When you need to know where to go out to eat, you ask the folks who eat out for a living, right? We reached out to some of Charlotte’s local foodies and food photographers for their recommendations on someplace new to have lunch this summer. You’ll see a few repeats, which we take to mean these are must do.
Here are their picks:
Shay of @shiondafarrell (formerly known as Yelpelitechick)
Calle Sol Latin Cafe in Plaza Midwood.
Perfect lunch spot for simple but yet super flavorful dishes. Cocktails here give vacation vibes & are well curated. I love sitting at the diner bar area when I go, or outside on the front patio on a nice day.
Special LUNCH Note : Order from the “La Cafeteria“, which is known as a tropical hot lunch bar, during the weekday from 11am-2pm. Lunch will only cost you a total of $8 and that will include an entree & two sides. Talk about getting a bang for your buck .
Kenty of @kenty_eats
YUNTA in South End
Yunta is the newest and hottest kid on the South End block. Bringing Peruvian flavors and flair, Yunta offers traditional dishes such as croquettes to ceviche to lomo saltado. The Japanese have brought many cultural influences to Peru. You can find Japanese influenced dishes such as sushi, ramen and Tallarin Saltado.
PRO TIPS: Have a reservation or get there early because they get packed quick. You can sit at either their dining room, bar or the star of the space, their covered patio.
Charmaine of @feisty.eats
Ilios Crafted Greek in SouthEnd
I get the Greek plate – Pork souvla, side of tzatziki, greek fries, and whatever salad is on special!
Jessica of @thesweetseoul
Calle Sol Latin Cafe in Plaza Midwood.
My lunch pick is the SALCHIPAPA. . . $7 at Calle Sol.
Peruvian fries topped with crispy hot dog, a fried egg and ketchup, aji amarillo mayonnaise and cilantro aioli.
Susu from @scoopcharlotte
800 Degrees Woodfired Kitchen in Phillips Place
I eat a lot of business lunches with clients, so I need 1) reserved table 2) easy, preferably free, parking 3) varied menus 4) central location. 800° fits the bill and offers something for everyone. While I always get one of their salads with added protein (duh with at least 2 diet cokes for the duration), I’ve observed a lot of tasty looking pizzas on the other side of the table.
800° serves lunch starting at 11 am every day of the week.
Karen of @finer_with_thyme
YUNTA in South End
Yunta is my favorite new lunch spot in Charlotte. While it may seem more of a dinner place, it is perfect for sharing small plates with friends! Their menu is the same as evening, with the addition of the Bento Box for lunch which lets you sample several things. Yes, it is in South End – but it has a parking lot.
Pictured: Tiger’s Milk Ceviche, Yucca Balls, Gratin
@queencityvoyager
Calle Sol Latin Cafe in Plaza Midwood
One of my favorite QC lunches is the scrumptious ceviche at Calle Sol! This Plaza Midwood gem quickly became a staple of the Charlotte food scene when they opened their doors last summer, and they are now opening a new @callesolcafe location in South Park with outdoor patio seating in 2023. My favorite is the Aji Amarillo (pictured;) extra plantain chips are a MUST. If you’re tight on cash or on-the-go, there’s also a cafeteria-style weekday lunch available which is a heaping portion of entree+2 sides for only $8. If you’ve got a little more time on your hands and are dining in, definitely treat yourself to one of their famous mojitos!
Lauren of @restaurant_aholic
Salata Salads in Uptown
My favorite is the Build Your Own Salad ~ my ingredients of choice are: 1/2 salata mix, 1/2 spinach, pesto chicken, tomato, cucumber, mushrooms, red onion, black olives, blue cheese, egg, pumpkin seeds, sesame sticks & balsamic vinaigrette dressing
Kriska & Manny of @clt.remedy
The Artisan’s Palate in NoDa
Our fave is the Artisan’s Grilled Cheese (add roasted tomato basil soup) but we also love their boards: the tapenade, the sausage, and the smoked salmon boards.
Scoop Favorite
@Angeline’s in Uptown
Angeline’s lunch menu offers a modern, Italian-influenced menu with house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas and simple yet flavorful small plates. You’ll see locals and out-of-towners at this spot open for lunch Monday – Friday, 11 am – 2 pm. (Brunch is offered Saturday – Sunday 10 am – 2 pm)
