Good Food on Montford

Step inside Good Food on Montford, and you’re immediately transported into a world where bold culinary creativity meets casual neighborhood energy. Nestled in a mid-century building along Charlotte’s Montford Drive, this locally adored restaurant delivers a globally inspired experience through its constantly evolving menu of small plates. The restaurant doesn’t shout. It speaks through its dishes—clearly, confidently, and without pretense.

A Setting That Balances Charm and Buzz

The vibe is understated yet magnetic. The space honors its mid-century roots, blending retro architecture with modern touches. Inside, there’s a hum of conversation, plates clinking, and bartenders pouring colorful cocktails into gleaming glasses. It’s polished but relaxed, sophisticated but unpretentious. Whether it’s a spontaneous night out or a planned celebration, the atmosphere at Good Food strikes the perfect balance.

Philosophy on the Plate

Good Food on Montford is part of Bruce Moffett’s MRG restaurant family, which includes other Charlotte favorites like Barrington’s and Stagioni. What sets Good Food apart is its devotion to bold flavors and rotating dishes rooted in global traditions, reimagined through a seasonal, local lens. The menu is built for exploration, with each visit offering something fresh and exciting.

From Korean beef to Mediterranean falafel and Southeast Asian curry, the culinary influences shift throughout the year. Local ingredients guide the menu, and the chefs follow their current culinary inspirations with enthusiasm and restraint, crafting dishes that are as refined as they are approachable.

What to Expect: Tapas-Style Exploration

The menu at Good Food on Montford is structured around small plates meant for sharing. It’s an ideal format for curious diners and makes it easy to sample a variety of flavors in a single meal. While the printed menu may look modest, the execution is anything but ordinary. Here’s a closer look at standout dishes:

• PEI Mussels with Green Curry and Coconut Milk
  A cornerstone of the menu, these mussels are simmered in a gentle green curry with a swirl of coconut milk and fresh cilantro. Served with pita bread for dipping, the broth alone has earned a devoted following. The flavors are soft yet layered, subtly spiced and undeniably comforting.
  
• Larry’s Buns
  Spice-rubbed pork belly with hoisin, carrot, and daikon tucked into pillowy steamed buns. Originally served as one large bun, the dish has evolved into two shareable portions. The richness of the pork contrasts beautifully with the pickled crunch of vegetables.
  
• Jerk Chicken with Sweet Potato Purée and Braised Collards
  What starts as a humble-looking dish unfolds into a harmonious combination of tender chicken, silky sweet potato purée, and juicy grilled pineapple. Every bite delivers warmth, depth, and a satisfying blend of savory and sweet.
  
• Pan-Seared Scallops with Smoked Corn and Basil Pesto
  Light, delicate, and masterfully seared. Paired with fresh summer vegetables and beans, this plate is a quiet showstopper.

• Pommes Frites with Truffle Oil and Parmesan
  These fries are golden, crisp, and generously showered with parmesan and herbs. A light aioli on the side adds a creamy finish. They are among the city’s best and often steal the spotlight.
  
• Cacio e Pepe Tagliolini
  Creamy, rich, and flawlessly simple. This house-made pasta showcases a velvety texture and bold peppery flavor that lingers long after the last bite.
  
• Brussels Sprouts with Red Pepper Ricotta
  A dynamic mix of tender sprouts, red onion, and creamy ricotta with a brightness that surprises. It’s a dish that plays with contrast and lands gracefully.
  
• Garganelli with Fennel Sausage and Tomato
  A rustic yet refined pasta dish with juicy sausage and a vibrant tomato sauce. It’s hearty without being heavy and serves as a comforting counterpoint to the lighter plates.
  

Sweet Finishes

For dessert, the kitchen leans into balance and seasonality:

• Deconstructed Lemon Tart
  Lemon curd, toasted meringue, and graham cracker crumbs layered into a dessert that is bright, tart, and effortlessly elegant.
  
• Ricotta Cheesecake with Peach
  Creamy, slightly savory, and beautifully plated. The cheesecake offers a mellow richness that blends seamlessly with the sweetness of ripe peach.

Cocktails That Surprise and Delight

The bar at Good Food on Montford is every bit as creative as the kitchen. Their cocktail list constantly shifts with the seasons and frequently surprises even the most seasoned drinkers. Notable options include:

• Lola
  A blend of vodka, ginger liqueur, limoncello, carrot, and vanilla. Creamy yet refreshing, it channels the flavor of a Creamsicle but with an elegant twist.
  
• Last Text
  Bombay gin, chartreuse, lychee, citrus, and egg white. Delicate and bright, this cocktail smooths out the gin’s sharpness with a silky finish.
  
• Shipwrecked
  Kraken rum, five-spice mandarin syrup, lime, and ginger beer. A complex blend that’s both bold and balanced.

Why Locals Keep Coming Back

Since opening, Good Food on Montford has earned a loyal following. First-time guests quickly become repeat visitors, often surprised by how consistent the quality remains. Service is attentive and sincere, delivered by a team that clearly takes pride in every plate and pour. Guests frequently note that every staff member seems genuinely happy to be there, and that mood carries throughout the experience.

Good Food on Montford has become a defining force in Charlotte’s dining scene. It’s the kind of place where you can order freely, trust the kitchen, and know your evening will end on a high note. Whether it’s your first time or your tenth, the experience always feels fresh.