A Dietitian’s Guide to Healthy Dining in Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte, North Carolina, offers plenty of options for healthy eating, with local restaurants and meals featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From farmer’s markets with seasonal produce to cafes serving nutritious, farm-to-table dishes, these places support a healthy lifestyle. Our dietitians have put together a guide for eating healthy in the QC, ensuring everyone can enjoy tasty and wholesome meals that contribute to their well-being.
Fern, Flavors From The Garden
Location: Dilworth
Recommended by: Hannah Woods RD, LDN
- Why we love this place: 100% Vegan dishes full of flavor! Just because you don’t eat meat doesn’t mean you should have to sacrifice variety and choices. Fern is beloved by both plant and meat eaters alike!
- What to order:
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- Weekend Brunch: Chicken & Waffles (made with oyster mushrooms)
- Dinner: Eggplant Parmesan
ROOTS Café
Location: Dilworth
Recommended by: Mary Frances Creech, MS, RD, LDN
- Why we love this place: Originally a food truck, ROOTS Café offers dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. They also serve coffee from a local roaster, Enderly Coffee.
- What to order: Roots bowl, Turkey Avocado Wrap, B.E.L.T. sandwich
Kid Cashew
Location: Dilworth
Recommended by Gina Gilchrist, RD, LDN
- Why we love this place: A crowd favorite for healthier to-go options, Kid Cashew is a must for those looking for Mediterranean-inspired food in the QC.
- What to order: Meatball Au Poivre, Rotisserie Lamb Gyro, Beets & Arugula salad
Basil Thai
Location: Fourth Ward
Recommended by: Gunja Parikh, MS, RD, LDN
- Why we love this place: For those looking for refined Thai cuisine, Basil Thai is the place to be! They also offer a variety of vegetarian dishes.
- What to order: Pad Thai Chicken, Red Curry
Salted Melon
Location: South End
Recommended by: Terah Starbuck, MS, RD, LDN, CPT
- Why we love this place: A restaurant, bakery, and store all in one, Salted Melon could be a one-stop shop for those needing a quick meal and groceries! They offer meals in their restaurant and to-go.
- What to order: Five Star Steak sandwich, Summer salmon bowl
Yafo
Location: Southpark, Plaza Midwood, Dilworth
Recommended by: Hannah Woods, RD, LDN & Suzanne Doad, RD, LDN
- Why we love this place: A fast-casual restaurant offering complex flavors that originate from simple ingredients. Yafo features vegetarian and vegan-friendly menu options, and hormone-free selections that provide an authentic taste of Mediterranean street food.
- What to order: Build your own pita or bowl, Hummus, Stuffed avocado bowl
Sheng Ramen
Location: Ballantyne
Recommended by: Gunja Parikh, MS, RD, LDN & Michael Decaro, MS, RDN
- Why we love this place: Looking for authentic ramen at an affordable price? Sheng Ramen is the place to try!
- What to order: Tonkotsu ramen, Shoyu Ramen
Lang Van
Location: Shanon Park
Recommended by: Michael Decaro, MS, RDN
- Why we love this place: An unexpected gem, Lang Van offers genuine Vietnamese food beloved by locals and out-of-towners alike.
- What to order: Pho, Chicken Curry, Spring rolls
Ru San’s
Location: Park Square
Recommended by: Michael Dicaro, MS, RDN
- Why we love this place: One of the top three sushi restaurants in Charlotte, Ru San’s is a must-visit for sushi lovers. They also offer many other Japanese dishes for those wanting a warmer meal.
- What to order: Sushi roll (any of them!)
eeZ
Location: Birkdale Village in Lake Norman,
Recommended by: Suzanne Doad, RD, LDN
- Why we love this place: Featuring fresh fish brought in daily, eeZ is a favorite for sushi and non-sushi lovers. eeZ strives to practice sustainable sourcing of their fish by ensuring to use Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) sourced fish.
- What to order: Sushi, Build-your-own-stir fry
Scratch Kitchen
Location: Langtree
Recommended: Suzanne Doad, RD, LDN
- Why we love this place: If the name doesn’t give it away, Scratch Kitchen prides itself on creating unique dishes with fresh ingredients from scratch.
- What to order: Whipped feta/hummus combo (ask for extra veggies), Arugula salad
131 Main
Location: Southpark, Blakeney, Lake Norman
Recommended by: Suzanne Doad, RD, LDN
- Why we love this place: All ingredients are fresh and there are no freezers on site. This highly-rated restaurant is an excellent place to spend a little extra for high-quality food.
- What to order: Cast iron cornbread, Top chop salad topped with the veggie burger (made with beets and highly recommended by NHW RDs!)
Dilworth Tasting Room
Location: Dilworth, Southpark
Recommended by: Ann Sukany-Suls, MD, RD, LDN
- Why we love this place: Dilworth Tasting Room is a wine bar featuring high-quality wines, cocktails, and curated food menus that focus on the four seasons.
- What to order: Prosciutto and Brie Flatbread, Truffle Gnocchi
Not Technically a Locally Owned Restaurant But a Favorite Spot
Flower Child
Location: South End
Recommended by: Nina Cassetta, RD, LDN & Mary Frances Creech, MS, RD, LDN & Hannah Woods, RD, LDN
- Why we love this place: Offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options in addition to meat options for our carnivorous friends. Coming soon to Ballantyne!
- What to order:
- Plant-based: Mushroom Bolognese, add tofu
- Meat option: Turkey & Avocado Cobb Salad
Hannah Woods
RD, LDN
Hannah Woods is a Registered Dietitian who enjoys helping others create lifestyle habits that allow them to discover freedom with nutrition and movement…. READ MORE