Charlotte is home to one of America’s top 20 best restaurants, food experts say

Chyna Blackmon
·2 min read

A fan-favorite restaurant Charlotte is once again in the national spotlight for being one of the best spots to eat in the country.

As part of the annual Global Tastemaker Awards, Food & Wine released a list of the top 20 restaurants offering the most memorable dining experiences from coast to coast. Among the list is Charlotte’s very own Leah & Louise, the only North Carolina restaurant highly ranked in the awards showcasing the country’s culinary scene.

The interior of Leah & Louise is influenced after a Memphis-style juke joint.
The interior of Leah & Louise is influenced after a Memphis-style juke joint.

“Greg and Subrina Collier’s modern juke joint is satisfying in every way, starting with the ambience. Leah and Louise is easygoing with just a touch of rustic-chic courtesy of myriad reclaimed wood fixtures throughout the space. It’s an inviting setting for the Memphis-inspired Southern cooking happening in the kitchen,” the report says.

“Think: hot fried quail and oysters, a cornmeal brioche with black-garlic butter, and a pasta dish called Walking in Memphis, where noodles are tossed with a smoked-lamb ragout and topped with miso-aged cheddar.”

River Chips by Chef Greg Collier of Leah & Louise.
River Chips by Chef Greg Collier of Leah & Louise.

Leah & Louise, named after Greg Collier’s late sister and grandmother, opened back in 2020. Since opening, it has made quite the mark on the local and national food scene with it earning Greg multiple James Beard Award nominations, among other accolades, — and a surprise visit from Vice President Kamala Harris.

Now plans are underway to open in a new location, CharlotteFive previously reported. In a few weeks, the Colliers will be closing out their time at Camp North End to prepare a move to a larger space in Historic West End.

Subrina and Greg Collier are photographed on March 10, 2020, ahead of their planned opening of Leah & Louise at Camp North End. During the beginning of the pandemic, the Colliers postponed their grand opening but began with curbside pickup instead.
Subrina and Greg Collier are photographed on March 10, 2020, ahead of their planned opening of Leah & Louise at Camp North End. During the beginning of the pandemic, the Colliers postponed their grand opening but began with curbside pickup instead.

“We are beyond thrilled and deeply humbled to find ourselves among the ‘Top 20 Restaurants in the US, According to the Experts’ featured by Food and Wine,” the Leah & Louise team said in an Instagram post about the announcement.

“This honor is a testament to the unwavering passion and dedication of our incredible team, our cherished guests, and everyone who has supported us on this remarkable journey ... It’s so dope to be acknowledged for our commitment to excellence, black foodways, and Southerness in the culinary world.”

The Global Tastemakers awards are compiled from votes from more than 180 food and travel journalists on restaurants and bars, cities, hotels, airports, airlines, and cruises around the world. You can find the full list of the top 20 restaurants in America online at www.foodandwine.com.

Leah & Louise

Location: Camp North End, 301 Camp Road, Charlotte, NC 28206 (Until April 20)

Menu

Cuisine: Southern, Mississippi River Valley

Instagram: @leah_and_louise