Yelp’s Top 25 places to eat is a list unlike any other “best of” out there. Sure, you’ll see your obvious local favorites on the list, but it’s also chock full of hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path joints like Community Matters Cafe, tucked away in Uptown Charlotte with an incredible purpose and delicious breakfast and lunch options. From juicy burgers, to sushi burritos, to BBQ so good you’ll wait in line for hours — find them all in Yelp’s Top 25 places to eat in the Charlotte Area.
Did your favorite restaurant make it into the top 25? Let us know on Instagram and Twitter. Remember, we only know how good a spot is if you take the time to review it. So share your thoughts on Yelp, and maybe your favorites will be on next year’s list!
Topping this year’s list is Enat Ethiopian Restaurant; they specialize in making traditional East African, Ethiopian dishes like tibs and doro wat, but with a modern flair.
Pro tip: You’re going to want to make a note of these spots, so we made it easy for you. For great businesses at your fingertips, get the Top 25 to-go. Follow this collection on Yelp.
- Enat Ethiopian Restaurant (Charlotte)
Cuisine: Ethiopian
What they’re known for: Their delicious stuffed pastry called Sambusa, stir-fried meat and veggies, classic tibs, and spongy bread called injera.
Yelpers say: “I loved the lamb! The spices mixed with the tomatoes, onions and jalapeños made this dish wonderful! I so enjoyed using the injera to scoop up mouthfuls of this delicious dish.” –Yelp Elite Dawn M.
- Chili Man (Charlotte)
Cuisine: Hot dogs
What they’re known for: Their homemade chili, home spiced mustard, ketchup and mayo, homemade original recipe BBQ sauces and even specially made taco sauce.
Yelpers say: “The frito pie dog is the best hot dog ever. It’s truly unlike anything I have ever had. So many flavors that mix perfectly, and the all beef hot dogs are what brings it all together.” –Yelp Elite Joseph M.
- Yummi Banh Mi Streetside Cafe (Salisbury)
Cuisine: Vietnamese
What they’re known for: Their flavor-packed BBQ pork banh mi.
Yelpers say: “So many good things to get and the outdoor seating is a lovely option. The service staff are always very sweet and the meal never disappoints. Great for lunch or dinner. Easy in and out!!” –Yelper Woo M.
- The Tasty Bowl Subs N Such (Charlotte)
Cuisine: Indian, Mexican and Thai
What they’re known for: Their grilled chicken and shrimp rice bowls.
Yelpers say: “The food here is so good. There are so many choices, the owner and staff are friendly, and they always go out of there way to ensure you like what you ordered. 100% recommend supporting this small business!.” –Yelper julie B..
- Hello Chicken (Charlotte)
Cuisine: Colombian
What they’re known for: Their rotisserie chicken bowls and vegan options.
Yelpers say: “Well Hello Chicken! I stopped by because I wanted something healthy and flavorful. This place has it all. The chicken was so moist and flavorful, the rice was hearty and tasty, and salad/plantains were delicious.” –Yelper Alexis R.
- Abugida Ethiopian Cafe & Restaurant (Charlotte)
Cuisine: Ethiopian
What they’re known for: Specializing in delicious and reasonably priced Ethiopian cuisine, including our house specialties and other customer favorites.
Yelpers say: “I love the food, the owner is amazing. The food is top notch. When you walk in the door it feels like you are no longer in Charlotte. It’s so beautiful inside. The food tastes like love.” –Yelper Christina O.
- Blue Orchid (Charlotte)
Cuisine: Sushi Bar, Asian fusion
What they’re known for: Their beautifully made, and tasty, sushi rolls.
Yelpers say: “The restaurant is very cozy and the food was phenomenal. The Caterpillar Roll is decorated to look like a caterpillar!! It was almost too cute to eat (but it was too delicious not to). The Tropicana Roll was also great, and my husband really enjoyed his ramen.” –Yelper Caitlin K.
- Curry Gate (Charlotte)
Cuisine: Indian, Himalayan, Nepalese
What they’re known for: Their tandoori chicken tikka and tikka masala.
Yelpers say: “Definitely a takeout place, no frills, just good food. Some of the best Indian Punjabi food that I have had in the city, and very reasonable prices. And they do not mess around when it comes to spice levels!” –Yelp Elite Roma A.
- JDs Smokehouse (Rutherford College)
Cuisine: BBQ, Smokehouse
What they’re known for: Their pulled pork, ribs and delightful desserts.
Yelpers say: “Great BBQ!! The smoked meats are delicious and I have had the ribs, chicken and pulled pork. If you’re in the mood for BBQ you won’t go wrong at JDs Smokehouse.” –Yelper William M.
- Hatch Sandwich Bar (Hickory)
Cuisine: American, Vegetarian, Sandwiches
What they’re known for: Their delicious and creative sandwiches and sides.
Yelpers say: “I went to Hatch for the first time a month ago & I’ve been back three times already. I went with a group & we all enjoyed our sandwiches…SO flavorful! The pickled carrots on the Pork Banh Mi were delicious & the Red Pepper Aioli on the Turkey Bacon Avocado was a great combination..” -Yelper Kirby P.
- Community Matters Cafe (Charlotte)
Cuisine: Breakfast & Brunch, Sandwiches, Cafe
What they’re known for: Being the social enterprise arm of the Charlotte Rescue Mission. Community Matters Cafe is a full-service Cafe and restaurant that engages graduates of the Charlotte Rescue Mission and provides Life Skills training to help them re-enter the workforce.
Yelpers say: “Highly recommend! It was hard to choose what to get, and everything we had was delicious. The brussels as a side were bountiful. The server commented that it looked like we licked the soup cup clean–we may have ;).” –Yelper Jessica J.
- Umi Japanese Restaurant (Hickory)
Cuisine: Japanese, Sushi bar
What they’re known for: Their delicious sashimi and ramen.
Yelpers say: “This restaurant serves the best authentic Japanese food from tempura, fresh sushi, curry, and miso. It’s quiet elegant setting has four tables, soft music and terrific menu choices. Their salmon sushi is some of the best we have had in the US. We look forward to going back every chance we get.” –Yelper Mary C.
- Salud Beer Shop (Charlotte)
Cuisine: Pizza, Beer
What they’re known for: Salud Beer Shop was named ‘Best Beer Bar’ in the U.S. for the 3rd straight year by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. They’re also known for their amazing woodfired pizza.
Yelpers say: “Absolutely love Salud- one of my FAVORITE spots in NoDa. All of their food options are delicious, the staff is welcoming, and the ambiance of the place is one of my fav aspects. Highly recommend this spot for anyone in the area.” –Yelper Kel R.
- Lucy’s Bake Shop & Deli (Stallings)
Cuisine: Venezuelan, Sandwiches, Bakery
What they’re known for: Latin American & Venezuelan food, such as Cuban sandwiches, arepas, and cachapas.
Yelpers say: “The Best Venezuelan food in NC!!! You won’t be disappointed! I drove 1.5 hrs to get there. Worth it. Friendliest and most inviting. Almost felt like home. Definitely returning.” –Yelper Joe M.
- Geno D’s Pizza (Charlotte)
Cuisine: Pizza
What they’re known for: Family owned and operated business specializing in
Jersey style pizza.
Yelpers say: “Let’s get down to it!! This place is unreal good!, Like, next level! It is above and beyond any pizza I have yet to have in Charlotte! The sauce, cheese, crust and topping are the highest quality and it shows! Do yourself a favor and try this place ASAP!! My taste buds thank you Geno!!” –Yelper Ollie C.
- Everest Bistro (Charlotte)
Cuisine: Thai, Himalayan, Nepalese, Asian fusion
What they’re known for: Authentic Nepalese, Thai & Asian fusion delicacies like pad Thai, goat curry, mango chana chaat.
Yelpers say: “Finally found authentic flavors! Had the chicken momos and classic lamb curry and the spice level was perfect! The garlic naan was also different and really good! Highly recommended!” –Yelper Laly G.
- King Fish Poke (Charlotte)
Cuisine: Japanese, Poke, Sushi bar
What they’re known for: Specializing in sushi burritos and poke bowls, but King Fish Poke takes it a step further by letting you customize your order with unlimited mix-ins, toppings, and crunches.
Yelpers say: “Consistently great food!! Each time I’ve come in for a poke bowl, I’ve left satisfied with the experience and the quality of my food!” –Yelp Elite Allyson R.
- Webb Custom Kitchen (Gastonia)
Cuisine: American, Steakhouse
What they’re known for: Nestled in a historic movie theater, Webb Custom Kitchen brings you creative local dining, craft beers, premium wines & unmatched service.
Yelpers say: “This is an old movie theater and you can see the respect for the history throughout, lending itself to an eye catching, elegant aesthetic. The food here is delicious. Well prepared, good portions, nice presentation. They genuinely want you to enjoy your meal.” –Yelp Elite Christine C.
- Sanctuary Bistro (Charlotte)
Cuisine: Vegan Bistro, Breakfast & Brunch
What they’re known for: Beautifully crafted and delicious vegan food, such as their beet salad and crispy oyster mushrooms.
Yelpers say: “Brunch & dinner at Sanctuary is always a phenomenal experience. Welcomed by warmth and smiley faces, the ambiance and energy surely enhances the experience. You really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.” –Yelper Sophia C.
- Little Village Grill (Charlotte)
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
What they’re known for: Authentic Greek favorites like gyros, pitas, Greek style french fries and Greek salads..
Yelpers say: “I ordered the grilled chicken pita with the Greek style french fries which were both really really good. I highly recommend!!!” –Yelper Courtney B.
- Euro Grill Cafe (Charlotte)
Cuisine: Modern European
What they’re known for: Specializing in Bosnian & European cuisine, like their delicious cevaps and eggplant Napoleon.
Yelpers say: “This place is a hidden gem on Central ave! I ordered a cevaps sandwich, with fries on the side, and let me tell you, it is FILLING! I basically had to take a nap after finishing this! The sausages are juicy and filled with flavor, and the special bread is piping hot and a perfect balance to the delightfully greasy and tasty sausage. Also the fries are perfectly seasoned and we’re freshly fried as well..” –Yelp Elite Mateo M.
- Jon G’s Barbecue (Peachland)
Cuisine: Barbecue
What they’re known for: Jon G’s is only open on Saturdays from 11AM until they sellout and people line up for hours to indulge in their delicious BBQ.
Yelpers say: “Can’t get any better bbq in the Charlotte area. Believe the hype. Brisket is beyond flavorful and melts in your mouth. Every side is to die for as well. Make sure to get there nice and early (hour+ before opening) but it is worth the wait no matter when you arrive. Earlier means less chance things run out before it’s your turn. There is not a single drawback to this restaurant.” –Yelper Kaden P.
- Umami PokéRito (Charlotte)
Cuisine: Japanese, Poke, Sushi bar
What they’re known for: Specializing in fresh, innovative Asian fusion cuisine crafted from the highest quality seafood, meat and produce available.
Yelpers say: “I finally was able to try this restaurant. My ahi tuna poke bowl was sooooooo good and fresh. The restaurant is so clean and the staff was helpful & friendly. So glad I stumbled upon this find.” –Yelper Vanessa C.
- Katana Kitchen (Statesville)
Cuisine: Japanese, Poke, Asian fusion
What they’re known for:
Yelpers say: “Katana is perfection and the staff are very polite and courteous! I have always been pleased with both the food and service here..” –Yelp Elite Sandra C.
- Ace No. 3 (Charlotte)
Cuisine: Burgers
What they’re known for: Their epic juicy burgers, alcohol infused milkshakes.
Yelpers say: “JUICYYYY. You know when you get a craving for a burger dripping with juice and not grease? This is it. So good! Big fan of their milkshakes as well.” –Yelp Elite Krissy W.
Methodology: This is an all-time list of the Top Places to Eat in the Charlotte Area according to Yelp. We identified businesses in the restaurant category on Yelp, then ranked those spots using a number of factors, including the total volume and ratings of reviews. This list looked at businesses in and around the Charlotte area. All businesses were marked open on Yelp as of June 21st, 2022. When available, all businesses on this list have a passing health score as of June 21st, 2022.
