I relocated here about 6 years ago but haven't been out much. Here is my take on the good eats:

Mexican - La Paz on South Blvd. The food has gone down a bit recently as the prices have gone up, but it is still one of the best Mexican food joints I've eaten in. Try the queso.

Italian - Must be Frankie's on Morehead. The atmosphere is excellent, the bar is nice and the food is awesome. Make sure to get the garlic mash potatos...if you don't have a date that night.

Please add yours!

Here's my adds:

Mexican - Azteca (on Woodlawn Rd., near I-77); while it's attached to a Days Inn, it has the best Mexican food in Charlotte. La Paz is good, but this is a lot better (my personal opinion)

Italian - Mama Ricotta's; Frankie's has a great atmosphere - but I'm a big fan of the food at mama Ricotta's - it'll be great when they move to the bigger location.

Thai - Thai Orchid (Fairview and Providence). Get the Meekrab - tasty.

Steak - McIntosh's - local, good, worth the coin, better than Morton's.

Chinese - Baoding; local, food seems very fresh.

While not a local, I come to Charlotte frequently for weekend getaways and the following are my favorites:

Cuban: LaGran Havana on Albemarle Rd, in the last year they have moved to this much bigger and nice facility. The marinated roast pork is to die for and they just keep that lightly toasted hot bread coming. Black beans and rice are excellent as well. Casual atmosphere and waiters that try extra hard.

Cajun: Cajun Queen, 2 locations, one downtown and one in Pineville. Both equally good, though I prefer the atmosphere in the downtown location. They offer, both creol and cajun style dishes, with a wide variety.
You can choose etoufe with chicken, fish, shrimp etc, or a different style altogether.
I could make a meal off the garlic mashed potatoes and red beans alone.

Had a bad experience at Cajun Queen around Christmas. Poor food, chipped beer bottlel, poor service. The place looked quaint and a good hang out for locals, but I'll not be heading back.