Dilworth is a neighborhood located just outside of Charlotte, North Carolina, with many of the restaurants we’ve featured as close as five minutes from the downtown area. So, the next time you or someone you know is in Charlotte, consider trying some of the best kept secrets right outside of the city. Our selection of restaurants covers all of the major styles of cuisine from American and Italian to Asian, Mexican, and Vegan. We’ve chosen something for everyone, that way you can be sure to find the perfect spot for dinner the next time you venture to this city.
Electronic gift cards services are needed now more than ever before. With the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic and all of the necessary precautions that came along -- no one gave instructions on how to safely give a person you love their birthday or holiday gift. However, with GiftYa -- you can send that special someone a giftcard to their favorite restaurant, boutique, bakery, etc via text! No matter if they live five minutes from your home or all the way across the United States, you can still safely send them the perfect gift that can be personalized to their favorite, or soon to be favorite spot.
1608 East Blvd | Charlotte | kidcashew.com
Boasting their motto, “We like to have a good time all the time,” Kid Cashew welcomes guests to share flavors and laughter in their restaurant. The food is inspired by a medley of ideas -- Mediterranean cuisine as well as the local farmers and butchers. At this restaurant you will find a variety of menus for every occasion -- brunch, lunch, dinner, and bar. No matter what time you go, there is a menu for the occasion.
You can find Mediterranean inspired spreads like hummus, tzatziki, and spicy feta, small plates, salads, wood fired meats and burgers, and a vegan menu for those following specific dietary restrictions. There is something for everyone at this restaurant, with a little mediterranean flare.
“OMG best meal I had during my whole Charlotte vacation. The service was great, the outdoor area was so adorable and the food was just perfect. I literally would not change anything.” - Yelp Review
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300 East Blvd | Charlotte | 300east.net
300 East has been serving the Charlotte community delicious American-Eclectic bites since 1986! Since then, diners have raved about two things at 300 East restaurant -- the french onion soup and Sunday brunch menu. All eggs offered in the brunch menu are sourced from local family farms and are certified free range.
Their daily menu is small, but does not fall short of perfection. Offering small and shareable plates, salads, sandwiches, and entrees featuring steak, chicken, and seafood -- there is something for all tastes. Be sure to finish off your meal by asking your server about the dessert feature!
“This is by far one of the best restaurants I've been to in Charlotte. From the ambiance, the service, and the food, it was phenomenal. The French Onion Soup is a MUST HAVE. I've never been a fan of French Onion Soup, until now.” - Yelp Review
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1716 Kenilworth Ave | Charlotte | zenasianfusion.com
Zen Asian Fusion prides itself on showcasing a menu as culturally diverse as Charlotte itself. The cuisine draws from traditional and modern techniques rooted in Asian and Spanish culture -- but provides hints of Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Latin, and Spanish tapas. They also have an extensive wine selection in addition to a cocktail and martini menu.
Bringing together the genius of two chefs -- the menu features Spanish and Asian tapas, Asian stir-fry, Hibachi, noodles, and specialty dishes from each style. Zen fusion truly serves a mashup of each cooking style and presents it to diners in a unique, urban atmosphere.
“No secret here that this girl loves tapas! Heard about Zen Asian Fusion for a while and wanted to try it. It's a tapas place mixed with Asian cuisine. I know it sounds a tad strange, but trust me on this one, this is the best restaurant I've been to in the Charlotte area!” - Yelp Review
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1829 Cleveland Ave | Charlotte | bonterradining.com
Bonterra Restaurant & Wine Room has a history like no other. The restaurant is located in a refurbished church, the original construction dates back to the 1800s. Since then it has served as a place of worship for a number of different denominations -- Methodist, Baptist, Evangelical, and Episcopal, before becoming the restaurant we know today.
In addition to their regular dinner menu which features starters, meaty entrees, sandwiches and salads, and steaks cooked in their wood-fired brick oven -- guests are particularly fond of their three courses for $35 menu. This features a starter, soup or salad, and an entree. When you visit this location, you must see their widely extensive wine menu, domestic, imported, and draft beers!
“Bonterra is one of my favorite special-occasion / splurge dinner restaurants. The menu changes based on seasons, and it is always a delight to see what new options are available. I have never had anything but an amazing experience here.” - Yelp Review
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1301 East Blvd | Charlotte | bakersfieldtacos.com
If you want tacos and a pitcher of margaritas for the table, Bakersfield is the place to get your fix. Serving a modest menu of Mexican street foods, namely, tacos, taquitos, tortas, salads, and chips with salsa, guacamole, or queso -- this menu is a delight for guests. Diners have the option to choose between fish, shrimp, steak, chicken, pork, and vegetarian tacos that come dressed and finished with a fresh topping.
If you or someone you know is looking for a laid back, relaxing meal of delicious street food then we absolutely recommend this restaurant. Or if you’re looking to catch up with some friends over drinks, then a pitcher, or two of regular or cucumber margaritas is in store!
“Pineapple margs are always a winner - we always go with pitchers for the table and ask for jalapeños on the side. Great guacamole and chips. Tacos never disappoint (I like short rib) and the taquitos are solid too.” - Yelp Review
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Serving the Classic American Bar Food Favorite -- Hamburgers
1626 East Blvd | Charlotte | baddaddysburgerbar.com
In 2007, the first Bad Daddy’s opened on East Blvd in Charlotte (this exact location), then in 2007 another location opened. By 2012, there were five locations, and today you can find over 35 Bad Daddy’s locations in multiple cities and states across the US, mostly in the south and west. Their main goal was to prepare the number one archetypal American dish -- the hamburger with intense culinary passion. It’s safe to say, they have achieved that one goal and many more!
When you visit Bad Daddy’s, you will find a selection of starters, salads, burgers, non-burgers, and a create-your-own burger or salad offering. Non burgers include a variety of chicken and a black bean burger for vegetarians. In the burger section, there are 13 specialty burgers to choose from, unless you want to create your own. These burgers range from your all-American burger favorites to a Philly steak burger option! When in the mood for a classic burger, or one with a twist -- stop here and you won’t be disappointed.
“This place is fantastic! I had the American burger and my man had the bacon burger on steroids. Both were really good with big patties. The rarer tots were perfectly crispy and we also had the wings! Will definitely be back! Good service!!” - Yelp Review
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1419 East Blvd | Charlotte | fernflavors.com
It was only fitting that this list had something for everyone -- so we decided to finish it off with Fern, a plant-based and southern cuisine restaurant that serves seasonal dishes. Much like their commitment to natural and plant based foods, the dining room comes complete with an earthy atmosphere made from reclaimed barn wood tables and baseboards. Their ingredients also come from locally sourced farms in the area.
Fern features a limited menu that is served with passion and dedication to vegan eating. Diners say that the chicken and waffles is an absolute must have -- it’s made with oyster mushrooms and seitan chicken. Depending on your preference, Fern has options for a brunch, lunch, and dinner menu. This is a go-to spot for vegans and meat eaters alike.
“I love Fern so damn much. Their food is always fresh and delicious! I've tried a bunch of options here and love them all. My sister and I usually order a bunch to split and try together and we always leave so full and happy.” - Yelp Review
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These delicious restaurants encompass a number of cuisine and dietary preferences, ensuring that there is a perfect dinner location waiting for you. The next time you or someone you know is in Charlotte, be sure to check out one of these fabulous bites!
