Planning a group outing can be overwhelming and trying to please everyone's tastes can be a challenge. Lake Norman has a diverse culinary scene full of tasty options. To help you pick a place, get started with this list of group-friendly restaurants sure to please all of your guests.
Cornelius
1. BoatYard LKN
BoatYard LKN is the perfect place to gather with friends and family to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, local beer, and live music. The local patio is the main attraction, with abundant outdoor seating and event space.
Top Dishes: Buffalo Chicken Wrap, Chicken Philly Sandwich, Smashburger
2. Brooklyn South Pizzeria
This family-friendly parlor has an extensive menu of classic, casual Italian offerings & New York-style pizzas. Brooklyn South Pizzeria prides itself on offering traditional family recipes with the finest natural cheeses, meats, vegetables, choice herbs, and spices.
Top Dishes: Penne ala Vodka, The "Brooklyn Bridge" Pizza, "The New York Original"
Brooklyn South Pizzeria
Hello, Sailor
3. Fusion Bowl
Fusion Bowl is a traditional Asian restaurant with a modern setting featuring a full-service cocktail lounge serving Asian-inspired drinks. Each distinctive dish is handcrafted to order in their immaculate, open kitchen, prepared with only the finest and freshest ingredients.
Top Dishes: Fusion Bowl Bento Box, House Special Lo Mein, Mongolian Beef
4. Hello, Sailor
A modern take on fish camp, Hello, Sailor serves fish dishes and fried favorites. The bright, sunny, casual waterfront restaurant and bar are open every Wednesday through Sunday.
Top Dishes: Crab Legs, Flounder, Petit Bistro Steak
5. Noboru Steakhouse & Sushi Bar
Japanese-styled restaurant Noboru Steakhouse & Sushi Bar has a family-friendly atmosphere to enjoy your food being made right in front of you with the freshest ingredients. Owner Martin Tanaka was led to open a restaurant in Lake Norman, hoping to elevate the area by providing an authentic teppanyaki dining experience.
Top Dishes: Chef's Choice Sushi, Chicken and Hibachi Steak Combination Dinner, Nigiri Sushi
6. Peninsula Prime
Peninsula Prime caters to every need, whether with friends and family for a special night out or a simple drink and some oysters on the half shell. This bar and grill has a comfortable atmosphere where all meals are always guaranteed to be flavorful and fresh while obtaining their produce locally.
Top Dishes: Atlantic Halibut, Cambridge Oysters, and 14oz Prime 44 Farms NY Strip.
Peninsula Prime
Waterman Fish Bar
7. Port City Club
Port City Club is a uniquely designed 13,500 sq. ft. waterfront restaurant serving only the best fresh ingredients to make steak, seafood & cocktails. Each room has a view of the lake and was designed to be bright, cheerful, and reflect a casual yet classy atmosphere.
Top Dishes: Eggplant Parmesan, Crab Cake Salad, Lobster Ravioli
8. Waterman Fish Bar
Serving comfort dishes and cocktails, Waterman Fish Bar focuses on seafood and features indoor dining, a 360 bar, and a gorgeous wrap-around patio. No matter the plate, guests can rest assured that the product is responsibly sourced as the Waterman prides itself on exclusively serving domestic products focusing on the Carolinas.
Top Dishes: Crispy Calamari, The Blackened Platter, The Daily Catch
Davidson
9. Brickhouse Tavern
Brickhouse Tavern has served the Lake Norman community for 20 years in the 120-year-old Davidson Cotton Mill. The restaurant offers an extensive menu offering many classic dishes, bold flavors, and more than 70 beer selections, including a wide range of Carolina Craft brews.
Top Dishes: Chicken Parmesan, North Atlantic Salmon, The Brickhouse Burger
10. Famous Toastery
Combining twists on culinary classics while using only the highest-quality ingredients, Famous Toastery has set itself apart in the "better breakfast" segment. This traditional American cafe has various delicious and healthy options for all-day breakfast and lunch.
Top Dishes: Build Your Own Omelet, Left Coast BLT, Stuffed French Toast
Famous Toastery
Mandolino's Artisan Pizza
11. Flatiron Kitchen + Taphouse
Flatiron Kitchen + Taphouse serves high-quality meats and fish paired with thoughtfully sourced vegetables and sides while offering a premium list of food-friendly wines and a large and thoughtful selection of imported and local craft beers on tap. Many of the restaurant's details take inspiration from the Flatiron Building in New York City.
Top Dishes: Atlantic Salmon, Grilled Hanger Steak, Taphouse Burger
12. Mandolino's Artisan Pizza
Mandolino's Artisan Pizza is a highly-anticipated second restaurant by the Flatiron Kitchen + Taphouse folks. Executive Chef Bill Schutz has created a menu of carefully sourced ingredients reflecting his Italian family heritage.
Top Dishes: Buffalo Soldier Pizza, The Bonamassa Pizza, White Wedding Pizza
13. Mestizo Contemporary Mexican Cuisine
Mestizo Contemporary Mexican Cuisine offers high-quality, fresh, local Mexican food in a friendly environment. Stop by for a quick lunch or a tasty dinner and enjoy their beautiful patio, providing views of gardens while sipping on some delicious organic margaritas.
Top Dishes: Carne Asada, Pollo Mestizo, Tacos Al Pastor
14. North Harbor Club
The regatta-themed New American fine-dining destination offers fine cuisine using fresh ingredients. North Harbour Club is open for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch and has a waterfront patio & nine boat slips for guests.
Top Dishes: Herb Crusted Tilapia, Light House Burger, Stuff Roasted Chicken Breast
North Harbour Club
The Crazy Pig
15. Sabi Asian Bistro
The New East-West fusion restaurant, Sabi Asian Bistro, has everything from sushi to steak. Serving delicious Asian food daily, this restaurant has 190 seats and a private dining room that can serve 50 people.
Top Dishes: Sabi Hibachi Stir Fry, Sesame Chicken, Spicy General Tso's Chicken
16. The Crazy Pig
BBQ and Taphouse, The Crazy Pig, is committed to providing excellent food at affordable prices by using fresh ingredients from local farmers' markets. The restaurant is available for private events such as weddings, business, lunches, dinners, and cocktail receptions.
Top Dishes: BBQ Sliders, The Crazy Pig, 2 Meat Platter
Huntersville
17. Bonefish Grill
Bonefish Grill specializes in market-fresh fish cooked over a wood-burning grill. Whether you go with family over a casual dinner or a group of friends at the bar, known for its friendly community tables, lively music, and infectious energy, Bonefish Grill is a refreshing place to be where you can relax and embrace happiness.
Top Dishes: Bang Bang Shrimp, Lobster, Tilapia
18. Brixx Wood Fired Pizza
Serving signature sandwiches, salads, desserts, and the best brick-oven pizzas, Brixx Wood Fired Pizza is a fun and friendly neighborhood restaurant offering something for everyone. Brixx features 14 wines by the glass and 24 great beers on tap.
Top Dishes: Bronx Bomber Pizza, Housemade Mozzarella Sandwich, Meatball Pomorodo
Brixx Wood Fired Pizza
First Watch
19. eeZ Fusion & Sushi
Locally owned, eeZ has long been the spot for the freshest, most creative sushi in the Lake Norman area. This restaurant is the perfect spot for a date night out, a family outing, or a meal with friends, as it is truly something for everyone.
Top Dishes: Classic Fried Rice, Pad Thai, The Huddle Roll
20. First Watch
At First Watch, they begin every morning by slicing fresh fruits and vegetables, baking muffins, and whipping their French toast batter from scratch. They use only the finest ingredients possible for the freshest taste around.
Top Dishes: Avocado Toast, Multigrain Pancakes, The Traditional
21. Fox and Hound Sports Tavern
Fox and Hound Sports Tavern offers a family-friendly atmosphere so you can bring the kids out for a bite and enjoy the daily drink specials. The restaurant has a grand banquet room for any event, with an excellent buffet menu sure to please any crowd.
Top Dishes: Buffalo Chicken Philly, Jack Daniels Burger, Nashville Hot Chicken Mac and Cheese
22. Kabuto Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar
Watch professional Hibachi chefs prepare your favorite dishes in front of your eyes at Kabuto Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar. Open for dinner daily, this restaurant has an event room large enough to accommodate a group as small as eight people and as large as 45.
Top Dishes: Family Bundle Chicken, Filet & Shrimp Hibachi Dish, 15 Pcs Chicken Katana
Kabuto Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar
Red Rocks Cafe
23. Midwood Smokehouse
Midwood Smokehouse is where the neighborhood gets its BBQ fix. Their pitmasters burn hickory wood 24/7 to bring customers the barbecue they crave.
Top Dishes: Chicken Barbecue, Prime Beef Brisket, Saint Louis Style Ribs
24. Red Rocks Cafe
Hosted by local owners, catered with American cuisine, and served by a friendly and knowledgeable wait staff, Red Rocks Cafe is sure to please everyone. Founded in 1992, their mission is to professionally and efficiently operate a clean, upscale restaurant that consistently offers great food and beverages at a reasonable cost.
Top Dishes: Blackened Mahi, Filet Medallions, White Rib's
Whether you're gathering for a family reunion or celebrating someone's birthday, there's a variety of places to enjoy with your crew in Lake Norman! Whichever restaurant you choose to dine at, make sure to tag us on social media @visitlakenorman!