The Most Fun Restaurants in Charlotte

by The OpenTable Team

Updated 19 November 2019

Is Charlotte the most fun city in North Carolina? From life in the fast lane at the NASCAR Motor Speedway to thrills and spills at the National Whitewater Center, excitement and adventure are only ever a few minutes away in this vibrant city. But where are the most fun restaurants in Charlotte? Welcome to the Tastemaker 20. We’ve embraced Charlotte’s love of fun and discovered twenty restaurants that make dining a little bit more intriguing.

Peppervine

4.7

4.7 (2116)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

SouthPark

About the restaurant

Before Peppervine opened it was one of the most hotly anticipated new restaurants in SouthPark. That anticipation was well rewarded. This super modern space serves up locally sourced, seasonal fare from a menu that changes nightly. Peppervine is totally independent, chef-driven, and high-class. It's a fine dining experience like no other. Pair excellent small plates with craft cocktails and be ready for a unique night. Booking recommended.

Top review

Amy

Dined 6 days ago

Nicole did a great job serving our business dinner.

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Popular dish

Branzino

Popular dish

General Tsos Cauliflower

Popular dish

Pimento Cheese Scones

McNinch House

4.8

4.8 (1114)

$50 and over

Continental

Uptown

About the restaurant

This beautiful restaurant is an absolute must for any history-loving foodies out there. The venue is a lovingly restored Queen Anne style house from 1892, the original home of Charlotte Mayor, Sam McNinch. Marvel at the Victorian moldings and fittings, while tucking into Louisiana-style crab cakes, roasted cauliflower, or rabbit loin roulade. Look out for special events like wine tastings and the pre-theatre dinner options- with free parking. Perfect for those truly special occasions.

Top review

Billvip

Dined 5 days ago

This was an excellent special event hosted by McNinch House with wine pairings from Laure Levesque of Queen of Wines in Durham. It was a fun social event along with great food, wine, and service. McNinch House is always Charlotte's premier restaurant and keeps getting better. We love coming here.

The Melting Pot - Midtown NC

4.9

4.9 (1605)

$31 to $50

Fondue

Midtown

About the restaurant

Just across from Little Sugar Creek Greenway is a restaurant that’s as much an entertaining night out as a great place to eat. The Melting Pot’s name refers to the different types of fondue, melted to perfection, and served with a diverse variety of foods, both savory and sweet. The full experience includes four courses of salads, seafood, vegetables, meats, artisan cheeses, bread, and chocolate- to name just a few options! A great choice for trying something new for special occasions.

Top review

Karina

Dined 3 days ago

Arissa was the best!!! She was great at giving advice and was very patient with us in deciding what to get as well as very knowledgeable and detailed on what each course had! The food was amazing and it was a wonderful experience!! 1000/10

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Popular dish

Pure Chocolate Fondue

Popular dish

Sparkling Chocolate

Popular dish

Bacon Mac & Cheese Fondue

forchetta

4.3

4.3 (514)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Uptown

About the restaurant

Whether guests are heading uptown for a sporting event at the Spectrum Centre or to take in a festival at First Ward Park, forchetta is waiting to serve up a “New Dining Experience” for hungry locals and tourists alike. The theme is authentic Italian, from Naples street food to platters of charcuterie with house-made jams. Everything has a little twist to make it more intriguing, like meatballs made from elk meat, or baked eggs with shaved truffle. A hidden gem for any fan of modern Italian cuisine.

Top review

Susan

Dined on 24 Oct 2024

Our first time before going to the theater, it was great! And they give a discount for folks eating before Blumenthal! It’s 2 minutes walk to Belk. My friend said the appetizer crepe bundles filled with lobster and something were to die for, my eggplant appetizer and beet salad were more than I could eat. Service was attentive and fun. We’ll go again.

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Bulla Gastrobar - Charlotte

4.5

4.5 (2510)

$30 and under

Spanish

Charlotte

About the restaurant

Filled with Spanish inspiration, Bulla is the brainchild of experienced restaurateurs and a chef who has travelled all over the world but has firm Costa Rican roots. Widely recognized as one of the most fun restaurants and bars in Charlotte, Bulla offers outdoor seating, authentic Spanish Tapas, huge paellas, plus an enormous drinks menu with a range of exciting cocktails. Seasonal, vibrant, and always welcoming.

Top review

yoandy

Dined 1 day ago

BULLA always delicious food-tapas-appetizer very recommended, Delilah did excellent taking care of us!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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The Cellar at Duckworth's

4.8

4.8 (2627)

$31 to $50

Gastro Pub

Uptown

About the restaurant

A 2019 Diner’s Choice, The Cellar at Duckworth’s is the epitome of the American Gastropub. The “pub” part of that is an extensive list of specialty and rare beers, plus intriguing signature cocktails crafted by expert mixologists. The “gastro” part is local, seasonal fare including cheese, charcuterie, huge steaks, juicy burgers, and more unusual dishes like kimchi gnocchi. The place itself looks like being in a beautiful, old-fashioned wooden cellar, for a truly unique dining experience.

Top review

Georgevip

Dined 2 days ago

While primarily a good steakhouse, their menu is unusually broad and interesting. I've had both the duck confit and the grouper, both of which were superb. My son had the bison tenderloin, which was exceptionally tender and flavorful I've never seen puttanesca sauce on fish but bet it's great. I look forward to more visits to try every item they offer.

Fin & Fino - Uptown Charlotte

4.8

4.8 (2806)

$30 and under

Seafood

Uptown

About the restaurant

When the night calls for a touch of class, what impresses more than oysters? Well, this restaurant serves 12 different types of the succulent shellfish. Add to that a range of other seafood dishes that draw inspiration from a range of seafaring cultures. Guests can indulge in pan-seared trout, Faroe Island Salmon, and even colorful Poke Bowls, all while surrounded by décor reminiscent of the ocean and the shore. Very cool, very fun and a must for all seafood lovers.

Top review

Brianvip

Dined 2 days ago

Our favorite stop before the theatre. We have never been disappointed

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Ri Ra Irish Pub - Charlotte

4.6

4.6 (791)

$30 and under

Irish

Uptown

About the restaurant

Rí Rá is a real Irish pub right in the heart of Charlotte’s Fourth Ward. The extensive beer menu starts, of course, with Guinness- but it certainly doesn’t end there. Belgian beers, ciders, plus a range of ales and lagers that’s constantly updated depending on what's new. The food menu is a riot of Irish touches, such as a traditional lamb stew and an Irish cheese board. The most fun thing about Rí Rá is the convivial atmosphere, perfect for parties. Grab friends and get ready for a wild night at Rí Rá's.

Top review

Tammy

Dined 7 days ago

Great service & menu in an Irish pub-type atmosphere

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Popular dish

Fish & Chips

Fahrenheit - Charlotte

4.2

4.2 (7844)

$31 to $50

American

Uptown

About the restaurant

Fancy a restaurant with a view? Fahrenheit is right on top of the Skye Condos on South Caldwell Street. New American Cuisine is on offer here, plus crafty cocktails and local beer on tap. The gorgeous rooftop area boasts cozy firepits, a social pool, and even an herb garden that changes with the seasons. Enjoy sharing small plates or fill up on lamb chops or lobster mac and cheese while enjoying some of the best views the city has to offer. A new and exciting way to see the Queen City while enjoying an excellent meal.

Top review

Greg

Dined 6 days ago

Amazing food, service, and views of Charlottes pictures perfect skyline.

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Trio Restaurant - Charlotte

4.5

4.5 (655)

$30 and under

American

South Charlotte

About the restaurant

Making mealtimes fun is all about adding those little twists that keep diners coming back. Trio has perfected that art, with classics like French Toast getting a total makeover, and cool ideas like a brunch sampler- or even an enormous brunch pizza! Over a quarter of a century’s experience in delivering quality American cuisine guarantees a tasty night out. The creative menu and excellent service make this one of the most fun restaurants in Charlotte, for brunch, lunch or dinner.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 4 Sept 2022

Amazing dining experience with our 9 and 12 year old boys for our 17th anniversary. Our waitress was wonderful and attentive (and complimentary of our kiddos). The food was delicious. It was a "don't hold back" date night out, so the 9 year old enjoyed the most delicious prime rib and creme brulee while the 12 year old loved his special ' double shrimp' pasta and baked Alaska. Trio Meatloaf and the filet also were very tasty. We already have plans to come back for the next special family occasion to try the BLT pizza and other desserts we missed!