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The Most Fun Restaurants
The Most Fun Restaurants in Charlotte

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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.

A photo of Peppervine restaurant

4.7

4.7 (2134)

$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

J

JenniferVIP

Dined on 17 Dec 2024

We had a lovely dining experience here last night! The service, ambience and food are quite possibly the best in Charlotte. The attention to detail is certainly one of the best aspects of this restaurant. Noteworthy: pimento cheese scones and the house made pasta with bison bolognese. The wine list is outstanding. Highly recommend and looking forward to returning!

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A photo of Branzino of a restaurant

A photo of General Tsos Cauliflower of a restaurant

General Tsos Cauliflower

A photo of Pimento Cheese Scones of a restaurant

Pimento Cheese Scones

A photo of McNinch House restaurant

4.7

4.7 (1116)

$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

B

BillVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Outstanding food and service at Charlotte's number one fine dining restaurant. And the Christmas decorations in this elegant Victorian home are spectacular! There's nothing like it in Charlotte.

A photo of The Melting Pot - Midtown NC restaurant

The Melting Pot - Midtown NC

4.9

4.9 (1615)

$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

L

Lisa

Dined 1 day ago

Melting Pot is always a great experience. At first they did forget about us and did not seat us until 20 minutes after reservation time plus we got there 15 minutes early. We shook it off because we knew that it was Christmas Eve and it was busy. The food never disappoints. I love coming here.

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A photo of Pure Chocolate Fondue of a restaurant

Pure Chocolate Fondue

A photo of Sparkling Chocolate of a restaurant

Sparkling Chocolate

A photo of Bacon Mac & Cheese Fondue of a restaurant

Bacon Mac & Cheese Fondue

A photo of forchetta restaurant

3.8

3.8 (522)

$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

F

Frank

Dined 3 days ago

We had the Chilean Sea Bass over Risotto. It was delicious and prepared to perfection. The wait staff was tremendous. I will go back again. We also had the lobster bisque and it was so good. It was a great evening.

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A photo of Beet Salad of a restaurant

A photo of Rigatoni Pasta of a restaurant

A photo of Rigatoni alla Luca of a restaurant

Rigatoni alla Luca

A photo of Bulla Gastrobar - Charlotte restaurant

Bulla Gastrobar - Charlotte

4.5

4.5 (2528)

$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

T

Tracy

Dined 5 days ago

Just a really well-run place. Good food, service and value. Our server was very busy but did a great job and was sweet and efficient. The food was delicious and we left stuffed. Always a pleasure. If I had one complaint it would be that the booths to the right of the main floor are pretty rundown and uncomfortable. The hostess relocated us without complaint.

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A photo of Paella of a restaurant

A photo of Patatas Bravas of a restaurant

A photo of Ceviche de Jalapeño of a restaurant

Ceviche de Jalapeño

A photo of The Cellar at Duckworth's restaurant

The Cellar at Duckworth's

4.8

4.8 (2651)

$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

D

Diane

Dined 3 days ago

Excellent service, presentation & bar tenders were excellent & attentive.

A photo of Fin & Fino - Uptown Charlotte restaurant

Fin & Fino - Uptown Charlotte

4.8

4.8 (2848)

$31 to $50

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

T

Teresa

Dined 2 days ago

Madison made our first time to the restaurant a fabulous experience!! Service was excellent and the food was amazing!!

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A photo of Seafood Boil of a restaurant

A photo of Flank Steak of a restaurant

A photo of Scallops of a restaurant

A photo of Ri Ra Irish Pub - Charlotte restaurant

Ri Ra Irish Pub - Charlotte

4.4

4.4 (796)

$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

C

Carey

Dined 4 days ago

The waitress was rude and unfriendly. Will not be back because of her poor attitude.

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A photo of Fish & Chips of a restaurant

A photo of Fahrenheit - Charlotte restaurant

Fahrenheit - Charlotte

4.2

4.2 (7862)

$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

S

Simon

Dined on 9 Dec 2024

Katie, our server, was so sweet and professional.

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A photo of Ahi Poke Nachos of a restaurant

Ahi Poke Nachos

A photo of Hot Seafood Tower of a restaurant

Hot Seafood Tower

A photo of Seafood Tower 1 of a restaurant

Seafood Tower 1

A photo of Trio Restaurant - Charlotte restaurant

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

OT

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!

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