A quick quide to all the best restaurants in NoDa Charlotte
The NoDa District is the center of arts and historic works in Charlotte. Besides its vibrant artistic atmosphere, it is home to some of Queen City’s top eateries, unique bars and breweries galore. The past few years have been particularly transformative for the district; there is a bit for everyone to enjoy!
Not sure where to start? Here are some of the NoDa restaurants you must visit:
Cabo Fish Taco
Cabo Fish Taco is one of NoDa’s premier Mexican restaurants, serving a unique fusion of Baja-style bites and California-inspired meals. Their NoDa destination is their flagship and the funky decor is a testament to the art district. The setting is casual and upbeat, perfect for a casual meet or get-together with your friends.
Their fish tacos are their signature, but they also serve a mix of green salads, creative appetizers, wraps and burritos, plus quesadillas, fajitas and much more. As for drinks, expect a mix of classic margarita blends, wines and an assortment of beers.
Haberdish
Haberdish, located in the heart of NoDa, is a Southern-inspired kitchen. They’re known for serving classic comfort foods, including fried chicken and biscuits.
Head inside and you will be served an assortment of everyday specials prepared using local ingredients. Items on the menu include their Southern-style fare like sweet potato dumplings, mac and cheese, and collard greens. Next, to complement your meal, select from an assortment of seasonal cocktails crafted. It is one of the top NoDa restaurants.
Boudreaux’s Louisiana Kitchen
Boudreaux’s Louisiana Kitchen is a casual dining spot known for its Cajun-style seafood in the NoDa district. Enjoy their selection of Cajun, Southern and Low Country-inspired fare, all made from scratch. For the past twenty years, they have served some of the best fried chicken, gumbo and seafood.
Start your meals with their mix of Crab, hushpuppies, and gumbo bowls, or have a taste of their sandwiches and burgers. Mains include their Cajun Carbonara, Bourbon Fried Chicken, and Shrimp and Crawfish Étouffée.
Smelly Cat Coffeehouse & Roastery
The Smelly Cat Coffeehouse & Roastery is one of Charlotte’s award-winning local coffee houses in the NoDa neighborhood. Enjoy coffee, tea, baked delights and desserts in a brick-walled, eclectic setting.
The place is open throughout the week from 7 AM to 2 PM. Whether you are in the mood for a meticulously crafted single-origin pour-over, a chilled brew or a specialty espresso shot, this is the place to head to. They serve all types of morning beverages plus breakfast burritos, biscuits, quiches, and seasonal pastries.
Heist Brewery
Heist Brewery is one of NoDa’s most popular brewpubs located at the Highland Park Mill building. Most confuse Heist Brewery to be a drinks-focused venue, but they excel in so much more. Of course, their drinks are exceptional on their own. You will find a diverse range of traditional Belgian and German-style brews alongside the original hazy IPA and other varieties. As for the food, like any local brewpub, they serve a mix of classic pub fare, including small plates, potato skins, nachos, burgers, wings, tacos, flatbreads and more.
Noda Bodega
Noda Bodega and Deli is located in the heart of the historic NoDa arts and entertainment district. Their sandwiches are well recognized around Charlotte, alongside their daily changing specials. The NoDa restaurant offers unique, affordable and downright gourmet-style sandwiches, including vegan and non-vegan varieties.
Their daily specials, featuring ingredients such as their homemade pimento cheese and locally sourced bread, are can’t-miss. Keep an eye out for their Frisco-style breakfast Sandwich, Caprese Vegan Sandwich, and Classic Ham and Cheese Sammies.
JackBeagle’s
JackBeagle’s is a lovely, laid-back tavern serving some of the most popular drink specials across the city. The interior design includes a shotgun-style bar with dark walls and flooring alongside an outdoor patio. The venue isn’t known simply for its food and bev but also its live music, playing out on the patio every week.
Their daily specials include Monday $3 Craft Beers, Tuesday $2 Tacos and $3 mimosas served all day long on the weekends alongside the regular breakfast, lunch and dinner served daily. Plus, the menu includes burgers, mac and cheese, wings, cheesesteaks, fries and other classic bar fare.
Amelie’s French Bakery & Cafe
Amelie’s French Bakery & Cafe relocated from its flagship in Villa Heights to NoDa last year, serving the same classic French delights. The new location boasts large windows that offer ample views of the warm bakery within and a stunning private patio for those who wish to enjoy their meal outdoors.
Items on the menu are meticulously crafted using classic French culinary techniques; their macaroons, in particular, are loved by the community (and are even shipped nationwide!). The menu includes a mix of seasonal pastries, sandwiches, green salads, espresso, coffee and tea. Amelie’s has long been one of the rest restaurants in NoDA in Charlotte.
Growlers Pourhouse
Growlers Pourhouse is one of Queen City’s most beloved bars, and for good reason! The venue serves some of the best varieties of craft beer across the city. And, of course, the atmosphere is no less exciting. Expect an interior built with exposed brick and concrete with front glass windows. Items on the menu are best described as “beer food,” including an assortment of oysters, classic burgers, shrimp rolls, fries and wings. Apart from their food, the craft beer is swoon-worthy. No wonder it is one of the most recommended NoDa bars.
NoDa Brewing Company
NoDa Brewing Company is considered one of the OG’s in Charlotte’s beer scene. Head to the venue at 2229 North Davidson Street. Once there, the highly knowledgeable staff will guide you to what’s available on tap for you to try.
The NoDa Brewing Company consistently releases new beers every week to keep things fresh. Varieties range from funky sours to crafty seltzers and imperial stouts alongside a mix of their award-winning beers, including the Hop Drop ‘N Roll. You will also spot several food trucks at their OG taproom serving fresh foods to pair with your drink.
Divine Barrel Brewing
Divine Barrel Brewing (DBB) is an award-winning brewery in the vibrant North Davidson neighborhood. The establishment focuses on crafting a community-oriented setting where visitors can pop in and enjoy their favorite selections of modern craft beer.
Varieties on top include a mix of IPAs, hard seltzers, hazy pale ale, and their flagship “Climb A Cloud” lazy IPA. Apart from the drinks, they also serve wood-fired pizzas, wings and other bar bites to quench your food cravings.
The Goodyear House
The Goodyear House is a neighborhood restaurant in NoDa serving “elevated comfort foods” prepared using farm-sourced produce. The NoDa restaurant is housed in a renovated 1900s mill house, holding on to historic aesthetics while adding modern embellishments. Head on over, grab a seat and see what they have to serve!
The menu includes green salads, seafood-based snacks, small and large plates plus other varieties. We recommend you try their Marinated Shrimp and the Scallops a La Plancha. Finally, a selection of seasonal cocktails, draft and canned beer and assorted wines complement your meal.
Salud Beer Shop
Salud Beer Shop is a Dominican-owned brewery in NoDa known for its authentic wood-fired pizza, craft beer and wine bars. Enter the beer shop and you’ll be greeted by large communal tables, cozy couches, local wall art and a tasteful spread of greenery.
Drinks include a variety of lagers, stouts, sours and IPAs, alongside hundreds of bottled craft beers from around the world. Plus, they also serve a full menu, including pizzas, wings, inventive salads and charcuterie.
Deejai Noda Noodle Bar
When you are craving the bold and diverse flavors of Thai cuisine, head over to the Deejai Noda Noodle Bar, where they serve a delicious blend of authentic, traditional Thai-style street foods. Even if you are not well acquainted with Thai cuisine, the knowledgeable staff will guide you to the best selections.
Their Thai street food is an unmissable hit, but apart from their Thai-style street food, they also serve sushi and an assortment of Asian dishes. Those include Pad Thai, Spicy Basil Fried Rice and Kimchi Poke Bowls. The eatery also houses a full bar serving specialty cocktails, wine and sake.
Ever Andalo
Ever Andalo is a classic Italian restaurant that opened just last year in NoDa. This Italian eatery boasts a bright indoor palette, bright floral wallpaper and dark leather boots to give it a slight contrast. The cozy, upscale setting is the best to enjoy homemade Burrata and Antipasti.
Some of their fan favorites include the Fried Artichokes, Mushroom Tortellini and Chicken Picatta. To end, their delicious desserts are what you should hang back for. The Olive Oil Cake, in particular, served with Candied Orange Slices, is a top hit. Ever Andalo is quickly becoming a favorite in the NoDa area.
Benny Pennello’s
Benny Pennello’s is the place to visit when you are craving delicious pizza. This pizza joint serves stunning 28″ slices of pizza. They are right next to the Heist Brewery, so you can pop in after you have had a few drinks and want something to munch on. Like most joints in NoDa, the interior is marked with local furniture, repurposed building materials and crafty local arts.
On the menu, you will also find non-pizza foods such as their house-made chips, cookies and ice cream sandwiches. They also serve a limited selection of seasonal beers.
Figo36
Figo36 is another fine Italian restaurant that brings you a mix of flavors and cultures. The name Figo quite literally translates to “cool” in Italian slang, embodying the spirit of casual, laid-back and fun dining they offer.
At Figo36, you will be served their daily fresh pasta made from scratch alongside their homemade Ciabatta and Neapolitan-style pizzas. Apart from their Italian delights, they offer a full bar serving a curated list of Italian-inspired cocktails and fine Italian wines. Clearly, it is one of the top NoDa restaurants for upscale dining.
Oh My Soul NoDa
Oh My Soul is a South African-based vegan cafe serving 100% vegan foods, craft cocktails and local beer. The venue is located in the NoDa district, instantly recognizable by the light blue, airy and floral design. Most impressive is their outdoor patio and bar with a 100-year-old oak tree at its center and live music to elevate your dining experience.
The menu features a mix of Vegan Ribs, Chicken, and Fish alongside their South African-style bites. The place is also a popular brunch spot, open on the weekends, where you can enjoy an assortment of vegan French toast, pancakes and waffles. They further offer a mix of espressos and milkshakes, all prepared using plant-based milks. It is one of the most recommended NoDa restaurants.
Pho @ NoDa
Pho @ NoDa is a popular restaurant in NoDa serving straightforward Vietnamese delights, including pho, noodle dishes, fried rice, spring rolls, wings, sandwiches and bubble teas. If you want to have a taste of authentic Vietnamese flavors, Pho @ NoDa is sure to delight! While the interior isn’t flashy or upscale, it is comforting and laid back.
Apart from their mouthwatering foods, they further serve a mix of craft beers and delicious Vietnamese coffee.
The Artisans Palate
The Artisans Palate is a restaurant, cocktail and wine bar and art gallery all in one! The environment is fully relaxed and laid back, centered around the art and those who create it.
As for the menu, expect a mix of small shared plates and bar bites, including their empanadas, pulled chicken sliders and bacon-wrapped dates. Other selections include the 2-day marinade NY strip, Grilled Spanish Octopus, Shrimp and Grits and much, much more! They also serve locally roasted coffees, craft cocktails and a curated selection of globally sourced wines. You may further stop by for their specialty brunch every Sunday from 10:30 AM to 3 PM.
Local Loaf
Sometimes, you just want a fresh load of warm house-made bread. Local Loaf understands the assignment well, hence serving an assortment of freshly baked bread and a variety of foods made using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Their specialty is serving fresh items made from scratch daily in their kitchens.
Items on the menu include their specialty bread, available for purchase daily and their Chicken and Egg entree crafted from Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders, Poached Eggs and Homemade Chipotle Cheerwine Sauce. Other selections include their specialty Steak & Egg, Spanish Migas, and Shrimp & Grits. Plus, there’s Chicken & Waffles, Shakshuka and Breakfast Burrito.
Brooks Sandwich House
Brooks Sandwich House in the heart of the NoDa district is open Monday through Friday and is considered one of the oldest-running eateries in Charlotte. The restaurant has been a staple in Charlotte ever since its opening back in 1973. They were even named one of the “Best Classic Restaurants” in the country by Food and Wine Magazine in 2020.
Pop in to have a taste of their classic menu items, including their bacon cheeseburgers, country ham sandwiches and beef chili available by the pound. Sammies are served alongside their selection of French fries, onion rings and other sides.
Fairweather
Fairweather is an upscale cocktail bar in NoDa Charlotte offering a mix of classic cocktails served with oysters on the half shell, small plates and a curated selection of wine. You will love the upmarket, cozy ambiance, perfect for a casual escape from the daily grind.
Items on the menu include classic oysters, Caesar salads, and shrimp cocktails, plus baked clams, mussels and other creative seafood fare. Drinks include a selection of mocktails, margaritas, wine and other beverages.
Seoul Food
Seoul Food is a popular Asian Fusion restaurant serving in the Mill District of Charlotte. They’re known for a family-friendly setting, outdoor patio, karaoke room and, of course, its delightful menu.
Items on the menu include their Fire Hicke, Soy Pork Spare Ribs, wings, fusion tacos, kim bap, bao bun slides and an assortment of sides. You can complement your meal with their mix of Korean alcoholic beverages, soju and mocktails.
Rhino Market
Rhino Market is a creative deli serving breakfast and lunch sandwiches to the residents of NoDa and wider Charlotte. This deli is considered a staple in Charlotte and is known for its grab-and-go foods, snacks and wines.
They also have an in-house kitchen serving classic English muffins, hot roast beef, BBQ tofu and other local favorites. Apart from their foods, they further serve an expert mix of craft beer, wine and specialty coffee.
That’s it for the best restaurants in NoDa in Charlotte
NoDa’s selection of eateries has aptly adopted the neighborhood’s art and eclectic style into its setup. You will find tons of cute cafes, upscale restaurants, coffee shops and bars and, within them, an assortment of mouth-watering cuisines. The next time you are looking for a place to have a meal, pop in at any of these NoDa restaurants we have listed above!
