We Asked 4 North Carolina Locals About Their Favorite Spots to Bring Out-of-Towners—Here’s What They Said

The pressure of where to take an out-of-towner for a meal is stressful! You want to showcase the best restaurant, of course, but also avoid any heavily touristy spots. When your friends come to visit, you want to take them to those culinary hidden gems, the places you actually visit, and picking the right spot can be a challenging endeavor. 

With the help of our friends at qwoted, we asked local North Carolinians where they would take an out-of-towner to eat, and here’s what they said:

El Puro Cuban Restaurant

For fans craving authentic Cuban cuisine, Lindsay Harden from Charlotte praises El Puro, a Cuban restaurant in the Madison Park neighborhood of Charlotte.

El Puro is one of Charlotte’s hidden gems, found in Charlotte’s Madison Park neighborhood. The Cuban restaurant transports guests through its food, environment, and live music to pre-revolutionary Havana, right in Charlotte. The restaurant is best known for its live music that invites guests to get up and dance, and its savory yet sweet brunch

The Artisan’s Palate

Part restaurant, part craft cocktail/wine bar, and part art gallery—what more could you ask for? The Artisan’s Palate is the go-to spot for locals looking to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere while supporting their community. 

“Located in Charlotte’s NoDa neighborhood, Artisan’s Palate is a 100% woman–owned restaurant and art gallery space that celebrates local food, art, and community. Chef-owner Christa Csoka curates seasonal menus using fresh, local ingredients and partners with artists, musicians, and makers to create a truly immersive experience.

Chef Christa has 30 years of experience in the food and hospitality industry (attended the French Culinary Institute, followed by training under the likes of Jacques Pepin, Daniel Boulud, and more) and puts community at the forefront. Her refined palate and globally inspired approach to comfort food can be seen in dishes like bacon-wrapped dates, red rice & beans, NC rainbow trout Meunière, and more. Each month, Artisan's Palate hosts their Women of Whiskey event series, spotlighting a spirit or two that is made, distilled, blended, and/or owned by a woman. Past collaborations include Hendrick’s Gin, Durham Distillery, Michter Bourbons, and Satryna Tequila. Artisan's Palate is a place for community - by day, a place to connect over coffee, breakfast or lunch while by night, a full-service restaurant and cocktail/wine bar. Artisan’s Palate has a strong focus on women and the LGBTQ community, which can be seen via staff-hired, programming + initiatives, including past drag brunches that raised over $88k for local charities and partnerships that benefit organizations like Safe Alliance, Carolina Breast Friends, Twirl to the World, and more.”

Restaurant Constance

For an intimate evening, head over to Restaurant Constance in Charlotte. This farm-to-table restaurant in North Carolina lets the seasons dictate the menu. Every plate reflects the care and creativity while highlighting the best of Charlotte’s local flavors. 

“It’s an intimate, ten-table restaurant led by the incredible, James Beard-nominated Chef Sam Diminich. The menus change with the seasons and highlight the bounty of Carolinas’ farms, fishermen, and makers, giving visitors a fine-dining experience they can't find anywhere.

The atmosphere is warm and unpretentious-- elevated but never stuffy It has one of the best non-alcoholic beverage programs in the state (and country), inspired by Diminich's own sobriety journey. The restaurant has been recognized in the MICHELIN Guide 2025 Recommended List.

Some standout dishes include: Kombu-Cured Hamachi Sashimi, Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles, Pork Belly Shawarma, and the popular Chocolate Miso Tart for dessert. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, they often offer a special deal for a three-course meal for $65.”

44 Mills

Inspired by the history of the county’s 44 textile mills that operated from 1829 to 2000, 44 Mills Kitchen and Tap offers some of the best modern Southern cuisine in Cabarrus County. 

“A go-to for elevated Southern comfort food with a modern twist. Seasonal dishes, craft cocktails, and a warm, stylish setting make it perfect for visitors who want a taste of the Carolinas done right.”

Which of these restaurants will you be taking out-of-towners to next time they come to visit? Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.