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February 28, 2025
Where to eat for business dinners in Charlotte
However you need to impress colleagues or clients, we’ve got you covered
by Kristen Wile
Business dinners need to accomplish several things. First, they need to be a meal worthy of impressing your guests — and at the same, have a diverse enough menu to please anyone. They have to be reliable in both food and service. Perhaps most importantly, they need to offer an ambiance where you can talk comfortably without it being so quiet you’re easily overheard. Here are our top picks for where to go for a business dinner near Uptown Charlotte. When booking your reservation, it’s helpful to note if you’re looking for a quieter table.
Albertine, Uptown
A Mediterranean-inspired fine dining spot from Joe and Katy Kindred, owners of James Beard Award-recognized Kindred.
Why we picked it: A table set away from the main dining room, up what feels like villa steps, seats 10 guests. While the bar can be noisy, the main dining room has a reasonable noise level. Most importantly, however, service is always top-notch, the food and drinks are dependable, and its glamorous vibe and stunning decor are sure to impress out-of-town clients.
A don’t-miss dish: Razor clams
Website | Reservations | Unpretentious Palate Review
Fin & Fino, Uptown
Open for lunch and dinner, this restaurant from one of Charlotte’s most respected restaurant groups has a seafood focus.
Why we picked it: A constantly busy dining room means Fin & Fino is used to handling volume. A large party won’t experience delays here, and both the dishes and drinks are dependably delicious. There are also several private dining options.
A don’t-miss dish: For an impressive night out, try The Treatment, a $75 tasting menu of chef’s choice, $5 of which goes to charity. Taking away the stress of ordering allows you to focus on clients and conversation.
Website | Reservations | Unpretentious Palate Review
Dot Dot Dot, Montford Park
Better known as a cocktail bar, Dot Dot Dot has a surprisingly strong culinary program.
Why we picked it: A dress code and speakeasy-inspired decor give members-only Dot Dot Dot a more exclusive vibe — perfect for impressing guests with your VIP status. There are also no TVs, and the dining room’s luxuriousness doesn’t detract from its warmth.
A don’t-miss dish: Potato bravas
Website | Reservations | Unpretentious Palate Review
Napa on Providence, Myers Park
A Charlotte mainstay restaurant with a menu focused on dishes that pair with wine.
Why we picked it: The dining room is divided up into several small rooms, and there are multiple private dining options, too. The menu has something for everyone, and easy parking is an added plus.
A don’t-miss dish: The duck here always delivers, especially when paired with a glass of red wine.
Website | Reservations
Supperland, Plaza Midwood
With a menu that’s steakhouse-meets-church potluck and a dining room of a refurbished church, Supperland is a unique and impressive (as well as award-winning) experience.
Why we picked it: For guests who haven’t spent much time in Charlotte, Supperland is a great introduction to the city’s creativity. Because it’s hidden downstairs, few people know it exists, but Supperland has a small private dining room on the lower level of the restaurant.
A don’t-miss dish: Pork can-can
Website | Reservations | Unpretentious Palate Review
Aria Tuscan Grill, Uptown
A Charlotte longtimer, Aria serves a reliable array of pastas and classic Italian dishes in an upscale atmosphere.
Why we picked it: This dining room is often filled with businesspeople who have depended on Aria for years, thanks to its consistency in both menu and service.
A don’t miss dish: Carbonara Roman Style
Website | Reservations | Unpretentious Palate Review
The Fig Tree, Elizabeth
One of Charlotte’s longest standing independent fine dining spots, The Fig Tree is classic white tablecloth in a historic home.
Why we picked it: Because it’s an old house, The Fig Tree’s dining rooms range in size and are quiet enough to carry on conversation.
A don’t-miss dish: Elk chop
Website | Reservations | Unpretentious Palate Review
Dressler’s, Metropolitan/Mid-Town
A locally owned steakhouse that’s been serving Charlotte diners for more than 20 years.
Why we picked it: Steakhouses are often the go-to business dinner locale — make it local with this one. An excellent wine selection and approachable menu add to its charm, as do multiple private dining options.
A don’t-miss dish: Delmonico Ribeye
Website | Reservations
Mariposa, Uptown
In front of the Mint Museum, Mariposa’s black-and-white color palette makes it a restaurant that fits the location.
Why we picked it: Overlooking Charlotte’s bustling Tryon Street, Mariposa is vibrant without being loud and sophisticated without being stuffy.
A don’t-miss dish: Gullah paella
Website | Reservations | Unpretentious Palate Review
Mimosa Grill, Uptown
In the heart of Uptown, Mimosa Grill has been a staple in Charlotte’s dining scene for more than two decades.
Why we picked it: While this restaurant may have been around for a while, chef Kaley Laird brings a modern perspective to the Southern-tinged menu. With a wide selection of dishes, great beverage program, and solid service, this is an easy go-to.
A don’t-miss dish: Chef’s choice pasta
Website | Reservations
Stoke, Uptown
Inside the Marriott City Center, you’ll find an open-kitchen concept with a welcoming, rustic take on fine dining.
Why we picked it: For those looking to select a winning hotel-restaurant combo, this is a great selection. The Marriott is located in the heart of Uptown, and its restaurant reflects its host city with a menu of Southern dishes that borrow flavors from around the world.
A don’t-miss dish: Sticky pork shank
Website | Reservations
Bonus: To make a big impression
L’Ostrica, Montford Park
Our top-rated restaurant, L’Ostrica offers a culinary journey through tasting menus.
Why we picked it: If you’re entertaining true foodies, this is where you’ll want to take them. The tasting menu brings dish after dish that’s full of flavor as well as stunning levels of technique, service is meticulous, and you’ll leave your guests in awe of Charlotte’s culinary talent.
A don’t-miss dish: The tasting menu
Website | Reservations | Unpretentious Palate Review
