SCampillo
If you’re visiting the Charlotte-Lake Norman area of North Carolina, rest assured, there is plenty of great food to choose from. Some of the best restaurants near Lake Norman, NC can be found in Charlotte and all around the Lake Norman area.
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The most popular restaurants of course are on the water! I’ve got you covered from ‘pull-up your boat and dock’ hot spots with live music and tiki bars, local favorites, to the best weekend brunch, and those that use organic, local ingredients in their menu items.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy, casual, or waterfront vibe, each of the following restaurants near and around Lake Norman has a little something for everyone and is sure to tempt your taste buds!
Here are 16 of the best restaurants near Lake Norman you’ll want to check out.
Living in the Charlotte and Lake Norman area for over 15 years has allowed me to explore and visit different food venues. Especially those with all the good vibes and delicious food! These are among my favorite restaurants and the most popular in Charlotte for vegan food options.
Living Kitchen
Living Kitchen is a vibrant, raw plant-based and vegan restaurant located in the walkable Southend district of Charlotte. It’s my absolute favorite place to eat!
It’s located right along the rail trail with a station that drops you off a few steps away. It’s easy to get to if you live in the area but parking may be a challenge on the weekends if you’re driving.
The food is amazing! They use organic, fresh ingredients and the best quality food when preparing their dishes. So if you’re up for a healthy, all-vegan, and cruelty-free, Living Kitchen is a great place for a delicious meal any time.
The restaurant has an eclectic, artsy vibe and features an outdoor garden patio. Sunday brunch and all-day breakfast are available.
Cuisine: Vegan, plant-based
Neighborhood: Southend
Location: 2000 South Blvd Suite 300, Charlotte, NC 28203
Hours of Operation: Open Mon-Sat: 9am to 9pm // Sun: 10am to 4pm
Fern
Fern is a vegan restaurant located in the heart of Dilworth in Charlotte, NC. It’s cute and stylish with an earthy vibe. Some vegetarian options are available upon request.
Some of the most popular dishes include the cauliflower wings which come in either a sweet Thai sauce or buffalo sauce and the ‘mac n’ cheese’ which is also addicting.
Indoor and outdoor seating is available with plenty of table space in the outdoor patio that overlooks East Blvd. You also don’t want to miss the cool tree stump that has been carved with acorns and leaves!
Cuisine: Vegan, plant-based
Neighborhood: Dilworth
Location: 1419 East Blvd a, Charlotte, NC 28203
Hours of Operation: Mon: Closed // Tues-Sat: 11am to 3pm; 5-9pm // Sun: 11am to 3pm
Oh My Soul
Oh My Soul is a 100% vegan restaurant located in Charlotte’s NoDa art district. Their primary location is based in South Africa. It’s is a super cute restaurant open to everyone – vegan and non-vegans alike.
Oh My Soul has a welcoming atmosphere and provides a fun environment for the whole family including the fur babies!
It’s a perfect place to unwind on the weekends in the ‘backyard’ while listening to live music and sipping on a signature cocktail. For a real treat, plan on hanging around for Buff Faye’s drag show after breakfast for a fun and great way to enjoy Sunday brunch!
There are plenty of delicious menu items to choose from including their yummy Faithful Frenchie (french toast) and Peckish Pancakes topped with berries and cruelty-free cream for some tasty breakfast options or choose from their popular lunch items. If you go on a Sunday, breakfast is served all day.
Front porch seating is available in addition to their backyard, outdoor seating. During the colder months, they put up a tent and add heaters to the surrounding tables to help keep you warm and comfortable.
Cuisine: Vegan, plant-based
Neighborhood: NoDa
Location: 3046 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205
Hours of Operation: Mon: Closed // Tues-Thurs: 12-10pm // Fri: 12-11pm // Sat: 10am to 11pm // Sun: 10am – 5pm
Romeo’s Vegan Burgers
Romeo’s Vegan Burgers started out as a food truck making its way across Charlotte but after quickly gaining popularity, the business owners decided to add a drive-thru location which is now located in the lower Southend area of Charlotte.
They provide fully plant-based vegan burgers loaded with all the good stuff but without the harm; fat fries, and organic homemade lemonades, tea, and shakes. Romeo’s is one of the most popular food trucks around Charlotte for both vegans and non-vegans typically attracting crowds of people.
Indoor seating and dining room are available at their drive-thru location.
Cuisine: Vegan, plant-based
Neighborhood: Lower Southend
Location: 5518 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28217
Hours of Operation: Mon-Sun: 11am to 10pm
The best things in life are cruelty-free!
Restaurants in the Lake Norman Area
The Lake Norman area offers a variety of options if you’re looking to get closer to the water – from casual to fine dining to high-vibing on the waterfront, this is the place to be for a more entertaining kinda vibe.
The ones I have listed below are not fully vegan but they offer some vegan and vegetarian options and are my top picks in the Lake Norman area.
Famous Toastery (Vegan/Vegetarian Friendly)
Famous Toastery is a casual breakfast, brunch, and lunch restaurant located in the Davidson area of Lake Norman – a quaint little town minutes from Interstate 77 and Davidson Lake. They offer vegan and vegetarian options and are always willing to customize upon request.
If you’re not familiar with the town of Davidson, it’s a quaint little town well-preserved in its history. Main Street is lined with cute little shops, cafes, and restaurants – Famous Toastery being one of them. The village green and Davidson College sit across the street.
Cuisine: Traditional American
Neighborhood: Davidson
Location: 101 N Main St, Davidson, NC 28036
Hours of Operation: Mon-Sun: 7-3pm
North Harbor Club (Vegan/Vegetarian Friendly)
North Harbor Club is a nautical-themed new American fine-dining waterfront restaurant located on Lake Norman in Davidson. They offer menu options for everyone and are vegan and vegetarian-friendly.
If you have a boat, you can pull up and dock at one of the 9 boat slips available for guests and enjoy an
The outdoor waterfront patio offers great views of the lake and makes for a more casual environment. Sit inside for more of a fine-dining experience and a family-friendly atmosphere.
North Harbor Club also features a full bar with an extensive wine selection and divider rooms for corporate events and private parties perfect for a special occasion.
Cuisine: New American
Neighborhood: Davidson
Location: 100 N Harbor Pl, Davidson, NC 28036
Hours of Operation: Sun-Thurs: 11am to 9pm // Fri-Sat: 11am to 9:30pm
Lake Norman Cottage
The Lake Norman Cottage is a cozy waterfront wine bar just steps away from North Harbor Club in Davidson. The cottage has a welcoming and “feel at home” kinda vibe, perfect for an afternoon or evening wine-down after a stressful day at work or simply just because.
The home-like setting will make you feel like you are relaxing at home.
The cottage offers wine tastings, small bites, and a hospitable, relaxing atmosphere. Not many food options but a great place to hop over to after dinner at North Harbor Club for a glass of wine and good vibes.
Indoor and outdoor seating is available.
Cuisine: Wine bar
Neighborhood: Davidson
Location: 200-A N Harbor Pl, Davidson, NC 28036
Hours of Operation: Mon-Sat: 12am to 9pm // Sun: 12am to 5pm
Port City Club (Vegan/Vegetarian Friendly)
Port City Club is a waterfront restaurant located in the Cornelius area of Lake Norman. The restaurant has a large indoor dining area as well as an outdoor patio and lounge area with seating that overlooks the water. The covered deck is heated and fully enclosed for dining comfort during the colder months.
They offer a wide range of menu items with something for everyone, including vegan and vegetarian meal options. If you want to customize a dish, all you have to do is ask. They are willing to make adjustments for you and your dietary needs.
Port City Club has a great lakefront vibe throughout the year.
Cuisine: American with a variety of food options including Italian cuisine
Neighborhood: Cornelius
Location: 18665 Harborside Drive, Cornelius, NC 28031
Hours of Operation: Mon-Tues: Closed // Wed-Thurs: 4-10pm // Sat: 11:30am to 10pm // Sun: 11:30am to 9pm
Melting Pot (Vegan/Vegetarian Friendly)
The Melting Pot is Huntersville’s fine-dining destination near Lake Norman. It’s more of a chain restaurant but a popular one that can’t be left out. Especially now that they feature a 4-course vegan menu!
If you’ve never been, it’s a great place for a date or a fun dining experience with the fam. It’s a self-cooking fondue experience that includes chocolate dipping, now vegan cheese, and several entrees to choose from.
Cuisine: Fondue
Neighborhood: Huntersville
Location: 16625 Statesville Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078
Hours of Operation: Mon-Thurs: 4:30-9pm // Fri: 5-10pm // Sat: 3-10pm // Sun: 3-9pm
Hello Sailor (Vegan/Vegetarian Friendly)
Hello, Sailor is a waterfront restaurant located in Cornelius in one of Lake Norman’s large coves with beautiful views of the lake. The vibe is retro-ish, laid back, and welcoming, It features an outdoor tiki bar overlooking the water, an ideal location for those hot summer vibes!
The restaurant underwent new ownership after closing down what was previously known as Rusty Rudder. The owners of Kindred Davidson opened it up in 2017.
While the restaurant is not fully vegan, they do offer vegetarian and vegan options such as a delicious cauliflower steak and other good vegan options to choose from.
Cuisine: Southern American gourmet
Neighborhood: Cornelius
Location: 20210 Henderson Road, Cornelius, NC 28031
Hours of Operation: Mon-Sun: 11am to 9pm
Blu Star Grill (Vegetarian Friendly)
Blu Star Grill is a family-owned and operated restaurant located in the Mooresville area of Lake Norman. It’s a good place to stop in for lunch or dinner during the week or on the weekend with the family.
They offer an extensive menu with the best possible prices as well as gluten-free and vegetarian options including a black bean burger, salads, and veggie wraps. Request to remove the cheese to veganize some of the options.
Cuisine: American
Neighborhood: Mooresville
Location: 120-A Marketplace Ave, Mooresville, NC 28117
Hours of Operation: Open Mon-Sat: 9am to 9pm // Sun: 10am to 4pm
Other Restaurants On Lake Norman
While the restaurants listed below are not vegan-friendly, they are fun to pull up to on your boat in the spring or summer for live entertainment and drinks. These local favorite restaurants all offer outdoor seating, complimentary boat slips, and a boat ramp to drop your boat. It’s a lake life kinda vibe!
Waterfront Restaurants Around the Lake:
- Blue Parrot Grill in Mooresville
- Toucan’s Lakefront in Mooresville
- Apps & Taps in Mooresville
- Landing Restaurant in Sherrills Ford (includes a game room for the kiddos)
- Waterside Bar & Grill in Denver (west side of Lake Norman)
Final Thoughts
Now that you have plenty of delicious dining options to choose from, make your selection and savor the experience!
Lake Norman is a prime location and attracts over 6 million visitors each year. The area has so much to offer and being able to enjoy beautiful, expansive lake views from a waterfront restaurant is priceless.
If you’re staying in the Charlotte area, restaurants may not be on the water but they still offer delicious food and area views. It’s also still close enough to head to the lake for an afternoon lunch!
If you have a hard time deciding, you might just have to go on a restaurant-hopping tour to explore your options depending on the occasion or what you’re in the mood for!
Where to Stay Near Lake Norman
If you’re looking for a place to stay in the Lake Norman area, there are plenty of amazing vacation rentals around the lake. Explore affordable options to find one that fits your vacation needs.
Other areas you can search are Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson, Mooresville, or Denver. Just type in your preferred area below and see what’s available.
Things to Do Near Lake Norman
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Cover Image Credit: visitnc.com
Sandra Campillo
Sandra Campillo is an eco, vegan lifestyle and travel blogger and entrepreneur. Join Sandra and her community of readers on SandraCampillo.com to learn how to live a healthier, more sustainable, and compassionate way of life while creating a passive income lifestyle.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in the Lake Norman area, there are plenty of amazing vacation rentals around the lake. Explore affordable options to find one that fits your vacation needs.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in the Lake Norman area, there are plenty of amazing vacation rentals around the lake. Explore affordable options to find one that fits your vacation needs.
