Where to Eat in Matthews – Charlotte Magazine

Trains still roll through this historic rail town, which has developed a mix of bars, gourmet markets, and locally owned restaurants. Grab a cup of coffee, savor a lamb kebab, or stock up on imported Italian goods. The best meals are worth the drive.

THE LOYALIST MARKET

435 N. Trade St., Ste. 102

This charming eatery is a sandwich shop by day and a cheese shop by night. Choose from more than 60 artisan cheeses and cured meats from the U.S. and abroad, along with gourmet products, wine, and local beer. Owner Chris Sottile treats cheese boards as an art form, and his catering trays prove it.

KABAB-JE ROTISSERIE & GRILLE

2233 Matthews Township Parkway, Ste. E

This Lebanese eatery serves dishes like hummus shawarma and lamb kebabs. 

NEW ZEALAND CAFÉ

1717 Sardis Road N, Ste. 6A

This 40-seat seafood grill and sushi bar serves an assortment of specialty rolls—the Spicy Dragon and Bamboo are colorful mouthfuls of bliss—and for less than its swankier uptown cousins.

THAI TASTE

131 Matthews Station St., Ste. 1F

Stop in at lunch or dinner for a heaping portion of Pad Thai, or go for the Gaeng Panang: coconut curry with lemongrass, peas, carrots, snow peas, mushrooms, chiles, and basil leaves.

THE COLLECTIVE CAFE

1031 Matthews-Mint Hill Road

This locally owned café and coffee bar serves made-to-order omelets, bagels, breakfast sandwiches, grain bowls, empanadas, burgers, wraps, and salads, plus cold brew and specialty coffee drinks.

THE ONE TAPAS & BAR

3116 Weddington Road, Ste. 600

It’s easy to miss, in a strip mall anchored by a Harris Teeter. But this cozy spot serves globally inspired small plates and craft cocktails.

NONNA MARIA’s Italian Deli & Market

2332 Matthews Township Parkway, Ste. B

This Italian deli and market has everything from fresh Italian sandwiches and pastries to grab-and-go dinners and proper New York bagels.

Nonna Maria’s Italian Deli & Market

SIZZLE: DUMPLING & AUTHENTIC CHINESE CUISINE

929 Park Center Drive, Ste. 101

Come for a casual lunch or dinner and feast on ramen, pork bao buns, and handmade Chinese dumplings, or peruse the vast selection of boba tea.

THE PORTRAIT GALLERY RESTAURANT & BAR

118 E. Charles St.

Housed in a former photography studio, this restaurant serves a mix of small plates, boutique wines, and craft cocktails.

YANNI BISTRO

131 E. John St., Ste. B

Most menu items are vegan, plant-based, or gluten-free, but you don’t need a dietary restriction to enjoy the organic fare at this neighborhood bistro.

GRACE O’MALLEY’S

157 N. Trade St.

Named after Ireland’s famous Pirate Queen, this neighborhood pub slings authentic shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, and your favorite pints. 

CELLAR & ALE

131 Matthews Station St., Ste. 1A

This family-owned restaurant has light bites and charcuterie boards, local wine, and a craft beer bar.

METRO DINER

10412 E. Independence Blvd., Ste. 400

Order Fried Chicken & Waffles for dinner or Pot Roast for breakfast—nothing’s off limits here.

JEKYLL & HYDE TAPHOUSE AND GRILL

316 N. Trade St.

Enjoy craft brews on tap, cocktails, and hearty pub grub in this steampunk-inspired setting.