Location: Charlotte
Top Restaurants in Charlotte
Top Things to do in Charlotte
Where to Eat in Charlotte: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Charlotte /ˈʃɑːrlət/ is the most populous city in the U.S. state of North Carolina. Located in the Piedmont, it is the county seat of Mecklenburg County.
Things to do in Charlotte
1. The Fig Tree Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 585 reviews
Chef-owned and operated, The Fig Tree Restaurant is located just minutes from Uptown in a beautifully restored 1913 bungalow. Chef Zanitsch's cuisine is Country European with an emphasis on wine pairing. The wine list is not only award-winning but also affordable; the service unsurpassed. Beautiful fireplaces glow in the fall and winter while alfresco dining on the veranda is a must in the spring and summer.
Reviewed By Roycal - Charlotte, North Carolina
The Fig Tree is fairly formal and expensive, sort of a place for special meals. Just about everything was positive. Very good food and service (the latter neither too casual nor too pretentious), and they also had a few reasonably priced wines, which was a nice surprise. I had a beet appetizer, a creamy soup special, and the trigger fish entree (a special at $37), which was well prepared, tasty and more than I could eat. My wife had a small spinach salad and the scallops entree ($36 on the menu), also very good. All of our food was very good. Our total cost (before tip and three levels of sales taxes), including a $30 bottle of wine, was $120.
Except that our room was a little too dark, the old house ambiance was great. The only negative, though some wouldn't call it that, was that the food came very, very fast. It was a Sunday night, and they weren't terribly crowded, so dinner on busy nights might be more leisurely. This is one of Charlotte's few truly upscale restaurants, and among the best, in my opinion.
2. Lang Van
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 200 reviews
Reviewed By rawband - Winston Salem, North Carolina
I was really pleased. staff was amazing and food was great. Variety of options. Prices reasonable. Parking looked like it would be difficult but there is some in the back.
3. Viva Chicken
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 355 reviews
Reviewed By Bernard W
The atmosphere is very fast food oriented, so is ordering food, but the food is a good bit better than normal fast food fare. They have some nice Peruvian sides and drinks to experiment with. The plantains and yucca fries were bot very good. The roasted chicken was so-so, not particularly distinguishable as Peruvian. I had the dark meat quarter, and it was a very small portion. My daughter had the white meat portion which was larger, but fairly dry. The other members of our party had wraps and salads which were better portions, and tasted better as well.
4. The Capital Grille
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 817 reviews
You are cordially invited to join us for an evening or afternoon of relaxed elegance and exceptional cuisine. Our impressive menu of nationally renowned dry aged steaks and the freshest of seafood will ignite your culinary imagination as our award-winning wine list of more than 5,000 bottles awakens your inner sommelier. And as our gracious, knowledgeable servers delight you with their uncanny ability to anticipate your every need, you’ll experience firsthand why the American Culinary Federation recently bestowed upon us their “Achievement of Excellence Award.” Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or hosting a business meeting, we can help you flawlessly pull off any private dining event. Our team has extensive experience and the ideal materials to work with—a capital setting, distinctive food and unmatched service. Located in the heart of the Uptown Financial District just blocks from the Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte Convention Center, and Time Warner Cable Arena.
Reviewed By l0vetorow - Lewes, Delaware
The most impeccable meal we've ever had. Everything was delicious, the service was top-notch, the ambiance was ideal. We will be back!
Ordered: Mojitos (had muddled green grapes--yum!), Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella (came with tomatoes, drizzled balsamic, toast) , Lobster & Crab Cakes (came with a corn relish & tartar sauce), Lobster Bisque (huge chunks of lobster and very creamy), Seared Tenderloin with Butter Poached Lobster Tails (insanely good, MUST HAVE--I closed my eyes when I ate this!), Coconut Cream Pie (huge, perfect to share, very creamy and light tasting--perfection), Cappuccino (comes with cute sugar stir-stick). They also provided a free bread basket filled with a couple varieties (an onion/cheese bread, a brown bread with raisins, a cracker-like bread, and very good butter).
Plan to spend $100+ for 2 people. But go--it's worth it.
5. Midwood Smokehouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Jim T - austin, tx
Four of us came for dinner and four of us left full and satisfied. I had the ribs, and they were excellent, and highly recommended. Other choices at our table included pulled pork and Texas brisket and were sampled by all. The side dishes were stellar, especially the mac & cheese and also the smoked veggies. Two types of BBQ sauces were offered, a Carollina vinegary one, and a tomato based one, both excellent. Full bar, outside seating, cool decor. The only slightly negative was our server's gruffness, but maybe she was having a bad night. Lots of sports on tv, too! Odds are you won't be disappointed.
6. Luce Restaurant & Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 242 reviews
Reviewed By stems22 - Hickory, NC
We were seated promptly on a Friday night with our reservation. The staff was courteous and friendly. The atmosphere is relaxed and the food very good. We opted to split the veal pasta with chard. It was too small to split but delicious. Our friends split the lasagna and felt it was both delicious and enough to split. Overall, I would definitely go back.
7. Zen Fusion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 272 reviews
Zen Fusion is Charlotte hottest Fusion Restaurant with a touch of urban trendy atmosphere in the heart of Dilworth just five minutes from uptown Charlotte. Zen presents a globally accented Spanish and Asian menu that draws upon the vibrancy of the culinary genius from both of its chefs; creating a menu as culturally diverse as Charlotte, herself. The plates are a union of ideals from various regions creating inspired dishes rooted in traditional and modern techniques present throughout our menu from Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Sushi, Latin and Spanish Tapas.
Reviewed By Oh_Ignatz - Atlanta, Georgia
Zen has been our favorite neighborhood go to for many years and has been perfectly consistent in every aspect. Ambiance is warm, pleasant, and attractive. Entire staff is well trained and considerate. The unique fusion menu is tantalizing. Prices are reasonable, and the bar is a perfect complement (very few TVs, yay!),
8. Carpe Diem Restaurant & Caterers
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 414 reviews
Join us for Appy Hour and a Half. All appetizers are half price from 5:00PM-6:30PM Mon-Thurs in the bar. Tuesdays all house cocktails are 1/3 off all night. We also feature a half price bottle of wine selection on Monday and Tuesday nights. Carpe Diem is a fine dining restaurant and caterer located in Charlotte, North Carolina. We are in the historic Elizabeth neighborhood near downtown Charlotte. We have been open since 1989, but have moved twice due to downtown business developments. We are now in our third incarnation at 1535 Elizabeth Avenue. Our interiors are done in a beautiful art nouveau style. Mahogany doors, copper lighting that vines around the wood work, and marble floors are just a few details that will engage you in the surroundings. Our menu features long time favorites and extensive specials everyday. We have several vegetarian options on our menu and a daily vegetarian special. We strive to use local products from our hard working farm partners.
Reviewed By swelch - Newton, Massachusetts
Wonderful food - the fried chicken really is special as was the steak. Starters were all great too and there was quite attentive service.
We were there for
a business dinner and our host felt the need to apologize for the dated decor but assured us the food made it worth it. It’s not bad, but certainly doesn’t match the food and may cause hip foodies to look elsewhere.
9. Dresslers Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 311 reviews
Reviewed By StewartDC515
Dressler's continues to be one of our very favorite restaurants in Charlotte. The service is always great and the food is consistently delectable. We started our night with the Thai Calamari, which is outstanding, followed by the wedge salads and each ordered filets, cooked to perfection. Make sure to save room for dessert! They are all so delicious. Each one is better than the last!
10. The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By VA_Newlywed_0813 - Centreville, Virginia
We all kinda decided to visit this place by a recommendation but none of us were excited about trying it. We were delightfully surprised by how delicious the food was! Being the only vegan in the bunch I ordered the veggie burger and the Birkenstocky...MoreThanks so much for joining us! Glad you all enjoyed!
