$$Southern
Set in NoDa, a neighborhood once known for its textile mills, this restaurant's name is a play on the past. Inside, it's rustic-cool with exposed beams and denim-covered banquettes. The action takes place at the counter; order a draft beer or craft cocktail and take it all in. Meanwhile, the menu is rooted in southern comfort. Be sure to order the devilled eggs and the crispy, fried chicken. Sides like homemade tater tots and mac & cheese make everything better. Don't skip dessert, especially the house-made banana pudding served in a Mason jar. Come lunchtime for hearty sandwiches or delicious
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.4/5 · 80 reviews
Haberdish in Charlotte's Noda district offers modern Southern cuisine with a 4.4/5 rating. Food quality is a standout, with praised items including fried chicken, pork belly, shrimp and grits, and rotating pickled sides. The atmosphere is described as clean, modern, and upscale, suitable for sharing meals. Service is generally solid, though some guests note pacing issues or overly intrusive staff. Value perceptions vary, with mixed feedback on worthiness. It is a popular spot for groups seeking creative Southern dishes in a stylish setting.
Ideal for diners seeking shareable modern Southern cuisine in a stylish, social setting.
$$Italian-American
Named for the mountain village in Italy where owner Jeff Tonidandel's family originally hails, this charming spot feels like it's been here for years (spoiler alert: it hasn't). Its warm manner and simple bistro style have the look and feel of a traditional family-owned trattoria down pat. The menu is not strictly Italian, as there are American leanings, too, but expect rustic preparations and high-quality ingredients. Order some oysters and fresh anchovies to start along with a pasta dish, or perhaps one of the daily specials. The wine list is exclusively Italian and is categorized by region
$$$American
Chef Sam Diminich named this Wesley Heights restaurant for his daughter, though his strong-but-subtle affection for local farmers and producers rings true. While you won't find them name-checking growers, you will find a natural look and feel from the dining room to the plates themselves. This is a kitchen with a global mindset, where you'll find dishes as diverse as pork belly dumplings with shiso, collard greens and chili jam alongside pan-roasted scallops from the Outer Banks topped with prosciutto and set over couscous tossed with vegetables. Like the dumplings, the jalapeño cornbread waff
$$$Steakhouse
You'll know you're in the right place when you smell the heady scent of smoke as you approach this Plaza Midwood restaurant. A former church, it's undergone an extensive restoration resulting in this stylish space. In case the oversized range fueled by wood didn't give it away, this is Southern fire cooking through and through. Expect prime meat and fish to be cooked over the glowing embers, while imaginative sides are equally worthy of attention. It's all served family style, and sharing is the name of the game here. While you're sharing, order their seasonal sundae with a spoon for all.
$$$Contemporary
Befitting its status as a fixture of the charming Elizabeth neighborhood, Customshop offers a lively, convivial atmosphere. Chef Andrés Kaifer oversees a modern menu that blends together Latin and Italian influences with seasonal North Carolina produce in dishes that are both inventive and approachable. A hamachi crudo with parmesan leche de tigre illustrates the point beautifully with its blend of vibrant acidity and savory depth, and carefully crafted pastas like casarecce with chorizo, local mushrooms and sungold tomato broth put any doubts to rest. Eminently quaffable cocktails and a thoug
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.2/5 · 80 reviews
Customshop in Charlotte offers contemporary cuisine with an average TripAdvisor rating of 4.2/5. Food quality is generally praised, with items like Burrata, octopus, and pasta receiving positive notes, though some diners reported issues such as overly salty duck or inconsistent flavors. Service experiences vary significantly; servers like Greg and Abijah were commended, while others described staff as indifferent or rude. The ambiance is noted as cozy, sophisticated, and suitable for dates, with recent renovations enhancing the bar and dining areas. Perceived value fluctuates due to service inconsistencies and occasional culinary disappointments, leading to mixed opinions on whether the experience justifies the cost.
Suitable for diners seeking a sophisticated atmosphere and modern cuisine, but check service conditions beforehand.
$$Contemporary
Hello Sailor, the younger sibling of nearby Kindred, occupies a prime position overlooking Lake Norman, and the two outdoor terraces are the place to be when the weather is nice (though inside by the wood-burning stove is certainly no consolation prize when winter arrives). While this neighborhood spot that works for all occasions could rest on its setting alone, the menu ticks all the boxes. Its lakeside location means you'll find plenty of seafood on the menu, and PEI mussels and oysters with a glass of wine or cocktail is never a bad idea. Friendly service completes the sunny picture.
TripAdvisor review sample · 3.2/5 · 80 reviews
Hello Sailor in Cornelius offers waterfront views of Lake Norman, creating a popular atmosphere, though its 3.2/5 rating reflects mixed experiences. Food quality is polarizing: some praise the elevated cuisine, cocktails, and attentive staff like Carolyn and Liv, while others criticize missing ingredients (e.g., no tomatoes for burgers) and note that fries are the standout item. Service varies significantly; positive reviews highlight friendly interactions, whereas negative ones cite poor reservation management, excessive wait times despite bookings, and unreachable phone lines. Value perceptions are divided, with some feeling the experience justifies the cost, while others express distrust regarding tips and delays. The venue suits those prioritizing scenic views and casual dining, but customers should anticipate potential inconsistencies in food preparation and service efficiency.
Suitable for diners prioritizing scenic views and casual socializing, but expect potential inconsistencies in food and service.
$$Contemporary
It's just a short ride from Uptown, but the classic Main Street of Davidson feels more like a movie set than a big city locale. It's exactly what makes Joe and Katy Kindred's eponymous restaurant destination dining. A pharmacy in a former life, this restaurant has all the trappings of a stylish, modern brasserie (think marble-topped tables and stools at the counter on the ground floor, and a spacious, light-filled dining room).Settle in and you'll be almost instantly greeted with delicious, freshly baked milk bread. The menu shows off a clear Italian slant with an ever-so-subtle Southern accen
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.1/5 · 80 reviews
Kindred in Davidson offers contemporary cuisine with generally high food quality, featuring unique dishes like fried oysters and homemade pasta. The atmosphere is praised as warm and suitable for special occasions, while service is often described as friendly and professional. However, negative reviews highlight issues with meal pacing, small portion sizes, and perceived poor value compared to price. Some diners note inconsistencies in recent visits, including changes in taste and quantity. While the overall rating remains positive, guests should be aware of potential variability in service speed and portion expectations.
Suitable for diners seeking unique flavors and a cozy atmosphere who can accept smaller portions.
$$$Mediterranean Cuisine, Contemporary
With its sleek, understated design and metropolitan vibe, Rada might just be the hippest spot in town, but fortunately its cool trappings are accompanied by genuinely warm hospitality and crowd-pleasing cuisine. Before turning to food, whet your appetite with one of their impeccable martinis, like the San Sebastian, enlivened with Basque pepper brine. The compact, broadly Mediterranean menu is well-suited to sharing, with frequently changing options that might include small bites like eggplant escabeche or a meatball with zingy harissa, as well as more substantial fare like buttery Dover sole
$$$$Sushi, Contemporary
Chef Robin Anthony is the driving force behind this ambitious six-seat counter, located just a hop away from its larger, more casual sibling. The price point is undeniably lofty, but a bevy of luxury ingredients—truffles, foie gras, imported fish from Toyosu market—provides ample justification as the offbeat omakase unfolds. This maximalist approach is demonstrated by an indulgent signature dish of toasted brioche topped with wagyu tartare, uni and truffle, and even a hand roll of grilled eel is enriched with a bit of foie gras. When it comes to the nigiri, however, a more understated edomae a
$$Italian-American
Don't have an Italian grandmother? Then head to Little Mama's, where you can sit at the counter, slide into a booth or find a seat in the main room and watch as they make their own mozzarella. This is a kitchen that takes a few prime ingredients and turns them into something special, with homemade pasta and pizza, as well as entrees. Begin the meal with some of their house-made mozzarella or stracciatella and add a few of the suggested accompaniments to fill your own crostini before twirling your fork into a pasta or tucking into meat or fish. Brunch is also available on the weekend, and a sec
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.4/5 · 60 reviews
Little Mama's in Matthews offers Italian-American cuisine with a 4.4/5 TripAdvisor average. Food quality is a primary strength, with cheese ravioli, lasagna, chicken parmesan, and house-made mozzarella sticks frequently praised as authentic and generous. Service is generally professional, though experiences vary regarding pacing, with some feeling rushed while others faced long waits. The atmosphere is often busy, requiring early arrival or reservations, and some find it noisy, though a cozy sunroom is available. Value is mixed; portions are large, but some note limited menu variety and higher costs compared to similar chains.
Suitable for diners seeking authentic home-style Italian food who can tolerate peak-hour queues.