Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Charlotte

What happens when you mix sushi and burgers? Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar serves this interesting combination of Japanese and American cuisines to its adventurous patrons. A good place to experiment with food, it allows diners to mix and match dishes calling it the 'Burgushi'. Try a Deliverance Roll which contains pork wrapped in seaweed and covered with barbecue sauce or sample a Bento Box with a burger-sushi combination. An open mind is all you need as you experience two diverse cultures come together in a memorable gustatory experience.

Perched on the 15th floor of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Punch Room is a classy lounge that boasts of sprawling views of the city. This lounge is known for offering an extensive list of cocktails, wines and other spirits to choose from to accompany you. In case you feel hungry, you can munch on the Tapas style delicacies or other dishes from Punch Room's delightful menu. The elegant interiors are adorned with luxurious furnishings that have a classy appeal and an old-world charm. Its stylish interiors and an impressive menu makes this a great spot to hang out with your special someone and unwind after a hectic day. Though pricey, a visit here is an experience in itself.

Lebowski's Neighborhood Grill sits just on the edge of the Dilworth district, offering fairly traditional American fare with a nod towards the Coen Brothers' classic "The Big Lebowski". The main area in which this theme comes through is the laid back, friendly atmosphere at Lebowski's, locals popping in regularly for the tasty food and diverse collection of craft brews. The menu goes through the general motions of casual American grill fare, featuring a scrumptious assortment of burgers, sandwiches and salads as well as comfort food platters. One distinguishing factor in these items is the weck roll, a variation on the salty Kaiser roll. Over 70 beers are available to pair with your food, many of the tap options sourced from North Carolina breweries. A relaxed place for an informal meal, Lebowski's is a great stop for something casual.

Tucked away in Arts District, Crêpe Cellar Kitchen & Pub is a haven for both sweet and savory crêpes. It is the place to go for light snacks and comfort food with a group of close friends. All savory crêpes are gluten-free and there are a few vegetarian options as well. The buckwheat crêpe selection has options like Ham & Gruyère, Four Cheese and Turkey Apple Brie. The remaining menu displays pan-European influence, especially the Irish Steak and Guinness Pie. Hand-cut fries, sausages, oyster preparations, and cheese and beer pairings are other popular menu options. If you have a sweet tooth, do not miss out on dessert crêpes such as Mascarpone & Berries and Brownie in a Blanket.

Global Restaurant has repeatedly been voted one of Charlotte's best, and it is quite easy to see why. The menu at this fine dining restaurant has a great companion in the wine list; together they guarantee a supremely satisfying meal. Start your meal with the beef tartare or the hugely popular Berkshire pork belly; if you want to sample them all at once, have the chef whip up the Global Appetizer Tower for you! There are also plenty of options for vegetarians, each one more delicious than the one before; the eggplant spring roll and sweet potato gnocchi are just two such treats. Although the dining room opens only at 6p, you can drop by for a drink in the wine room anytime after 3p.

Japanese tradition meets American cool in Nikko, where the decor and atmosphere will leave you comfortable, relaxed and ready to enjoy your repast. The sushi is masterfully created, and unlike some places, you'll get enough to fill you up. Other traditional dinners you can order include Sukiyaki, which is thin slices of steak with vegetables cooked in a pot, and Ton Katsu, a crusted pork loin on baby greens. The restaurant can be crowded on the weekends, and it's not really dim enough to be romantic, but the food makes it well worth your while to visit.