by TM Petaccia & Kristen Wile

Whether you are celebrating a romance with a special night out or enjoying a casual evening with your heartmate, or potential heartmate, the right restaurant enhances your time together. It’s a chance to further connect, swap stories, share laughter, and deepen a budding or long-cherished relationship. Here are our favorite restaurants in Charlotte and the surrounding area to help keep those fires burning.

---

Albertine, Uptown

A Mediterranean-inspired fine dining spot from Joe and Katy Kindred, owners of James Beard Award-recognized Kindred
Date type: Fine dining
Why we picked it: With its rich décor, curved banquettes, well-appointed staff, and remarkable food, Albertine sets just the tone to celebrate a special occasion or create one. The small plate plate concept further enriches the experience as each partner gets to share the same flavors, furthering their bond.
A don’t-miss dish: Pickle-brined SC hot quail
Website | Reservations | Unpretentious Palate Review

---

Baku, SouthPark

High-end Japanese restaurant with impressive sake and wine lists
Date type: Fine dining
Why we picked it: The dark, subdued lighting whispers “romantic getaway” while the upscale sushi and robato dishes are meant for sharing. Wine and sake lovers will find much to explore and savor with the extensive house lists.
A don’t miss dish: A5 Wagyu filet dumplings
Website | Reservations

---

Barrel & Fork, Cornelius

A steak house with a speakeasy vibe in a 120 year-old house make it worth the drive north
Date type: Fine dining
Why we picked it: Charm exudes from this house built in 1906, located a few minutes off I-77. A collection of small dining rooms set with lamp-lit tables creates the right mood to enjoy a short, but well-executed menu of steak, game, seafood, and salads. The dessert presentation comes with a flower vase enhanced with a dry ice to make date night a little more special. Feel free to enjoy a post-dinner cocktail at the outdoor fire pit to savor the remaining moments of the evening.
A don’t miss dish: Elk filet with cannellini beans
Website | Reservations | Unpretentious Palate Review

---

Beef & Bottle, Collingwood

Long-time Charlotte favorite with a very loyal patronage
Date type: Fine dining
Why we picked it: Originally Uptown in the 1950s, this iconic steakhouse has been in its present location off Woodlawn since 1978. Romantic stories abound for the restaurant, like the couple who has eaten at the same table every Tuesday for over 30 years. You go for the nostalgia, the old school service, and the excellent in-house dry-aged steaks.
A don’t miss dish: Prime rib (if you are there early), NY strip otherwise
Website | Reservations

---

The Cellar @ Duckworth’s, Uptown

Gastro-pub speakeasy is a great spot for a first date or to become a “regular spot”
Date type: Casual
Why we picked it: The place is just fun. A great combination of craft cocktails, noteworthy beers, and an impressive menu covering everything from cheese and charcuterie and burgers and fries to steak and seafood. Its Uptown location also makes it a pre- or post-show venue.
A don’t miss dish: Sea bass puttanesca
Website | Reservations

---

Copper, Dilworth

Elevated Indian cuisine in a historic Dilworth home
Date type: Casual or Fine dining
Why we picked it: Need a good lunch date restaurant? This is your spot. A quiet couple’s dinner? This is your spot, too. Copper is one of the few places that puts the elegance and sophistication of Indian cuisine in its well-deserved proper setting.
A don’t miss dish: Lamb Kozhambu (lamb curry)
Website | Reservations

---

Dot Dot Dot, Montford Park

Known mostly as a craft cocktail speakeasy, the Park Road spot offers an impressive menu
Date type: Casual (membership required)
Why we picked it: With a welcoming bar, intimate table seating, and a few plush leather banquettes, Dot Dot Dot offers a little something for every couple. The spot is known for its extensive spirit collection and excellent cocktail menu, but the staff’s creativity enables them to whip up something off-menu to suit any request. The food menu is short but solid, divided into snacks, small plates, and mains.
A don’t miss cocktail: Hot Box Old Fashioned
Website | Reservations

---

Ever Andalo, NoDa

This Italian concept in the heart of NoDa is a great spot to head before or after drinks nearby
Date type: Casual
Why we picked it: The cozy dining room leads to a quieter and more intimate atmosphere than you’ll find in most restaurants around the city. The wine list is well-selected, the cocktails creative, and the food menu allows for diners to enjoy their own meals or select shared plates to sample together.
A don’t miss dish: The olive oil flight is a good conversation starter
Website | Reservations I Unpretentious Palate Review

---

The Fig Tree, Elizabeth

One of Charlotte’s landmark restaurants since 2005 with an outstanding wine list
Date type: Fine dining
Why we picked it: It can be said that you aren’t really dating unless you’ve shared at least one dinner at The Fig Tree. Multiple dining rooms with elegant front porch and patio options allow you to choose your mood for date night. The classic menu has been on point since opening day with many dishes outlasting various food fads and trends.
A don’t miss dish: Escargot and cremini mushrooms in gorgonzola cream
Website | Reservations | Unpretentious Palate Review

---

McNinch House, Uptown

Tasting menu prix fixe concept in an ultra-refined setting
Date type: Fine dining
Why we picked it: Charlotte’s ultimate “impress your date” restaurant. The historic home has had many ups and downs over the years, but is still the spot for landmark celebrations and receiving a dining experience your great-grandparents may have enjoyed — from the heavy table linens, to the pristine flatware, to seating tables that are rearranged each night to optimize that evening’s guests experience. Diners can choose a four or five-course meal, which special chef’s choice or chef’s table options.
A don’t miss dish: She-crab soup
Website | Reservations

---

Puerta, Elizabeth

Authentic Mexican cuisine with hard-to-find tequila and mezcal options
Date type: Casual
Why we picked it: For many dating couples, it was love at first bite at this restaurant at the corner of 7th and Pecan. The dishes here were heavily researched and perfected. The flavors are deep, earthy, and carry the spice to keep the fire going in any relationship. Cocktails take advantage of the extensive agave library the bar holds — or you can toast your romance with a round of tequila or mezcal flights.
A don’t miss dish: Mole chicken with Spanish rice
Website | Reservations | Unpretentious Palate Review

---

Rosemont, Elizabeth

Wine bar with a full lunch and dinner menu
Date type: Casual
Why we picked it: Another spot great for both lunch and dinner dates. The place is bright and cheerful, with a knowledgeable staff to help you with wine or meal selections. Also offers a nice outdoor patio for a little fresh air dating.
A don’t miss dish: Bone-in pork chop
Website | Reservations

---

Stagioni: Four Seasons of Food, Myers Park/Eastover

Moffett Restaurant Group’s Myers Park Italian concept is a favorite among foodies and food professionals
Date type: Casual
Why we picked it: Italian is always a safe bet when you’re not sure what styles of cuisine your date prefers, and great service is a hallmark of this restaurant. The menu that takes advantage of North Carolina seasonality, and the energy level lends itself well to good conversation.
A don’t miss dish: Pepperoni + Sausage Pizza
Website | Reservations

---