The 10 Best Restaurants In Charlotte, North Carolina

Everyone knows the meaning of “carpe diem,” a Latin phrase urging you to “seize the day,” but the Carpe Diem restaurant in Charlotte breathes new life into it. For a fine dining experience of the most sophisticated caliber, Carpe Diem offers a refined menu of New American cuisine to complement its elegant dark-wood chairs and golden mood lighting.

1535 Elizabeth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204 +1 (704) 377-7976

If you’re in the mood for Mediterranean but have grown tired of the hummus and pita options, head to Greek Isles, a family-friendly restaurant committed to carrying on the tradition of cooking hearty, Greek dishes. The menu is almost entirely written in Greek, but offers translations to guide you along your culinary adventure.

200 E Bland St, Charlotte, NC 28203 +1 (704) 444-9000

The name itself, The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, should be enough to pique your interest, and the innovative Japanese-American menu definitely will. The elements of creativity and reckless fun are impossible to escape once you step inside: the artwork is colorfully strange, the lighting is almost neon, the staff are quirky and the food is inimitable.

4310 Sharon Road, Charlotte, NC 28211 +1 (704) 365-1922

The Fig Tree is regarded as one of Charlotte’s most upscale international restaurants, evident from the way each plate is artfully presented to the ambient décor and professionally trained staff. Located in the beautifully preserved historic Lucas House, The Fig Tree offers a blend of Italian, French and American dishes for those who like classic cuisine.

1601 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28204 +1 704-332-3322

Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar makes their burgers big and messy. Each burger is designed with careful culinary consideration, to balance flavor and fun without losing their creative edge. Take the “Sam I Am” burger, a novelty from this delectable gastropub: it’s made with a fried egg and fresh pesto and described as a “golden geyser of flavor.”

1626 E Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203 +1 704-714-4888

Located in the heart of the Dilworth neighborhood, Dresslers Metro is a family owned and family run spot that specializes in casual yet elegant American dining. Whether you’re on a date or with your entire extended family, there’s a spot for you here. The warm and loving family atmosphere infiltrates everything here, especially the tasty food.

1100 Metropolitan Ave, Suite 125E, Charlotte, NC 28204 +1 704 909-6250

Charlotte’s own Louis Asbury Sr. designed the Mayfield Manor back in 1929; today, it stands as the historic Dunhill Hotel in which the namesake restaurant, The Asbury, is housed. It promises modern Southern charm on a plate, committed to making your breakfast, lunch or dinner uniquely Carolinian. The rustic yet sophisticated ambience enhances the dishes.

235 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202 +1 704-342-1193

You may think the name gives away its style, but the food tells another story altogether: come to Zen Asian Fusion for the unlikely culinary marriage between authentic Spanish, Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese and Chinese cuisines. The menu reads like a cross between a tapas bar and a sushi bar, but is vibrant with flavor and technical prowess.

1716 Kenilworth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28203 +1 704-358-9688

Charlotte knows how to do fine dining, and you’ll find it at The Capital Grille. Their tagline cordially invites you to be “Wined, Dined and Dazzled,” which isn’t hard to do when you take a look at the wine menu accompanying the dinner options. Reviewers rave how each experience is as exceptional as the last as every visit is customized to fit the patrons’ mood for the night.

201 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202 +1 (704) 348-1400