cuisine

Warm and cozy

McNinch House

Take the chill off this winter by making a reservation at one of these comfy, cozy restaurants around Charlotte. The ambience is warm and inviting — and in some cases, there’s an open fire to help set the mood.

300 East, Dilworth

Family-owned and operated for 35 years, this casual dining spot offers upscale comfort foods. Weekend brunch always draws a crowd to the rehabbed Victorian home with lots of cozy corners. 300 East Blvd. | (704) 332-6507 300east.net Alexander Michael’s Restaurant & Tavern, Fourth Ward

Al Mike’s is a neighborhood favorite, whether you walked a few minutes or drove several miles to get there. For nearly 40 years, it’s served up a good selection of beer and simple meals — from burgers and sandwiches to pastas and London broil. The dark wood tones throughout lend a relaxed pub vibe. 401 W. 9th St. | (704) 332-6789 almikestavern.com Barrington’s, Foxcroft

Since 2000, Chef Bruce Moffett’s original 45-seat spot has served farm-to-table fare in an intimate bistro setting. 7822 Fairview Rd. | (704) 364-5755 barringtonsrestaurant.com Beef ’n Bottle, South End

Consistently ranked as one of the best steakhouses in local and national media, this old-school spot is practically a Charlotte landmark. Grab a cozy booth and enjoy a classic meal in this gem that looks much like it did in 1958 when doors opened. 4538 South Blvd. | (704) 523-9977 beefandbottle.net

Dot Dot Dot

The Crunkleton, Elizabeth

Upon walking in, you can’t miss the massive hearth where meals come together on cast iron skillets. Exposed brick walls, wood floors and supple leather seating add to the comfortable vibe. Expect classic cocktails and hearty plates. 1957 E. 7th St. | (704) 919-0104 thecrunkleton.com Dogwood Southern Table & Bar, SouthPark

The emphasis here is upscale Southern cuisine and cocktails made with Carolinas-sourced ingredients. 4905 Ashley Park Ln. | (704) 910-4919 dogwoodsoutherntable.com Dot Dot Dot, Montford/Park Road

Expertly crafted cocktails with snacks, shareables and mains in a speakeasy setting behind Park Road Shopping Center. 4237 Park Rd., Suite B | (704) 817-3710 dotdotdotcharlotte.com

Ever Andalo

Dogwood

300 East

Ever Andalo, NoDa

Described as an intimate European gastropub, restaurateurs Jeff Tonidandel & Jamie Brown launched the restaurant as a reflection of their food and travel experiences in northern Italy. Pastas, burrata, desserts and more are all made in-house. 3116 N. Davidson St. | (704) 910-6543 everandalo.com The Fig Tree, Elizabeth

Located in the historic Lucas House, The Fig Tree draws diners in with its warm, antique woodwork, fireplace mantels and decor. Expect a seasonal French and Italian-inspired menu, plus an extensive wine list in this longtime fine-dining favorite. 1601 E. 7th St. | (704) 332-3322 charlottefigtree.com Flour Shop, Montford/Park Road

Handcrafted Italian-inspired fare featuring locally sourced ingredients in an intimate setting. Stellar pasta dishes are the big attraction here. 530-A Brandywine Rd. | (980) 299-3754 flourshopfood.com The Goodyear House, NoDa

This restaurant exudes homey comfort with its plank wood walls and rustic-yet-modern decor. With numerous dining areas — including large heated patios, covered and uncovered — guests

Flour Shop

will want to stay a while as they nosh on a menu of comfort foods and shareables like devilish (egg) toast and smoked cashew mac. 3032 N. Davidson St. | (704) 910-0132 thegoodyearhouse.com McNinch House, Uptown

This Four-Diamond restaurant is known as a destination for special occasions. Located in a circa-1892 Queen Anne-style home, the setting is regal and romantic with antique-filled rooms and jewel-toned walls. 511 N. Church St. | (704) 332-6159 mcninchhouserestaurant.com Peppervine, SouthPark

Chef Bill Greene’s menu emphasizes seasonal produce from local farms and regional seafood. The menu is heavy on shareable small plates, served in an elegant, airy and modern space. 4620 Piedmont Row Dr., Suite 170B | (980) 283-2333 peppervine.com Rooster’s Wood-Fired Kitchen, SouthPark

Dark wood accents add to the warm welcoming vibe, but the front-and-center rotisserie and wood oven seal the deal for a cozy night out. Expect elevated comfort foods inspired by the concept of a chef’s home cooking. 6601 Carnegie Blvd. | (704) 366-8688 roosterskitchen.com Stagioni, Myers Park

This Italian spot in the Villa feels warm and cozy the moment you walk in. The seasonal menu presents house-made pastas, wood-fired pizza and more. Grab a counter seat by the kitchen and watch the chefs in action. 715 Providence Rd. | (704) 372-8110 stagioniclt.com Toscana Ristorante Italiano, SouthPark

A longtime favorite in SouthPark with a menu of Old-World and northern Italian cuisine and an extensive wine list. 6401 Carnegie Blvd., Suite 6-B | (704) 367-1808 conterestaurantgroup.com/toscana SP