Charlotte is a trendy, open-air concept cocktail restaurant, serving a variety of seafood options for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. STIR is the perfect restaurant to enjoy a night out, host clients, or sip a craft cocktail over a dozen oysters.
STIR is well known for their cocktails because they make a lot of their own flavors in-house.
Why we like it:
The atmosphere is casual and comfortable. We recommend trying the Chicken Piccata, Oysters, or the Crispy Mahi Bowl.
Our favorite part of STIR is the “ice chef” that creates huge blocks of
ice all day and then serves the ice in a unique way. Experience it by ordering any cocktail on STIR’s menu.
3. North Italia
North Italia is an authentic Italian restaurant that creates all their meals from scratch. The atmosphere is quiet and cozy, perfect for a date night or special occasion. Open for lunch, dinner, and brunch, head in to try any of their handmade pizzas and pastas, created with seasonal ingredients and inventive flavors.
Why we like it:
North Italia’s homemade pastas and sauces are out of this world. If you want the closest thing to an authentic Italian meal, this is the place to visit. We love that North Italia offers handcrafted cocktails that are created to pair with specific dishes on their menu.
4. Seoul Food Meat Corner
Seoul Food Meat Corner is a rustic hangout for Korean-inspired BBQ eats featuring Asian craft beers and custom cocktails. Seoul Food Meat Corner is open every day for lunch and dinner.
The menu has a variety of options and sizes, so you can truly customize your meal to fit your appetite.
Why we like it:
If you are looking for Korean American bar food, this is your place. The atmosphere is fun, high energy, and friendly. You can’t go wrong trying the Crispy Pork Belly, Fire Chicken, or 12-hour cooked Beef Rib.
5. Superica
Superica should be your go-to for amazing Tex-Mex food. Superica has roots from the 1940s when Traditional Mexican cuisine combined with Texas flavors to create modern, delicious dishes that everyone can enjoy.
The atmosphere can be described as open, modern, and
electric. The staff is eager to please and the service is quick.
Why we like it:
If you like TexMex and friendly service, Superica is for you. Superica is unique because they serve Tex-Mex for breakfast, and it’s delicious. When you visit, you must try the Queso Fundido, Steak Fajitas, or the Huevos Rancheros. You also can’t go wrong with any of their margaritas or homemade salsas.
6. Leroy Fox
Leroy Fox is a southern style restaurant serving lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Fried chicken and cocktails served in mason jars are crowd pleasers at this modern restaurant.
All of their chicken is cooked in homemade batter and the chickens are locally sourced, giving you the ultimate fresh-tasting experience.
Why we like it:
Leroy Fox is the perfect location to watch a sports game and enjoy some sweet southern cooking. When you visit, make sure to try the Honey Buffalo Sandwich or the Green Bean Casserole. We love that the portions are very generous and always leave you with leftovers.
7. Barcelona Wine Bar
Barcelona Wine Bar and Restaurant is a warm and welcoming tapas bar inspired by the culture of Spain. The menu changes with the season, so there’s always something new to try. Barcelona Wine Bar really focuses on using seasonal ingredients and drawing inspiration from specialties of the Spain/Mediterranean area.
Why we like it:
The food at Barcelona Wine Bar is consistently fast and fresh. Dim lighting and classic music make this a perfect date night spot. The outdoor patio with heat lamps really adds to the charming atmosphere, no matter what time of the year you visit.
We love that Barcelona Wine Bar offers a rare selection of wines from South America and Spain. When you visit make sure to try the Patatas Bravas or the Hanger Steak.
8. Snooze Eatery
Snooze Eatery is a traditional breakfast and brunch restaurant. The atmosphere can be described as retro and vibrant with attentive employees. Snooze Eatery is open from early morning (6:30 on weekdays, 7:00 on weekends) to 2 pm. There is a mix of booth table seating and outdoor pet-friendly patio tables.
Why we like it:
Snooze Eatery is one of the most popular brunch joints in South End Charlotte. We love that you can join a virtual waitlist through Yelp to make sure you’re not stuck waiting for a table. If you do walk in, they feature a complimentary coffee station, so you can get your caffeine fix while they prepare your table. When you visit, make sure to try the Flight of Pancakes or the Tostada Eggs.
9. Vana
Vana is a fancy, upscale restaurant, open for lunch and dinner. Vana is the perfect location for a date night or special occasion. Vana translates in Sanskrit to “wooded area of the forest”.
You can find their wood theme throughout the restaurant’s décor and menu items. If you’re looking for creative presentations and upscale delicious masterpieces, Vana is the perfect spot to try.
Why we like it:
The ambiance is marvelous with the mismatched furniture, dry-aging meat on display in the cooler, and windows that open to the street. Vana offers fun cocktails that have a very distinct flavor and presentation. We recommend trying the Pork Cheeks, Bison Tartare, or the Ceviche.
10. 300 East
300 east is a family-owned and operated restaurant that has been in South End Charlotte for over 30 years. 300 East serves up American cuisine in a warm environment with tons of charm. This is the perfect spot for families and groups to enjoy a quick bite with a homemade feel.
Why we like it:
300 East is located in a charming older home with staff that makes you feel like family. 300 East features a wide variety of food on the menu with something for everyone to try. When you visit, you must try the Chesapeake Style Crab Cakes, French Onion Dip, or the Sweet Potato Ravioli.
Final Thoughts
While we only mentioned the top ten restaurants, South End Charlotte features tons of other options for you to try. It’s clear that South End Restaurants in Charlotte are varied and unique.
From Korean BBQ to trendy brunch restaurants, the choices are endless.
