20 Outstanding Black-Owned Restaurants in Charlotte (Vast Cuisine!)

North Carolina has a black population of over two million. The city of Charlotte has one of the highest black populations in the state, at more than 300,000. Hence, it’s one of the best cities to live in or visit as a black person in the US.

However, the high population is not all Charlotte has to offer. The city also boasts outstanding black-owned establishments, including restaurants and bars. These restaurants prepare unique dishes of different cuisines and flavors – from Traditional American to the Caribbean, Spanish, Southern-style, and African cuisines.

Whether you want breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a simple sit-out, you’ll find the perfect black-owned restaurant in Charlotte with dishes you like. However, searching directories for the best restaurants to visit in the city can be time-consuming.

In that regard, we’ve created an exclusive list of 20 outstanding black-owned restaurants in Charlotte, NC. These restaurants are renowned for their quality dishes and customer service. Check them out below:

1. Leah & Louise

Address: 301 Camp Rd, Charlotte, NC 28206 | Phone Number: (980) 309-0690 | Michelin rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Leah & Louise is one of the many black-owned restaurants located on Camp Rd. in Charlotte, NC, and takes after the juke joints of the Old South. The restaurant is a family-friendly establishment that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is named after the owner’s late sister and grandmother, Leah & Louise.

It is popularly known for its classic southern favorite dishes, such as chicken and waffles, river chips, and oyster sliders. The restaurant also has a full bar with a wide selection of beer, wine, and cocktails.

What to Eat at Leah & Louise

You’ll find get-ready dishes, cocktails, dessert, vegetarian options, and more on the restaurant’s menu. Available meals include chicken and waffles, river chips, mud island, country ham, and oyster sliders.

Leah & Louise opens in the evening on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. The restaurant is closed on Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday and offers catering services for special events.

Why Should You Eat Here?

Leah & Louise is a recommended restaurant to visit if you want modern dishes featuring Southern, West African, and Caribbean traditional items. It’s a suitable spot for dinner, but there are options for outdoor eating and takeaway.

With a 95.5 health score, Leah & Louise is a healthy restaurant to eat in. Furthermore, you enjoy free Wi-Fi at the premises.

Yelp Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cost: $$
Specialty Dish: Chicken Thigh and Waffles
Cuisine: Southern Dishes, Bar

2. Roy's Kitchen & Patio

Address: 3112 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205 | Phone Number: (704) 910-2031 | Michelin rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Roy's Kitchen & Patio restaurant in the Noda area in Charlotte, NC, is one of the many black-owned restaurants in the city. The restaurant is known for its Caribbean-American cuisine, friendly service, and warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The restaurant owners are proud to provide a place with a fun and lively atmosphere for people to come and enjoy a good meal.

What to Eat at Roy’s Kitchen & Patio

Roy’s Kitchen & Patio boasts some of the best Caribbean and American cuisines. Oxtails, goat curry, salt fish fritters, jerk shrimp, jerk salmon, and chicken curry are some meals you can order. The restaurant is open all day except Mondays. It’s usually open in the evening from 5 to 12 p.m.

Why Should You Eat Here?

All meals on the restaurant’s menu give you the feel of the Caribbean Islands. In addition, the atmosphere is casual and cozy to keep you comfortable. Aside from the food, Roy’s Kitchen & Patio also has great cocktails and beer selection. So whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, this Charlotte restaurant is sure to please.

Yelp Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cost: $$
Specialty Dish: Jerk Rotisserie Chicken
Cuisine: Caribbean

3. Lulu's Maryland-Style Chicken and Seafood

Address: 2308 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205 | Phone Number: (704) 900-5058 | Michelin rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

When it comes to finding the best seafood in town, there's no better place to go than Lulu's Maryland-Style Chicken and Seafood. This black-owned restaurant in Central Ave, Charlotte, NC, is known for its fresh and delicious seafood dishes that are cooked to perfection. In addition, their secret recipe seasoning will have your taste buds dancing with joy.

What to Eat Lulu's Maryland-Style Chicken and Seafood

The restaurant offers lunch, dinner, and dessert dining options, and you can order quick bites and small plates. For example, you can enjoy Lulu’s pound cake, grilled salmon platter, wings and fries, and banana pudding. And if you're looking for something a little bit different, try their chicken wings or fried chicken sandwich.

Why Should You Eat Here?

Lulu's Maryland-Style Chicken and Seafood offers more than just good food. Due to its location, you’ll likely meet many tourists at the premises, which makes it ideal if you want to interact. In addition, the atmosphere at Lulu's is casual and family-friendly, making it a great place to eat with friends or family, and the staff is attentive and welcoming.

Yelp Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cost: $$
Specialty Dish: Fish & Chips
Cuisine: Seafood

4. Queen City Wings

Address: 607 Baldwin Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204 | Phone Number: (704) 550-6324 | Michelin rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Queen City Wings is located at 607 Baldwin Ave, Charlotte, NC. The restaurant is popularly known for its best chicken wings fried to perfection and smothered in various sauces. Its friendly and relaxed atmosphere and fantastic customer service make it one of the outstanding black-owned restaurants in the city.

The restaurant has been in business for over 10 years and has since become a local favorite, thanks to its tasty wings and friendly atmosphere.

What to Eat at Queen City Wings

Queen City Wings serves hamburgers, hotdogs, and battered wings with some of the best fries. The wings are always fresh, never frozen, and the homemade sauces. You can pay for your meals with cash, a debit card, or NFC. Unfortunately, the restaurant is only open four times a week – Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Why Should You Eat Here?

Queen City Wings offer a variety of flavors and styles of wings, as well as other Southern-inspired dishes. So, if you prefer a casual environment and friendly atmosphere or whether you're looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, Queen City Wings has something for everyone. In addition, it's suitable for group lunches and offers delivery, takeouts, and catering services.

Yelp Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Cost: $$
Specialty Dish: Chicken Wings & Hot Dogs
Cuisine: Seafood, Chicken Wings

5. The Nappy Chef

Address: 5933 Albemarle Rd, Charlotte, NC 28212 | Phone Number: (980) 219-7478 | Michelin rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Nappy Chef is located in Mecklenburg County of North Carolina on Albemarle Rd, Charlotte. At The Nappy Chef restaurant, you enjoy fresh and hot meals. The restaurant is known for its flavorful and imaginative American cuisine and is owned by Celebrity Chef Rojshawn Dontae, famous for his wings and southern gourmet.

Rojshawn's goal was to create a dining experience that would showcase the best of African-American culture and cuisine. And he definitely succeeded!

What to Eat at The Nappy Chef

The Nappy Chef menu features a variety of traditional African dishes with a modern twist and some relatively popular meals. This includes jerk mac, seafood crack, salmon cheese steak, reggae shrimp taco, wing basket, and Caribbean turkey burger.

You can’t visit this restaurant on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. It’s only open from Thursdays to Sundays, usually from 12 to 7 p.m.

Why Should You Eat Here?

The Nappy Chef is a relatively busy restaurant, which is a testament to the quality of its dishes. Nevertheless, you’ll appreciate the friendly employees, cleanliness, and, notably, the tasty burger and wings. In addition, the restaurant has a cozy and homey atmosphere.

Yelp Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cost: $$
Specialty Dish: Burgers & Tacos
Cuisine: American

6. Day & Night Exotic Cereal Bar

Address: 127 Brevard Court, Charlotte, NC 28202 | Phone Number: (980) 298-6006 | Michelin rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Want to enjoy a bowl of delicious ice cream and frozen yogurt? If yes, you should head to Day & Night Exotic Cereal Bar located at 127 Brevard Court, Charlotte, NC. It’s the first exotic cereal bar in the city and the birthplace of the famous Cereal Shake.

What to Eat at the Day & Night Exotic Cereal Bar

The Day & Night Exotic Cereal Bar is popular for its exclusive cereal shake bowls. In addition to the cereal shake, you can enjoy classics like Honey Nut Cheerios and Fruit Loops. You can walk in any other day of the week, from 1 p.m. The bar is only closed on Mondays.

Why Should You Eat Here?

The Day & Night Exotic Cereal Bar is an ideal spot for breakfast, as the bar aims to reinvent the day’s first meal. An interesting fact about eating at this black-owned restaurant is that you can pay with cryptocurrency. Also, free Wi-Fi is available.

Yelp Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Cost: $$
Specialty Dish: Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt
Cuisine: Deserts

7. Nana Morrison's Soul Food

Address: 2908 Oak Lake Blvd Suite #106, Charlotte, NC 28208 | Phone Number: (704) 357-3700  | Michelin rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

You won’t find many soul food restaurants as good as Nana Morrison’s Soul Food restaurant in Charlotte. Located in Oak Lake Blvd Suite, the restaurant specializes in southern-style soul food and has been serving customers since 2011.

What to Eat at the Nana Morrison's Soul Food

Soul food is what you get at Nana Morrison's Soul Food. On the menu, you’ll find smothered pork chop, curry chicken, bourbon chicken, curry rice, and candied yams, to name a few.

Why Should You Eat Here?

Aside from the fantastic soul food, Nana Morrison’s Soul Food restaurant boasts professional workers, a clean environment, and outstanding customer service. You can visit Nana Morrison’s Soul Food restaurant any day of the week. It’s open from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Yelp Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cost: $$
Specialty Dish: Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt
Cuisine: Soul Food, Southern-style Dishes

8. Cuzzo's Cuisine

Address: 3418 Tuckaseegee Rd, Charlotte, NC 28208 | Phone Number: (980) 298-6811 | Michelin rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cuzzo's Cuisine is one of the many black-owned restaurants in Tuckaseegee Rd, Charlotte, NC. This restaurant is known for its authentic southern food. The restaurant began in 2014 as a simple food truck delivery business. Today, it’s one of Charlotte’s most famous southern seafood restaurants.

The owners strive to provide their customers with a dining experience that is both memorable and delicious. The chef uses only the freshest ingredients to create truly mouth-watering dishes. From succulent meats to fresh vegetables, there is something on the menu for everyone to enjoy. 

What To Eat at the Cuzzo’s Cuisine

Six wings, jerk chicken pineapple, shrimps, wings and lobster combo, and wings & red velvet waffles are among the meals you can eat at Cuzzo’s Cuisine. In addition, the restaurant has a lot of veggie options. They are closed on Mondays. You can visit the restaurant every other day of the week. It’s usually open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., except on Sundays, when it opens from 12 to 5 p.m.

Why Should You Eat Here?

The restaurant is good for brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert. You can place orders online and pick up your meals at Cuzzo’s Cuisine. The restaurant only serves cooked-to-order meals, and you’ll have your order ready within 45 minutes to an hour.

In addition to its delicious food, Cuzzo's Cuisine offers a quiet and inviting atmosphere. The staff is always friendly and eager to help, ensuring you have a wonderful dining experience.

Yelp Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cost: $$
Specialty Dish: Lobster Mac and Cheese
Cuisine: Southern, Sea Food

9. Uncle D's Southern Donuts

Address: 1701 West Trade St Charlotte NC | Phone Number: (704) 851-1543 | Michelin rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

In South Blvd, Charlotte, North Carolina, Uncle D's Southern Donuts is one of the best black-owned restaurants making a name for themselves. This donut shop is known for its delicious and unique flavors, which include classics like vanilla almond with french vanilla icing, strawberry with strawberry icing, and double chocolate with chocolate icing, as well as more unique flavors like apple ginger with maple & apple Icing.

What sets Uncle D's apart from other donut shops is their commitment to using only the freshest ingredients and taking the time to handcraft every donut. This attention to detail results in a simply unmatched product in terms of taste and quality.

What To Eat at Uncle D’s Southern Donuts

You’ll find tasty and unique flavored donuts, which you won’t find anywhere else at Uncle D’s Southern Donuts restaurant. The donuts are perfect for breakfast or a simple treat.

Uncle D's Southern Donuts is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. You can walk in between 12 and 1 p.m. and between 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on most days.

Why Should You Eat Here?

With a 5/5 rating on Yelp, Uncle D’s Southern Donuts is undoubtedly an outstanding black-owned restaurant in Charlotte. The restaurant is all about donuts. So, if you're looking for a delicious treat that is sure to please, be sure to check out Uncle D's Southern Donuts. With their wide variety of flavors, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Note that you must place your orders 48 hours prior. It seems like a long time to wait, but it’s worth the wait.

Yelp Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cost: $$
Specialty Dish: Gourmet baked donuts
Cuisine: Donuts

10. Ms. Didi's Caribbean Kitchen

Address: 452 Eastway Dr. Charlotte, NC 28205 | Phone Number: (704) 369-1172 | Michelin rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

If you're looking for some of the best Caribbean food in Charlotte, NC, then you need to check out Ms. Didi's Kitchen. This black-owned restaurant is a hidden gem that is sure to satisfy your cravings. The menu features your favorite Caribbean dishes, including jerk wings, curry goat, and rice and beans. And if you're in the mood for something sweet, be sure to try the homemade bread pudding.

Ms. Didi’s Caribbean Kitchen is owned by a black mother and daughter and serves some of the best Haitian dishes in Charlotte. After one visit, you’ll attest to the bold and amazing food flavors.

What to Eat at Ms. Didi's Caribbean Kitchen

You can order authentic Haitian food when you visit Ms. Didi's Caribbean Kitchen. Among their best dishes includes the fish empanada, fried fish, rice, and beans with sweet plantains, jerk wings, and mac and cheese.

Why Should You Eat Here?

The food is not only delicious but also sold at an affordable price. In addition, the restaurant offers food truck services. Overall, if you’re looking for authentic Haitian food in Charlotte, you should visit Ms. Didi’s Caribbean Kitchen.

However, the restaurant is only open twice a week: Fridays, from 4 to 7 p.m., and Sundays, from 12 to 3 p.m.

Yelp Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Cost: $$
Specialty Dish: Port au Prince
Cuisine: Haitian

11. Renaldo's Culinary Experience

Address: 1540 West Blvd Suite #107, Charlotte, NC 28208 | Phone Number: (980) 938-5693 | Michelin rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Renaldo's Culinary Experience is located in the West Blvd Suite, Charlotte, NC. The restaurant is known for its unique and delicious traditional American cuisine. The owners are former offenders Chef Renaldo Norris and Mario Recinos.

They came together and opened Renaldo’s Culinary Experience in 2016 to show former offenders that they have a second chance at life and to create opportunities for returning citizens. 

What To Eat at Renaldo’s Culinary Experience

Renaldo’s Culinary Experience restaurant’s menu includes appetizers, handhelds, wings, seafood and pasta, pizza, and vegan dishes. You’ll find the perfect traditional American meal irrespective of your taste, and there’s more on the secret menu.

Why Should You Eat Here?

Eating at Renaldo's Culinary Experience is a unique experience. You get to enjoy consistent food taste and not to mention the prompt customer service you receive. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere, but the food is of the highest quality.

Renaldo's Culinary Experience is a great choice for those who want to try something new and exciting. You can visit this restaurant from Mondays to Saturdays, from 12 to 7 p.m. But, unfortunately, it’s only closed on Sundays.

Yelp Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cost: $$
Specialty Dish: BBQ Chicken Pizza
Cuisine: Traditional American

12. Freshwaters

Address: 516 N Graham St Charlotte, NC 28202 | Phone Number: (704) 503-9629

If you're in the mood for some good classic southern dishes, you'll want to check out Freshwaters Restaurant. This black-owned restaurant has been serving Charlotte, NC, residents with mouth-watering dishes since 2015, although the owners have been in the business since 1986.

What to Eat at Freshwaters

Freshwaters serve classic southern dishes from fried catfish to handmade crab cakes, creole, soul food, candied yams, red beans and rice, stewed okra, and more. And if you're looking for a tasty dessert to top off your meal, you won't be disappointed. The fresh peach cobbler is a must-try!

Why Should You Eat Here?

Aside from the food, one of the things you enjoy at this restaurant is the live music. Furthermore, there’s free Wi-Fi, and Freshwaters identifies as an LGBTQ-friendly restaurant. So next time you're in the mood for a delicious home-cooked meal, be sure to head over to Freshwaters Restaurant. You won't be disappointed!

You can’t visit Freshwaters on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. In addition, the restaurant is only open from Thursdays to Sundays.

Yelp Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cost: $$
Specialty Dish: Lobster Mac
Cuisine: Southern, Soul Food, Cajun/Creole

13. STATS Restaurant & Bar

Address: 3425 David Cox Rd Charlotte, NC 28269 | Phone Number: (980) 474-1325 | Michelin rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

STATS Restaurant & Bar is a sports bar located on David Cox road. With a premium cigar patio and private dining, they serve A1 traditional American food and seafood and are known for their great food and friendly atmosphere.

The restaurant has a wide variety of food items on its menu, so there's something for everyone to enjoy. And, if you're looking for a place to watch the game or just relax with a drink, STATS is the perfect spot.

What to Eat At The STAT Restaurant & Bar

At the STATS Restaurant & Bar, you can order tasty chicken wings, chili cheese, shrimp and grits, and lobster mac & cheese. However, you can’t enjoy these offerings on Mondays and Tuesdays.

On Wednesdays and Thursdays, the restaurant is open from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m, while it’s open from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. On Sundays, the restaurant is open from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Why Should You Eat Here?

With this restaurant, it’s more than just food. The TVs and sports decor of the STATS Restaurant & Bar is enough to make anyone fall in love with the place. It’s a restaurant you’ll want to visit every weekend due to the vivid entertainment. So whether you're looking for a great meal or just a place to unwind, be sure to check out STATS Restaurant & Bar.

Yelp Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cost: $$
Specialty Dish: Handmade Crab Cakes
Cuisine: Traditional American, Sea Food

14. What The Fries

Address: 10707 Park Rd Ste F Charlotte, NC 28210 | Phone Number: (980) 207-4814 | Michelin rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

If you're looking for some delicious black-owned restaurants in Charlotte, NC, look no further than What The Fries. This restaurant is located on Park Road and specializes in traditional American dishes and desserts.

The establishment has taken pride in being a leading restaurant in Charlotte since 2015 and has since been known for its fresh, made-to-order french fries, as well as its burgers, sandwiches, and salads.

What to Eat at What The Fries

At What The Fries, you can enjoy house-made tots, premium burgers, creative bread pudding, milkshake flavors, sandwiches and wraps, and more. So next time you're in the mood for some good old-fashioned comfort food, be sure to check out What The Fries. You can visit this restaurant from Tuesdays to Saturdays, from 11 a.m. to 5 – 9 p.m. It’s closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Why Should You Eat Here?

What The Fries is the perfect place to stop for a quick bite to eat or enjoy a leisurely meal with friends. Their friendly staff will make you feel right at home, and their prices are extremely reasonable. In addition, they offer take-outs, free delivery, free Wi-Fi with a TV, and a private parking lot, including credit cards, Apple Pay, and Android Pay.

Yelp Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Cost: $$
Specialty Dish: Shrimp Hibachi Fry Wrap
Cuisine: Traditional American, Desserts

15. JINYA Ramen Bar

Address: 601 S Tryon St Unit 132 Charlotte, NC 28202 | Phone Number: (704) 817-7911 | Michelin rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Charlotte, NC, is home to various Black-owned restaurants, and one of the most popular is JINYA Ramen Bar. The restaurant offers a delicious and unique take on the traditional Japanese dish and has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

You’ll find JINYA Ramen Bar in different US states – Washington, Florida, Georgia, to name a few – but the location in Charlotte, North Carolina, is one of the best.

What to Eat at JINYA Ramen Bar

It’s the perfect restaurant to enjoy Japanese cuisine, and they also serve some Spanish dishes. Notably, JINYA Ramen Bar offers a customizable menu so that you can order to your preference.

JINYA Ramen Bar is open from Monday to Sunday, usually from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. As a result, you can visit the restaurant at any time.

Why Should You Eat Here?

You won’t find many better restaurants with Japanese cuisine in Charlotte than JINYA Ramen Bar. If you patronize the bar in other cities, there’s no reason you shouldn't visit it when you’re in Charlotte. The restaurant has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and the staff is always eager to help guests find the perfect meal.

Whether you're looking for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, JINYA Ramen Bar is sure to please. So next time you're in Charlotte, be sure to check out this incredible Black-owned restaurant!

Yelp Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cost: $$
Specialty Dish: Jinya Tonkotsu Black
Cuisine: Japanese, Spanish

16. Famous Toastery Uptown

Address: 330 S Tryon Charlotte, NC 28202 | Phone Number: (980) 237-8081 | Michelin rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Famous Toastery Uptown made the list of the Entrepreneur’s Top Food Franchises in 2021. The restaurant exists to provide the best breakfast whenever you’re in Charlotte by offering tasty traditional American cuisine. It’s not only present in Charlotte but has up to 40 other locations in the US.

What to Eat at Famous Toastery Uptown

Famous Toastery Uptown serves some primary breakfast and brunch meals. This includes stuffed French toast, avocado benedict, country blend, scrambled eggs, turkey sausage, and breakfast sandwiches.

Why Should You Eat Here?

The restaurant offers street and private parking, and the noise-free environment is perfect for breakfast, lunch, and brunch. Notably, if you’re military, you get price discounts. Famous Toastery Uptown is another outstanding black-owned restaurant in Charlotte you can visit daily. It’s open from 8 a.m. to 1 – 2 p.m.

Yelp Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cost: $$
Specialty Dish: Stuffed French Toast
Cuisine: Traditional American

17. Mert's Heart & Soul

Address: 214 N College St Charlotte, NC 28202 | Phone Number: (704) 342-4222 | Michelin rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Mert's Heart & Soul is located at North College St., in Charlotte, North Carolina, and specializes in Southern cuisine. The restaurant is owned and operated by James and Renee Bazzelle and a devoted staff committed to providing customers with an unforgettable experience every visit.

Mert’s Heart is known for its hearty meals, friendly service, and reasonable prices. The restaurant was established in 1998 and has since become one of the oldest black-owned restaurants on this list and a popular spot for locals and visitors to the city.

What to Eat at Mert's Heart & Soul

The restaurant specializes in soup food and southern cuisines. Soul rolls, salmon cakes, beef ribs, grilled chicken salad, fried catfish, and Carolina chopped BBQ are some of the available meals. Mert's has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a hearty breakfast to start your day or a delicious dinner to wind down with.

Why Should You Eat Here?

If you're looking for a taste of the South, Mert's Heart & Soul is the perfect place to go. Whether you're in the mood for comfort food or something a little more adventurous, you're sure to find something to your liking on the menu.

Notably, you can visit this restaurant with your partner, and you’ll fall in love with the colorful setting. In addition, you can visit Mert’s Heart & Soul restaurant any day of the week except Sundays. The restaurant’s doors are open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Yelp Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/5
Cost: $$
Specialty Dish: Shrimp Creole With Rice
Cuisine: Southern, Soul Food

18. African Kitchen Restaurant & Bar

Address: 6024 The Plz Charlotte, NC 28215 | Phone Number: (704) 532-4279 | Michelin rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

As the name implies, African Kitchen Restaurant & Bar is No.1 Charlotte's African full menu restaurant that serves authentic West African cuisine. In addition, the restaurant offers a variety of dishes from different African countries, including Senegal, Guinea, Gambia, Liberia, Nigeria, Ghana, and many more. 

The menu features vegetarian and meat-based options and a selection of gluten-free and vegan dishes. The restaurant also offers a catering service for special events.

What to Eat at African Kitchen

If you want to enjoy popular West African dishes like jollof rice, egusi soup, okro soup, suya, and pepper soup, the African Kitchen is the place. The restaurant works with Uber Eats, so you get prompt delivery. The African Kitchen is closed on Sundays and Mondays but is open every other day of the week.

Why Should You Eat Here?

Finding authentic African dishes in North Carolina may be difficult, but African Kitchen solves the problem. Away from the food, the restaurant offers happy hour specials and a full bar.

The menu at African Kitchen Restaurant is full of mouth-watering options that will tantalize your taste buds. From traditional stews and curries to grilled meats and jollof rice, there’s something for everyone in this unique African Kitchen.

Yelp Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cost: $$
Specialty Dish: Jollof Rice
Cuisine: African

19. Romeo’s Vegan Burgers

Address: 5518 S Blvd Charlotte, NC 28201 | Phone Number:  (980) 237-7647 | Michelin rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Romeo's Vegan Burgers is one of Charlotte's most popular outstanding black-owned vegan restaurants. They offer a delicious array of vegan burgers that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

Whether you're a vegan or not, you'll love Romeo's burgers! They're juicy, flavorful, and made to perfection. It’s impossible to miss the restaurant with its classic structure and large “Romeo’s” sign in front.

What to Eat at Romeo’s Vegan Burgers

Romeo’s Vegan Burgers restaurant has a 100% plant-based menu, including burgers and fries. Ingredients used in preparing the meals are from Beyond Meats and Impossible Foods.

Aside from the burgers and fries, the restaurant also serves tea, shakes, ice cream, and organic lemonade.

Why Should You Eat Here?

If you’re vegan, you have no reason not to visit Romeo’s Vegan Burgers restaurant when you come to Charlotte. You can still visit and enjoy Romeo’s Vegan Burgers if you’re not vegan. The restaurant is open every day, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Yelp Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Cost: $$
Specialty Dish: Art Thou Romeo Burger
Cuisine: Vegan

20. Original Chicken & Ribs

Address: 1100 Beatties Ford Rd Charlotte, NC 28216 | Phone Number: (704) 332-2902 | Michelin rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Original Chicken & Ribs is a relatively simple restaurant located at Beatties Ford Rd, Charlotte, NC. They provide counter service, focusing on barbeques, chicken & seafood, and sandwiches.

Black-owned restaurants are a staple in the Charlotte community, and Original Chicken & Ribs is one of the best. The restaurant has been serving up the mouth-watering burger, beef ribs, and chicken wings for years, and they're not slowing down anytime soon.

What to Eat at Original Chicken & Ribs

Nicknamed “Home of the Fat Boy,” Original Chicken & Ribs is popular, particularly for its burger. But, aside from the burger, you can enjoy chicken wings, beef ribs, chicken gizzards, and piece-mixed chicken. After one visit, you’ll attest to the tastiness of their offerings.

Why Should You Eat Here?

Original Chicken & Ribs has a 99 health score from Hazel, which proves it’s a healthy restaurant. It’s good for kids and ideal for lunch and dinner. Unfortunately, you can’t visit the restaurant on Mondays. However, it’s open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Tuesdays to Saturdays. On Sundays, you can visit the restaurant from 12 to 5 p.m.

Yelp Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cost: $$
Specialty Dish: Fat Boy Burger
Cuisine: Barbeque

When next you’re in Charlotte, North Carolina, and looking for a nice restaurant to chill out, you can visit any of the twenty outstanding restaurants listed above. They are all black-owned and offer some of the best cuisine and specialty dishes!