When I think summertime, my mind automatically drifts away to the lake! Lake Norman is a top destination near Charlotte that is filled with breathtaking lake homes, delicious foodie destinations and plenty of activities to do with your friends and family! While you’re in the area, you must also explore the two quaint, charming towns of Cornelius and Davidson. They are packed with character and have some of the best restaurants the city has to offer! Whether you're drawn to water sports, nature trails, or hidden local gems, Lake Norman and these neighboring towns offer a variety of experiences that capture the feel of a quintessential summer getaway.
1. Kindred
IG: @kindredrestaurant
Location: 131 N Main St.
Neighborhood: Davidson
Concept & Vibe: Kindred is an absolute local treasure in the heart of Davidson. We recently reviewed Kindred and will be sharing our full video here in the next few weeks! You can go see for yourself just how special it is. This restaurant offers a deep connection to the local roots of Davidson.
Food & Drink: They serve dishes with a story. Imaginative, creative and nostalgic. Created with the freshest ingredients that allow the dishes to be simple, yet wildly creative and exploding with flavor. The cocktails are crafted with precision and love. The wine list is expertly curated by owner and sommelier, Katie Kindred. This restaurant executes on food, atmosphere, decor, cocktails, wine and hospitality. Their incredibly seasoned staff treats you like you are family.
2. Hello Sailor
IG: @hellosailornc
Location: 20210 Henderson Rd.
Neighborhood: Cornelius
Concept & Vibe: This restaurant is a must visit if you’re looking for an afternoon or evening foodie stop after cruising the lake. Bringing a retro-chic vibe, its vibrant atmosphere and eclectic menu celebrates the perfect summertime meal in the Carolinas' enjoyed lakeside. You’ll discover seafood classics, inventive cocktails and dreamy patio seating.
Food & Drink: Start your experience with an Aperol Spritz on tap! You will find classics like Grandfather's Pickles, Hushpuppies, Fresh Watermelon, Oysters, Mussels and More! The menu feels very nostalgic to me and each dish evokes a foodie memory. Save room for soft serve ice cream. Best enjoyed at sunset.
3. Barrel and Fork
IG: @barrelandforklkn
Location: 20517 N Main St.
Neighborhood: Cornelius
Concept & Vibe: Barrel and Fork offers a cozy yet sophisticated dining experience in a historic home nestled in the heart of Cornelius. They combine rustic charm with modern culinary cuisine emphasizing locally sourced ingredients and a beverage program that is the center of the show.
Food & Drink: They excel in serving some of the best bourbon cocktails you will find near Charlotte along with a wine list that is far from ordinary. You will find sultry low-country recipes along with high quality seafood dishes. Think Pig Candy, Calamari, Local Green Salads, Scallops, Pork Belly, and a selection of red meat options like Ribeye, Elk, Veal and more.
4. Choplin's
IG: @choplins_
Location: 19700 One Norman Blvd
Neighborhood: Cornelius
Concept & Vibe: Choplin’s is a family owned and operated Steak & Seafood Restaurant. Chef Wes strives to bring you the highest standard of food possible. Chef is very hands-on working directly with NC farmers for his spices and produce as well as choosing the freshest seafood for his menu. You will experience an elevated steak and seafood restaurant with a local touch.
Food & Drink: You will find a chef-inspired menu centered around the idea of bringing a combination of techniques and unique ingredients together to make an extraordinary dish. They use seasonal ingredients so the menu will rotate. Discover perfectly grilled Bone-In Cowgirl Ribeye, Baked “Bourbon-Spiked” French Onion Soup, Cold Water Lobster Tails, Ashley Farms Chicken and More!
5. Ositos Tacos and Tortas
IG: @ositos_tacosandtortas
Location: 20700 N Main St
Neighborhood: Cornelius
Concept and Vibe: Osito’s is not your ordinary taqueria, that’s for certain! This restaurant is centered around the heart and soul of the family. Southern roots, culinary experiences that created the menu and a deep love for Mexican food and tortas. The name “Osito” means little bear, which stems from a comical nickname given by the kitchen staff to the Chef and Owner Bobby describing the intense way he handles the line!
Food & Drink: Fresh, innovative and absolutely addicting. These tacos and tortas are worth the drive. You must order the Osito with pickled brined southern fried chicken, collard slaw, grilled corn, pico, cheese and osito sauce! Also the gualijo ranch fries are what dreams are made of!!
6. New York Butcher Shoppe
IG: @nybutchercharlotte
Location: 20823 N Main St. Ste C
Neighborhood: Cornelius
Concept & Vibe: This is one of my favorite teams and stops in the area! This concept is a Butcher shop with a locally-sourced speciality market, wine bar & restaurant all in one! When you walk in you immediately feel like part of the family. Pick up steaks and seafood to grill out or dine in and sample some of their delicious offerings right in the store! The all world wines by the bottle selection is a fantastic touch as well. You will not go home empty handed, hungry, or thirsty.. that’s a promise.
Food & Drink: In the butcher case you’ll discover top quality CAB hand cut steaks, pork chops, housemade sausages, fresh seafood, scallops, and more! The menu offers drool-worthy dishes like their signature smoked wings, butcher’s pork and pickleboard, and housemade crab & salmon cakes. The food is top notch paired with a tasty bottle of red. The wine bottle prices can't be beat here!
7. Milkbread
IG: @milkbreadallday
Location: 624 Jetton St #110
Neighborhood: Davidson
Concept & Vibe: A cozy and artisanal local cafe known for its signature milkbread, delectable pastries and iconic chicken sandwich. With a charming, rustic vibe and a focus on quality ingredients, Milkbread offers a delightful all day stop for enjoying breakfast, lunch, freshly baked goodies and coffee in a local vibe.
Food & Drink: Three words: Milkbread Cinny Roll. It’s a must. The original chicken sandwich is a menu staple (it’s the grandfather’s pickles for me) The salads and bowls are packed with super fresh seasonal ingredients. Also whatever the seasonal donut is, order it. I had the strawberry one last year and I still remember that bite.
8. The Waterman
IG: @watermanclt
Location: 9615 Bailey Rd
Neighborhood: Cornelius
Concept & Vibe: Located minutes away from Lake Norman, this delicious local seafood restaurant has something for everyone! With a 360 bar, gorgeous wrap-around patio and nautical decor, this is a must visit restaurant to visit during the summertime! Oh and did I mention oyster happy hour?
Food & Drink: A few favorites are the crispy calamari, coconut shrimp, citrus salmon and NC mountain trout. They offer a steady rotating oyster selection that pairs perfectly with their creative boat drinks. Lunch or dinner at the lake isn’t the same without a Painkiller or Riptide Rita! Cheers to that!
9. 131 Main
IG: @131_main
Location: 17830 Statesville Rd
Neighborhood: Cornelius
Concept & Vibe: This is the original 131 Main location that has a distinctive low country feel with gas lamps, outdoor dining veranda, fire pit and a full open view of the kitchen with views of the hickory wood fire grill. 131 Main is a Charlotte favorite and frequent dining destination for many locals.
Food and Drink: The dinner menu offers a cast iron cornbread that is pretty much a menu standout. Pair that with the double dip and you are ready to rock! The mains consist of protein centered plates cooked to perfection like the cedar plank salmon, big island 14 oz ribeye and double cut pork chop. This restaurant is consistent, inviting and perfect for date night!
10. Pickled Peach
IG: @thepickledpeachdavidson
Location: 202 S Main St.
Neighborhood: Davidson
Concept & Vibe: Every time I visit Davidson, it goes without saying that a stop inside the Pickled Peach will be happening. Right when you walk in you are greeted with an array of handpicked local brands, market goodies and healthy grab & go snack options. Meander into the center of the restaurant and you will see a case packed with freshly baked breads, cakes, cookies, and rotating delicacies.
Food & Drink: Craving the perfect summer sandwich on fresh baked sourdough bread? Turkey, shaved red beet, meatball, corned beef.. The list goes on! The salads are also extremely fresh and crafted with local ingredients from around town! This little gem is so special and gives Davidson the homey feel that draws in everyone from across town!
