Each January and July, restaurants around the city take part in Queen’s Feast, offering a three-course meal at a price ranging from $30 to $45 per person. With so many seeking reservations to enjoy the deals, tables can be hard to come by, so plan ahead. We asked some of the professionals at participating Queen’s Feast restaurants for their tips on how to best enjoy restaurant week. Here’s what they had to share.

Pierre Bader, owner of Aria Tuscan Grill
Queen’s Feast menu ($35) highlights: Caramelized gnocchi, braised lamb shank, chicken parmigiana
“Explore items on menus that you don’t order normally — expand your palate, dare yourself and get out of your comfort zone,” Bader says. He adds: “All of Charlotte wants to dine at 7:30. Get out of that habit and try 8:30; you’ll still make it to bed in time.”

Stephen Johnson, General Manager at PARA
Queen’s Feast menu ($45) highlights: Crab rangoons, N.C. trout, Fernet kakigori (Japanese shaved ice)
“Use this week to try a new restaurant,” Johnson says. “Whether it’s PARA or elsewhere, you know the menu ahead of time — and price — and know what to expect. Keep in mind the restaurant menu is just a taste of what the restaurant has to offer. So for a full experience, be sure to follow up with your favorites for dinner (or brunch, in PARA’s case) in the future.”

Ellis Lindsay, General Manager at The Porter’s House
Queen’s Feast menu ($45) highlights: Pimento cheese beignets, six-ounce filet
“Most restaurants put their most popular items on the menu, so if you’re in a group, order one of everything and share,” she says.

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