These Are the Best Places to Eat in Charlotte, According to ‘Top Chef’ Judges

From nail-biting quick-fire challenges to high-stakes elimination rounds like the show’s signature Restaurant Wars, the judges of Top Chef eat well during filming. (Well, most of the time. Lesson learned: serving ceviche on a 90 degree day isn’t the move.) But they’re not on set all day, every day during the seven-week production schedule.

Although Top Chef previously filmed in another Carolina city—Charleston back in 2014—this is the first time the globe-trotting culinary reality competition has landed in Charlotte, North Carolina. And the arrival has energized the crew, including longtime judge and food writer Gail Simmons.

“I’ve never been to Charlotte before we arrived here to start filming a few weeks ago,” Simmons told Travel + Leisure on set between one day’s quick-fire and elimination challenges. “So I’m not an expert. But of all of us, I’m the reporter. I had to come with the lists and the research. I love that we get to drop down in a city we’ve never been before and really live for 7 weeks.”

She’s already a regular at her neighborhood coffee shop and says she’s grateful for the chance to “dig a little deeper” into the Carolinas’ culinary scene. A recent Instagram post asking for dining recommendations prompted hundreds of passionate comments.

Host and chef Kristen Kish, author of Accidentally on Purpose, also came prepared. As soon as news broke that Top Chef would be filming in Charlotte, her Instagram DMs filled up with local recommendations, including several of the judges’ current favorites. She copy and pasted the most intriguing ones into a file so she could stay well-fueled during the long days on set.

Just like previous seasons set in food-loving destinations like Houston, Milwaukee, and Toronto, Season 23 promises to celebrate Carolina cuisine. (A portion of the season will also be filmed in Greenville, South Carolina.)

Season 23 is slated to air in spring 2026. Until then, we’re taking notes—and planning our own trip to follow in the judges’ footsteps. Here are a few of their favorite Charlotte restaurants (so far):

Lang Van

If you’ve ever struggled to choose a favorite ice cream flavor, you’ll understand Kish’s hesitation when asked for a single must-visit in Charlotte. “I haven’t been to a lot yet,” she admitted, citing a packed filming schedule and Emmy events. (She was nominated for Outstanding Host For A Reality Or Reality Competition Program.)

Still, she doesn’t hesitate when pressed: “Lang Van is my favorite. It has really good food. So good that I’ve been there twice.”

In each new city the show visits, head judge Tom Colicchio usually follows Simmons’ lead. “It’s funny, Gail usually does all the research where we’re going, and I just kind of go along,” he told T+L. Lang Van was on Simmons’ list, and she brought Colicchio along to share a booth. Both raved about the bright, fresh flavors at owner Dan Nguyen’s beloved Vietnamese restaurant.

As for what to order, the judges agree: you really can’t go wrong. But according to Redditors, the move is to let the owner choose for you: “She always knows what you like and gets it right every time. It’s a Matrix mystery.”

Supperland

If you have a bit more time, Colicchio recommends Supperland, one of the city’s most talked-about restaurants. Once a church (and later an auditorium and then a frame shop), the space now serves as a self-described “Southern steakhouse meets church potluck.”

Supperland isn’t just for dinner. You can swing by for the brunch buffet or reserve a spot in the speakeasy for a four-course cocktail and food pairing. Share spatchcocked branzino, miso mac and cheese, or other standouts in the elegant dining room, at the bar, or on the patio—and don’t forget to save room for dessert.

Pro-tip: Locals raved about Supperland’s sibling restaurants: Haberdish, Ever Andalo, Growlers Pourhouse, Reigning Doughnuts, and Leluia Hall, all owned by husband-wife duo Jeff Tonidandel and Jamie Brown.

Kindred

Colicchio and Simmons both back Kish’s pick: Kindred. “It was outstanding,” Kish said. Simmons describes her meal at the James Beard-nominated restaurant as “a real standout,” noting that the “meal was exceptionally beautiful; I just loved being in the backyard. It was just a lovely experience.”

Owned by Joe and Katy Kindred, this gem is known for its legendary milk bread—so much so that it was recently featured in Food & Wine‘s guide to America’s next great food cities. Order a skillet of that warm, buttery bread alongside the crispy oysters with dill yogurt or pickle-brined fried chicken with slaw. If you’re hooked, consider a visit to their other spot, Albertine.

Red Bridges Barbecue Lodge

North and South Carolina are world-famous for their regional takes on barbecue, and Charlotte offers no shortage of solid options. One that has already impressed Simmons is Red Bridges Barbecue Lodge.

Family-owned since 1946, this establishment recently earned a spot on Southern Living‘s list of must-visit Carolina barbecue joins. Simmons visited with her son and enjoyed a platter of chopped pork shoulder, hush puppies, and red slaw with sweet ketchup-based sauce.

After brushing up on the differences between whole hog-focused Eastern North Carolina and Western Carolina’s pork shoulder style, Simmons said: “[I feel] confident in my ability to identify and understand the different styles now. I don’t want to get anyone in trouble, but generally, the Eastern style seemed more up my alley. It’s a little less sweet, with more vinegar. I also prefer a creamier slaw over Western-style ketchup coleslaw. But Red Bridges is very Western, right? And it was very good!”

Botiwallah

After a visit to Substrate, a trendy wine bar, Simmons popped into Botiwalla, which is inspired by India’s late-night food stalls and Irani cafes. Chef Meherwan Irani and his sister/co-founder Molly Meherwan have opened Botiwalla locations in Asheville, West Asheville, and Atlanta, in addition to this one in a former textile mill. Here, guests can build a rice bowl, grab a tikka masala naan wrap, or snack on an array of chaat.

These are far from the only worthy spots in Charlotte. Simmons also gives high marks to The Goodyear House (“very pretty and such a good vibe”) and recommends CustomShop for a “low-key and very nice” date night. And Kish swears by one iconic Southern staple: “No trip to the Carolinas is complete without Bojangles.”

Soon, the cast and crew will pack up for Greenville, South Carolina, as the Top Chef “cheftestants” continue to compete for the title. While I had to “pack my knives and go,” the judges promised to follow up with their Greenville favorites.