The Sarver Group | October 2026
Some of the best parts of living near Lake Norman happen away from the water, around the dinner table, over a favorite meal, and inside the restaurants that become part of our routines.
A great neighborhood restaurant can tell you something about a community. It might be the place everyone suggests when friends visit, the dependable spot for a weeknight dinner, or a hidden favorite you are almost reluctant to share.
Throughout Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson, Mooresville, and the surrounding Lake Norman area, there is no shortage of places to explore. Whether you are searching for the best restaurants near Lake Norman, a new date night destination, or somewhere to take visiting family, a personal recommendation can make choosing a little easier.
That is the inspiration behind The Sarver Group's Where We Eat, Sip & Play series. Each month, a member of our team shares favorite restaurants, gathering places, and local experiences throughout the Lake Norman and Charlotte communities.
For October 2026, we are featuring Trace Hedrick, our Director of Marketing & Technology. His three recommendations offer a little of everything: handcrafted Chinese dumplings, Southern-style barbecue, and traditional British and Irish comfort food.
Quick Answer: Where Should You Eat Near Lake Norman?
Three restaurants worth trying in the Lake Norman area are BaoBao in Huntersville for soup dumplings and Chinese cuisine, Midwood Smokehouse at Birkdale Village for smoked brisket and Southern barbecue, and Harp & Crown Pub in Cornelius for British and Irish pub classics. These are personal favorites recommended by The Sarver Group's Trace Hedrick.
Meet This Month's Local Guide
Meet Trace Hedrick
Director of Marketing & Technology | The Sarver Group
Trace spends much of his time helping showcase the homes, neighborhoods, and lifestyle that make the Lake Norman area a desirable place to call home.
But knowing a community goes beyond knowing its real estate. It also means knowing where to grab dinner, what local spots are worth exploring, and which dishes you would recommend without hesitation.
This month's picks reflect Trace's appreciation for flavorful food, comforting classics, and restaurants that offer something a little different.
Trace's October Favorites
Three Lake Norman Restaurants Worth Adding to Your List
From Huntersville's Sam Furr Road corridor to Birkdale Village and West Catawba Avenue in Cornelius, these three spots offer distinct flavors and memorable meals.
01 / Chinese Cuisine / Huntersville
BaoBao: A Little Dumpling, A Lot of Flavor
If you have been searching for soup dumplings near Lake Norman, BaoBao in Huntersville is a restaurant worth putting on your radar.
Located along Sam Furr Road, BaoBao specializes in handcrafted dumplings, bao, wontons, and other Chinese favorites. Its menu is a welcome change of pace for anyone looking to try something beyond their usual lunch or dinner rotation.
One of the highlights is the soup dumpling, also known as xiao long bao. These delicate dumplings contain a savory filling and flavorful broth wrapped inside a thin layer of dough.
They are part meal, part experience. Carefully lifting the dumpling, enjoying the broth, and savoring the filling is what makes them such a memorable dish.
BaoBao is a great choice for sharing a variety of plates with friends or introducing someone to Chinese dumplings for the first time. Whether you are craving something familiar or hoping to discover a new favorite, the menu offers plenty to explore.
Trace's Recommendation
Soup Dumplings and Spicy Wontons in Chili Oil
This combination brings together rich, comforting flavors and a little heat. And according to Trace, you should not leave without trying the bubble tea.
Best for: Casual date nights, dumpling enthusiasts, exploring Chinese cuisine, and anyone searching for restaurants in Huntersville that offer something different.
Location: 9715 Sam Furr Road, Suite C, Huntersville, NC 28078
Area: Sam Furr Road / Northcross
02 / Southern Barbecue / Birkdale Village
Midwood Smokehouse: Southern Comfort Done Right
There is something about a great plate of Southern barbecue that never goes out of style.
Whether it is the smell of smoked meat, the familiar sides, or the opportunity to gather around a table with friends, barbecue has always been about more than just the food.
For Trace, one of the favorite places to satisfy that craving is Midwood Smokehouse at Birkdale Village in Huntersville, NC.
Known for its smoked meats and Southern comfort food, Midwood serves classics including brisket, pulled pork, smoked turkey, and a variety of traditional barbecue sides.
What makes this particular location appealing is the setting. Birkdale Village is one of Huntersville's popular destinations for shopping, restaurants, and spending time outdoors. It is a natural place to enjoy an afternoon or casual evening with family and friends.
You can spend a little time browsing the shops, meet friends for dinner, and finish the evening with a stroll through the village.
Trace's Recommendation
Brisket with Mac & Cheese, Fried Okra, and Red Slaw
A combination of rich, smoky brisket, creamy mac and cheese, crispy fried okra, and tangy red slaw makes for a satisfying Southern-style meal.
Best for: BBQ lovers, casual family dinners, meeting friends, and anyone exploring restaurants at Birkdale Village in Huntersville.
Location: 16710 Birkdale Commons Parkway, Huntersville, NC 28078
Area: Birkdale Village
03 / British & Irish Pub / Cornelius
Harp & Crown Pub: A Taste of the British Isles
Sometimes the best place for a meal is somewhere you can settle in, relax, and enjoy good conversation.
Harp & Crown Pub in Cornelius captures that laid-back atmosphere while bringing traditional English and Irish favorites to the Lake Norman dining scene.
Located along West Catawba Avenue, the pub offers a menu filled with comforting classics, from Fish & Chips to Shepherd's Pie and Bangers & Mash.
For anyone who enjoys hearty pub food, it is an appealing change of pace from the usual restaurant rotation. The setting also makes it a comfortable choice for catching up with friends or enjoying a relaxed evening out.
But dinner is not the only reason Trace recommends stopping by. Harp & Crown also offers weekend brunch, including a Full English Breakfast, which makes for a distinctive alternative to the typical brunch menu.
Trace's Recommendation
Reuben Springrolls
These are Trace's go-to choice. For a traditional pub meal, consider the Fish & Chips, Shepherd's Pie, or Bangers & Mash.
Visiting on the weekend? Trace also recommends checking out the Full English Breakfast.
Best for: Pub food enthusiasts, weekend brunch, casual gatherings with friends, and anyone looking for British or Irish cuisine in Cornelius, NC.
Location: 19930 West Catawba Avenue, Suite 130, Cornelius, NC 28031
Area: West Catawba Avenue
Find Your Next Favorite
Which Lake Norman Restaurant Should You Try First?
Each of Trace's recommendations brings something different to the table. Here is how to choose your next stop.
For Something Different
Try BaoBao for handcrafted soup dumplings, chili-oil wontons, and Chinese cuisine in Huntersville.
For Southern Comfort
Head to Midwood Smokehouse for brisket and barbecue sides while enjoying Birkdale Village.
For Pub Food & Brunch
Visit Harp & Crown for British and Irish classics or a relaxing weekend brunch in Cornelius.
Lake Norman Dining Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Restaurants Near Lake Norman
Planning a meal in Huntersville or Cornelius? Here are some quick answers to common local dining questions.
What are some good restaurants near Lake Norman, NC?
Three local favorites recommended by Trace Hedrick of The Sarver Group are BaoBao in Huntersville for Chinese soup dumplings, Midwood Smokehouse at Birkdale Village for Southern barbecue, and Harp & Crown Pub in Cornelius for British and Irish food.
Where can I get soup dumplings in Huntersville, NC?
BaoBao, located at 9715 Sam Furr Road, Suite C in Huntersville, offers handcrafted soup dumplings, bao, and wontons. Trace recommends the soup dumplings and spicy wontons in chili oil.
Where can I find barbecue at Birkdale Village?
Midwood Smokehouse is located at 16710 Birkdale Commons Parkway in Birkdale Village, Huntersville. It serves smoked meats including brisket and pulled pork alongside classic Southern sides.
What are some casual date-night restaurants in Huntersville?
BaoBao is a good option for couples who enjoy sharing dumplings and trying new flavors. Midwood Smokehouse at Birkdale Village is another casual choice, especially if you want to combine dinner with shopping or exploring the village.
Where can I find British and Irish pub food in Cornelius?
Harp & Crown Pub, located at 19930 West Catawba Avenue, Suite 130, serves British and Irish-inspired favorites including Fish & Chips, Shepherd's Pie, and Bangers & Mash.
Where can I get a Full English Breakfast near Lake Norman?
Harp & Crown Pub in Cornelius offers weekend brunch featuring a Full English Breakfast. Check the restaurant's latest brunch menu and hours before visiting.
Explore Life Around Lake Norman
Finding the Right Home Is Also About Finding Your Community
At The Sarver Group, we believe a great place to live is about much more than the home itself.
It is the restaurants you return to, the local businesses you love supporting, the places where you make memories, and the neighborhoods that become part of your everyday life.
Whether you already call Lake Norman home or are considering a move to Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson, Mooresville, or the greater Charlotte area , our team is here to help you discover everything these communities have to offer.
