13 best restaurants in uptown Charlotte, from elevated spots to tried & true favorites
Charlotte’s dining scene has continued to grow at a breakneck pace over the last several years, with new openings popping up nearly everywhere you look. As the original central hub to a city that’s grown 20% in 20 years, uptown has fought to remain a significant player — and in 2024, the dining offerings are better than ever.
From the much-anticipated opening of Albertine to the classics upholding a high level of food and service like Haymaker and The Cellar at Duckworth’s, these are the essential spots to grab dinner and drinks for a guaranteed good night out in Charlotte’s city center.
Alexander Michael’s
Location: 401 W 9th St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Plenty of uptown trends toward more formal offerings, but when you’re in need of a comfort meal, Al Mike’s is a top choice for good reason. This Charlotte mainstay first opened its doors in 1983 and has maintained a loyal following through the decades. It’s a true neighborhood gem where you’ll get to know the crew (a few of whom have been there since its opening). Order the spicy crab soup or the London Broil sandwich for a peek into exactly what has kept Charlotteans flocking to Al Mike’s for so long.
Albertine
Location: Duke Energy Plaza, 525 S Tryon St Charlotte NC
Albertine is the fourth concept from Katy and Joe Kindred, and the first to open in uptown. Chef Joe puts his Southern spin on Mediterranean fine dining, while Katy lent her design and service expertise to push the whole experience over the top. Order the meze platter and ask your server for a wine pairing. The restaurant is easily one of the best things to happen in uptown dining in recent memory.
Angeline’s
Location: Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel, 303 S Church St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Don’t sleep on Angeline’s, Kimpton Tryon Park’s contribution to modern Italian dining. The menu is built around its antipasti, house-made pastas and wood-fired pizzas, but it’s also a fine place to grab a drink and an appetizer. Upstairs, the newly renovated Merchant & Trade offers you a second stop, complete with rooftop views and a signature cocktail list.
The Cellar at Duckworth’s
Location: 330 N Tryon St Charlotte NC 28202
This tried and true uptown hideaway somehow always manages to remain a delightful surprise. Descend the stairs into the speakeasy-like atmosphere, and you’re immediately reminded why The Cellar has been an uptown favorite for nearly a decade. It’s a great spot for a celebration or a date night. Pro tip: Order the tomahawk steak to share and ask to visit the beer cellar.
Coquette
Location: 400 S Tryon St #101 Charlotte NC 28202
Coquette is equal parts pâtisserie, cafe and full service dining — each of which features traditional French cuisine alongside a few innovative twists. Owner Jill Marcus of Mother Earth Group has always likened the experience of Coquette to that of visiting a charming French home, and that attention to creating an inviting atmosphere shows at every turn.
Exotica Kitchen and Bar
Location: 500 S College St #150, Charlotte, NC 28202
Exotica, owned by brothers Dilip and Vijay Thotakuri and business partner Raj Vangara, is an excellent way to enjoy the flavors of both North and South Indian fare while uptown. The restaurant itself is a charming little spot tucked away on South College Street, and the chefs put equal emphasis on classic recipes (think tandoori chicken or palak paneer) alongside more modern takes on the traditional. You can also expect a large assortment of vegetarian items. Dishes are beautifully plated and the cocktail list is pretty darn good, too.
Fahrenheit
Location: Skye Condominiums, 222 S Caldwell St 21st Floor, Charlotte, NC 28202
It took a few visits to find my groove at Fahrenheit, but once I did, I came to really appreciate Charlotte’s signature rooftop restaurant/bar. If you’re not looking for nightlife, go early so you can still enjoy the views (and possibly even see the sunset if you time it right). Order the beef tartare, mac n cheese and the truffle fries. Cocktails are always high quality, and depending what time you go, the bar is often lively.
Felix Handmade Empanadas
Location: The Alley at Latta Arcade, 320 S Tryon St Charlotte, NC 28202
Felix Handmade Empanadas started when owner Felix Godward launched his food truck in 2017. His newest location, now open in Latta Arcade, offers Charlotteans an assortment of empanadas alongside a select few other menu items, like salads and fries. Expect everything from classic flavors to the more inventive, and a few dessert empanada options, too. Order the pulled chorizo empanada or branch out with the spanakopita. If you find yourself uptown looking for a quick, delicious meal to go, this is your spot — but be sure to make it an early dinner. Felix is open every Monday - Friday until 6 p.m.
Fin & Fino
Location: 135 Levine Avenue of the Arts #100, Charlotte, NC 28202
Fin & Fino, from the veteran foodies at Rare Roots Hospitality, boasts a strong cocktail program and a food menu that relies on fresh, seasonal ingredients, daily catches and revolving small plates. Brittany Kellum and her bar crew (lovingly dubbed “BK and The Clams”) bring a polished yet playful approach to all kinds of sippers, but rum and sherry-based drinks first and foremost.
JINYA Ramen Bar
Location: Ally Charlotte Center, 601 S Tryon St Unit 132, Charlotte, NC 28202
Founder Tomo Takahashi opened his first JINYA in Tokyo in 2000. A little over 20 years later, JINYA Ramen Bar joined uptown Charlotte to offer a menu built around its signature dish in a sleek, upscale setting. The ramen broths (of which there are six variations) are slowly simmered for more than 20 hours for a rich, flavorful noodle soup using traditional Japanese ingredients and techniques. The menu also includes dishes like crispy rice with spicy tuna, pork gyoza, and an impressive amount of vegan and vegetarian offerings.
Mariposa
Location: 500 S Tryon St Charlotte NC 28202
Located in the Mint Museum Uptown, Mariposa is a bit of a hidden gem — it’s got a buzzy, loungey atmosphere and a menu well-suited to sharing. Mariposa describes its fare as “global,” and you’ll recognize many of the flavors and dishes as Mediterranean-inspired. The bar is particularly well stocked with several hard-to-find top shelf options.
Sea Level NC
Location: Truist Center, 129 E 5th St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Salty, addictive oysters straight from the Carolina shores are Sea Level’s specialty, but the restaurant also boasts plenty of other non-bivalve options. Go for the lobster rolls, made with fresh lobsters shipped directly from Maine, or sample menu items like the catfish taco and fried NC catfish that pay homage to Carolina cooking. Sea Level also offers a solid brunch. The food is always evolving, but Sea Level remains focused on fresh ingredients and creating a social dining experience.
STK
Location: 201 S College St, Charlotte, NC 28202
STK did well to fill a niche in uptown’s dining offerings — it’s got all the ambiance and offerings of a modern steakhouse while also feeling a bit like a trip to Miami with its loungey look and live DJ offerings. Not looking for a nightlife experience? Don’t worry: You’ll still find plenty of people casually posted up at the bar for a 5 p.m. happy hour or visiting for a lowkey date night. Come prepared with an appetite — the steakhouse offerings are plentiful, from classic cuts to the seafood tower, craft cocktails and a very decadent mac n cheese.
This story was originally published November 26, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
