5 swanky restaurants with reasonable lunch prices
Generally I think of a swanky restaurant as a spot with an elegant ambiance and most main menu items listed at about $20 or above. I would also think of this as a place where you would most definitely avoid wearing shorts. While my budget-conscious inner voice might typically tell me to avoid these places for dinner, or at least wait until Restaurant Week (coming up July 22-31) to sample them, they’re fun to try for lunch. It’s all about the experience of a place that is new and exciting to you. (And it’s a little about the lower-priced items.)
Some of these spots I’ve tried and some are on my lunch wish list, but these swanky restaurants have reasonable prices:
(1) Halcyon, Flavors From the Earth
Plush chairs, expansive windows overlooking the city, chandeliers made from elegant nests of twigs — when you walk in here, you will be asked if you’ve made a reservation. But don’t worry, they’ll still seat you when you say, “Nope.” Dinner entrees can get up to $32, specifically if you’re into rabbit.
Lower-priced lunchtime finds: Roast Turkey Press with Beeler bacon, white cheddar, banana peppers, tomato, arugula and goat cheese ($13); Farro Salad with roasted cauliflower, kale, almonds, golden raisins and tahini dressing ($12).
Halcyon: 500 S. Tryon St.
(2) Luce
The only way I can describe this place is: grand. Luce is a white-table-clothed, Italian niche with the elegant ambiance of a villa. At dinnertime, pastas are closer to $20 and entrees are closer to $30.
Lower-priced lunchtime finds: Italian Omelette of the Day with spring mix salad ($10.95); Gnocchi with tomato sauce, mozzarella and basil ($12.95).
Luce: 214 N Tryon St., Ste J
(3) Upstream
This seafood palace at Phillips Place was named by Vacationidea.com as one of the “15 Best Romantic Restaurants in Charlotte,” paired with a description of an atmosphere with “the sensation of looking at the ocean depths.” Main courses for dinner here start at $28.
Lower-priced lunchtime finds: Cashew Crusted Brook Trout with whipped potatoes, green beans and peach chutney ($11); Veggie sushi specialty roll with avocado, asparagus, cucumber and wakame ($8).
Upstream: 6902 Phillips Place
Summer's bounty is here! #eatlocal #clteats #summertime #beansandcorn pic.twitter.com/Ac93JvTpJf
— Upstream Restaurant (@UpstreamCLT) July 3, 2016
(4) Bernadin’s
I’ve only been in this stunning space for a private event, with its high ceiling, ornate glass work and elegant table settings. Dinner entrees start at $20.
Lower-priced lunchtime finds: Vegetable Penne with mixed vegetables, tofu, basil, roasted garlic, tomato and olive oil ($9); Grilled Chicken Breast Diable with Tarragon mustard crust, mashed potatoes, sautéed vegetables and thyme shallot demi glaze ($11).
Bernardin’s: 435 S. Tryon St., #100
(5) Dressler’s
This place is accented by low mood lighting and understated, sophisticated decor. Not to mention a killer patio with a skyline view. Dinner entrees start at $21.
Lower-priced lunchtime finds: Blackened Chicken Pita with iceberg lettuce, pico de gallo, avocado, queso fresco and chipotle mayo ($11); Herb Encrusted Goat Cheese Salad with mixed greens, apple, thyme croutons and balsamic vinaigrette ($8).
Dressler’s: 1100 Metropolitan Avenue, Suite 125-E
Dig in.
Photos: Katie Toussaint
This story was originally published July 8, 2016 at 1:00 AM with the headline "5 swanky restaurants with reasonable lunch prices."