5 Best Restaurants in Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte's most impressive food hall may be the state's biggest and best, with plenty of exposed brick painted in striking colors, multiple outdoor areas, and stall after stall of fresh-pressed juices, gourmet grilled cheese, ramen bowls, gelato, and craft cocktails.

Croissant breakfast sandwiches, gourmet coffee drinks, and tasty pastries make this a go-to for quality bites in the morning (or whenever the urge for a French treat arises, until 10 at night). There are four locations across Charlotte.

With a spacious bar and an open and inviting multilevel dining room overlooking Romare Bearden Park, Haymaker is focused on showcasing the bounty of the Piedmont and Appalachia regions with locally inspired, seasonal farm-to-table cuisine. The ever-changing menu features both small and large plates perfect for sharing. Staples include house-made pickles, heirloom cornmeal hush puppies, and a chili-rubbed local pork shoulder served with Carolina Gold rice. Wash it all down with a craft cocktail or an old-fashioned glass of sweet tea. Brunch is a hit on the weekends.

Come for the elevated tapas and cocktails, stay for the dance party. This trendy hangout in a repurposed brick building dishes out quality sushi, skewers, and shareable plates, all served until midnight.