17 Best Restaurants in Huntersville, NC
Well, buckle up your seatbelts because we're about to embark on a gastronomic journey through some of the best restaurants in Huntersville, North Carolina!
While this list showcases some remarkable restaurants, it's important to note there are many other exceptional dining establishments in Huntersville that are not featured here. Our aim is not just to guide you to popular eateries but to encourage you to venture out and experience the city's diverse culinary landscape for yourself.
Rise Cafe
In my town, there's a little gem of a place called Rise Cafe.
Don't let the name fool you, it's not a new place.
It was formerly known as The Egg Cafe, but it changed its name, kept the same delicious menu, and continues to be a star in the area's breakfast scene.
I have a weekend tradition with my spouse.
We head over to Rise Cafe for breakfast, and oh, what a delight that is!
Their Eggs Benedict is a must-try.
The eggs are soft and runny, just the way I love them.
And let's not forget the hash browns, equally satisfying, I assure you.
But if you're not in the mood for eggs, the chicken and waffles never disappoint.
The chicken is fried to perfection, and the waffles light and fluffy.
The combo really hits the spot.
The service is quick and efficient, so you'll have your food in no time.
Plus, if you have a furry friend with you, they're welcome too.
The outdoor seating area is perfect for bringing along your dog while you enjoy your meal.
Tacos and Tortilla Factory
Just around the corner of the mall, a new and inviting spot opened up recently - the Tacos and Tortilla Factory.
During one of my typical lunch breaks, I decided to give this place a shot, and boy, was I pleased!
They offer a variety of fillings for tacos, burritos, or bowls that you can pick and choose from.
I've found my comfort zone in the Pastor pork, they seem to utilize chicken for the carnitas, which is an interesting take.
Can I just mention how absolutely delicious the food is?
It tastes just like homemade food, straight from scratch.
On one of my visits, my order was a bit complex.
I asked for tacos with added beans, a chicken and pineapple combo, steak with cilantro and onion, cheese, pickled onion, pico, and shrimp with corn, beans, cilantro, onion, and pico.
Let's not forget the avocado sauce and sour cream!
Padovas Pizza
I've lived in Huntersville for quite some time now, and I've tried my fair share of pizza places.
But let me tell you, nothing quite compares to Padovas Pizza.
It's become my go-to spot when I'm craving a slice of heaven.
What I absolutely love about Padovas is its unique flavor.
The pizza has this distinctive taste, cut Chicago style with the thinnest of crusts.
It's entirely unlike any pizza I've had before.
I'm not in their delivery area, but that's never stopped me.
Picking up an order usually takes no more than 20 minutes.
The first time I visited, I was just passing by.
I saw the joint when I stopped to fill up on gas.
Impulsively, I decided to give it a try.
The food was absolutely wonderful, and the customer service was fantastic.
The pricing was just the cherry on top.
From that day, I became a regular.
Kung Foo Noodle
One warm evening, I decided to explore a popular bistro in my town- Kung Foo Noodle.
I had heard a lot about this place, particularly their Asian-fusion menu.
So, I thought I'd give it a try.
No sooner had I entered this sleek bistro, I was taken aback by its bold and captivating decor.
The ambiance instantly set the mood for a delightful dining experience.
The first thing I noticed was the refreshing glass of water served to me.
It was clean, pure, and devoid of any metallic or tap tastes that are so common these days.
Many might overlook this detail, but I believe it reflects the quality and hygiene of a place.
The noodles were cooked just right and served with a broth that wasn't overwhelmingly salty, like most other places.
The Neighborhood Cafe
There's this little place in town that I've been going to since it was still called Cafe 100.
You might be thinking, another coffee shop?
But see, The Neighborhood Cafe isn't just another coffee place.
It's a spot where you can hang out and truly enjoy a leisurely Sunday or any other day of the week.
The first thing you should know is that their menu hasn't changed, and thank goodness for that!
The food, all made from scratch, is just divine.
Quality ingredients, paired with drinks, hit the spot just right.
My personal favorite? Their quiche of the moment.
I splurged a little during my last visit and got biscuits and gravy too, and boy, did that hit the spot.
eeZ Fusion
Every now and then, I find myself craving some good sushi.
On one such day, I decided to venture to eeZ Fusion & Sushi.
Nestled in a lovely town, the restaurant offers a unique blend of Asian fusion dishes and inventive sushi rolls.
On my first visit, I found the food to be pleasing but not overly exciting.
Most of the dishes felt a bit one-note, lacking an array of flavors.
However, I was intrigued by their sushi, which seemed promising.
I decided I would return to try them out.
On my subsequent visit, I ordered the Peking duck roll and the pork belly buns.
The Peking duck roll was a delightful surprise, with its rich flavors outshining the pork belly buns.
Their Poke Dip and Cucumber Bento Box are my absolute favorites.
I particularly enjoy their refreshing cocktail selection - the perfect accompaniment to any meal.
The bento box, I must say, is a steal deal!
Viva Chicken Huntersville
I've always been a big fan of Viva Chicken Huntersville, their food has always been a delight.
Their chicken, with its unique flavor profile, has always been a star on the plate, tender, juicy, and oh-so-delicious.
Besides the chicken, I fell in love with their cilantro rice and limeade, which complemented the food perfectly.
I also tried the Inca burrito and Tacu Bowl, which were similar in ingredients but differed in portion size.
The Tacu bowl was larger, but the Inca burrito was conveniently wrapped and perfect for an on-the-go lunch.
Midwood Smokehouse
Whenever there's a craving for some good ol' BBQ, there's only one place that comes to mind - Midwood Smokehouse.
Having been here countless of times, I can confidently say that it serves some of the best BBQs in the region.
What I love about Midwood is that it isn't just about the barbecue.
Every single item on their menu, from appetizers to sides, is meticulously crafted to perfection.
The first time I bit into their tender, juicy brisket, it was nothing short of a food revelation.
Accompanied by hush puppies and sweet potato fries, the meal is a delight to the senses.
Sweet potato fries, especially, is a must-try.
Another crowd favorite at Midwood is the beef rib.
Large enough to feed two, the rib is cooked to perfection, and the mustard-based sauce that it comes with is lip-smacking.
Azucar
What a treat it is to have Azucar, an authentic Cuban restaurant, right in the heart of our town.
The moment one steps into Azucar, they are transported straight to the vibrant streets of Havana.
The décor is vibrant and welcoming, with a mix of indoor and outdoor seating that adds a certain charm to the place.
Their professionalism and attentiveness have never failed to impress me.
The food at Azucar, simply put, is a flavorful journey.
Whether it's dinner or brunch, every dish is a delightful surprise.
Take the oxtails, for example, they're absolutely delicious.
The ropa vieja, a classic Cuban dish, is another must-try here.
Served with a multitude of sides, the portion is incredibly generous, especially for just $10.
And did I mention the plantains?
They're always cooked to perfection, a superb accompaniment to any meal.
Red Rocks Cafe
I'm lucky to live so close to Red Rocks Cafe, right in Birkdale Village.
The ambiance is gorgeous, and the extensive wine list always leaves me spoilt for choice.
On my daughter's birthday, we decided to celebrate there.
The Michael Ransom's Chicken wraps she had, and the Jenny Durst's Penna Pasta I ordered were pretty good.
On another occasion, my friend did rave about his steak and coconut shrimp.
He said it was cooked perfectly to his liking.
I also tried their lobster ravioli on one occasion and was pleasantly surprised by the portion size.
Dressler's
If you ask me about a polished dining destination that boasts modern vibes and mouth-watering steaks, I'd have to say Dressler's.
My dining experience at Dressler's has always been enjoyable.
The environment can be a bit dark and gloomy, which I find adds to its charm.
We ordered the NY strip and salmon, both of which were cooked to perfection.
We paired these with a risotto side, which, to my delight, was delicious.
The Birkdale location of Dressler's is one of my absolute favorites.
The dimmed lighting and the nice casual to dressy dress code make it a perfect spot for a date night or a nice evening with friends.
I remember trying their Cajun shrimp served with a bruschetta-type bread, perfect for dipping in the sauce.
I also enjoyed the Rack of Lamb, crusted with whole grain mustard, served alongside mashed potatoes with a demi glaze.
My partner had the 8 oz Filet Mignon, cooked medium, which was juicy and flavorful.
We paired these with a glass of Moscato for me and a Kentucky mule for my partner.
Mama Mia Too
One of my favorite getaways in the heart of the town is the delightful Mama Mia Too.
Don't be fooled by the slightly old-fashioned exterior; this charming spot is a hidden gem that offers some of the finest Italian cuisine in town.
The Mama Mia Too menu offers a broad selection of homely Italian meat and pasta dishes that will satisfy any appetite.
My go-to dish at Mama Mia Too is the Salmon Rossini, which they customarily cook to your preference.
I always ask for mine medium rare, and it's done to perfection each time.
The eggplant parmesan is another delightful choice - very tender and generously filled with cheese.
Their bread, albeit a bit on the expensive side, is worth every penny and perfectly complements the pasta dishes.
Not to mention, their desserts are something to write home about.
The creamy texture of the tiramisu is something that stays with you long after you've left.
And if you're a coffee-lover like me, you'll appreciate their drip coffee, which always leaves me wanting more despite its $4 cost.
The ambiance at Mama Mia Too is as authentic as it gets, which contributes to the e authentic Italian delicacies, Antico Italian Restaurant is a place you must include in your culinary journey.
It's a cozy, laid-back fixture offering traditional Italian specialties along with pizza, beer, and wine.
From the outside, it may not seem extraordinary, located amidst a strip mall, but the moment you step inside, it transports you to a charming Italian Trattoria.
I've dined at Antico on multiple occasions, and there's much to love about this place.
The space is comfortable, not overly fancy, yet not too casual either.
It's just the right balance.
It's one of those places where, once inside, you easily forget the hustle-bustle of the outside world and immerse yourself in the warmth of the ambiance.
And yes, the occasional sizzle from the kitchen adds to the authentic dining experience.
One of the best things about Antico, apart from its food, is the excellent service.
Now, the highlight - the food!
I've tried a variety of dishes here, and they have all been fantastic.
I remember having lunch here once; the pasta was fresh, delicious, and absolutely divine.
Other Restaurants Nearby
131 MAIN Restaurant
There's a place in the heart of Lake Norman that never fails to impress - 131 MAIN Restaurant.
If you're expecting this to be another cookie-cutter eatery, think again.
As soon as you walk through the main doors of 131 MAIN, you're greeted with an open kitchen and a romantically lit setting.
You immediately sense you're in for a treat.
Every time I dine here, I'm taken aback by the impeccable service.
The transition from drinks to appetizers to the main course is always flawless, allowing you to savor each dish without feeling rushed.
Whether you're in for a lavish meal or a casual date night, the food never disappoints.
My partner is always raving about their fish dishes and their variety for meat lovers.
Barrel & Fork
Stepping into Barrel and Fork is always a delight—an intimate establishment tucked away from the bustling traffic of downtown Davidson.
Their seasonal New American plates are delicious, and the ambiance is an exquisite blend of homey and classy.
From the elegant cocktails to the classy Sinatra music wafting through the air, it's a restaurant that exudes charm without being pretentious.
Sitting by the bar, I always look forward to their seasonal cocktail list.
Behind the bar, the people are passionate about their craft.
They are not simply pouring drinks; they are creating a symphony of flavors, tweaking and tuning their cocktails.
If you’re a bourbon enthusiast, their selection is commendably extensive.
While the menu is not extensive, the food is great.
Big Bite'z Grill
There's a spot in my town that makes me feel like I've been transported to the warm, sunny shores of Greece with each visit.
It's called Big Bite'z Grill.
This unpretentious, counter-serve spot, complete with a patio, is my go-to for the freshest Greek fare and the most flavorful burgers you can find around here.
One thing I love about Big Bite'z Grill is the consistency of their food.
Whether it's their Fish Plates that are so good you'd want to consume them all by yourself or their Greek sandwiches, the food never fails to impress.
They've got this knack for customizing their sides to match your taste, something I absolutely adore.
Choplin's Restaurant
If you're in search of a pleasant dining experience with a real local flavor, head on over to Choplin's Restaurant.
This cozy eatery provides an authentic New American menu selection that changes often, utilizing locally sourced ingredients.
Let me paint a picture from my last visit there.
From making sure our orders were accurate to keeping our glasses filled, she was a delight.
The food, I must say, was nothing short of amazing.
The selection of dinner options, from juicy steaks to fresh seafood, was extensive.
Every dish, be it an appetizer, main course, or dessert, was prepared meticulously.
The steak medallions were so tender they melted like butter in the mouth, and the bone-in pork chop was a generous portion, juicy and extremely tender.
But it wasn't just the main courses that impressed me.
The dessert array was equally enticing.
The homemade desserts were some of the best I've ever had.
I personally tried the crème brûlée, and it was simply divine.
Final Thoughts
Huntersville, North Carolina, has a diverse culinary scene that can cater to any palate.
From the heartwarming comfort food at Rise Cafe to the traditional Italian cuisine at Antico Italian Restaurant and the scrumptious smoked meat at Midwood Smokehouse, there's no shortage of delicious eateries.
The food scene here embodies the diverse culture of our town, making every dining experience truly special.
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