Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Charlotte

Inspired by the hometown of Chef Bruce Moffett, the owner of Barrington's, the restaurant offers a laid-back and bistro-style dining experience to its patrons. Its menu is seasonally-inspired and features a vast array of wholesome dishes that are prepared using locally-sourced, organic ingredients. Among their most popular delicacies are the Oyster Po Boy, Pan Seared Scallops and the Handmade Parmesan Gnocchi. Along with these, their Warm Seasonal Fruit Cobbler and the 'Catch Of The Day' meals are also all known to be extremely impressive. An exciting variety of regional wines and brews are available at the bar if you wish to pair them with your orders.

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.

Stunning panoramic views and world-class service come together on the 27th floor of the Charlotte Plaza Building at Bentley's Restaurant on 27. Executive Chef William Schutz prepares traditional French dishes, created at each table by the use of mobile cooking carts known as gueridons. Both private and corporate events are welcomed as the setting can accommodate both a romantic dinner for two and a wedding reception of over 300. With an extensive wine list and menu, including such entrees as filet mignon and Australian Lobster Tail, Bentley's is ideal for a special night out on the town.

Italian food is well-loved by all, but who serves the best authentic Italian fare? Mama Ricotta's is one strong contender for this coveted honor. The Italian soul believes in hearty meals and lavish spreads of well seasoned and mouth-watering food. Mama Ricotta certainly seems to achieve that. This eatery is a quaint little place which serves up the most genuine of Italian food. The food is created out of made-from-scratch mozzarella cheese, fresh seasonal veggies and soft breads. Drinks, to go with the food are also stocked at the bar. Mama Ricotta's also hosts private events and caters for off site occasions.

Brain child of sibling duo Bruce and Kerry Moffett, Good Food on Montford is a restaurant focusing on extensive use of local and organic products. Serving American cuisine, this tapas-inspired restaurant is known for the quality of its food. Some of their popular dishes are pork bun, pork tenderloin and lamb belly. The place has a long wine list and seasonal cocktails for one to sip on while dining. The ambiance here is mostly trendy and intimate enough for a romantic dinner.

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.