Restaurants

YOUR GUIDE TO CHARLOTTE’S DINING SCENE

Dilworth

❤ 300 EAST $-$$

NEW AMERICAN The interior of this old house-turnedrestaurant is welcoming, as is the menu of familiar and surprising sandwiches, salads, and entrées. Save room for dessert by pastry chef Laney Jahkel-Parrish. 300 East Blvd. (704-332-6507)BR(Sun), L, D, BAR ✸☎ ❤ BONTERRA $$$$

NEW SOUTHERN Its setting may be a historic Southern church, but Bonterra serves up modern Southern avors with top-notch service. Wine lovers will be impressed by the more than 200 wines by the glass. 1829 Cleveland Ave. (704-333-9463)D, BAR ✸☎ CAPISHE $-$$

ITALIAN The pasta dishes and pizza prepared by Chef David Cavalier, previously of Kindred, are impressive for a fast-casual restaurant. Arrive early for lunch to beat the long lines. 500 E. Morehead St., Ste. 100. (980-8199494)L, D, BAR

❤ COPPER $$$

INDIAN Ease into Indian cuisine with standard dishes like chicken tikka masala, or be more adventurous with the spicy seafood medley "anjeeri." 311 East Blvd. (704333-0063) L, D, V, BAR ✸☎ DOLCE OSTERIA $$

ITALIAN This classic, cozy, family-run neighborhood trattoria serves a mix of fresh, regional Italian cuisine and a tidy, all-Italian wine list. 1710 Kenilworth Ave. (704-332-7525) L (weekdays),D, B/W ✸☎ FERN, FLAVORS FROM THE GARDEN $$

VEGETARIAN Fern moved from Plaza Midwood to Dilworth in mid-2016. It still has ferns on the wall, and the menu is still full of avorful vegetarian cuisine. 1419 East Blvd., Ste. A. (704-377-1825) L, BR, D, V, BAR ✸

FIAMMA RESTAURANT $$-$$$

ITALIAN The open layout lends an air of conviviality to this slick eatery, which has house-made pastas, thincrust pizzas, note-perfect risotto, and daring meat entrées. 2418 Park Rd. (704-333-3062) L, D, BAR ✸☎ FRAN’S FILLING STATION $$-$$$

AMERICAN This small Dilworth restaurant has soups, salads, and delicious, oversized sandwiches made with fresh, thick bread lled with innovative combinations. 2410 Park Rd. (704-372-2009) L, D, BAR ✸

INIZIO PIZZA NAPOLETANA $$-$$$

PIZZA Two words: pistachio pizza. Seriously, try it. Then grab a spot on the patio beneath the bistro lights and enjoy a bottle of wine with friends. There's a second location in Providence Commons, too. 2230 Park Rd., (704-900-0929) L, D, BAR ✸ KID CASHEW $$

MEDITERRANEAN This bright and rustic restaurant from the owner of Georges Brasserie serves meat family-style from a wood- red grill and a selection of small plates. 1608 East Blvd. (704-208-4148) L, D, BAR ✸ LEBOWSKI’S NEIGHBORHOOD GRILL $$

AMERICAN Dishes at this neighborhood favorite include burgers, brats, and the popular “Beef on Weck.” 1524 East Blvd. (704-370-1177) L, D, BAR ✸

THE MAYOBIRD $

AMERICAN The daytime partner to The Summit Room focuses on specialty co ees, quiches, and pastries, and, of course, chicken salad sandwiches. 1531 East Blvd. (980-237-2543) B, L, B/W ✸

THE SUMMIT ROOM $$-$$$

NEW SOUTHERN Southern classics take on a new form—and global in uence—at this easygoing spot. 1531 East Blvd. (980-237-2227) D,BAR ✸☎ ZEN FUSION $$

FUSION Here, fusion means a sampling of dishes from the Far East and Spain. 1716 Kenilworth Ave. (704-3589688) L (weekdays),D,BAR ✸☎

Elizabeth/Cherry

CAJUN QUEEN $$$

CAJUN Nightly live jazz complements New Orleans creole favorites like shrimp étou ée and craw sh Diane in this century-old house. 1800 E. 7th St. (704-377-9017) BR, D,BAR ✸☎ ❤ CARPE DIEM $$$-$$$$

NEW AMERICAN A beautiful interior and a no-fuss vibe create a stress-free ne dining experience, with dishes ranging from buttermilk-fried chicken over spinach with black pepper shallot gravy to local seafood specials. 1535 Elizabeth Ave. (704-377-7976) D, BAR ☎ ❤ CUSTOMSHOP $$-$$$

NEW AMERICAN Owner and executive chef Trey Wilson uses top-notch, seasonal ingredients to create fresh takes on American cuisine in a hip, rustic atmosphere. 1601 Elizabeth Ave. (704-333-3396) D, BAR ✸☎ EARL’S GROCERY $

AMERICAN This upscale marketplace, with sandwiches, salads, and daily specials from chef Obie Chisolm, is a welcome a ernoon spot for a grab-and-go meal or a bite and people-watching. 1609 Elizabeth Ave. (704333-2757) B, BR, L, D, V ✸

❤ THE FIG TREE RESTAURANT $$$$

NEW AMERICAN The No. 2 restaurant on our 2018 Best Restaurants list, the Fig Tree specializes in fresh and avorful cuisine with an emphasis on wine pairing in a 1913 bungalow. 1601 E. 7th St. (704-332-3322) D, BAR ✸☎ ❤ PIZZERIA OMAGGIO $$

PIZZA Among a sea of by-the-slice joints, owner Daniel Siragusa sticks by his Italian roots with personal pizzas. Some think they can’t possibly eat the whole pie, but they do. And then they order dessert. 1055 Metropolitan Ave., Ste. 130. (704-370-0777) L, D, BAR ✸☎ ❤ THE STANLEY $$$

NEW SOUTHERN Chef Paul Verica's menu re ects a respect of seasonal produce, with playful dishes such as "Asparagus—as many ways as we could think of," and a more robust cocktail program. 1961 E. 7th St. (980-2992741) D, BR (Sun), BAR ✸☎ SUNFLOUR BAKING CO. $-$$

BAKERY With locations in Dilworth, Harrisburg, and Ballantyne, Sun our serves croissants, cinnamon buns, sandwiches, and soups. Regulars spend mornings here with a cup of co ee, letting them fade into a ernoons. 2001 E. 7th St. (704-900-5268) B, L, D, V ✸

Huntersville/Lake Norman

ALIÑO PIZZERIA $$

PIZZA Enjoy your Neapolitan-style, wood- red pizza at a community table with paper towels on hand to catch the drips from crust dipped in herbs and olive oil. A second location is at Concord Mills. 500 S. Main St., Ste. 401, Mooresville. (704-663-0010) L, D,B/W ✸

$ Most entrées under $10 $$ Most entrées $10-$17 $$$ Most entrées $18-$25 $$$$ Most entrées $26 & up ❤ Best Restaurants B Breakfast BR Weekend brunch L Lunch D Dinner V Vegetarian friendly B/W Beer and wine only BAR Full-service bar ✸ Patio seating available ☎ Reservations suggested

REVIEW POLICIES—The restaurants on these pages are recommendations of the editors of Charlotte magazine. They are not related to advertising in any way. Restaurant visits are anonymous, and all expenses are paid by the magazine. Reviews are written by members of the editorial sta . We regularly update these listings. New additions are denoted by “new listing” and revised reviews are indicated by “update.”

NEW AMERICAN Part steak house, part upscale American cuisine, dishes are delivered with consistency and a smile, both here and at the Metropolitan Avenue location. 8630-1A Lindholm Dr. (704-987-1779) D, BAR ✸☎

FLATIRON KITCHEN + TAPHOUSE $$$

STEAK HOUSE High-quality steaks are a given here, but the seafood and vegetables are treated with the same respect. 215 S. Main St., Davidson. (704-237-3246) BR, L, D,BAR ✸☎ ❤ HELLO, SAILOR $$-$$$

NEW SOUTHERN Davidson's sweethearts, Joe and Katy Kindred, opened this lakefront spot. Expect Carolina classics like fried cat sh and seafood platters, as well as tiki drinks. 20210 Henderson Rd., Cornelius. (704997-5365) BR, L, D,BAR ✸ ❤ KINDRED $$-$$$

NEW AMERICAN Chef Joe Kindred, a James Beard Award semi nalist, serves homemade pasta dishes and creative small plates in historic downtown Davidson. 131 N. Main St., Davidson. (980-231-5000) BR, L, D, BAR ✸☎ SABI ASIAN BISTRO $$

ASIAN Find Asian-inspired dishes, from sushi to stir fry to sweet-and-sour chicken, in a sleek interior. 130 Harbor Place Dr., Davidson. (704-895-5707) L, D, BAR ✸

Matthews/Mint Hill

KABAB-JE ROTISSERIE & GRILLE $$

MIDDLE EASTERN With a second location in Stonecrest, this Mediterranean and Lebanese spot serves dishes like hummus shawarma and lamb kabobs. 2233 Matthews Township Pkwy., Ste. E. (704-8450707) L, D ✸

LOYALIST MARKET $-$$

AMERICAN This charming eatery is a sandwich shop by day and a cheese shop by night. Choose from over 60 artisan cheeses and cured meats from the U.S. and abroad, along with gourmet food products, wine, and local beer. 435 N. Trade St., Ste. 102. (704-814-9866) L, D,BAR ✸ NEW ZEALAND CAFÉ $-$$

FUSION A wooden latticework ceiling and indoor trellis add charm to this neighborhood favorite, where sushi is fresh and a ordable. 1717 Sardis Rd. N., Ste. 6A. (704708-9888) L, D,B/W ✸ SANTÉ $$$ - $$$$

FRENCH The food is far from colloquial here, and the exposed brickwork and antiqued tin roof lend credence to the French name. 165 N. Trade St., Matthews. (704845-1899) D,BAR

❤ YUME BISTRO $$

JAPANESE The avorful ramen and other Japanese classics here defy the restaurant’s plain interior. They also opened a new location in Wilmore last year. 1369 Chestnut Ln., Matthews. (704-821-0676) L, D

Myers Park/Cotswold

DEEJAI THAI $$

THAI This family-owned eatery o ers takeout, but with its modern dining room and bright patio, you’ll want to settle into a table. 613 Providence Rd. (704-333-7884) L, (weekdays), D, BAR ✸

FENWICK’S $$

AMERICAN A Myers Park mainstay since the 1980s, Fenwick’s is a go-to for a comforting meal made with fresh ingredients, delivered with warm service. 511 Providence Rd. (704-333-2750) BR, L, D,BAR ✸

LEROY FOX $$

SOUTHERN A casual eatery known for its fried chicken, Leroy Fox serves Southern classics and upscale pub grub, with an additional location in South End. 705 S. Sharon Amity Rd. (704-366-3232) BR, L, D, BAR✸

MAMA RICOTTA’S $$

ITALIAN Frank Scibelli’s (Midwood Smokehouse, Yafo, Paco’s) rst restaurant does simple Italian dishes with stylish twists in a spot t for couples, families, and everyone else. 601 S. Kings Dr. (704-343-0148) L, D, BAR ✸☎ PROVIDENCE ROAD SUNDRIES $-$$

AMERICAN Classic bar food and friendly service have made this a neighborhood hangout for generations. 1522 Providence Rd. (704-366-4467) L, D, BAR

❤ STAGIONI $$$

ITALIAN Meaning “seasons,” this concept from Bruce Mo ett serves Italian standards. A must-visit for Chef Eric Ferguson's delicious, handmade pastas, wood- red pizzas, and slow-roasted meats. 715 Providence Rd. (704-372-8110) D, BAR ☎ VOLO RISTORANTE $$$

ITALIAN Volo translates to " ight," which is the Italian answer to a tasting menu. Let the chef choose a meat, vegetable, or seafood ight for you, or order o the dinner menu and enjoy a plate of gnocchi, risotto, or tortellini paired with a glass of chianti. 1039 Providence Rd. (704-919-1020) D, BAR ☎

NoDa/North Charlotte

AMÉLIE’S FRENCH BAKERY $

FRENCH Enjoy a aky croissant on the outdoor patio or order from the café menu of soups and sandwiches any time of day—or night. Amélie's now has two additional locations in uptown and Park Road Shopping Center. 2424 N. Davidson St. (704-376-1781)B, L, D

BAO + BROTH $-$$

ASIAN Follow the smell of ramen and steamed pork belly buns to this food stall, the h restaurant from chef Bruce Mo ett, and have a seat among the other diners in Optimist Hall. 1115 N. Brevard St. (704-6252269) L, D

BENNY PENNELLO’S $

PIZZA A full Benny P’s pie is 28 inches, almost double the standard—but if you divide it into eight slices, one is the ideal-sized meal for one person. 2909 N. Davidson St., Ste. 100. (980-949-8398)L, D,B/W

Best Bites

Our favorite dish this month, chosen by Charlotte magazine sta

VEGAN GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE GELATO, $3.95 HONEYSUCKLE GELATO

ICE CREAM’S ITALIAN COUSIN gets a vegan spin at this Optimist Hall spot. Swirled with nuts, this seductively sweet and velvety smooth nondairy dessert hits all the right notes. It’s divinely chocolaty, sporadically crunchy with the infusion of walnuts, and sticky enough to remind you of childhood when the cone (and you should obviously get the cone) succumbs to the gelato’s melt.

The vegan version is made with water instead of milk, so maybe, just maybe, you can leave full of gelato and have a few less regrets. Stop in to Honeysuckle rst when you arrive at Optimist Hall. Order the cone and take it with you as you peruse the other stalls and nd your second course. Because dessert should always come rst. —Jared Misner

SEAFOOD This NoDa “Baja seagrill” serves up the title dish as well as quesadillas, burritos, and salads in a fun, surf-themed atmosphere. 3201 N. Davidson St. (704332-8868)L, D, BAR ✸ CRÊPE CELLAR KITCHEN & PUB $-$$

FRENCH The crêpes—both sweet and savory—are delicious, but the restaurant’s fare goes beyond its French roots with avorful salads, entrées, and cra cocktails. 3116 N. Davidson St. (704-910-6543)BR, L, D,BAR

THE DUMPLING LADY $-$$

ASIAN One of Charlotte’s most popular food trucks has a brick-and-mortar space in Optimist Hall. Order Zhang Qian’s authentic Sichuan dumplings, noodles, and dim sum, and brace for spice. 1115 N. Brevard St. (980-5956174) L, D,V

EL THRIFTY $-$$

MEXICAN The Mexican cantina and gaming venue in Optimist Hall serves creative tacos and cocktails with a side of duckpin bowling. 1115 N. Brevard St. (980-9497837)L, D,BAR ✸

THE GOODYEAR HOUSE $$-$$$

NEW AMERICAN Grab a table in the botanist room or the open patio on a warm night, and enjoy elevated comfort food like smoked cashew mac and cheese and guinea hen stew. 3032 N. Davidson St. (704-910-0132) L, D,BAR ✸

❤ HABERDISH $$-$$$

AMERICAN Southern appetizers, fried chicken, and apothecary cocktails from Colleen Hughes draw a hip crowd to this mill town southern kitchen. 3106 N. Davidson St. (704-817-1084)BR, L, D,BAR ✸

HEIST BREWERY $-$$

AMERICAN This is bar food to the extreme. Beer is incorporated into several dishes at this brewpub. The beer cheese is made with Heist’s own beer and served alongside pretzels made with le over mash. 2909 N. Davidson St., Ste. 200. (704-375-8260)BR, L, D, BAR ✸

JACKBEAGLE’S $

AMERICAN A mainstay for the locals, this place serves unconventional bar bites like mac-and-blue-cheese with bacon. 3213 N. Davidson St. (704-334-5140) BR, L, D, BAR ✸

$ Most entrées under $10 $$ Most entrées $10-$17 $$$ Most entrées $18-$25 $$$$Most entrées $26 & up

❤ Best Restaurants B Breakfast BR Weekend brunch L Lunch D Dinner V Vegetarian friendly B/W Beer and wine only BAR Full-service bar ✸ Patio seating available ☎ Reservations suggested NEW LISTING LEAH & LOUISE $ $

SOUTHERN A James Beard-nominated chef and Soul Food Sessions co-founder Greg Collier serves the dishes he grew up on, like hot fried quail and dirty grits, in a space modeled a er a Memphis-style juke joint. 301 Camp Rd., Ste. 101 (980-309-0690) D, BAR ✸ ☎ PAPI QUESO $-$$

AMERICAN Expect all the staples from the popular food truck, along with new grilled cheeses, mac and cheese, and melts from the brick-and-mortar location in Optimist Hall. 1115 N. Brevard St. (704-5791779) L, D, V

ROOM AND BOARD $-$$

AMERICAN Inside a two-story Victorian home and former boarding house, have your choice of sandwiches, burgers, and wings, or come for Sunday brunch and get a "hangover pizza." 3228 N. Davidson St. (980-4303136)BR (Sun) L, D, BAR

Plaza Midwood/East Charlotte

ACE NO. 3 $

AMERICAN The new counter-service burger joint from the team behind Sea Level and the Waterman o ers a straightforward menu of burgers, fries, and shakes. 1001 Belmont Ave. (704-910-2200) L, D, ✸

CILANTRO NOODLE $-$$

VIETNAMESE Even if you think cilantro tastes like soap, don't let the name of this fast casual restaurant fool you—the herb add-on is optional. Structured like Chipotle, build-your-own meals include a base starch (banh mi, vermicelli noodles, white rice, fried rice), one protein, and ve toppings. 2001 Commonwealth Ave. (704-345-9490) L, D, V, B/W ✸

COALTRANE’S $-$$

AMERICAN Rotisserie chicken with South Americaninspired sides makes for a healthy and fast lunch or dinner. 1518 Central Ave. (980-265-1290) BR, L, D, BAR ✸

COMMON MARKET $

DELI A neighborhood hangout with additional locations in South End and Oakwold, this market and deli serves quick and delicious sandwiches, local cra beers, snacks, sweets, and more. 2007 Commonwealth Ave. (704-334-6209)B, L, D,B/W ✸

DIAMOND RESTAURANT $-$$

AMERICAN This 1950s-style diner features retro teal booths, a jukebox, and classic dishes like burgers, fried pork chops, and fried chicken. 1901 Commonwealth Ave. (704-375-8959)L, D,BAR ✸

DISH $-$$

SOUTHERN A neighborhood joint with an eclectic clientele, good, down-home Southern food, and a funky wait sta . 1220 Thomas Ave. (704-344-0343) B, L, D, BAR ✸ ❤ INTERMEZZO PIZZERIA & CAFÉ $-$$

FUSION Even the pickiest eater can nd something to order here, with menu options ranging from burgers and pizzas to cabbage rolls and stu ed peppers. 1427 E. 10th St. (704-347-2626)L, D, V, BAR ✸ VIETNAMESE Regulars love this no-fuss spot for its authentic cuisine, with loads of avor and fresh ingredients. 3019 Shamrock Dr. (704-531-9525) BR, L, D, V, B/W

LUPIE'S CAFE $

AMERICAN The building, interior, and menu have barely changed since owner Lupie Duran opened in 1987. It’s an ideal spot for cold days, specializing in handmade burgers, four kinds of chili, meatloaf, and "chicken n dumplins." 2718 Monroe Rd., (704-374-1232) L, D, B/W

❤ MIDWOOD SMOKEHOUSE $$

BARBECUE With North Carolina pulled pork, beef brisket, smoked chicken, and dry or sauced ribs, there’s a ’cue for everyone—and traditional sides to pair. The restaurant has a number of Charlotte locations including Ballantyne and Park Road Shopping Center, but the Plaza Midwood spot is its agship post. 1401 Central Ave. (704-295-4227) L, D,BAR ✸

MOO & BREW $$

AMERICAN A playful list of burgers, cra beers, and friendly servers make this spot an easy choice for a casual dinner out. The patio is packed on nice nights. 1300 Central Ave. (980-585-4148) L, D,BAR ✸

❤ NC RED $$

SEAFOOD/SOUTHERN The fourth restaurant from Bruce Mo ett serves a mix of Rhode Island shore food, like oysters and stu ed clams, and southern comforts, like fried chicken and mac and cheese. 1205 Thomas Ave. (704-321-4716)D,BAR ✸

SAL'S PIZZA FACTORY $$

PIZZA The New York slices at this east Charlotte joint have thick cheese and generous toppings—the classic style of pizza that fuels nostalgia and harkens back to a time when you didn’t know what calories or gluten were. 3723 Monroe Rd. (980-219-7108) L, D, BAR

❤ SOUL GASTROLOUNGE $$

NEW AMERICAN Expect to wait a while at this no-reservations spot, known for small plates like pork belly tacos with compressed watermelon, and a rotating list of cra cocktails. 1500-B Central Ave. (704-348-1848) D,BAR ✸

SNOOZE: AN A.M. EATERY $$

AMERICAN The Denver-based breakfast spot has a huge menu, but you're free to mix and match. Choose any two benedicts with the Benny Duo, or get the Pancake Flight with three di erent avors. There's also a morning cocktail menu with mimosas, mojitos, and a dirty drunken chai. 1331-A Central Ave. (704-243-5070) B,BR, L, BAR ✸

THREE AMIGOS $$

MEXICAN Three Amigos remains a constant on Central Avenue, specializing in enchiladas and other Mexican staples like tinga de pollo and carne asada tacos. It's always fresh, too—they'll never save rice, beans, or meat for use the next day. 2917A Central Ave., 704-536-1851. L, D, BAR ✸

THE WORKMAN’S FRIEND $$-$$$