Charlotte is the largest city in the state of North Carolina and the seat of Mecklenburg County. It is no surprise that Charlotte boasts excellent Southern cuisine and dining, with numerous restaurants serving up perennial favorites, such as Southern-fried chicken and Brunswick stew. Here are some suggestions for the best places to eat in Charlotte, NC.

Charlotte has plenty of popular tourist attractions, including the Bank of America Stadium - a vast 73,000-seat stadium hosting many major sporting events and concerts; the Bank of America Corporate Center - one of Charlotte's tallest skyscrapers, offering spectacular views of the cityscape; Charlotte's Carolina Raptor Center - a popular birds of prey center, with regular displays and talks; the Lowe's Motor Speedway - a major race track, with many exciting races throughout the year, attracting large crowds; and Paramount's Carowinds - a large and thrilling Charlotte theme park with all of the family favorites, such as roller coasters, fast rides and sideshows.

There are lots of luxury restaurants in Charlotte. Here are a few recommendations.

1) Chima. Serves Brazilian cuisine. Average price: $25-100 Excellent location for conducting business. Food served buffet-style. Chim reviews area available in the Internet.http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g49022-d1205480-Reviews-Chima-Charlotte_North_Carolina.html>/ref>

2) Pewter Rose Bistro. Serves a wide variety on the menu. Vegetarian, seafood, American, French, International cuisine, steakhouse. Average price: $40. Good location for a romantic dinner, bar scene, large groups, outdoor seating, and scenic views. Dining options include breakfast/brunch, and late night service. Reservations required with "Open Table." Pewter Rose Bistro reviews are available in the Internet.

3) The Melting Pot. Specializes in Swiss cuisine, particularly fondue. Average price: $25-100. Reservations required. Reviews for The Melting Pot can be found online.<ref>http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g49022-d398572-Reviews-The_Melting_Pot-Charlotte_North_Carolina.html

4) McNinch House Serves continental cuisine, an eclectic variety of cuisines, French and International. Average price: $80. Good location for romantic and special occasions. Reviews of McNinch House can be found on the Internet.http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g49022-d398673-Reviews-McNinch_House-Charlotte_North_Carolina.html

You will find more recommendations at the five-star-restaurant guides, available online. http://www.nileguide.com/destination/charlotte/best/five-star-restaurants

Some of the affordable dining places are listed here for your convenience.

1) Copper Modern Indian Cuisine. Average price: $ 20. Indian cuisine. Reviews of the restaurant are online.http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g49022-d801330-Copper_Modern_Indian_Cuisine-Charlotte_North_Carolina.html

2) Dolce Ristorante. Average price: $7-24. Italian cuisine. Nice outdoor seating and romantic setting. Reviews are online.http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g49022-d399039-Reviews-Dolce_Ristorante-Charlotte_North_Carolina.html

3) Mac's Speed Shop. Average price: $15. American Cuisine with barbecue. Great local eating establishment. For reviews, visit the online sites.http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g49022-d821555-Reviews-Mac_s_Speed_Shop-Charlotte_North_Carolina.html

4) Price's Chicken Coop. Average price: $20. American and Fast Food cuisines. Reviews available online.http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g49022-d819114-Reviews-Price_s_Chicken_Coop-Charlotte_North_Carolina.html

Some of the Inexpensive Dining are listed here.

1) Mama Ricotta's. Authentic Italian cuisine with an outdoor patio. Casual Dining and an elaborate wine selection. Home made food "from scratch." Reviews available online. http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/38/421104/restaurant/Dilworth/Mama-Ricottas-Charlotte

2) Firebirds Wood Fired Grill Stonecrest. American cusine, steakhouse, burgers. Reviews on the Internet.http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/38/420632/restaurant/Ballantyne/Firebirds-Wood-Fired-Grill-Stonecrest-Charlotte

3) Ru Sans. Japanese cuisine, with sushi and vegetarian dishes. Reviews online.http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/38/421553/restaurant/Dilworth/Ru-Sans-Charlotte

More information regarding inexpensive dining in Charlotte are available online:http://www.urbanspoon.com/pr/38/3/Charlotte/Affordable-Fine-Dining.html

Cheerwine, a cherry-flavored soft drink, is a local favorite. [[Sundrop [76]]], available in a unique citrus blend and cherry-lemon, is based out of Gastonia and is a favorite among locals. R.C. Cola is also a "traditional" Southern soft drink. If you are not from the American South, you may be surprised to see sweet iced tea is the predominant non-carbonated drink (and is arguably sweeter).