It’s that time. It’s date night. The most exciting day of the week! It has been a long one and you are really looking forward to a well deserved delicious local meal paired with a fresh cocktail or mocktail, juicy glass of red and great atmosphere to enjoy with your partner or new date. The vibe is key! We all know vibes don’t lie and the energy, lighting, music and ambiance all matter. Here is your Top 10 guide to the most romantic, incredible date night restaurants in the Charlotte, NC. This guide is spread out all over Charlotte, so you can enjoy different pockets and neighborhoods that each have their own unique essence. From upscale steakhouses to 7-table quaint & cozy wine bars, choose your perfect date night experience in Charlotte!
Yunta
IG: @yuntanikkei
Location: 2201 South Blvd Ste 130
Neighborhood: South End
Concept & Vibe: Gastro barra with an industrial, modern vibe serving up Peruvian Japanese Nikkei. This restaurant has the best energy in the city because of the upbeat music, DJ on weekends, bar centric layout and incredibly caring staff!
Food & Drink: Great restaurant for shared plates so you can get a little taste of it all. Peruvian ceviche (best in town) Tiradito, Nigiri, Sushi and unbelievable entrees from the Grill.
Restaurant Constance
IG: @restaurant_constance
Location: 2200 Thrift Rd.
Neighborhood: Wesley Heights
Concept & Vibe: “Letting the seasons write the menu” One of Charlotte’s true farm-to-table restaurants. Intimate 10 table restaurant named after the owner’s daughter, Constance.
Food & Drink: Seasonal. Local. Delicious. The menu changes often, but know that you are going to truly taste the love and care for the ingredients in each bite. Serving local beer and wine with an outstanding N/A craft cocktail program.
O-Ku
IG: @okucharlotte
Location: 2000 South Blvd.
Neighborhood: South End
Concept & Vibe: Traditional Japanese sushi and cuisine. The restaurant excels at atmosphere with the lighting, orange and purple accents and sushi bar. You will experience unique ingredients, sophisticated plating and dishes meant to be shared with a loved one.
Food & Drink: Chef’s specialties, tobanyaki, nigiri, hot plates and makimono. Offering hand-crafted cocktails and mocktails. You don’t want to skip a cocktail. And dessert is a must because they get so creative with them!
Steak 48
IG: @steak48
Location: 4425 Sharon Rd.
Neighborhood: SouthPark
Concept & Vibe: Upscale Steakhouse in the heart of SouthPark. Charming, elegant atmosphere with top quality Steaks, Seafood and Raw Bar with Family Style Sides. Huge fan of the wine list and they have a sommelier on staff. The desserts are very memorable and must not be skipped. My favorite steakhouse in Charlotte no matter what the occasion.
Food & Drink: From steak to seafood, you will be thrilled with anything you choose. Oysters, Fresh Seafood Towers, Caviar, Prime Steaks, Fresh-caught fish and more! Cocktail menu is very versatile and has something for everyone. Pro Tip: when you order ONE martini, you’re actually getting almost two. Served and shaken tableside. It’s magical.
Customshop
IG: @customshopclt
Location: 1601 Elizabeth Ave.
Neighborhood: Elizabeth
Concept & Vibe: Chef-driven restaurant highlighting local farms. “Straight-forward food with an elevated modern touch” Cozy, warm, romantic, and a favorite of mine.
Food & Drink: The menu is a blend of Spanish, Italian and New American Farm to Table. Simple dishes allowing the ingredients to shine. Great for shared plates!
Ever Andalo
IG: @ever_andalo
Location: 3116 N Davidson St.
Neighborhood: NoDa
Concept & Vibe: Cozy neighborhood spot in the heart of NoDa. Serving up Italian food and drinks in a welcoming, colorful space. The decor is beautiful.
Food & Drink: Fresh pasta, homemade burrata, delicious desserts and a creative Italian-inspired cocktail list created by Mixologist, Colleen Hughes. Need I say more?
The Crunkleton
IG: @thecrunkletoncharlotte
Location: 1957 E. 7th St.
Neighborhood: Elizabeth
Concept & Vibe: The menu is designed to complement the cocktails. Exquisite bar, exposed brick, warm, inviting, lounge vibes. Full kitchen centered on open hearth and live fire cooking. Romantic.
Food & Drink: Cocktails first, food second. Deep selection of fine spirits, classic cocktails served with dry aged meats, seasonal offerings, steak and a really good burger.
The Fig Tree
IG: @thefigtreerestaurant
Location: 1601 E. 7th St.
Neighborhood: Elizabeth
Concept & Vibe: Located in the historic Lucas House, The Fig Tree has been a Charlotte special occasion/date night destination since 2005. Seasonal French and Italian inspired Menu and an award winning wine list.
Food & Drink: Fresh seasonal ingredients enhanced by classic cooking techniques and a focus on wine pairing. The menu is on the smaller side but extremely powerful in flavor and execution.
Barcelona Wine Bar
IG: @barcelonawinebar
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Location: 100 W Worthington Ave Suite 110
Neighborhood: South End
Concept & Vibe: Spanish wine and tapas bar in the heart of South End. Barcelona has consistently amazing vibes. This is a favorite date night spot for me because of the U shaped bar, earthy decor and buzzin’ atmosphere. It feels like you have been transported to Spain for the evening.
Food & Drink: Cheese & Charcuterie, Small Plates for sharing and a few larger plates that can’t be missed.
The One Tapas and Bar
IG: @the_one_tapas
Location: 3116 Weddington Rd. #600
Neighborhood: Matthews
Concept & Vibe: New to my date night list! Went a few months ago and fell in love with The One! It’s an intimate, cozy wine bar with only 7 tables. It’s very unassuming tucked away in a shopping center in Matthews. You would never expect this place to exist. Truly a hidden gem.
Food & Drink: Eclectic blend of small plates that rotate seasonally. You will find flavors inspired from Spain, Japan and Italy! The cocktails are the epitome of FRESH! Start with a cocktail and end with a glass of vino.
