Charlotte’s 10 Must-Try Desserts

Anyone else get a wild sweet tooth besides me? Charlotte’s food scene is overflowing with delicious sweets and it’s hard to keep track. We’ve pulled together the ultimate dessert bucket list for you to make your life a wee bit easier! From simple classics to creative, over-the-top milkshakes- these are the ones worth making room for!!

1. Innescas Bakery

Address: 215 N Ames St. 

Neighborhood: Matthews

IG: @innescasbakery

Vibe: European-style bakery bringing high-quality hand-crafted pastries to Charlotte. Meticulously crafted, light, and vibrant sweets that will make you have a little dance party. 

Must Order: Lemon + Mango Mousse Cakes

2. Aqua e Vino

Address: 4219 Providence Rd.

Neighborhood: SouthPark

IG: @aquaevino

Vibe: Intimate + authentic Italian bistro with a menu that blends fine dining with a warm, local feel. The attention to detail and quality are unmatched.

Must Order: Lemon Meringue Torta

3. Kindred

 Photo Cred: @kindredrestaurant

Address: 131 N Main St.

Neighborhood: Davidson

IG: @kindredrestaurant

Vibe: One of my all time favorite restaurants! This gem feels like a welcome home and tells a story through every dish. 

Must Order: Chocolate Birthday Cake

4. Raw Bites by Risa 

Address: Online Store. See the local retailers on her website!

IG: @rawbitesbyrisa 

Vibe: Nourishing whole ingredient desserts made with love. Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Refined Sugar Free + Vegan 

Must Order: Caramel Nutella “Ice Cream” Sammy 

5. The Batchmaker

Photo Cred: @thebatchmaker

Address: 901 Berryhill Rd.

Neighborhood: Wesley Heights

IG: @thebatchmaker

Vibe: Charlotte’s favorite local small-batch bakery. Serving nostalgic, decadent baked goods and pastries with so much heart and soul.

Must Order: Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie

6. Paletas Morelia

Address & Neighborhood: 

• South End: 1425 Winnifred St #104
• Fort Mill: 2147 SC-160 #103
• Huntersville: 16940 Birkdale Commons Pkwy. Suite A

IG: @paletasmorelia

Vibe: Build-your-own gourmet paletas with endless topping combos. Fun, interactive, and always Instagram-worthy.

Must Order: S’mores Paleta

7. Frida’s Mexican Cantina

Address: 8740 Pineville-Matthews Rd.

Neighborhood: Pineville

IG: @fridasmexicancantina

Vibe: Frida’s is always a blast! You’ll find both traditional and modern Mexican favorites with a creative twist. Inspired by the iconic, Frida Kahlo, this restaurant has incredible decor and just know.. they love to celebrate! 

Must Order: Puppy Love 

8. Miró Spanish Grille

Address: 12239 N Community House Rd.

Neighborhood: Ballantyne

IG: @mirospanishgrille

Vibe: A true neighborhood favorite for Spanish Tapas! This team has been around for years and they do a stellar job at creating a memorable and warm experience! 

Must Order: Signature Award-Winning Tres Leches 

9. Steak 48

Photo Cred: @steak48

Address: 4425 Sharon Rd.

Neighborhood: SouthPark

IG: @steak48

Vibe: Fine dining steakhouse with top quality seafood and raw bar. The perfect setting for celebrations, birthday, anniversary or just a solo night enjoying an aged ribeye grilled to perfection. 

Must Order: Triple Chocolate Bombe 

10. Ninety’s Dessert Bar

Address & Neighborhood:

• University: 9009 J M Keynes Dr. #4
• Rock Hill: 502 Cherry Rd Suite 105

IG: @ninetysdessertbar

Vibe: A decadent dessert bar serving up the most instagrammable treats! Cereal milkshakes, cheesecakes, cookies and more

Must Order: One of their EPIC Cereal Milkshakes & the Halloween Cookie Box!