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1. Nikko
1330 South Blvd, Lofts at Factory South, Charlotte, NC 28203 · 704-370-0100
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SOUTH END. Nikko entered Charlotte's restaurant scene with a bang and has continued to make waves in the years since with its stylish yet personable approach to the sushi experience. Choose from a dynamic selection of rolls, each of them prepared before your very eyes. As you wait, fill up on tempura and teriyaki ... perhaps even a glass of beer or wine. As the crowds of devotees who pack the dining room each weekend no doubt attest, few places in the Queen City can deliver sushi quite like Nikko.
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$$$16 - $30
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Recommended |
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SOUTHPARK. Housed in the Wall Street Capitol Building, few restaurants epitomize Charlotte's cosmopolitan flair like Zebra, a beacon of style and refinement where French cuisine shakes off traditional constraints to reveal dishes that are innovative and invigorating. Here, dining experience is taken to a higher level, from the elegantly appointed dining room with its fine silver and white linens to the outstanding wine list. As to the fare, the chef's seasonal tasting menu includes such temptations as potato crisp salmon, Dover sole with noisette butter and macadamia-crusted quail.
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UPTOWN. Sophisticated and stylish, this restaurant in Hearst Tower has caused a stir with its provocative Mediterranean-inspired cookery. Indeed, the distinctive flavors of France, Greece, Italy, Spain and even Morocco are on showcase here each night, and patrons dive willingly into dishes of lamb tagine, whole-roasted Mediterranean sea bass and duo of wild boar. A favorite of the "expense account set," Blue promises an impeccible evening out, complete with fine wine, amazing food and even live jazz (Wednesday-Saturday).
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DILWORTH. Queen City Francophiles have much amour for this Dilworth standout, and it certainly has the role of neighborhood bistro down to an art, offering as it does cozy yet upscale quarters, live jazz (Wed-Sat, usually) and, of course, terrific fare. Start off your experience with an appetizer of fresh oysters or pate. From there, your meal can take several routes – crępe stuffed with shrimp, scallops and fish, filet mignon with Roquefort sauce, or even braised rabbit with mustard sauce. On Sundays, meanwhile, brunch appetites are posed a deliciously enviable quandary: Croque-monsieur or crępes?
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5. ilios noche
11508 Providence Rd, Rea Village, Charlotte, NC 28277 · 704-814-9882
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BALLANTYNE. Upbeat and hip, this Med-inspired restaurant is well worth the drive down Providence, if for no other reason than to prove to yourself that the suburbs do, in fact, hold a few culinary surprises. The main dining room sports a distinctly contemporary design, and the open kitchen gives the space a European quality that encourages folks to linger after their meals and enjoy the company, coffee, desserts and wines. As to the fare, choices abound: Will it be a filo spinach pie or salmon kalamata? Veal chop parmigiana or moussaka? There are no wrong answers. Stop by early in the morning for goodies from the bakery and a cup or two of specialty coffee.
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6. ARPA
129 W Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202 · 704-372-7792
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UPTOWN. Tapas and an outstanding selection of wines draw the crowds to this innovative Spanish eatery, located just a few blocks above Ericsson Stadium. Comfortable, low-key yet stylish nonetheless, Arpa appeals to both couples and large groups. In fact, it's not uncommon to see a handful of close friends huddled around a table, sipping rose wine and sharing grilled squid a la Plancha, Basque cod fritters and eggplant fries. Of course, not all the offerings are small plates – after all, who'd want to split something as good as Madeira-glazed pork loin?
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Located near Piper Glen, this eatery enchants folks with its authentic Iberian atmosphere. Indeed, to say that Miró is a comfortable restaurant is to understate what it is all about – in the truest tradition of Spanish gastronomy, this is the type of place where diners take solace from the bustle of their everyday lives and feel free to indulge in food, drink and casual conversation. Tapas, of course, are perfect for such communal endeavors, but if more sustentative fare is called for, Miró's paella Valenciana, carne asada or pollo relleno more than fits the bill.
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SOUTH END. On the South End, this authentic Greek eatery gets the nod because it's unafraid to expose American palates to what, for many, may be the mysteries – like, say, grilled octopus – of Mediterranean cuisine. Inside, the spacious dining room is decorated with photographs of Aegean scenes and Hellenic columns, and the open kitchen, exposed ducts and rafters, and weathered brick walls create a warm, contemporary vibe. And if octopus is too adventurous for you, never fear: Dishes like moussaka, spanakopita and pastitsio are time-tested classics. NB Outdoor seating on the lovely patio is available as well.
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9. Bonterra
1829 Cleveland Ave, Charlotte, NC 28207 · 704-333-9463
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SOUTH END. What was originally a 1914 Methodist/Episcopal church has been transformed into a magnificent restaurant that's gained the reputation of being an upscale gathering place for local movers and shakers. Arrive early and enjoy one of 200 wines by the glass at the bar. Menu selections range from foie gras terrine to fried lobster tails, and great detail is paid to presentation. Don't miss the tables for two that are tucked under the arches and softly lit by wall sconces.
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SOUTH END. Ask anyone from newcomers to long time locals, "Where is the best Mexican restaurant?" The answer is always La Paz. You can order the usual Mexican fare of tacos or chicken enchiladas, or for the more daring diners, try the blue corn tamales with spinach. The tortilla soup is prepared with just enough spice to justify the fabulous and grande margaritas. Seafood and vegan dishes are also available. The atmosphere is one of a fiesta, and the outdoor dining makes it a great choice for the family.
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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