Good Eats 

Anntony's Caribbean, 6434-F West Sugarcreek Rd., 704-598-6863; 2001 E. 7th St., 704-342-0749. A hint of the tropics; rotisserie chicken with Jamaican jerk sauce, ribs, Paradise Island fish special, curries, and Caribbean styled greens. $$
Azteca, 116 Woodlawn Rd., 704-525-5110; 9709 Independence Blvd., 704-814-9877; 1863 W. Franklin Blvd. (Gastonia), 704-866-7574. A favorite of many, Azteca offers a lengthy roster of flavorful dishes. $$
Brixx Wood-Fired Pizza, 1801 Scott Avenue, 704-376-1000; 225 E. 6th St., 704-347-2749; 16915 Birkdale Commons Pkwy. (Huntersville), 704-894-0044. 7814 Fairview Rd., 704-295-0707. Home of the MBA program, and the "B" stands for beer. Late night noshing on goat cheese and shrimp pizzas has become a standard. Not complicated, but consistently good. Open late. L, D $$
Dolce Gelato, 1710 Kenilworth Avenue, 704-332-7525; 16916 Birkdale Commons Parkway, 704-892-3116. This locally owned, little bit of Italy shop offers an assortment of excellent homemade gelatos, Italian desserts, sandwiches, salads, coffees, cocktails, and Italian wines. $
Fuel Pizza Cafe, 1501 Central Ave., 704-376-3835; 1801 South Blvd., 704-335-7375; 319 W. Trade St., 704-344-1767; 404 S. Main St. (Davidson), 704-896-0200. Hand-tossed New York style pizza with kitschy automobile and gas station memorabilia. Traditional and gourmet style pizzas, calzones, and chicken wings. $$
McAlister's Deli, 4130 Carmel Rd., 704-540-7199; 15201-A John J. Delaney Dr., Ballantyne Commons East, 704-542-0727; 8046-D Providence Rd., Arboretum, 704-752-9665; 19330 W. Catawba Rd. (Cornelius), 704-896-3354. Offers over 100 items including sandwiches, salads, appetizers, plus they do more with a baked spud than you can imagine. $$
Mellow Mushroom, 4422 Colwick Rd., 704-362-5335; 4100-A Carmel Rd., 704-341-8236; 5814 Prosperity Church Rd., 704-875-2418; 1225-A East Blvd., 704-371-4732. 3228 N. Davidson St., 704-377-2422. An Atlanta-based franchise with a local twist: a large selection of domestic and imported beers. The relaxed atmosphere and variety of pizzas attract all ages. $$
Midtown Sundries, 7715 Pineville-Matthews Rd., 704-541-8117; 3425 David Cox Rd., 704-597-7413; 18626 Harborside Dr. (Cornelius), 704-896-9013; 618 Kenilworth Ave., 704-358-3933. Very popular, festive spot for burgers and wings while watching a wide screen, playing pool, or listening to live music. $$
Restaurant Y Taqueria La Unica, 2801 Central Ave., 704-347-5115; 140 Eastway Dr., 704-597-1699; 1621 Walkup Ave. (Monroe), 704-282-2369. A hybrid offering fast food as well as entrees and most items feature the flavors of Mexico City. Try the sensational al pastor taco. $$
Salsa's Mexican Restaurant, Galleria Village Shopping Center, 1640 N. Sardis Rd., 704-846-3374; Carmel Commons Shopping Center, 6676 Carmel Rd., 704-759-9886. Singles and families crowd this vibrant, friendly dining room to feast on a mix of standard dishes (chimichangas, enchiladas, burritos, fajitas) with a smattering of homemade tastes. $$
The Graduate, 123 W. Trade St., 704-358-3024; 8334 Pineville-Matthews Rd., 704-543-4020; 2014 Sharon Forest Rd., 704-532-2562. Popular hangouts with college crowd, offering good variety of dishes, subs, sandwiches, calzones and pizza. Try the cheese fries. $
Vinnie's Sardine Grill & Raw Bar, 1714 South Blvd., 704-332-0006; 142 E John St. (Matthews), 704-849-0202; 643 Williamson Rd. (Mooresville), 704-799-2090. You won't find sardines, but at this lively place the after-work crowd gathers to chow down on raw oysters, wings and more. L, D $$
Wolfman Pizza, 10620-A Providence Rd., 704-845-9888; McMullen Creek Market, 704-543-9653; Cotswold Mall, 704-366-3666; 1039-A Providence Rd; 8662 J.W. Clay Blvd., 704-503-3999. Flashy wide-ranging selection of California-style pizza, with everything from the sweet-tangy Maui, to New Mexico, to Shrimp, Pesto and Goat Cheese. Also home of the Howlzone (calzone). $$

Dilworth/Southend

300 East, 300 East Blvd., 704-332-6507. Locals have long gathered at this casual neighborhood bistro in a vintage house featuring an eclectic menu. L, D $$$
Berrybrook Farms Natural Foods, 1257 East Blvd., 704-334-6528. Homemade soups, herbed tofu sandwiches, bean burritos, and freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices found in a natural food shop. L $
Cantina 1511, 1511 East Blvd., 704-331-9222. This upscale spot tips the sombrero to the Yucatan's regional specialties, but still has enough Tex-Mex on the menu for the less adventurous to enjoy. Dozens of tequilas on the bar list. $$$
City Tavern, East Blvd, 1514 East Blvd., 704-343-2489. Eclectic menu offers everything from salads and apps to sandwiches and entrees in a "casually upscale" ambience. L, D $$$
Comet Grill, 2224 Park Rd., 704-371-4300. Dependable bar food in a friendly neighborhood joint. Big burgers, great fries, a spicy shrimp app and some vegetarian alternatives, too. L, D $
Greek Isles Restaurant, 200 East Bland Street, 704-444-9000. Located in a renovated warehouse, Isles offers a welcoming environment, classical Greek dishes, and a good selection of Greek wines. D $$$
McIntosh's Steaks and Seafood, 1812 South Blvd., 704-342-1088. Folks head over to Greg McIntosh's steak and chop house for a round up of straight forward menu selections, gargantuan portions, and man-sized knives and forks. Elegant surroundings and service. D $$$$
Mister K's, 2107 South Blvd., 704-375-4318. A South Boulevard institution since 1967, but with a 50s-ish ambience: burgers, dogs and soft ice cream. Homemade onion ring lovers make this a second home. L, D $
Nikko Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar, 1300-F South Blvd., 704-370-0100. Sushi chef and owner Joanna Nix radiates warmth and hospitality throughout this traditional Japanese cuisine oasis. In addition to sparkling fresh sushi, there's yakimono, teriyaki, tempura and udon, too. L, D $$$
Original Pancake House, 1300 South Blvd., 704-372-7099. This is a chain restaurant, but the pancakes are so good. The apple pancake is a huge, puffy affair big enough for at least two people. There are plenty of other flavors too. Expect to wait in line on weekends. $$
Patou, A French Bistro, 2400 Park Rd., 704-376-2233. A local charmer with traditional bistro food served with small town French flair. L, D $$$
Pewter Rose, 1820 South Blvd., 704-332-8149. Opened in 1984. With its whimsical, charming, second story ambience and notable wine list this restaurant is known for Chef Blake Dewey's eclectic cuisine. Very popular Sunday brunch spot. Next door is Tutto Mondo, a stylish bar with late night food. L, D $$$
Pike's Old Fashioned Soda Shop, 1930 Camden Rd., 704-372-0092. Nostalgia reigns while being served homemade quality ice cream floats to sandwiches and fries to sticky buns. Breakfast on weekends. $$
Price's Chicken Coop, 1614 Camden Rd., 704-333-9866. Opened in 1962 and known locally for having the best deep fried chicken and fish in town, if not North Carolina. You'll see all kinds in line from construction workers to cardiologists. Take out only. Long lines at lunch move quickly. Cash only. $
Red Star Tavern, 1315 East Boulevard, 704-333-3393. This Chicago-based chain offers comfortable, familiar bar food in an upscale setting. $$$
Restaurant i Japanese Fusion Cuisine, 1524 East Blvd., 704-333-8118. Excellent sashimi and inventive upscale Japanese dishes. $$$
Ru San's Japanese Cuisine, Sushi & Seafood, 2440 Park Rd., Park Square Shopping Center, 704-374-0008. From Atlanta comes this high spirited, high volume, reasonably priced (for sushi) restaurant. $$$
Sole Spanish Grille, 1608 East Boulevard, 704-343-9890. After almost a decade away, the owners return to Dilworth to once again serve legendary tapas and sparkling fresh Spanish and New World entrees and wines. Heated patio. $$$
Southend Brewery, South Blvd., 704-358-4677. Charlotte based brewpub that serves up their well-known Carolina Blonde and Olmstead Red. L, D $$
Sullivan's Steakhouse, 1928 S. Blvd., 704-335-9228. Posh and opulent with 1920s art deco decadence and inviting dark wood, this upscale chain steakhouse is populated by some of Charlotte's best known folk who go for the refined service and fine steaks. $$$$
Vidalia & Grapes, 1626 East Blvd., 704-358-8188. The grapes are in the glass and it is more than onions on the plate. Owner-chef Tim Henderson hails from Charleston, as can be seen from the fat tendrils of crab in the She Crab soup. Dishes offered in tapas or entree sizes. L, D $$$

Downtown/Midtown

Alexander Michael's, 401 W. 9th St., 704-332-6789. A neighborhood pub in Fourth Ward with domestic and imported beers, burgers, blackened chicken breast sandwiches, and an unflappable staff. L, D $$
Austin's Caribbean Cuisine, 345 South Drive (across from Mid-town Mall), 704-331-8778. Family recipes are used by this Kingston family to produce exceptional jerk chicken, coco bread, goat curry, ackee and saltfish, sweet potato pudding, and other Jamaican specialties. Featured items rotate daily. Take-out only. Closed Sunday. L, D $
Bistro 100, 100 N. Tryon St., 704-344-0515. A decade ago when there were few good places to eat downtown, there was Bistro 100. The kitchen is known for its wood-burning oven and dishes that are decidedly French bistro. Open for Sunday Brunch. L, D $$$
Bravo! Ristorante, 555 S. McDowell St., 704-372-4100. Italian cuisine is the star, and professional singers share the stage as waiters. D $$$
Capital Grille, 201 N. Tryon St., 704-348-1400. An upper end, luxuriously appointed, dark wood, clubby steak house with a national reputation for dry-aged porterhouse and sirloin steaks and large portions. $$$$
Cosmos Cafe, 300 N. College St., Suite 101, 704-372-3553. Popular spot, great for late-night, with a comfortably hip ambience, serving a wide variety of cuisine styles: sushi, tapas, pizza, Malaysian to Middle Eastern, you name it. Clever cuisine in a busy location. L, D $$$
French Quarter Annex, 317 S. Church St., 704-377-1715. Deservedly popular restaurant serves a selection of Cajun and continental foods in the shadow of Ericsson Stadium. L, D $$
Green's Lunch, 309 W. 4th St., 704-332-1786. Longtime uptown favorite for one main reason: Carolina styled hotdogs with chili and slaw. If it's dogs you want, you'll be hard pressed to find better ones. B, L $
Gus' Sir Beef Uptown, 324 S. Tryon St., 704-347-5741. Homespun Gus's is known for "Fresh My Farm" vegetables cooked without grease. If you want to be a Charlottean, you'll have to go for the fried squash. L $
Hartigan's Irish Pub, 601 S. Cedar St., 704-347-1841. A friendly neighborhood bar dishing up sandwiches, salads, and traditional bar appetizers, all in the shadow of Ericsson Stadium. L, D $$
Latorre's, 118 W. 5th St., 704-377-4448. Featuring upscale Nuevo Latino dishes that are innovative, well-executed and served in large portions. At lunch, they serve one of the best Cuban sandwiches in the city. L, D $$$
LaVecchia's Seafood Grille, 225 E. 6th St., 704-370-6776. A haven for seafood lovers. Well-prepared, inventive dishes set in an upscale interior. For fun try the three coast raw oyster sampler. L, D $$$
Maharani Indian Cuisine, 901 S. Kings Dr., 704-370-2455. At the confluence of Dilworth and Myers Park, this is the only Indian restaurant near downtown. If you seek shish kebab barbecued on skewers in a tandoor, aromatic biryanis, and spicy kormas, stop in here. $$$
Mama Ricotta's, 601-A S. Kings Dr., 704-343-0155. Small but imaginative menu of pastas, antipasti and pizza. $$
McNinch House, 511 N. Church St., 704-332-6159. Owner-chef Ellen Davis offers a prix fixe dinner in a renovated Fourth Ward Victorian mansion with nine wood burning fireplaces. Known for romantic, and sometimes clandestine meetings, and exceptional service. Reservations required. D $$$$
Melting Pot, Kings Court Plaza, Kings Dr., 901 South Kings Dr., 704-334-4400. A Florida based franchise that has been around since 1975, but is now primed again to catch the latest fondue wave. You will find all kinds of fondues: cheese, beef, seafood, chicken, and chocolate. D $$$
Mert's Heart and Soul, 214 N. College St., 704-342-4222. Owners James and Renee Bazzelle create delectable Low Country and Southern country dishes. Service is solicitous, art provocative, food down-home and honest, and prices incredibly low. Open late weekends. L, D $$
Meskerem Ethiopian Cuisine, 601 South Kings Dr., 704-335-1197. Family-owned, family-styled restaurant offering authentic stews and otherculinary pleasures from an ancient culture. Reservations suggested forcoffee ceremony. $$
Morton's The Steakhouse, 227 W. Trade St. (Carillon Building), 704-342-4222. Well known for steaks and elegance. Morton's has restaurants in 50 US and international cities. Dinner only. $$$$
Palomino Restaurant, 525 N. Tryon St., 704-373-9499. A Seattle-based chain which serves uncomplicated dishes in a warm, vibrant and inviting atmosphere. Delightful patio fountain. L, D $$$
Red Sea Restaurant and Bar, 206 E. Independence Blvd., 704-375-4999. Small, bare bones restaurant serving flavorful Ethiopian food. L, D $$
Simmons Fourth Ward Restaurant, 516 N. Graham St., 704-334-6640. Classic Southern country recipes: smothered pork chops, mac & cheese, baked chicken with corn bread dressing, collard greens, barbecue ribs. B, L, D $$
Soho Bistro Chinese Cuisine, 214 N. Tryon St, Suite 100, Hearst Tower, entrance on College St., 704-333-5189. Delightful appetizers please those looking for varying degrees of authenticity in an upscale Asian setting. $$
Sonoma Bistro & Wine Bar, 129 W. Trade St., 704-377-1333. Owner Pierre Bader and chef Tim Groody team up to produce innovative New American cuisine with locally grown produce in an urban atmosphere. Award winning wine list. L, D $$$

East Charlotte

Ben Thanh Vietnamese Restaurant , 4900 Central Ave, 704-566-1088. A mom-and-pop restaurant from experienced people who know the ropes. The restaurant offers no glam, but an extensive traditional Vietnamese menu filled with fresh and delightfully clean flavored dishes. $
Dim Sum Chinese Restaurant , 2920-B Central Ave., 704-569-8959. Serves both excellent "real" and Americanized Chinese food with a wonderful dim sum assortment. Functional ambience. $$
El Loco Pollo , 3124 Eastway Dr. 520, 704-568-3600. These Peruvian dishes delight with a flavor dance of salsas, a freshness to the ceviche, a crispness to fried items, and an earthiness of potatoes and corn. Low-key setting. L, D $$
Gus's Sir Beef , 4101 Monroe Rd., 704-377-3210. Homespun Gus's is known for "Fresh My Farm" vegetables cooked without grease. If you want to be a Charlottean, you'll have to go for the fried squash. L, D $
House of Chinese Gourmet , 5608 E. Independence Blvd., 704-563-8989. This friendly little place serves some dishes lacking in other Charlotte Chinese restaurants with helpful, friendly service. $$
Kabob House, Persian Cuisine , 6432 E. Independence Blvd., 704-531-2500. An array of Persian delights: tender charbroiled kabobs, polo and khoresht dishes, all reasonably priced. Building is not much to look at from the outside, but the interior is welcoming. L, D $$$
King and I Restaurant , 4800 Central Ave., 704-532-7511. Small, pristine Thai restaurant with flavorful dishes, and a solicitous, knowledgable staff. $$$
La Canasta Dominicana Restaurant , 4808 Central Ave., 704-536-0009. Small, friendly, bilingual family-owned place offering well-prepared root and fruit island dishes. Seafood, stewed goat and homemade desserts, too. L, D $$
Lang Van , 3019 Shamrock Dr., 704-553-3864. Oldest Vietnamese restaurant in the city and has become one of the most popular ethnic restaurants, famous for their yellow pancakes. Delicious Vietnamese cuisine with lots of fresh herbs in creative combinations. L, D $$
Linares Mexican Restaurant , 4918 Central Ave., 704-535-6716. Small, comfortable family place offering northern Mexican comfort food, specializing in chicken and seafood, offered in hearty portions. Helpful, but not necessary, to be conversant in Spanish. $$
Mamma Lena's Pasta & Pizza , 5135 Albemarle Rd., 704-568-0000. Pizza (cooked in a wood-burning oven) and pasta are both terrific, as is the fresh crusty bread. Unlimited salad or soup with entrees. L, D $$
Mariscos La Mexicana, Mexican Seafood , 4400 Central Ave., 704-531-4500. Mexican coastal cuisine, primarily seafood, served in huge portions at reasonable prices. Bilingual menu and staff. L, D $$
Namaste India Bar & Restaurant , 4508 East Independence Blvd., 704-568-7979. This welcoming space offers a delightful riff on traditional northern Indian cuisine. Buffet offered at lunch. $$
Pho An Hoa , 4832 A-B Central Ave., 704-537-2595. Very tasty Vietnamese soup shop. B, L, D $
Portofino Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria , 3124 Eastway Dr., 704-568-7933. Wonderful rustic Neapolitan dishes at incredibly low prices. New York Style Pizza (large is 16 inch). Take out, too. $$
Pupusa Heat: Restaurante Salvadoreno , 4808 (G-H) Central Ave., 704-537-8475. A barebones spot offering Salvadorian comfort food includingpupusas revueltas, plantains, rice and beans, and quezadilla (cheesecake).Cash only. Knowledge of Spanish helpful. $
Restaurante El Pulgarcito , 4816 Central Ave., 704-563-6500. A bare bones shop specializing in pupusas, an El Salvadoran treat, and other Central American favorites. $
Saigon Bistro: Fine Vietnamese Cuisine , 3145 N. Sharon Amity, 704-536-5888. The Nyugen family offers a customer friendly, comfortableatmosphere in which to enjoy subdued, yet creative Vietnamese cuisine. $$
South 21 Drive In , 3101 E. Independence Blvd., 704-377-4509. Charlotte landmark since 1955, serves great burgers, fries, onion rings, etc., and still wins awards every year from our readers. Drive in or take out. L, D $
Taste of Havana Cuban Restaurant , 5534 Albemarle Rd., 704-535-0223. Owner Carol Torrez offers hearty black bean soup and other homespun Cuban dishes at reasonable prices. Flamingo guitar on Saturday nights. $
Woodlands Pure Vegetarian South Indian Cuisine , 7128-A Albemarle Rd., 704-569-9193. Featuring excellent vegetarian idlis, vadas, sambars, and rasams of Udipi, south India, served up with a flair. $$$

Elizabeth/Plaza-Midwood

Cajun Queen , 1800 E. 7th St., 704-377-9017. Friendly atmosphere, jazz, and terrific service highlight the complete New Orleans-style menu. D $$$
Carpe Diem Restaurant , 1535 Elizabeth Ave, 704-377-7976. With art nouveau ambience, this locally owned spot is known for its warm goat cheese salad, pan-seared trout, buttermilk fried chicken, and comfortable atmosphere. $$$
Cuisine Malaya, Malaysian Cuisine & Japanese Sushi Bar , 1411 Elizabeth Ave., 704-372-0766. Charlotte's only Malaysian restaurant serving first rate Roti Canai, Satay, Char Kway Teow and Beef Rendang. Sultry, yet sophisticated ambience and fine service. L, D $$$
Diamond Restaurant , 1901 Commonwealth Ave., 704-375-8959. Established in 1945, this is one of Charlotte's oldest restaurants. Good, solid homecooking with a down-home, almost small town touch. $
Dish , 1220 Thomas Ave., 704-344-0343. With an easygoing, yet retro, atmosphere and simple, but satisfying Southern including Low Country, Cajun and Tex-Mex fare this is the perfect neighborhood joint. $$
Ethan's of Elizabeth American Bistro , 366 N. Caswell Rd., 704-375-3007. Located in a charming old house in one of Charlotte's quaint neighborhoods, this comfortable bistro features the creative abilities of chef and owner Mark Martin who produces well-executed New American cuisine. $$$
Hawthorne's NY Pizza , 1701 E. 7th St., 704-358-9339. This corner spot offers stone cooked pizzas, salads, stromboli, calzones, and fried cheesecake. It's just the kind of restaurant you want to live near with a funky bar and a friendly buzz. $
John's Country Kitchen , 1518 Central Ave., 704-333-9551. A reminder of a culinary tradition we're quickly leaving behind. Brains and eggs, country ham, grits and gravy. Open for lunch too. Cash only. B, L $
Lupie's Cafe , 2718 Monroe Rd., 704-374-1232. This funky, semi-legendary place is home to an eclectic, down-home hip clientele and a kitchen full of some of the best burgers, chili and vegetarian chili in town. L, D $
Nova's Bakery , 1511 Central Ave., 704-333-5566. A great Eastern European bakery. Wonderful cranberry pecan and orange chocolate bread, focaccia, baguettes, country bread, brioche, potato pizzas and more. B, L, D $
The Penguin , 1921 Commonwealth Ave., 704-375-6959. Reopened in 2001 after being refurbished to the original red, black, and chrome 1950s interior. Menu features burgers, foot long hot dogs, Eastern-style barbecue, veggie burgers, fried pickles and pimento cheese sandwiches. $$

Lake Norman

Brooklyn South Pizzeria & Italian Eatery , 19911-C N. Cove Rd. (Cornelius), 704-948-7728. A typical New York style, family-owned, neighborhood pizzeria where items are served in large shareable portions and kept at a minimal price. $$
Dressler's Restaurant , 8630-1A Lindholm Drive, Birkdale Village, Huntersville, 704-987-1779. Proprietor Jon Dressler has a comfortable upscale neighborhood spot offering well-crafted dishes which feature steaks and seafood. Open daily for dinner. $$$
Ferrucci's Old Tyme Italian Market , 20910 Torrence Chapel Rd. (Cornelius), Shops on the Green, 704-896-3190. Great homemade lasagna, eggplant parmesan, plus fine selection of meats, cheeses and cold cuts. And to top it off, they grind their own Italian sausage. Dine-out only. $
Greg's Famous B-B-Q , 233 S. Broad St. (Mooresville), 704-664-4848. The menu has everything from barbecue to lasagna, chicken to foot long hot dogs and all at unbelievably low prices. B, L, D $
Lupie's Cafe , 101 Old Statesville Rd. (Huntersville), 704-948-3959. This funky, semi-legendary place is home to an eclectic, down-home hip clientele and a kitchen full of some of the best burgers, chili and vegetarian chili in town. L, D $
Mama Mia Too at the Holbrook House , 101 Maxwell Ave. (Huntersville), 704-875-0505. New Yorkers love this place primarily featuring Southern Italian cuisine in a charming house in the center of town. $$$
Mickey & Mooch , 9723 Sam Furr Rd. (Huntersville), 704-895-6654. This stylish locally-owned restaurant has an infectious energy. Steaks and chops are served Pittsburgh style. Menu also has many Low Country dishes, pastas, barbecue baby back ribs, chicken, and seafood. D $$$$
Saragoni's Restaurant & Bar , 1459 River Highway (Mooresville), 704-664-6996. A neighborhood restaurant with pasta, pizzas, sandwiches and grill items with a view of Lake Norman. D $$$
Sekisui , 14211 Reese Rd. (Huntersville), 704-992-1234. Co-owner and chef Yoshi Takusagawa creates stunning Japanese cuisine in this neighborhood spot. $$$
Sushi @ The Lake , 19732 One Norman Rd. (Cornelius), 704-987-8080. This West Coast styled Sushi bar offers traditional sushi and grilled items. L, D $$$
Thai Grill , 19741 South Main Street (Cornelius), 704-655-8880. A neighborhood restaurant with fragrant soups and flavorful entrees. $$
Thai Marlai , 19700 One Norman Blvd. (Cornelius), 704-892-7191. For 20 years plus, owner Toi Rogers had Thai restaurants in Charlotte before launching this venture at Lake Norman, and she toils to make sure her patrons are happy. The menu features the usual fare, rarely mild, but spectacular specials. $$ L, D
The Prickly Pear, Modern Mexican Cuisine , 761 N. Main St. (Mooresville), 704-799-0875. Located in a small former church, the Pear sets forth an upscale challenging menu of new takes on Mexican cuisine. Reservations may be required. Live music on weekends. $$
The Soda Shop , 104 South Main St. (Davidson), 704-896-7743. The menu is crowded with gems that will convince you how delicious life can be in a small college town: chili, hot dogs, Reubens, tuna melts, chicken salad, club sandwiches, wraps, quesadillas, vegetarian selections, phosphates, and classic sundaes. B, L, D $

Myers Park

Fenwicks, 511 Providence Rd., 704-333-2750. Smaller than some bathrooms, but cozier, and a fun place. The menu runs to standards like steak and pasta, with fresh vegetables daily. $$$
The Meeting House, 801 Providence Rd., 704-334-6338. Located in a charming house in the center of Myers Park, this is a meeting place for the neighborhood crowd. Talented chef and owner Chris Zion was trained at Le Cordon Bleu, yet the dishes are American bistro. D $$$
Providence Cafe, 110 Perrin Place, 704-376-2008. Gorgeous dining room and comfortable New American cuisine offers a neighborhood spot and place to linger in Charlotte's ultimate zip code. $$$
Volare Ristorante Italiano, 545-B Providence Rd., 704-370-0208. A small neighborhood spot in Charlotte's ultimate zip code with fabulous service and fine dishes which achieve Italian cuisine's reassuring freshness, along with an exquisite layering of flavors. $$$$