A kebab plate from Kebab-Je in Matthews. Kristen Wile/UP

Chefs 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, or server to share their favorite restaurants in town (not including their own) and what they order there. Chef and owner of The Fig Tree Greg Zanitsch shares his family’s most frequented spots. —Kristen Wile

Toscana, SouthPark
A traditional Italian restaurant with a villa vibe
Greg’s order: The veal chop

Le’s Sandwich & Cafe, East Charlotte
Hidden inside Asian Corner Mall is one of the city’s best sandwich shops 
Greg’s order: The no. 6 bahn mi (grilled pork)

Futo Buta, South End
Chef Michael Shortino’s ramen shop is a popular one among chefs
Greg’s order: Cold noodle bowl (summer only)

Sweet Lew’s BBQ, Plaza Midwood
It just opened, but Zanitsch sees this laid back barbecue spot becoming a regular stop for the family
Greg’s order: Brisket platter

Kabob Je Rotisserie & Grill, Matthews
Some of the city’s most authentic kebabs are from this strip mall restaurant with a second location in Stonecrest
Greg’s order: Shawarma and mixed pickles (kabis)

More from this series

Good Food on Montford’s Larry Schreiber
Yafo’s Shai Fargian
Zeppelin’s Vince Giancarlo
The Asbury’s Miranda Brown
Barcelona Wine Bar’s Nicolas Daniels
Heirloom’s Clark Barlowe