Check out Charlotte’s most photo-worthy restaurants.
Let’s face it, sometimes the night calls for good food and even better vibes. The atmosphere of a place can really elevate an evening, and we wanted to showcase some of the most beautifully-designed restaurants that Charlotte has to offer. From speakeasies to taprooms to elegant international cuisine, here are 15 stunning restaurants perfect for a night out on the town.
1. 5Church Charlotte
One of Charlotte’s sexiest restaurants is serving innovative and beautifully presented American cuisine. The restaurant is decorated with gorgeous interior with wooden panels, intricate flower displays and lights that decorate the ceilings, and a lovely commissioned mural that color the crips, white walls.
Where: 127 N Tryon St Suite 8
2. The Stanley
The Stanley sits inside Charlotte’s Historic Elizabeth Neighborhood with cuisine whipped up by James Beard Nominated Chef Paul Verica and his Sous Chef Son, Alex. Food is “locally sourced and seasonally driven” with whimsical renditions of classics being offered from inside a bright, clean interior, smooth oak tables, and a pristine white bar topped with industrial-style ceiling lamps.
Where: 1961 East 7th Street
3. Haymaker
First off, check out that bar. Haymaker is all about farm-fresh fare and delicious craft cocktails made from their spectacular dark teal and burnt orange bar area that’s one of their highlights. The inside is bright with large floor-to-ceiling windows to allow for natural lighting and slim lighting fixtures. Try their title drink, The Haymaker Punch, if you like bourbon.
Where: 225 S. Poplar St.
4. Kindred
Technically, Kindred is in Davidson but it’s well worth the drive. The inside is bright and airy and compliments the elegant brown leather bar stools quite well. The exposed brick walls compliment the carefully-placed plants to accent Kindred’s corners. Kindred’s cuisine is inspired by the owners’ (a small family from Davidson) traveling and cooking around the world, and the menu changes according to the seasons.
Where: 131 N Main St, Davidson
5. The Crunkleton
Another Elizabeth favorite, Crunkleton focuses on live fire cooking and their deep love of cocktails. Inside, you can marvel at their impressive bar and liquor wall, or take your cocktails outside to the patio for an elegant seat to escape the summer heat. They also have an air of exclusivity, as they’re members only.
Where: 1957 E. 7th Street
6. The GoodYear House
Nestled inside NoDa is The GoodYear House, where elevated comfort food is the name of the game. The backyard feels like an at-home patio (though a really nice one, of course) with an interior that reminds us of an elegant farming house. This restaurant is built on community and kinship and we can definitely feel it.
Where: 3032 N.Davidson St.
7. Fahrenheit
Fahrenheit is an upscale rooftop bar that overlooks the skyline and offers outdoor patio seating on a green terrace with a fire pit. The food is an elegant fusion of Asian and American, and the cocktails match the elevation of this 21st-floor bar.
Where: 222 S. Cadwell St.
8. Peppervine
Head to SouthPark Charlotte and check out Pepperdine, one of the most elegant restaurants on this list. From the ceiling lamps to the comfortable seating to the muted color palette, and not to mention, the food. The wine list is expansive and worldly, the small bites are innovative, and the tasting menu is always changing.
Where: 4620 Piedmont Row Dr.
9. Sister
photo credit: @justinsmithstudio via Instagram
Sister is a French and Greek-inspired American restaurant with a beautiful interior to match its stunning dishes. Not only do they have an elegant striped and stone design, but they’ve got a Liquor Lounge and a Rooftop Terrace as well. Don’t forget to try their Brunch menu as well.
Where: 1500 A Central Ave.
10. Dot Dot Dot
We love Dot Dot Dot, and we’ve mentioned it before in our speakeasy roundup. Dot Dot Dot is an elegant members-only cocktail lounge with dim lighting, red cushion seating, and oak floors and tables. Not to mention, the inventive cocktails are to die for. We recommend not letting the members-only deter you.
Where: 4237 Park Rd. Charlotte
11. Living Kitchen
Living Kitchen reminds us of an upscale New York apartment with its natural lighting, glowing exposed lamp fixtures and brick walls. Living Kitchen is also completely vegan and organic, with a menu full of delicious and healthy dishes and desserts.
Where: 2000 South Blvd. Suite 3000
12. Hello Sailor
Hello Sailor is Cornelius’ cutest restaurant, and we’d highly recommend heading there to give this water-front restaurant a try. From their wicker chairs and white tables to the huge windows that showcase the marina and illuminate the restaurant in gold at just the right hour, Hello Sailor is not to be missed. They were also named one of America’s best restaurants in 2018.
Where: 20210 Henderson Rd.
13. Supperland
We were so stoked for Supperland’s debut this year. This Southern Potluck meets elevated Steakhouse was highly anticipated and it’s no wonder. Set inside a mid-century church, it’s been renovated with hard-wood floors, luxurious lavender leather, and glistening chandeliers. They’re having some special dishes just in time for Valentine’s Day that includes slow braised pork osso bucco with charred tri colored carrots, yellow grits, and coffee mustard jus, Shrimp and andouille sausage stew, a Carolina gold rice cake, Fried Flounder (or catfish tbd on sourcing!), and beet stained scallops, sweet corn puree, tomato, and fried collard ribbons.
Where: 1212 The Plaza
14. The Suffolk Punch
Suffolk Punch is a heavy-hitter as a taproom, cafe, and restaurant. And not to mention, it’s gorgeous. It’s exposed black railings allows for an accent of ceiling plants, and their lamps add to the cool, industrial feel. You can sit at the bar near the brewing equipment or snag a comfy booth!
Where: 2911 Griffith St Suite A
15. The Vintage
Charlotte’s premiere whiskey & cigar bar has also got some serious style going for it. The turquoise bar stools perfectly compliment the checkerboard-patterned floor. They’ve also got a lovely outdoor patio out front for sippin’ and smokin’, and they’ve recently begun hosting events since they’ve opened, like their Habana Festival.
Where: 215 E. Worthington Ave.
[featured image by thegoodyearhouse via Instagram]