Eating Low Carb Around Charlotte and Lake Norman

Brace Yourselves: Low Carb Season has arrived.

Here’s Where to Eat, Sip and Enjoy a Low Carb Lifestyle around the Queen City & The Lake

SOUTHERN & AMERICAN FARE + BURGERS:

Charlotte:

• Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House: This Charlotte staple has recently updated their menu to include some great low carb options. Their Charred Octopus is flavorful and delicate and the Spaghetti Squash Gratin is to die for.
• The Gallery Restaurant: Treat yourself to a day of pampering and fun. Start the day off at the Ballantyne Spa with a massage and pedicure, then treat yourself to a luxurious lunch ~ I recommend the grilled steak salad with marinated cucumber & tomato, Carolina blue cheese and herb-buttermilk dressing. Then spend the afternoon out on the golf course!
• Burton’s Grill: Tucked into Park Road Shopping Center, you wouldn’t guess that this relaxed restaurant offers a separate gluten-sensitive menu (in addition to Vegetarian and Paleo).  The General Tso’s Cauliflower is simply amazing and I also admire their MLT Burger that’s served on an iceberg lettuce “bun”.
• The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar: Avocado Ahi-Tuna-Tini is tremendous and carb free. They also display gluten-free and vegetarian options right on their menu so you know exactly what to order.
• Bang Bang Burgers: Can you say {breadless} burger bowls? Yum.
• The Capital Grill: Talk about a low-carb paradise! Just about every appetizer is low-carb friendly (may I tempt you with their Tuna Tartare with Avocado, Mango + Sriracha?). For your salad course I’d go with their Burrata served over Balsamic Glazed Pears, Arugula Pesto and Prosciutto. Then to finish trio, for an entree I’d select their Roasted Swordfish and Soy Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon.

Lake Norman:

• Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar: Found in Huntersville, Mooresville & Charlotte – You can feast your eyes on an array of toppings for your lettuce wrapped burger {this place is great for paleo as well}. They will customize any burger to your liking and are very accommodating when it comes to special diet restrictions.

  MEXICAN, FUSION & INTERNATIONAL:

Charlotte:

• Evoke: I have this highlighted under international because their Executive Chef, Rodrigo Velazco makes some killer Latin American inspired fare. I really love his use of spices and a few of my favorites are the Chicken Lolli Pops and Peruvian Ceviche.
• Sabor Latin Street Grill: Build your own burrito bowl for less than $8 – and get ready to hitch a ride straight to flavor town. Skip the rice (only for low carb reasons, the rice is delicious) and make sure to visit their salsa bar. Experience authentic Latin street food like you’ve never had before, nom nom nom. Read more about this Latin eatery here.
• Kabab-Je: There’s plenty of low-carb options at his mediterranean joint. Let me suggest their Spicy Lebanese Salad paired with a Kabab or Grilled Chicken.
• Paco’s Taco’s & Tequila: Offering the choice of flour, crunch or low carb tortillas ~ which allows you to customize your meal to a low-carb fiesta. Oh, and their Smoked Jalapeños are fantastic!
• Chima Steakhouse: All I have to say here is… come hungry. This place offers roughly 16 choices of meat with a massive salad bar with plenty of low-carb options. Stretchy pants highly recommended.

Lake Norman:

• Viva Chicken: One of my favorite meals here is the gluten free Peruvian chicken plate with green beans and a salad. Very filling, practically carb free and super delicious ~ I honestly could eat here daily. This restaurant is in both Charlotte & Huntersville.
• El Toro: A hidden little gem in the “Shops on the Green” shopping center – authentic Mexican fare that will have you returning again and again. Lunch Fajitas are less than $8 and portion sizes are massive {hello leftovers}. Just make sure to skip the tortillas for low-carb.

 HEALTHY EATING & VEGETARIAN:

Charlotte:

• Clean Eatz: The Build-A-Bowl here is fantastic, as you can choose exactly what’s in your meal and go low-carb crazy. I suggest using their cauliflower rice as a base, any of their proteins, three veggies of choice and their Fire-Roasted Salsa.
• Living Kitchen: A raw, vegan restaurant that specializes in plant based cuisine that is {mostly} low-carb friendly. You can get any of their sandwiches wrapped in a collard leaf instead of bread {pictured above}.
• Energy Café: The perfect breakfast & lunch spot when you’re uptown and need to grab something healthy to eat back at the office. Get a low carb wheat wrap with egg whites or build your own salad.
• Roots Cafe: This charming little eatery has climbed to the top of my list for clean eating options. I absolutely love their Veggie Noodle Bowl and simply can’t get enough of their Root Vegetable Salad.

Lake Norman:

• Zoey’s Kitchen: Found in both Charlotte & Huntersville – this establishment is the perfect lunch spot when you are trying to eat healthy. Lots of options here, folks. They even indicate vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free items straight on their menu so you know exactly what to order.

ITALIAN, TAPAS & WINE BARS:

Charlotte:

• 8.2.0 Bar / Restaurant: Not only is this one of my favorite bars in the city (they have a game room, karaoke room, secret speakeasy and cocktails on tap) but they have the BEST Cauliflower Balls I’ve ever had. Oh, and did I mention they also offer Cauliflower Crust Pizza? An excellent place for nostalgia date night with your significant other or girlfriends.
• Dilworth Tasting Room: This eatery offers a mouthful of options when it comes to cheese and charcuterie boards, but if you dig into their food menu there are a few options there as well. My favorite is the Zucchini, Squash, Eggplant & Goat Cheese plate.
• Mama Ricottas: Just because this restaurant is known for their incredible pasta doesn’t mean they don’t serve some delicious low-carb options. A few of my favorites include the Mozzarella & Tomatoes, Chopped Salad (add chicken for protein) and the Brick Oven Roasted Gulf Grouper served over butternut squash, borlotti beans and kale.

Lake Norman:

• The Pickled Peach: Did you know that you can get any of their sandwiches wrapped in a collard leaf verses bread? YES PLEASE. Dine in or togo, this place has some really flavorful {low-carb friendly} entrees for lunch or an early dinner.
• Kindred: This is one of my favorite restaurants by the lake; sit outside on their quaint patio and enjoy a low carb feast from their chef-driven menu. With options including their housemade grandfather’s pickles, wagyu beef tartare, salumi, farmhouse cheese plate and cucumber salad ~ you’ll have lots of options when it comes to your low-carb diet.

TO-GO & HOME COOKIN’:

Charlotte:

• Get Fit Foods: These handcrafted, healthy meals to go are the perfect way to measure your calorie intake. Pick up a meal or an entire week’s worth! A few of my personal favorite meals include the Sweet Potato Mash with Roasted Chicken and Broccoli and the Turkey Bacon Cobb Salad.
• Reid’s: Awarded “Best Butcher Shop in Charlotte” in 2012, Reid’s specializes in providing their customers with the best quality meats and customer service. Visit them to gather your ingredients for your next cookout – browse amongst their impressive selection of prime-grade beef, local chicken, lamb, pork and seafood. Don’t feel like cooking? They’ve got you covered! Visit either of their 2 locations for full-service dinner ~ I would suggest their delicious Beet Salad and Seared Scallops.

Lake Norman:

• Whole Foods: Have you seen those “spiralized” recipes using vegetable noodles instead of high-carb pasta? Well these guys sell those noodles right on the shelf next to the prepared fruits ~ it sure makes eating low-carb easy. Looking for a particular type of recipe? Check out their recipe page here. Whole Foods is in Charlotte and Huntersville. Also, make sure to check out their build-your-own-salad counter, they have oodles of carb-free salad toppings.
• Healthy Home Market: This locally owned and operated grocery store can be found in Lake Norman and Charlotte. They specialize in economical bulk foods, organic produce, local vendors and overall living a healthy lifestyle. Visit a store near you today and ask one of their friendly and knowledgeable staff members about their specialty diet food departments.