Where to Eat in Charlotte’s Plaza Midwood Neighborhood: 2021

With curbside and delivery options amid the COVID-19 pandemic

August 3, 2020

Magazine Staff,

Soul's marinated diced tuna in fried wonton tacos, with marinated cucumbers and sriracha mayo.

These picks are based on our 2020 Best of the Best Awards, the 2019 25 Best New Restaurants and 2021 50 Best Restaurants lists, and rolling editorial decisions.

Soul Gastrolounge

The servers are hip, the sound system is bumping, and the menu is all over the place, with sushi rolls, daily hummus features, and shared plates. You can’t find this vibe anywhere else, and the food is just as good as it ever was, while the cocktails may be even better. 1500-B Central Ave., 704-348-1848

Bistro La Bon

Dinner favorites include the Swedish meatballs, lavender chicken, and other tapas-style selections. 1322 Central Ave., 704-333-4646

Midwood Smokehouse

With North Carolina pulled pork, beef brisket, smoked chicken, and dry or sauced ribs, there’s a ’cue for everyone—and traditional sides to pair. The restaurant has a number of Charlotte locations including Ballantyne and Park Road Shopping Center, but the Plaza Midwood spot is its flagship post. 1401 Central Ave., 704-295-4227

Intermezzo

The No. 1 restaurant on any gray day list, this restaurant with exposed brick and small dining areas has a menu that ranges from pizza to cabbage rolls. 1427 E. 10th St., 704-347-2626

Calle Sol

Charlotte’s first cevicheria has the warmth and decor you’d find at a neighborhood joint in Tampa’s Ybor City. Dishes use plantains, tropical fruits, and aji amarillo peppers sourced from Sous Chef Alfredo Galarza’s native Peru. 1205 Thomas Ave., 704-565-8291

Dish

A neighborhood joint with an eclectic clientele, good, down-home Southern food, and a funky wait staff. 1220 Thomas Ave., 704-344-0343

Three Amigos

Three Amigos remains a constant on Central Avenue, specializing in enchiladas and other Mexican staples like tinga de pollo and carne asada tacos. It’s always fresh, too—they’ll never save rice, beans, or meat for use the next day. 2917-A Central Ave., 704-536-1851

The Workman’s Friend

Enjoy Irish classics like fish and chips and shepherd’s pie in this rustic dining room, or grab a pint at the custom-built walnut bar. 1531 Central Ave., 980-224-8234

Supperland

Jamie Brown and Jeff Tonidandel, the spouses and business partners who also own Haberdish, Growler’s Pourhouse, and Reigning Doughnuts, transformed a 69-year-old former church into a restaurant and cocktail bar. Think Southern steakhouse-meets-church potluck. 1212 The Plaza, 704-817-7514

Emmy Squared Pizza

The Detroit-style pizza menu is split between Reds (topped with sauce and mozzarella) and Whites (topped with just mozzarella), with the latter’s Hot Chicken pie being a major hit. 1508 Central Ave., 704-672-0993

Cheat’s Cheesesteaks

The cheesesteak has many self-appointed gatekeepers, but there’s a reason this one-time pop- up sold out every time it appeared at a brewery. What makes them stand out here in Charlotte? The euphoric combination of Cheez Whiz and Amoroso’s rolls from Philadelphia. 913 Pecan Ave., 704-912-2955