Skip to main content

Unpretentious Palate

X

Suggested content for you


Latest Reviews

Lam’s Kitchen

Dizzying array of Chinese dishes make this Matthews restaurant great for groups

August 17, 2026

Prime Fish Cellar

High-quality sushi and caviar without the Michelin price tag

July 30, 2026

The Teal Turnip

Hidden gem in Charlotte’s Oakhurst neighborhood where the menu is as creative as the food

March 18, 2026
restaurant finder icon

Restaurant Finder

Stuck on where to go? Search by occasion, cuisine, neighborhood, and price range. Subscribers only.
events icon

Events

The city’s best events for food and booze lovers, all conveniently listed in one place. Browse by date or event type, and keep up to date on Unpretentious Palate’s exclusive events. Subscribers only.
restaurant finder icon

Not a Subscriber?

If you were, you could have access to all of these great things. Learn more about becoming a subscriber here.
concierge chat icon

Concierge

Picky brother coming to town? Seeking the town’s best Old-Fashioned? Ask us anything, once a week. We’ll be your city-wide concierge. Subscribers only.

  • Submit your UPPY nominations!

    Help recognize the best of the best in hospitality by sharing your thoughts on who should be this year's People of the Year.

    NOMINATE

    • x

    share on facebook Tweet This! Email

    UPPY Award Nominations 2026

    Name the single chef you think is the best in the city and where they work. This can be full-service or fast casual.
    Name the single pastry chef you think is the best in the city and where they work. This must be a restaurant. Pastry chefs at bakeries and pop-ups should be named in the Food Artisan category.
    Working in the restaurant industry can be tough. Who brings relentless positivity to those around them or is doing great things for Charlotte’s restaurant industry?
    Who is the best chef-on-the rise? This should be a sous chef, sous pastry chef, or newcomer, not an established executive chef.
    Name the best general manager or server in the city and where they work.
    Who is the best behind the bar and where do they work?
    Who gives you the best wine recommendations or pairings, and where do they work? This can be an employee of a wine shop or restaurant.
    Which food nonprofit has made the most positive impact on the hospitality industry, sustainability, or food access this year?
    Who is the top chef at a ghost kitchen, catering, or delivery service and where do they work?
    Which food truck brought the best food to the streets this year?
    Which craft food purveyor (baked goods, handmade pastas, juices, shelf goods, etc.) is creating something that deserves attention?
    Who is this year’s most important grower of local food?
    Which restaurant has demonstrated the finest combination of food, service, and experience excellence this past year?

    Thank You, Sponsors!

    Toast

    home icon

    HOME

    main menu icon

    MAIN MENU

    search icon

    SEARCH

    subscribe icon

    SUBSCRIBE

    login-logout icon

    LOGIN

    Create a free account, or log in to continue reading.

    Gain access to the latest food news, reviews & events.

    Yes! I would like to receive new content and updates.