Immerse yourself in the rich and captivating lunch culture of Charlotte, NC, where culinary journeys come to life in enchanting surroundings. These lunch restaurants offer more than just nourishment; they provide a culinary journey that ignites the senses. Each venue is a well-kept secret, tucked away in the bustling streets, inviting you to explore a world of flavors that transcend the ordinary.
Charlotte’s lunch restaurants epitomize the city’s culinary spirit, celebrating local ingredients and international influences. With each dish, a story is told, blending creativity and craftsmanship. Whether you’re savoring a familiar comfort or embarking on a daring exploration, the menus resonate with diversity, offering a range of options to suit every palate.
Beyond the exquisite fare, these ten best Lunch restaurants curate an immersive experience. The ambiance is carefully designed, offering an escape from the urban rush. Whether you prefer cozy corners or sunlit terraces, each restaurant provides an inviting backdrop for culinary discoveries. Gather with friends, family, or colleagues to create lasting memories amidst the symphony of tastes and aromas that define Charlotte’s lunchtime essence.
List of Best Lunch Restaurants in Charlotte
Here is a list of the best Lunch restaurants in Charlotte nearby.
- Rhino Market & Deli
- The King’s Kitchen
- Lang Van
- Mert’s Heart And Soul
- El Toro Bruto
- Haberdish
- Viva Chicken
- Cilantro Noodle
- Southern Pecan
- Pinky’s Westside Grill
Rhino Market & Deli
Rhino Market & Deli is a popular chain with five locations in Charlotte, North Carolina. They specialize in offering fresh, locally sourced products including craft beer, wine, specialty coffee, and baked goods. Noteworthy features include their diverse sandwich selection, vegan options like hummus and BBQ tofu sandwiches, and a range of fresh salads. With multiple Charlotte locations, Rhino Market & Deli is a convenient choice for quick bites and quality provisions.
Neighborhood: Uptown
Service options: Takeaway · Delivery
Address: 400 S Church St, Charlotte, NC 28202, United States
The King’s Kitchen
The King’s Kitchen in Charlotte goes beyond being a lunch destination, embodying a mission-driven approach. Highlights include southern-inspired cuisine using locally sourced ingredients, with proceeds from sales being donated to feed the needy in the community. The restaurant collaborates with local ministries to offer job training and employment opportunities, fostering empowerment. The lunch menu at The King’s Kitchen features a variety of classic Southern dishes, such as fried chicken, collard greens, and cornbread. There are also more modern options, such as the pan-roasted crab cake with shaved fennel and cucumber slaw, or the roasted butternut squash ravioli with sausage and wilted greens.
Neighborhood: Uptown
Service options: Dine-in · Kerbside pickup · No delivery
Address: 129 W Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202, United States
Lang Van
Lang Van is a family-owned Vietnamese restaurant in Charlotte since 1990, serving a diverse menu of classic and unique dishes like pho, banh mi, crispy quails, and shrimp on sugar cane. Open for lunch and dinner, their affordable prices and welcoming ambiance make it perfect for quick lunches or leisurely meals with friends. The lunch menu from 11 am to 3 pm offers options like spring rolls and Bun bo hue, averaging $10-$15 per person. Reservations are recommended for larger groups.
Neighborhood: Charlotte, NC
Service options: Dine-in · Takeaway · No delivery
Address: 3019 Shamrock Dr, Charlotte, NC 28215, United States
Mert’s Heart And Soul
Enter Mert’s Heart & Soul, a charming Southern soul food restaurant run by a couple. The inviting decor and friendly staff create a warm ambiance. The menu offers fresh, locally sourced Southern dishes, such as chicken soup, shrimp salad, shrimp and grits, and roasted lamb chops. Don’t miss the desserts like sweet potato pie and banana pudding. Mert’s is the ultimate destination for an authentic Southern dining experience in Charlotte.
Neighborhood: Uptown
Service options: Dine-in · Drive-through · No-contact delivery
Address: 214 N College St, Charlotte, NC 28202, United States
El Toro Bruto
El Toro Bruto is a lively taqueria in Charlotte’s South End that puts a modern twist on traditional Mexican street food. Led by chef Hector Gonzalez-Mora, the restaurant offers a fresh menu of tacos, burritos, bowls, and quesadillas made with locally sourced ingredients. Housed in a former brewery, the restaurant has an urban feel with exposed brick walls and a spacious patio. The full bar serves creative cocktails, including the El Toro Bruto Margarita. Featured in various publications, the restaurant is popular among both locals and tourists, though it can crowd during peak times.
Neighborhood: South End
Service options: Dine-in · Takeaway · Delivery
Address: 332 W Bland St C, Charlotte, NC 28203, United States
Haberdish
Experience a unique lunch at Haberdish in Charlotte’s NoDa neighborhood. This Southern kitchen and cocktail bar offers locally sourced Carolina-inspired cuisine, blending classics like fried chicken and biscuits with modern options like Nashville hot shrimp skewers. Lunch is available on Thursdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring highlights like fried chicken biscuit sandwiches and shrimp and grits. The inviting atmosphere boasts exposed brick walls, hardwood floors, and a spacious outdoor patio. Haberdish is the ideal spot to relish Southern hospitality while enjoying a fusion of traditional and contemporary flavors.
Location: NoDa
Service options: Dine-in · Kerbside pickup · No delivery
Address: 3106 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205, United States
Viva Chicken
Viva Chicken is a fast-casual eatery in Charlotte, with three locations, renowned for its authentic Peruvian cuisine. Their signature dish is Pollo a la Brasa, a flavorful rotisserie chicken cooked over charcoal with Peruvian spices. They also offer traditional Peruvian dishes like ceviche and causa. With a friendly and affordable vibe, it’s a great choice for a quick lunch. The restaurant is situated on Elizabeth Ave, Park Road, and Waverly, providing a variety of Peruvian flavors that are sure to satisfy.
Neighborhood: Uptown
Service options: Dine-in · Takeaway · No-contact delivery
Address: 1617 Elizabeth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204, United States
Cilantro Noodle
Cilantro Noodle, a family-owned Vietnamese restaurant on Commonwealth Avenue in Charlotte, stands out for its authentic dishes like pho, bun bo hue, banh mi, and vermicelli noodle salads. The restaurant’s uniqueness lies in its dedication to using fresh, top-notch ingredients and crafting each dish to order. This commitment results in some of Charlotte’s finest Vietnamese cuisine. The restaurant’s ambiance is inviting traditional Vietnamese decor and a friendly staff. Cilantro Noodle offers a diverse experience, suitable for both quick lunches and leisurely dining. With a focus on quality, tradition, warmth, and affordability, Cilantro Noodle is a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic Vietnamese meal in Charlotte.
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
Service options: Dine-in · Kerbside pickup · No-contact delivery
Address: 2001 Commonwealth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205, USA
Southern Pecan
Southern Pecan in Charlotte is a lunch spot that exudes Southern warmth and charm. It offers a blend of traditional Southern dishes with a modern twist. The inviting atmosphere, reminiscent of cherished family gatherings, is adorned with vintage Southern decor. The menu features classics like fried chicken and buttery biscuits. The staff provides attentive service, making patrons feel right at home. Whether for a quick break or a relaxed lunch, Southern Pecan offers a memorable journey into the soulful flavors of Southern cuisine.
Neighborhood: South Park
Service options: Dine-in · Kerbside pickup
Address: 6706-C, Phillips Pl Ct, Charlotte, NC 28210, USA
Pinky’s Westside Grill
Pinky’s Westside Grill, a Charlotte institution since 2010, offers comfort food in a casual, historic garage setting on Morehead Street. Their menu features favorites like burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, and tacos, but their freshly made daily pimento cheese stands out. Affordable and delicious, it’s the go-to spot for a satisfying lunch. Don’t miss signature dishes like “The Da Pimp,” “The Kinda Fried Turkey,” and “The Big John.” Visit Pinky’s for a memorable experience of good food and a laid-back atmosphere.
Neighborhood: Morehead St. Charlotte, NC
Service options: Dine-in · Takeaway · No-contact delivery
Address: 1600 W Morehead St, Charlotte, NC 28208, USA
