20 underrated restaurants in the Charlotte area — and what to order at each
New restaurants open every day in the Charlotte area, and it can be a full-time job just trying to keep up (ask us how we know). As of this posting, in fact, more than 170 new restaurants have opened or announced openings in 2023 alone.
But what about the area’s hidden gems? We’re talking about the places you take your aunt and uncle when they visit from out of town. From the hole-in-the-wall taco takeout spot to the multi-course Northern Italian ristorante, your guests will be impressed with your level of in-the-know.
Here’s a list of 20 of our favorite underrated restaurants in Charlotte, Matthews, Mint Hill, Lake Norman, Waxhaw and more. Honestly, it was difficult to narrow it down! Did we miss your hidden gem? Email us at charlottefive@charlottefive.com and let us know what you love about it (and what you order)!
Anita’s Mexican Grill
Location: 2904 Yorkmont Rd, Charlotte, NC 28208
So you’ve pulled into a BP gas station parking lot looking for Anita’s Mexican Grill — don’t worry, you’re not confused. This no-frills gem is tucked between a dry cleaner and a Subway. The prices are low, so if you’re hungry, order abundantly. (Hey, leftovers!)
What to order: Get a Speedy Gonzalez: For $5.25, you get a taco, enchilada and rice or beans.
Anntony’s Caribbean Cafe
Location: 6434 W Sugar Creek Rd, Charlotte, NC 28269
For 40 years, Anntony’s Caribbean Cafe has been serving Charlotte-area customers family recipes from British Guyana. This Charlotte Classic Eats restaurant opened in Statesville in 1984 before moving to Charlotte. It’s had a few Charlotte locations over the years and now has a new owner, Petula Kwende from Cameroon. She has added some West African dishes and drinks to the menu. “Both Caribbean and African foods use a lot of spices,” Kwende told Philip recently.
What to order: Island Wings (6 for $7.50). Choose island, spicy jerk, mild jerk or BBQ sauce. Add Callaloo Greens and Calypso Rice ($3.95 each).
Aqua e Vino
Location: 4219 Providence Rd #3993, Charlotte, NC 28211
Step into the tiny Aqua e Vino restaurant tucked behind Bonnart Fine Jewelers in Strawberry Hill, and you’ll think you’ve found a secret door to Italy. Yes, you’ve skipped the plane ride and the jet lag, and here you are, in the care of Gabriele Grigolon. The Italian-born chef has worked at Il Cortile in Paris; Aimo e Nadia in Milan; and several restaurants in Monte Carlo, Monaco. Now, he’s here in Charlotte, where we are the lucky ones.
What to order: Start with an Italian red and some sparkling water. And I hope you’re hungry, because you’ll want it all. The bruschetta, the pasta, the desserts — you can’t possibly go wrong here. Look for weekly changes to the seasonal menu.
Athens Pizza & Kabob
Location: 2920 Old Monroe Rd, Stallings, NC 28104
Make sure to bring a hungry friend when you visit Athens Pizza & Kabob. You’re not going to be able to choose between pizza and kabobs, so our advice is to order both for the table. Heidi recently visited with owner Ameneh Pirhayati, who bought the pizza restaurant in 2007 and added some Iranian flavor.
What to order: The Meatlover’s Delight pizza includes pepperoni, sausage, meatball slices, ham and bacon. $12.95 for a 10”. And a Mixed Kabob plate comes with one skewer of koobideh and one skewer of chicken, along with Greek salad, pita, rice and a grilled tomato for $18.99.
Brooklyn Pizza
Location: 7725 Colony Rd Charlotte, NC 28226
Location: 6400 Weddington Rd Wesley Chapel, NC 28104
You can throw a rock and it’ll probably hit a good pizza restaurant in the Charlotte area (just ask chef Sam Hart, who recently ate pizza for 24 days straight). What makes Brooklyn Pizza special? Customers swear it’s the closest thing you’ll find to New York pizza here at home. Choose between the Colony Road or Wesley Chapel locations.
What to order: Your mileage my vary depending on your preferences, but why not start with the New York Original thin crust pizza for $16.95?
Dino’s Family Restaurant
Location: 350 E Sugar Creek Rd, Charlotte, NC 28213
Step back in time when you walk into Dino’s. The family-owned restaurant hasn’t been touched by modern renovations or any changes since it opened in the mid-’80s.
What to order: A breakfast platter is two eggs with two pieces of ham or one piece of bologna or livermush, hash browns or grits, biscuits or toast, butter and jelly, for $9.95. A personal favorite is also the pancakes.
Doghouse Bar & Grill
Location: 7200 Albemarle Rd L, Charlotte, NC 28227
Doghouse Bar & Grill is tucked into a strip mall on Albemarle Road, an unassuming spot offering what it calls “the best Philly cheesesteaks in Charlotte.” It’s popular with regulars, and offers lots of TVs to watch the game. Show up to eat, but stay to dance.
What to order: My cousin, who has a house nearby, says her go-to is a basket of okra ($3.50) and the salmon & shrimp Philly ($14.99).
The Hill Bar & Grill
Location: 11232 Lawyers Rd, Mint Hill, NC 28227
This tiny building in Mint Hill is hiding big flavor, tucked into The Hill Bar & Grill’s sandwiches, wings, salads and more. It has TVs inside, tables outside and homemade chips served with blue cheese or ranch. Yum!
What to order: Get the Reuben, served with your choice of side for $11.70.
Kabab-Je Rotisserie & Grille
Location: 2233 Matthews Township Pkwy, Matthews, NC 28105
If healthy Lebanese food sounds good, Kebab-Je is what you’re looking for. For years, this restaurant at Sycamore Commons in Matthews has been serving fresh Mediterranean food inspired by Lebanon — you’ll find dishes thriving from vegetables, grains, nuts, olive oil and lean meats.
What to order: Dip into the fresh hummus for $7.95, and order up some spicy potatoes for the table: Sautéed in garlic, coriander and chili for $9.95. Lastly, try the Mixed Grill kebab for a variety on your first visit: you’ll get one kafta, one chicken and one lamb kebab for $19.95.
King Crab/Shake Shake Seafood
Location: 7401 E Independence Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28227
Location: 2841 W Hwy 74, Monroe, NC 28110
Location: 9925 Leitner Dr, Pineville, NC 28134
This seafood place with two names and three locations serves up seafood in a bag, and those who are in the know can’t stop raving about it. As the name suggests, you’ll order up your seafood combo, which comes with corn and potato. You’ll pick your spice level and your seasoning, and it arrives in a bag (takeout friendly!). The menu also has fried seafood baskets with Cajun fries or hush puppies, or for an extra $1 you can get onion rings.
What to order: Go for the daily special or make your own seafood boil bag — prices vary.
King of Spicy
Location: 8829 E W.T. Harris Blvd #107, Charlotte, NC 28227
Pro tip when ordering from King of Spicy for the first time: The name is legit. Coming from a girl who used to order “Indian hot,” I stick to a 3, maaaaybe a 4 spice level here, if I’m feeling spicy (literally). More than once, I’ve been in the fridge grabbing the heavy cream to add to my paneer tikka masala delivery, wishing I’d ordered an extra naan. If you decide to dine in at the restaurant that specializes in Nepalese and Indian foods, you’ll find it tucked into the back corner of Royal Plaza Shopping Center. (Do watch for potholes!)
What to order: Start off with two samosas for $4. Get some garlic naan for $3. Then enjoy the Paneer Makhani for $12.
Letty’s on Shamrock
Location: 2121 Shamrock Dr, Charlotte, NC 28205
One of my favorite Letty’s on Shamrock moments involved a post-hot-yoga dinner with my cousin. We were all zenned out and wrapped up in sweatshirts when we stopped in for comfort food. Once inside, as if on cue, it started pouring down rain. Owner Letty Ketner sealed the moment by bringing over a tableside pot of hot water with an assortment of teas to choose from. I remember thinking, this feels just like home, and I have no desire to be anywhere else. And that’s kinda how it always is at Letty’s — rainy night, zen not even required.
What to order: Hummachoes, served with hummus, sautéed ground beef, beans, onions, banana peppers, chopped tomatoes and feta, served on homemade pita chips for $12.95. Also, don’t forget dessert — the daily selection changes. Pro tip: If you pull into the parking lot and peek through the window, you can read the dessert board from your car. I have a friend who does just that on the regular. She pops out to order every time it’s brownie day.
Mama Gee’s
Location: 509 Beatties Ford Rd, Charlotte, NC 28216
Visit Mama Gee’s once, and you won’t stop going. (Just ask our videographer Alex how often he goes!) Gifty Bonsu and her son Kobbi Bonsu will welcome you right in as if you’re visiting the family home. The cozy 65-year-old building on Beatties Ford Road is just two miles from uptown.
What to order: Go with Kobbi Bonsu’s recommendation on your first visit: Ghana-style Jollof rice, which is sauteed with tomatoes, served with chicken, plantains and tomato stew ($16).
Mama Katie’s
Location: 862 Brawley School Rd Suite 107, Mooresville, NC 28117
Lake Norman residents will remember the new Mama Katie’s as the old Black Eye’d Pea spot. The owners of the latter recently retired and handed over the keys to their friends, who opened Mama Katie’s in July as a breakfast and lunch spot.
What to order: You can’t go wrong with the Greek salad with grilled chicken for $11.75, or the Reuben for $10.50.
[READ MORE: Longtime Lake Norman Mexican restaurant owners expand with a new culinary ‘adventure’.]
Malaya Kitchen Asian Fusion
Location: 8200-400 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277
Looking for authentic Malaysian food? Head to the Arboretum and pull up to a table at Malaya Kitchen Asian Fusion. The restaurant also serves flavors from India and China, and it’s known for big portions of delicious, quality cuisine at reasonable prices.
What to order: The Malay Roll is ground chicken with tofu skin, fried and served with sweet and chili sauce for $8.95. The Hainan Chicken is $24, or go for the Indian Curry Laksa, with thin rice vermicelli and egg noodles and vegetables for $15.95.
Miguel’s
Location: 4252 Business Center Dr, Charlotte, NC 28214
Talk about an underrated-looking restaurant — Miguel’s is a small, understated spot at the edge of a gravel parking lot, nestled next to an I-85 underpass near the airport. My favorite seat is on the covered patio — an extension of the small brick building. You can get your order to-go, but you get the free chips and salsa if you decide to stay.
What to order: Get the $6.95 lunch special. Whatever day it is, it’s good.
Osito’s Tacos & Tortas
Location: 20700 N Main St, Cornelius, NC 28031
Even if you don’t live near Osito’s Tacos & Tortas, it’s worth making the drive. You’ll find Osito’s tucked into the corner of a quaint strip mall (for a moment, you might think you’re near a beach somewhere), and inside you’ll find a Mexican restaurant with a Southern twist. Think quesadillas with pimento cheese, “Fry-chos” (french fries served nacho style, piled with queso, beans, crema, etc.) and more.
What to order: A quesadilla ($11) with pimento cheese ($1.50), of course. Or nachos ($9), which already comes with pimento cheese. Because where else could you?
Taqueria Express Grill
Location: 6927 Albemarle Rd, Charlotte, NC 28227
Blink and you’ll miss it. Taqueria Express Grill is in a nondescript building off of Lawyer’s Road (look for the big red sign that says Taqueria). Here you’ll find authentic tacos, tortillas, tortas and more. Enjoy!
What to order: Carnitas tacos, chorizo tacos or asada tacos for $1.99 each. Speaking of authentic, you can even get lengua (beef tongue) for $2.25. Don’t forget the queso and guac ($3.50 each).
Stacks
Location: 11100 Monroe Rd, Matthews, NC 28105
Location: 1315 N. Broome St., Waxhaw, NC 28173
The first time I ever tried Stacks (Waxhaw location), it was after watching my brother compete in a triathalon at Cane Creek Park. All that cheering (and let’s be real, standing around and waiting) must have made me hungry! I still dream about those pancakes. The family-owned spot recently made Heidi’s list of best restaurants in the Matthews and Stallings area, as well.
What to order: Three words: Breakfast. All. Day. If you’re hungry enough, go for the Stacks Lumberjack for $11.95, with three eggs and your choice of french toast or pancakes, bacon or sausage and a biscuit.
Sub One Hoagie House
Location: 516 N. Graham St., Charlotte, NC 28202
If you haven’t been to Sub One Hoagie House, you’re only about 30 years too late, but that’s OK — now’s the time. You’ve driven by it on your way to the AvidXchange Music Factory or Camp North End, and when you see the photo below you’ll say, “Oh yeah, that place!” Step inside for a hot or cold sub from the family owned shop that puts God and community first. “Just being able to see people who look like me come in with smiling faces all these years is all I need,” owner Richard Jones told DeAnna last year.
What to order: The New Jersey steak sub (cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, oil and vinegar, and Jones’ special sauce) for $7.89.
