The Charlotte restaurant scene is popping. Love the new entrants. Love the new restaurateurs. Love the old staples that are still thriving. There’s never been a better time to go out to eat in Charlotte.

Here are the 10 hottest restaurants in our city right now (in no specific order)…

RuRu’s

Agenda Pro Tip: Best new patio in Charlotte. Order the margaritas. Site.

Agenda Story: RuRu’s Tacos & Tequila – 5 pros and 2 cons

Kid Cashew

Agenda Pro Tip: Grilled octopus and wash it down with a carafe of The Goat’s Breast Milk. Site.

Agenda Story: Kid Cashew opens on Saturday and we ate most of the menu for you

Sabor

Agenda Pro Tip: $1 Taco Tuesday is delicious and $4 Margaritas. Site.

Agenda Story: Sabor Latin Street Grill is everything that’s right about Charlotte

Kindred

Agenda Pro Tip: Spend the whole evening in Davidson. Enjoy the bread (it’s so tasty) and order the Bartender’s Choice cocktail (you say what you like and they make a custom cocktail). Site.

Agenda Story: 6 non-food subtleties that set Kindred apart

Comida

Agenda Pro Tip: Yes, people on Yelp are ripping into it. Yes, it’s expensive small plates. But, the place is popping, cocktails are delicious and food is unique (in a good way). It feels petty to say how delicious the chips are, but you’ll understand me when you get them. Site. 

Agenda Story: Comida is now open in Plaza Midwood. See the menu and what we sampled

Foxcroft Wine Co Dilworth

Agenda Pro Tip: Grab a bottle of wine over $30 so that you can avoid the corkage fee. Site. 

Agenda Story: Everything you need to know about Foxcroft Wine Co.’s new wine bar in Dilworth

Soul Gastrolounge

This Plaza Midwood staple continues its domination. Truly unique food and vibe. Site.

Agenda Story: Soul Gastrolounge is beautiful. Here’s proof

Aix en Provence

Well known in the Charlotte foodie community – many argue it’s currently the best restaurant in Charlotte, but under the radar with the mainstream. Site.

Agenda Story: Here’s what to expect from Aix en Provence, the French restaurant that just took the place of Terra in Eastover

Summit Room

Agenda Pro Tip: Sit outside. Excellent cocktails. Love the touch of the chalkboard where you can pay your neighbor forward by buying them a drink. Owned by the same people that own the Mayobird – they’re also launching another restaurant in the building that’s currently under construction next to the Dowd YMCA on Morehead. Site. 

Agenda Story: 5 best restaurants for just cocktails, apps and conversation

Good Food on Montford

Agenda Pro Tip: Order the Steamed Buns. No reservations, so you’ll have to wait – recommend waiting with a cocktail on their front porch or a beer at Park 10 Lanes across the street. 

Agenda Story: 9 spots that make Montford the coolest strip in Charlotte

Cover photo via Tara Lilly