cuisine

Cicchetti

Show time

For the first time in years (yes, years, thanks to the pandemic), Queen City theaters and concert venues are once again filled with eager fans. Here are a few suggestions for where to grab a bite or drinks before or after the show.

Knight Theater

Farenheit

Fin & Fino

This uptown eatery from the owners of Dogwood Southern Table and Dressler’s has a seafood-focused menu and serious-but-fun cocktails. Can’t decide what to order? Get “The Treatment” — for $65, let the chef prepare a tasting menu just for you, and $5 per guest goes to a local charity. 135 Levine Avenue of the Arts, Ste. 100., 704-800-5680, finandfino.com

Mariposa

With a menu inspired by North African and Mediterranean cuisine, sharing is encouraged here. The Mariposa Mezze board — a platter of tzatziki, hummus, olives, roasted eggplant and more — is a great starter. Headed to a matinee? Mariposa also serves brunch Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. 500 S. Tryon St., 704910-0865, mariposaclt.com

Belk Theater/Booth Playhouse

Cicchetti

The Venetian wine bar (sibling to Pierre Bader’s Aria) adjacent to Founders Hall is just steps from the theater. Expect cheese boards, antipasti, bruschetta, polpette and more, along with classic cocktails and an extensive wine selection. 100 N. Tryon St., 980299-0039, cicchetticlt.com

Buho Bar

Both Buho Bar and Mico, the lobby-level restaurant at Grand Bohemian Charlotte, bring a taste of Argentina and glamorous vibes to uptown. With a small selection of tapas, flatbreads and desserts, rooftop Buho Bar is ideal for pre- or post-theater cocktails. 201 W. Trade St., 980-999-5510, buhobar.com

Spectrum Center

Farenheit

Nosh on Asian-inspired small plates along with American classic dishes and take in the skyline views atop the Skye Condominiums. 222 S. Caldwell St., (980) 237-6718

The Market at 7th Street

For a casual meal, glass of wine or coffee, pop into Charlotte’s uptown food hall before a concert. Vendors include the Assorted Table Wine & Shop, Jimmy Pearls, Geno D’s Pizza and Not Just Coffee. 224 E. 7th St., 704-230-4346, themarketat7thstreet.com

The Crunkleton

Customshop

Sarah Belk Gambrell Center at Queens University

Napa on Providence

This under-the-radar Myers Park mainstay has a Californiainspired menu and a covered patio, perfect for fall evenings. Napa also serves brunch Saturdays and Sundays till 3 p.m. 110 Perrin Pl., 704-900-8535, napaonprovidence.com

The Jimmy

“Italian fare meets French flair” is the tagline at this pizzeria and pastaria in Myers Park. 2839 Selwyn Ave., (704) 979-4242, thejimmyclt.com

Theatre Charlotte

Stagioni

Bruce Moffett’s cozy Italian spot in the Villa features seasonal takes on traditional Italian fare and some of the best wood-fired pizza in town. 715 Providence Rd., 704-372-8110, stagioniclt.com

Pizzeria Omaggio

More than 20 specialty pizzas plus pastas, salads and sandwiches in a bright, casual setting at Metropolitan Charlotte. 1055 Metropolitan Ave., Ste. 130, 704-370-0777, pizzeriaomaggio.com

CPCC’s Dale F. Halton Theater and new Parr Center theater

Customshop

Partner and head chef Andres Kaifer recently took the helm at this 15-year-old Elizabeth restaurant with a weekly menu of seasonal dishes, from shareable small plates to pastas and mains. 1601 Elizabeth Ave., 704-333-3396, customshopfood.com

The Crunkleton

The classic cocktail bar also has an elevated food menu of appetizers, hand-helds (burgers, sandwiches and tacos) and heartier fare. Go with a group and splurge on the 42-ounce Tomahawk for the table. 1957 E. 7th St., 704-919-0104, thecrunkleton.com

Ovens Auditorium

Vaulted Oak Brewery

Oakhurst’s first brewery, located in a former bank branch, is a skip and jump from this concert venue. Check their Instagram @vaultedoakbrewing for the food truck schedule. 3726 Monroe Rd., 980-209-0309

Grinning Mule

This casual neighborhood spot tucked away on the edge of Plaza Midwood offers a menu heavy on shareable tapas, salads, bowls and tacos. 1109 Morningside Dr., 704-393-3939, grinningmule.org

The Music Factory

Camp North End

From innovative Southern fare at Greg and Subrina Collier’s acclaimed Leah & Louise to food stalls for a casual meal (La Caseta, Plant Joy, Saru Ramen and others), Camp North End has something for every taste. NoDa Company Canteen — an offshoot of the popular NoDa Company Store serving local beer, wine, sangrias and slushies — is the newest addition. 300 Camp Rd., 980-337-4600, camp.nc SP