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October 21, 2025
Where Chefs Eat: Mama Ricotta’s & Little Mama’s Megan Carraway
Pastry chef likes to keep it low-key
by TM Petaccia
Folks in the restaurant industry know good food, so we want to know where they eat when they’re not cooking. In this series, we ask a local chef, bartender, restaurateur, or food artisan to share their favorite restaurants in town and what they order there.
This week, we interview Megan Carraway, pastry chef at Mama Ricotta’s and Little Mama’s. The Johnson & Wales graduate is in charge of all desserts as well as the house-made focaccias at FS Group’s Italian concepts and Plate Perfect Catering. “I am always excited for our guests to end their time with us with a sweet treat,” she says. “The desserts we offer are classic flavors that I hope brings a bit of nostalgia and fun to the meal.” When she’s not on the clock, she lists these five restaurants as her go-to spots for good food and good service.
Maiz Agua Sal, Wesley Heights
Modern Mexican tortillería and agave bar with elevated cocktail program
Carraway’s order: Enmoladas, huarache de tinga, peanut salsa, tres leches cake
Carraway’s take: “This is my go-to for date night Mexican food. I love a good mole and theirs is excellent. I don’t have much of a sweet tooth, but I do treat myself to their tres leches cake. They do the classic version right.”
La Lima Sangucheria, South End
Fast-casual Peruvian sandwich spot serving sánguches, pastries, and fresh juices
Carraway’s order: Sensei bowl, Amazonico herbal lemonade
Carraway’s take: “I’m not surprised to love this place because I’ve been a fan of Viva Chicken for years, and it’s by the same restaurant group. The bowl is a lovely balance of flavors and textures.”
Haberdish, NoDa
Southern-inspired restaurant and craft cocktail bar offering traditional dishes and sides
Carraway’s order: Bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit; classic Bloody Mary
Carraway’s take: “My favorite spot for brunch — great service, location, and a simple menu done well. The biscuits here are my favorite (after my own!)”
Tipsy Burro Saloon & Cantina, Grier Heights
Tex-Mex cantina known for its quirky, vintage-decor vibe
Carraway’s order: Chimichangas
Carraway’s take: “This is my favorite spot for a low-key, divey dinner with friends. The atmosphere is campy honky tonk, with a great regular crowd and occasionally live music.”
Central Coffee, Plaza Midwood
Relaxed, community-focused café known for small-batch coffee, house-baked pastries, and warm atmosphere
Carraway’s order: Spinach quiche, dirty chai
Carraway’s take: “My favorite coffee shop since I moved to Charlotte in 2010 to attend JWU. It’s small, cozy, and has the best chai in town.”
See where other Charlotte chefs and industry pros eat
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UNPRETENTIOUS PALATE is a digital publication covering food and drink in Charlotte. At UP, you’ll find ethical food journalism that isn’t based on free meals. We’ll be your taste testers around the city, letting you know where you can’t miss and where to skip. And we’ll ban any condescending food-writer speak. We’ll tell you the dishes we love, where to go on date night, and the best places for cocktails. You can trust us.
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