Inveterate foodie needs a place to eat when he visits next month. What culinary marvels does Charlotte have to offer?

It's FAB IMO!

THE best Italian restaurant south of New York City.
The Open Kitchen.
https://www.worldfamousopenkitchen.com

A melding of Spanish and Asian food with the best of both.  Great Paella and pot stickers, sushi and scampi. Casual atmosphere and very good service.

That being said Aldo's and  Da Mimmo in Little Italy Baltimore are hands down the best Italian dining south of NYC (some would say including) NYC. No subs burgers or pizza served. Honestly Open Kitchen is more of a family style restaurant so it's like comparing apples to oranges.  I could do some serious damage to my waist line at Open Kitchen though, I'm telling ya!

My favorite restaurant on this planet is Carbone in NYC.  It's not just my favorite Italian restaurant, it's my favorite restaurant.  I was there this past weekend and I'm going back 3 more times this summer.  Every time I go to NYC I try to go to Carbone.  VERY difficult to get reservations.  

a few extra hours and airfare!

I think I have enough ideas to fatten me up for a few days!

So it's now here in the abyss ...

I don't know if anyone mentioned this already, but Charlotte hosts an event twice a year called Queen's Feast. If you google that term or Charlotte Restaurant Week and click on the participating restaurants, it's a quick and easy way to see all the top restaurants in the area. I don't remember if they participate, but Soul Gastrolounge is one of my favorites! Ilios Noches is great too. Oh gosh, there's just so many choices here now!

I was down there in April for a short few day visit.  Stopped in at Cabo Fish Taco for a few margaritas, appetizers and grilled mahi-mahi fish tacos.  Everything was very good.  It's a popular place and tends to fill-up so unless you get there early expect a wait.  Also, stopped in at McKoy's Smokehouse & Saloon.  Sort a dive, but very good BBQ!  Biker's night on Friday Nite too.  Biker's have their bikes on display in the cordoned off parking lot.  They have bar tent and food available in parking lot besides the restaurant which has patio dining.  Seemed to be a very popular spot.