Whether as a visitor or a resident looking to grab a quick lunch, there are tons of options to go for in Charlotte. However, some are more notorious for the quality of the meal they offer.
You can start with the first restaurant you see and may never want to try another place again. Uptown Charlotte is one place where you can’t worry about where to get a delicious meal.
That said, even in a town with so many awesome restaurants for lunch and dining, there are still the best amongst them. Ranging from low-key to upscale, we’ve compiled a list of the 12 best restaurants in Uptown Charlotte.
Uptown Charlotte has great restaurants, and then the best amongst them. For applaudable services and food quality, here are the best restaurants in Uptown Charlotte to start with:
1. The Cellular at Duckworth’s
This is a travel-back-in-time building close to 7th street. A 106-year-old spot that will get you attached with their truffle mac and cheese as well as their preserved lemon risotto.
There are amazing places to grab a quick lunch, but the Cellular at Duckworth’s is just something else! This is one of the best restaurants in Uptown Charlotte, and a one-time visit will confirm this.
Why we like it: They have a beer cellar stocked with over 500 rare labels. There’s also a signature cocktail list you wouldn’t want to miss.
330 N Tryon St
Charlotte, NC 28202
(980) 349-4078
This is one of the best restaurants in Uptown Charlotte that has experienced rapid growth over the last few years. It has grown not only in size but also in popularity – expanding to Atlanta and Charleston.
It is a great spot for brunch, lunch, dinner, and light nights. Try their lamb burgers and seared scallops and get carried away.
Why we like it: They have a stunning décor with The Art of War written on the ceiling. The scenery is great for a date.
127 N Tryon St #8
Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 919-1322
Thanks to chef Greg Collier’s onboarding, the menu in this restaurant just got a makeover. The chef is known for his Rock Hill brunch hot spot called The Yolk and his remarkable leadership with Soul Food Sessions’ dinner series.
Expect squash chips, cider with caramelized onion remoulade, cured egg yolk with winter Caesar, and sea scallops.
Why we like it: Their menu has interesting items and offers comfort food.
305 W 4th St
Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 817-9057
4. Halal Truck
When you’re anywhere around the North Tryon Street sidewalk, a mouth-watering aroma will hit you. When it does, just know it’s from the notorious Halal Truck. Whether by night or day, it’s impossible to ignore that aroma!
Halal Truck is a popular mobile restaurant for its lamb and chicken over falafel salad, rice with pita, chicken gyros, and Philly cheesesteaks.
Why we like it: Amazing taste with excellent service delivery.
101 N Tryon St
Charlotte, NC 28202
You’ll want to spend some extra time at this one-stop, wide-open shop for cheeses, wines, and coffees. It is one of the best restaurants in Uptown Charlotte when it comes to dining options. What to expect?
A cappuccino at the Not Just Coffee spot, an acai bowl from Rico’s Acai, Italian foods from Zia Pia Imports, freshly made pizza from Pure Pizza.
Why we like it: Great spot with a unique taste in everything they offer and don’t forget to cap it all with a raw juice at Viva Raw!
224 E 7th St
Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 230-4346
6. Sea Level NC
Charlotte residents will recommend Seal Level to you when you mention the word elegance. They boast of farm-to-fork oysters from North Carolina and other fresh seafood on the menu. You can’t go wrong with their steam buns, oyster shooters, or fish tacos.
Why we like it: They offer awesome in-house favorites, including paella and fried catfish.
129 E 5th St
Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 412-2616
This is the third Reid’s location opened in Uptown to focus on casual and gourmet takeout options for breakfast, coffee cravings, lunch, dinner, as well as dessert.
First, try out their avocado toast, the customized breakfast bowl, or the quiche du jour to get your day going.
Why we like it: Their frozen and refrigerated items are stocked to grab too.
121 W Trade St #150
Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 609-0844
8. Haymaker
The soaring-high windows in this modern spot overlook the Romare Bearden Park, providing a refreshing view while you eat.
You can get an exquisite cocktail with cultured butter and levain bread while choosing a selection of small plates. They offer farm-fresh and seasonal items such as squash soup and foraged mushroom toast.
Why we like it: Their menu is unique, but their sleek and modern design leaves an impression.
225 S Poplar St
Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 626-6116
9. Vida Mexican Kitchen Cantina
Among the best restaurants in Uptown Charlotte, this is the most festive and warm of them all. For your spicy and easy-going stop in Uptown, you can grab the queso chipotle dip before moving to their tasty tacos served with red chile rice and black beans.
Why we like it: Aside from the festive and warm treat, you don’t want to overlook their sangria pitchers and margarita.
210 E Trade St
Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 971-8432
If you need a sandwich, bottle of wine, a craft beer, or salad, you’ll want to try this hipster, lighthearted establishment. You have multiple snack options, like kale chips and potato chips. Rhino Uptown is their second location popular for locally source items, including coffees and kombuchas.
Why we like it: Enjoy their weekly entertainment, including music trivia.
420 S Church St
Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 375-2036
11. JJ’s Red Hots
This hot dog place is among the best restaurants in Uptown Charlotte for its great sausages, easy-going, and family-friendly treat. They offer one of the best-handcrafted snacks combined with onion rings, mustard, a dill pickle spear, and chili.
Why we like it: On Tuesdays after 3 pm, you can grab the amazing hot dogs for $2.
400 S Tryon St
Charlotte, NC 28285
12. Fin & Fino
Enjoy the classy and bright atmosphere over fresh shellfish and fish delivered daily. They also offer seasonal ingredients from local farms in town. They are known for their 12 types of oysters on the menu. And their sandwiches range from poke bowl with salmon and tuna to the crab cake BLT.
Why we like it: They are one of the best joints for oysters and other fresh seafood.
135 Levine Avenue of the Arts #100
Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 800-5680
Conclusion
For your takeout, these restaurants are great, but most of them are awesome for their excellent in-house service and scenery.
Also, if you prefer to have your meals made from fresh ingredients, you can’t go wrong with any of the best restaurants in Uptown Charlotte.
