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The MICHELIN Guide’s arrival in North Carolina puts a well-earned spotlight on Charlotte, where a fast-growing food scene blends global technique, regional ingredients and Southern hospitality. From a One MICHELIN Star immersive tasting menu to creative sushi counters, standout cocktails and comfort food classics, the Queen City’s selections span styles and neighborhoods — from NoDa to Davidson. To view the full guide, including an interactive map, explore The MICHELIN Guide to North Carolina.
The Charlotte area’s dining scene shines with one MICHELIN Star, one MICHELIN Green Star, one Bib Gourmand, an Exceptional Cocktails Award and 11 MICHELIN Recommended spots — making the Queen City a must-visit for food lovers.
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One MICHELIN Star & MICHELIN Green Star: counter-
The experience at counter- is anything but expected. Each immersive, multicourse tasting menu draws from Chef Sam Hart’s passions — music, memory, local flavors — and shifts with every new theme. Awarded both One MICHELIN Star and a Green Star, this Charlotte standout invites diners into a narrative-rich evening that balances creativity and sustainability with polish and soul. From the produce to the playlist, every detail is considered.
MICHELIN Bib Gourmand: Lang Van
Lang Van is a Charlotte classic, where longtime locals and first-timers are treated like regulars. Co-owner Dan Nguyen brings warmth to every table, and the menu delivers with flavorful Vietnamese staples — pho, vermicelli, crispy rolls and more — served in generous portions. Add in budget-friendly prices, cozy booths and a wall of handwritten thank-you notes, and it’s easy to see why this spot has become a neighborhood favorite for decades.
MICHELIN Exceptional Cocktails Award & MICHELIN Recommended: Supperland
Housed in a former church, Supperland brings Southern steakhouse flair to the Plaza Midwood neighborhood. Dishes come hot off the wood-fired grill and are meant to share — from smoked meats to bold, seasonal sides. The bar program is equally ambitious. Beverage director Colleen Hughes, a MICHELIN honoree, crafts cocktails that balance precision and creativity. Come hungry, but don’t overlook the drink menu — it’s one of the best in the state.
MICHELIN Recommended: Customshop
In the Elizabeth neighborhood, Customshop delivers seasonal dishes with a modern, global point of view. Chef-owner Andrés Kaifer blends Latin and Italian influences with North Carolina-sourced ingredients — think handmade pastas, fresh seafood and inventive crudos. The menu changes often but always leans flavorful and unfussy. A strong cocktail list and food-friendly wines round it out, making this a go-to spot for relaxed meals that don’t skimp on technique or creativity.
MICHELIN Recommended: Ever Andalo
Ever Andalo brings a slice of northern Italy to the NoDa neighborhood. Inspired by the owner’s family roots, the menu leans rustic and seasonal — with house-cured meats, hand-shaped pastas and regional wines leading the way. Chef Sam Sheehan’s dishes nod to tradition while adding a personal twist, whether it’s a daily special or a standout cannoli. With its cozy setting and warm service, this neighborhood spot has earned its place quickly.
MICHELIN Recommended: Haberdish
Just down the street from Ever Andalo, and by the same restaurant group as Ever Andalo and Supperland, Haberdish is Southern comfort with a modern edge. The menu pulls from mill town history and heirloom recipes — fried chicken, deviled eggs, mac and cheese — all done with care and big flavor. Chef Lex Falardeau’s kitchen leans into tradition without feeling stuck in it. Pair your meal with a craft cocktail or a local draft, and save room for the banana pudding. It’s worth it.
MICHELIN Recommended: Hello, Sailor
At Hello, Sailor, lakeside dining meets Southern seafood classics. Set on Lake Norman, the menu from chef-owner Joe Kindred features fried North Carolina catfish, hush puppies, peel-and-eat shrimp and oysters on the half shell, all served in a colorful midcentury-inspired space. Cocktails are crisp, service is casual and the waterfront patio is one of the best seats in the house for sunset.
MICHELIN Recommended: Kindred
In downtown Davidson, Kindred pairs polished technique with a relaxed, small-town setting. Chef-owner Joe Kindred’s menu balances Southern roots and global flavors, with standouts like house-made pasta and seasonal vegetables. The warm milk bread, served at the start of every meal, has become a signature — and shows up again at dessert, turned into a rich bread pudding. Set in a former pharmacy, the space is stylish and welcoming, just like the service.
MICHELIN Recommended: Little Mama’s
Little Mama’s brings classic Italian-American comfort to Charlotte with house-made pasta, hand-stretched mozzarella and crispy brick oven pizzas. Sit near the open kitchen to catch the cheese-making in action or settle into a booth with a bowl of carbonara or a veal cutlet. Crostini with stracciatella and toppings is a go-to starter, and brunch brings even more favorites on weekends. The original SouthPark location now has a second outpost in Rea Farms.
MICHELIN Recommended: Omakase Experience by Prime Fish
This six-seat counter from Chef Robin Anthony delivers one of Charlotte’s most elevated dining experiences. Imported seafood from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market anchors an omakase that blends luxury and precision — think wagyu tartare with uni and truffle or grilled eel hand rolls touched with foie gras. The nigiri leans traditional, letting the fish and rice shine. With thoughtful pairings and Anthony’s certified sake expertise, every course is intentional and indulgent.
MICHELIN Recommended: Prime Fish
At Prime Fish in Ballantyne, Chef-owner Robin Anthony brings global precision to the sushi bar, sourcing salmon from Denmark and daily selections from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market. The menu balances traditional Tokyo-style nigiri with creative small plates that reflect French and Southern touches. A curated sake list adds depth to the experience, and walk-ins keep the vibe casual. Not sure what to order? Let the chef guide you with a custom selection of nigiri and sashimi.
MICHELIN Recommended: Rada
Rada brings sleek style and bold flavor to Charlotte’s dining scene. The Mediterranean-inspired menu shifts often, offering a mix of small plates and standout mains like Dover sole meunière or harissa-spiced meatballs. Cocktails are a highlight — especially the martinis, made with house-brined touches. Led by owner Eloy Roy and Chef Callan Buckles, this buzzy spot balances design-forward energy with genuine hospitality and a menu that’s both refined and inviting.
MICHELIN Recommended: Restaurant Constance
At Restaurant Constance in Wesley Heights, Chef Sam Diminich crafts globally inspired dishes with local heart. The menu shifts with the seasons but keeps favorites like pork belly dumplings and jalapeño cornbread waffles in rotation. Expect bold flavors, fresh ingredients and thoughtful details — from Outer Banks scallops to housemade chili jam. The space is warm and understated, just like the hospitality. A three-course option makes exploring the menu both easy and affordable.
Hungry for more? Check out The MICHELIN Guides to the American South in the Raleigh, Durham and Triangle area and Asheville.