7 best things we ate in Charlotte this month, including fried ravioli and pho

7 best things we ate in Charlotte this month, including fried ravioli and pho

Photo: Symphony Webber/Axios

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Our team of writers and editors covers a lot of excellent food spots around the Queen City, but these seven were our very favorite.

We operate with a “phone-eats-first” mentality, so everywhere we eat out, we’re snapping photos. This month’s roundup includes a wide variety of cuisines ranging from Italian to Vietnamese. 

Here are 7 of our favorite dishes from the past month (listed in no particular order).


(1) Beef Pad See Ew from Aroy Thai

Thai food is my comfort food, so to say I crave it often would be an understatement. I’ve been on a quest to find the best Thai food in Charlotte, and Aroy Thai, a hidden gem in east Charlotte, is one of my favorites. For a weekend lunch, I had the beef pad see ew with a Thai iced tea. The pad thai is also excellent. — Danielle Chemtob, reporter

Location: 5301 East Independence Blvd., Ste. F

Aroy Thai


(2) Fried Ravioli from Zio’s Casual Italian

If you’ve heard the saying “TikTok made me do it,” this is a case in point. While scrolling, I came across a video from @wyneesworld where she showed her dinner outing to Zio’s. She and her fiancé ordered several delicious-looking dishes, but the one that sold me was the fried ravioli, which is flash-fried, made with four types of cheese and served with a side of marinara. It was so tasty. *chef’s kiss* — Symphony Webber, reporter/photographer

Location: 116 Middleton Dr.

Zio's Casual Italian


(3) Shrimp & grits from Letty’s on Shamrock

Takeout from Letty’s was my comfort go-to during the pandemic, but I ventured out to their brunch for the first time this month. And I’ve already been back another time since. This shrimp & grits bowl is my favorite brunch dish so far. Letty’s gets cheesy grits so right. And their mimosa pours are hefty. — Emma Way, editor

Location: 2121 Shamrock Dr.

shrimp and grits from Letty's


(4) Salt and Pepper Shrimp from Vietnam Grille

Last month, we asked readers about their favorite underrated restaurants around South Blvd. One suggestion was Vietnam Grille, so I decided to try it. Their menu is so large that it can be a little bit intimidating at first, but based on the restaurant reviews, you really can’t go wrong no matter what you order. I tried the salt and pepper shrimp (it’s a little spicy, so be careful if your tolerance is low) and also ordered a crunchy spring roll on the side. Both were full of flavor. — Paige Hopkins, reporter

Location: 5615 South Blvd.

Vietnam Grille


(5) Pho Hai San (Vietnamese Seafood Pho) from Pho @ NoDa

It’s filled with scallops, shrimp, crab and calamari, and garnished with sprouts, basil and jalapeño. Pho @ NoDa is a neighborhood gem, even on hot summer nights. I took my pho to-go and ate on my patio at home and it was delicious. — Katie Peralta Soloff, reporter

Pro tip: Order with fresh shrimp spring rolls.

Location: 2100 North Davidson St., Ste. A

Pho @ NoDa


(6) Bratwurst with grilled peppers and onions from The Good Wurst Co.

The Good Wurst is less than a year old but it captures some of that magic of all the old places we’re losing (rest well, Price’s and Zack’s). Picnic tables, speedy service, and you can fill a family up without spending a week’s pay: It’s just simple and good. Friends rave about their Reubens and smoked turkey sandwiches, but I went with “The Fastball — sausage, peppers and onions, some tater tots, and two local drinks. — Michael Graff, reporter

Location: 3001 Central Ave.

The Good Wurst


(7) Arroz con pollo and margs from Three Amigos

I checked out Three Amigos’ new south Charlotte location off of Colony for a work assignment. But I stayed for the margs and arroz con pollo. Highly recommend getting a side of queso to pour over your ACP. — Bri Crane, reporter

Location: 7741 Colony Rd. and 2917 Central Ave., Ste. A

Three Amigos

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