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1. Upstream
6902 Phillips Place Ct, Phillips Court, Charlotte, NC 28210 · 704-556-7730
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SOUTHPARK. You don't have to stick to Uptown if cutting edge cuisine is what you seek. No, tremendous places like Upstream are proof positive that venturing out is its own reward. Here, "dayboat seafood" reigns supreme, and the kitchen rarely fails to impress with its impeccible preparations of miso-marinated Hawaiian monchong and chestnut-crusted wild Scottish salmon with sweet potato gnocchi. Sushi lovers will adore their specialty rolls, and the jumbo shrimp and mango ceviche is a spicy experience worth trying; meanwhile, those with more terrene palates find solace in dishes like brick oven-roasted Carolina quail.
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2. Barrington's
7822 Fairview Rd, FoxCroft Shopping Center, Charlotte, NC 28226 · 704-364-5755
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SOUTHPARK. In a small shopping center near South Park Mall you'll find this dynamic American bistro that's tiny size (it seats under 50) and smartly appointed dining room make for a cozy yet elegant night out. Owner-chef Bruce Moffett privileges local and organic ingredients, and he has earned a sterling reputation in Charlotte's culinary circles thanks to well-conceived dishes like organic chicken with creamy mashed potatoes, herb-rubbed veal with potato-bacon dumpling, and pancetta-wrapped rabbit tenderloin. Seating on the patio is available when the weather cooperates.
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UPTOWN. The type of place where hip professionals gather at the close of the business day, Town wins high marks for daring to borrow the unpretentious attitude of sibling Sonoma and setting it against a backdrop of smart, sexy minimalist elements. The kitchen revels in modern inspirations, delivering fantastic Asian-inspired a la carte dishes of tempura, stuffed quail, salmon sashimi, scallops and lamb shank – all of them perfect for sharing. "Sides & Accessories" like cucumber slaw and sweet potato ravioli are available in family-sized portions.
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SOUTH END. Billed as one of Charlotte's top places for surf-and-turf, McIntosh's surely has won over its fair share of devotees. Indeed, a first-class experience awaits at this classy South Ender, where the main dining room is dressed in elegant linens, yellow walls with stained wood elements, chandeliers and arrangements of fresh flowers. The kitchen, meanwhile, dazzles patrons with courses of Chilean sea bass, broiled Atlantic salmon, steak au poivre, and the 3-lb. Prime porterhouse for two. Outstanding sides, which can serve two or more, range from asparagus with hollandaise to horseradish mashed potatoes.
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| Avg. Entrée: |
$$$$$50+
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| Reservations: |
Required |
| Outdoor Dining: |
None |
FOURTH WARD. Southern grace prevails in historic Fourth Ward, and this romantic, elegantly-appointed restaurant is a major reason why. The opulent space befits royalty, from its woodwork, Victorian furniture, and tiled fireplaces to its fine china, crystal, and silver. The McNinch House's true legacy is its cuisine, and chef-owner Ellen Davis's fabulous prix fixe dinners feature dishes like rosemary- and dijon-crusted rack of lamb and Low Country crab cakes. Wine pairings with the prix fixe menu can be had for an additional $75. The menu, determined weekly, is presented via fax or email to diners holding reservations.
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6. Sullivan's
1928 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203 · 704-335-8228
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SOUTH END. Sullivan's greets its clientele with one of the best settings in Charlotte, one reminiscent of 1940s Chicago. The dining room is a magnificent combination of rich wood and crisp, white table coverings that serve a golf shirt just as easily as a bow-tie. Beyond the signature beef entrees, look for sizable lobsters and crispy, fried, succulent shrimp. Bleu cheese lovers should go all the way with simple iceberg wedge salad with crumbled bleu cheese. Reservations advised.
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UPTOWN. Located at the Plaza on Tryon, Mimosa gives Southern cuisine a fresh, contemporary twist, and the delicious results have helped this stylish restaurant generate plenty of positive buzz. Dressed in earthy elements of cherry hardwood and Tennessee field stone, Mimosa exudes a sense of cool masculinity that truly engenders it to Uptown expense accounts. "Supper" stalwarts include iron skillet side dishes like baked lobster mac & cheese and Southern-braised greens, as well as main courses of pimento cheese-crusted filet mignon and grilled flat iron steak.
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8. Carpe Diem
1535 Elizabeth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204 · 704-377-7976
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ELIZABETH. Now in its third – and, arguably, most attractive – location, this sharp, contemporary restaurant earns high marks from Charlotteans for its sophisticated attitude, commitment to innovative cuisine and impeccably friendly service. True to its name, the restaurant fully embraces opportunities to experiment with ingredients and techniques to craft creative dishes like coriander and orange-rubbed duck breast with Earl Grey honey orange butter sauce, pistachio-crusted trout with pineapple beurre blanc, and buttermilk-fried chicken with shallot black pepper gravy. NB Both the dining room and the bar are non-smoking until 9pm, when half the bar becomes smoking.
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9. Aquavina
435 S Tryon St, Ratcliffe on the Green, Charlotte, NC 28202 · 704-377-9911
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UPTOWN. This restaurant and wine bar brings a sense of artsy cool to the Queen City. The main dining room sports polished hardwood floors, bold colors, sharp geometric lines, and thought-provoking sculptures suspended from the ceiling – a modern homage to the art of fishing. This bold sensibility carries over to the kitchen, which delivers edgy, beautifully presented fish and seafood dishes like lemongrass-enrobed corvina with Thai chili rock shrimp cakes or foie gras-stuffed sea scallops with chantrelles. Two things to note: If the weather is nice, ask for a table on the terrace (it overlooks the Green), and be sure to arrive early so you can enjoy one of their signature martinis at the bar. NB No smoking in the dining room, but smoking is allowed in the hallway adjoining the wine room and on the patio.
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ELIZABETH. The spirit of the Big Easy is alive and well in the Queen City thanks to this fun, laid-back charmer. Live jazz, cold Dixie beer, and Cajun cookery share the spotlight, and folks never fail to leave Cajun Queen with full bellies and memories of good times. Start off with shared appetizers of fried green tomatoes, BBQ shrimp, and Cajun popcorn – hey, you came here to eat after all. From there, the choices get tough: Will your main course (served Creole, Diane, or étouffée style) feature chicken, shrimp, or crawfish? If you can't decide, the safest (and tastiest) bet is to go with all three!
Looking for a restaurant? We've explored the options, checked with critics, and pounded the pavement to offer only the best. Recommendations come complete with contact information and a brief description highlighting the important features of the restaurant. Fit our choices to your mood, or let us guide your tastes. You'll likely find a few places that not even locals know about.
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