There’s good news about Valentine’s Day while social distancing. You don’t have to eat out in a crowded restaurant with all those other couples trying to mark the special day. In the Charlotte area, there are many great restaurants offering curbside pickup or delivery for Valentine’s Day. This article shares our favorites among NoDa restaurants.
As of this article’s writing, Charlotte restaurants were still open to indoor diners. But seating was reduced, and you had to wear a mask whenever not actively eating. Somehow it just isn’t as sweet and romantic to go out with your sweetie and wear personal protective equipment at the meal.
Still, it’s easy to plan a romantic evening at home after you take advantage of curbside pickup or no-contact delivery. We’ll leave the candles and rose petals up to you, but here are our suggestions for NoDa restaurants that can serve up a tasty meal for two.
Botiwalla
This Indian restaurant is a brand-new addition to NoDa eateries having opened its doors in January 2021. Botiwalla is an Indian street food concept James Beard-nominated chef Meherwan Irani. Try the chicken tikka wrapped in naan, lamb burgers, or tandoori fried veggie kabob. If you want to spice things up (at the table, please…what you do after dinner is up to you), be sure to try the house-made hot sauce made with red chilies, garlic, salt, and vinegar. You can order online and pick up from the Optimist Hall location.
Cabo Fish Taco
So you can’t travel to Mexico this season? You can still enjoy the taste of the beach at Cabo Fish Taco. The Food Network-featured “Cabo combines coastal Mexican cuisine with a unique healthy California feel.” And don’t worry, you don’t have to choose a taco de pescado (although that’s the specialty obviously). The steak tacos are also yummy and the Grilled Serrano Chicken Tacos with cilantro is a specialty. Pickup or delivery.
Crepe Cellar Kitchen and Pub
Enjoy a European evening with savory or sweet crepes from this NoDa restaurant. French Onion soup may not be your best choice for Valentine’s Day, but it’s always a hit. Steak and Frites, Lobster Pasta, and Braised Short Rib are all on the menu alongside the Duck Confit Crepe or Roasted Chicken and Kale Crepe. Finish the meal off with a Nutella and Banana Crepe or the traditional Crepes Suzette. Pickup or delivery.
Deejai Noodle Bar
Specializing in Thai street food, this noodle bar also serves up sushi and poke bowls. The Pink Noodle Bowl is a perfect color for Valentine’s Day: flat rice noodles, fried wonton, fish ball, squid, shrimp, fried tofu, and crispy pork belly. Pickup or delivery.
Haberdish
You’re in North Carolina, so enjoy Southern fare such as sweet potato dumplings, cornbread pudding, and crispy fried chicken. The Chicken and Waffles here is a serious contender for best in the Charlotte area. Chicken-fried cauliflower steak is another hit along with the Cast Iron NC Trout. Start your meal with Hushpuppies or Smokey Boiled Peanuts. Pickup or delivery.
Le’s Sandwiches and Cafe
Billed as a Mom and Pop shop, Le’s has been serving up banh mi sandwiches to this trendy Charlotte neighborhood since 2014. This Vietnamese sandwich shop is located in the Asian Corner Mall. A local favorite is the #6 with juicy slices of grilled, marinated pork, layered with pickled daikon and carrots, fresh jalapeño, and cilantro served up in a fresh French baguette. Pronounced Lay, this shop is cash only and pick up only.
Oh My Soul
Straight from South Africa, Oh My Soul is 100% vegan. This NoDa restaurant promises to “bring you a ‘Taste of Africa,’ a piece of our unique heritage.” You can try Vish and Chips, Grilled BBQ Vibs, a Grilled Vicken and Friendly Bacon Ranch Wrap, or the Buddha Bowl. There’s also a wide range of Vurgers on the menu. Finish off, or go right to dessert, enjoying one of the several Waffles on offer. Pickup or delivery.
Sabor Latin Street Grill
One of several Charlotte locations, this NoDa restaurant promises “fresh, authentic, bold” Latin street food. Choose from burritos, tacos, quesadillas as well as empanadas and arepas (corn cakes stuffed with assorted toppings). For dessert, you can enjoy churros or a guava empanada. Pickup or delivery.
The Goodyear House
Located just two blocks from the 36th St. Light rail station in the North Davidson Arts District, The Goodyear House promises elevated Southern comfort food. “Our menu boasts simple foods with complex flavors.” Favorites include the Wedge Stack, Smoked Cashew Mac, Red Devil Chicken, or Goopy Burger. Offers curbside pickup or delivery.
Of course, Valentine’s Day is going to remain a busy night for restaurants. So, plan ahead to place your order. If you’re going the delivery route, expect longer than normal wait times. At least you’ll be comfortable at home while your appetite builds.
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