Page 3 of 6
Diamond Restaurant, 1901 Commonwealth Ave., 704-375-8959. Established in 1945, this is one of Charlottes 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. $$
Ethans of Elizabeth American Bistro, 366 N. Caswell Rd., 704-375-3007. Located in a charming old house in one of Charlottes quaint neighborhoods, this comfortable bistro features the creative abilities of chef and owner Mark Martin who produces well-executed New American cuisine. $$$
Hawthornes NY Pizza, 1701 E. 7th St., 704-358-9339. This corner spot offers stone cooked pizzas, salads, stromboli, calzones, and fried cheesecake. Its just the kind of restaurant you want to live near with a funky bar and a friendly buzz. $
Johns Country Kitchen, 1518 Central Ave., 704-333-9551. A reminder of a culinary tradition were quickly leaving behind. Brains and eggs, country ham, grits and gravy. Open for lunch too. Cash only. B, L $
Lupies 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 $
Novas 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. $$
Matthews/Southeast Charlotte
Boardwalk Billys, Crown Point, 1636 Sardis Rd. North, 704-841-8688. This beach-styled place may look like a bar, but offers much more. Their Billys Steam Party (enough for two) is filled with steamed shrimp, oysters, clams, crab legs, potatoes and corn on the cob. Serves food late. $$
The Fish Farm, 1200 Sam Newell Rd., 704-847-8578. Traditional fish camp food mixed with Southern country, steaks, and ribs. Set in a barn. $$$
Fontanella Italian Ristorante, 10412 E. Independence Blvd, Matthews, 704-844-0103. The Sicilian-born Brucia family restaurant has devoted fans from past restaurants and this proves to be one of the loveliest mom-and-pop shows in town with family-style southern Italian dishes, New York pizza, and house-made and imported desserts. $$
Ghalis Deli & Grill, 10416 East Independence Blvd. Matthews, 704-845-5566. A bright, but small mom and pop sandwich shop offering a mix of Philly cheesesteaks, quesadillas, gyros, falafels, kabobs, some entrees, as well as finely crafted Lebanese specialties such as shawirma, kafta, fattoush, and baba ghannoug. $
Gregs Famous B-B-Q, 10915 Monroe Rd., 704-847-5035. The menu has everything from barbecue to lasagna, chicken to foot long hot dogs and all at unbelievably low prices. $$
Kristophers Sports Bar & Restaurant, 250 N. Trade St., 704-845-6200. Popular sports bar with New York styled pizza, Buffalo wings, soups and sandwiches. L, D $
New Zealand Cafe Seafood Grill & Sushi Bar, 1717 Sardis Road North, Suite 6A, 704-708-9888. This 40-seat spot offers inexpensive Japanese and Chinese influenced dishes with a sweet Kiwi twist. $
Township Grille, Matthews Festival, 10400 East Independence Boulevard, 704-847-2480. Matthews version of Buffalo, NY, with great wings, roast beef on kummelweck rolls and a large selection of beers, including Genesee beer and cream ale. $
Yens, 9010 Monroe Rd., 704-845-9444. Small, family owned Chinese restaurant which prepares many Chinese cuisines and offers solicitous service. $$
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 Charlottes ultimate zip code. $$$
Volare Ristorante Italiano, 545-B Providence Rd., 704-370-0208. A small neighborhood spot in Charlottes ultimate zip code with fabulous service and fine dishes which achieve Italian cuisines reassuring freshness, along with an exquisite layering of flavors. $$$$
North Charlotte/University
Amalfi, Italian Cuisine, 8542 University City Blvd., 704-547-8651. Small, family-owned Italian eatery with a loyal following. The owner, a native of Naples, prepares generous portions of simple and tasty southern Italian fare, everything from pastas to pizzas. Closed Monday. L, D $$