Charlotte is quickly becoming one of the most diverse cities in America, with transplants coming from all over the country and immigrants coming from all over the world.
We decided to put together a list of some of the top Charlotte restaurants (based on Yelp reviews) representing many of the major countries and cultures from around the world.
They are numbered according to their culture’s geographic location, from West to East:
#1 Sullivan’s Steakhouse
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Sometimes you don’t feel like Thai, Tex-Mex, or Italian. In that case, we recommend Sullivan’s Steakhouse, the best steakhouse in Charlotte.
#2 Paco’s Tacos – Tex-Mex
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On par with Cantina 1511, this place has some truly incredible tex-mex tacos and burritos.
#3 Tacos El Nevado – Mexican
We understand that only listing one Mexican restaurant can be very controversial, but this place has very authentic Mexican offerings at great prices – and has raving Yelp reviews. Azetca and Lupitas Carniceria & Tortilleria are two other great options.
#4 Anntony’s Caribbean Café
Tasty and authentic Caribbean food, and believe it or not, one of the best burgers in town!
#5 Irie Vibes – Jamaican
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Flavorful rice and beans, plantains, and amazing jerk chicken – if you love Jamaican food, you’ll love this place.
#6 El Pulgarcito De America – Central American
This place offers a tasty fusion of El Salvadorian and Honduran food with Southern Mexican flare.
#7 Los Paisas – Colombian
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Colombian natives on Yelp have commented that this place offers some of the best sweet plantains, braised beef tongue, and yucca in Charlotte.
#8 Arepas Grill – Venezuelan
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They’re most well-known for their stuffed corn pancakes & other Venezuelan brunch favorites.
#9 Chima Brazilian Steakhouse
This is certainly the most well-known Brazilian steakhouse in Charlotte, but also the priciest. You might also want to check out Brazz Carvery & Brazilian Steakhouse and Amor de Brazil.
#10 Pio Pio – Peruvian
This was a true toss-up between Pio Pio and Viva Chicken, but based on reviews, it seemed that Pio Pio was a more authentic option.
#11 Big Ben British Pub
Another toss-up between Big Ben and Sir Edmond Halley’s, but Big Ben’s reviews were slightly better.
#12 Barcelona Wine Bar – Spanish
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With nearly 400 wines on the wine list and rustic tapas shaped by Spanish, South American, and even Mediterranean influences, Barcelona Wine Bar belongs on any Charlotte foodie’s bucket list.
#13 La Belle Helene – French
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Serving French classics with a modern sensibility, La Belle Helene is located in Uptown Charlotte. Bravo Top Chef alum Chef Jamie Lynch created the menu.
#14 Mazali – Uzbek
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Locally sourced ingredients with authentic Uzbek flavors. Each dish celebrates a rich heritage and culture.
#15 Waldhorn Restaurant – German
This place specializes in well-made German delicacies; including sauerbraten, pork loin cooked with bacon, red cabbage, and homemade sauerkraut.
#16 Mad Greek Restaurant
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Truly amazing Greek food with massive portions, this place doesn’t disappoint.
#17 Luce – Italian
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Authentic, high-end Northern Italian cuisine served in a sophisticated setting with one of the best patios in Uptown.
#18 Zoewee’s Restaurant – Liberian
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West African cuisine with some of the most unique flavor combinations in Charlotte. They’re most well known for their potato greens, casava leaf, fish/plantains, fish gravy and seasoned rice.
#19 Motherland Cuisine – Nigerian
Some of the most authentic Nigerian food you can find in the SouthEast. A passionate family owned and operated establishment.
#20 Enat – Ethiopian
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Incense, traditional music, and artwork from Chef Tina Tedla’s home will transport you from East Charlotte to East Africa.
#21 Jamile’s Cuisine – Somalian
Jamile’s, a Somali restaurant, prepares its goat in true East African fashion – in both soup and suqar.
#22 Yafo Kitchen – Israeli
A new Mediterranean South Park and a great addition to the casual dining scene in Charlotte, offering some of the best Israeli dishes in the city.
#23 Levant – Lebanon
Fantastic middle eastern food in an authentic setting. You have to try the Kabobs with Yogurt Sauce.
#24 Copper – Indian
Top-notch authentic Indian food in the heart of Dilworth. If you love Indian food, you’ll love this place.
#25 Lang Van – Vietnamese
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This place will seriously raise your bar for Pho and all Vietnamese food in general. Their lettuce wraps are a must-try.
#26 Malaya Kitchen Asian Fusion – Malaysian
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This place has all of the best Malaysian offerings, including nasi lemak, char kway teow, and even white coffee.
#27 Thai Taste
A true staple of Charlotte and the perfect place to take a date. Get the Pad Thai, #3 if you like it spicy – it will change you.
#28 Shun Lee Palace – Chinese
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This is the place to eat and enjoy a nice elegant Chinese meal, it’s one of the oldest and most well-respected chinese restaurants in Charlotte.
#29 PePeRo – Korean
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Authentic Korean food that can get a little pricey, but the quality is unparalleled in Charlotte.
#30 Ru Sans – Japanese
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Ru Sans Japanese Restaurant is hands-down one of the best sushi places in Charlotte and the best (and possibly the only) high-grade sushi buffet in the region. Their buffet is only open for lunch until 11:30am-2:30pm Monday-Saturday, but get their early, the lines form quick.
How many cultures have you tasted so far in Charlotte?
Tell us your favorite in the comments below;
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