Aqua e Vino

Neighborhood: South Charlotte |  Cuisine: Italian |  Price Range: $$$
Overall Rating: 4

A tiny Italian restaurant with some of the best pastas in town

Sal’s Pizza Factory

Neighborhood: East Charlotte |  Cuisine: Pizza |  Price Range: $
Overall Rating: 3.5

A New York-style pizzeria that the city’s sure to fall in love with

The McNinch House

Neighborhood: Uptown |  Cuisine: New Southern |  Price Range: $$$$
Overall Rating: 3

The restaurant’s tasting menu meal in an old house is a unique experience, but could use an update

Haberdish

Neighborhood: NoDa-Villa Heights |  Cuisine: Southern |  Price Range: $
Overall Rating: 4

A small menu draws big crowds for its fried chicken served in a fun atmosphere

Stagioni

Neighborhood: Myers Park |  Cuisine: Italian |  Price Range: $$$
Overall Rating: 4

A seasonal Italian spot by Bruce Moffett, owner of Good Food on Montford and Barrington’s

Kindred

Neighborhood: Lake area |  Cuisine: New American |  Price Range: $$$
Overall Rating: 4.5

Approachable yet innovative small plates served with heart

The Cellar at Duckworth’s

Neighborhood: Uptown |  Cuisine: New Southern |  Price Range: $$
Overall Rating: 2.5

A speakeasy-inspired cocktail bar in a dimly-lit space beneath Duckworth’s

Barrington’s Restaurant

Neighborhood: South Charlotte |  Cuisine: New American |  Price Range: $$$
Overall Rating: 4.5

Bruce Moffett’s first restaurant serves textbook cuisine in a quaint dining room.

Dot Dot Dot

Neighborhood: Dilworth-Sedgefield-Montford Park |  Cuisine: New Southern |  Price Range: $$$
Overall Rating: 4.5

A members-only spot with a speakeasy vibe

Midwood Smokehouse

Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood-Belmont |  Cuisine: Barbecue |  Price Range: $$
Overall Rating: 3.5

A fast-expanding barbecue restaurant in a sophisticated setting