Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Charlotte

OpenTable

Updated 05 May 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Charlotte? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Yama Loso

4.9

4.9 (27)

$31 to $50

Sushi

South Charlotte

About the restaurant

Yama Loso invites you to experience a unique blend of modern ambiance and authentic Asian cuisine in Charlotte, NC. Step inside and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere featuring warm walnut woods and elegant gold light fixtures. Whether you prefer the sushi bar, cozy booths, or intimate tables, Yama Loso is ideal for romantic evenings, gatherings with friends, or solo dining.

Our menu showcases traditional Japanese dishes with a contemporary twist. Savor melt-in-your-mouth nigiri and sashimi, innovative hot dishes, and kushiyaki, all crafted from fresh, high-quality ingredients. Be sure to try our weekly off-menu specials that include specialty fish flown in from around the world and Asian fusion kitchen items.

Enhance your meal with our extensive sake selection. Our knowledgeable bartenders are ready to help you find the perfect pairing for an unforgettable dining experience at Yama Loso.

Top review

Fabiana

Dined 5 days ago

The whole experience was wonderful. My husband and I were celebrating his birthday, and it was a memorable first visit to this restaurant. We'll definitely be back soon.

Seaboy

4.9

4.9 (91)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Cornelius

About the restaurant

Seaboy is built on a love for good food, community, and sustainability. We’re a team of locals who care about where our ingredients come from and how they’re prepared. With 10 tables in the dining room, we ensure each dish receives the attention it deserves, making every visit feel like a part of the community we’re proud to be in. We believe in keeping things simple and honest, and we’re here to make sure every visit feels special.

Top review

Dined 1 day ago

The food was quality and the staff was attentive and friendly. We sat at the chefs counter and enjoyed watching Chef and his staff work their magic. Grilled Oysters were spot on

Chapter 6

4.8

4.8 (459)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Southend

About the restaurant

With Chapter Six, Rare Roots Hospitality brings the Western Mediterranean to South End, with bold dishes that show off the flavors of the coasts and fields of Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, France, and Italy. Located directly on the Rail Trail in the heart of South End.

Must try dishes include the Whipped Ricotta, Sherry Braised Pork Cheek, Spicy Tuna Crudo, and Skate Wing! Sip on our two top selling cocktails, Almafi Coastin' or Peace + Friendship, while you dine.

Chef Scott Hollingsworth and Chef Jon Cox
General Manager Ellis Lindsay
Bar Program Brittany Kellum
Wine Director Hilary Demmitt

Top review

KatieVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Great experience with great service and food! Was here for a business dinner and was not disappointed.

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Experience

Brunch

Experience

Half Priced Wine by the Bottle, Glass & Flights

Flour Shop

4.7

4.7 (1205)

$31 to $50

American

Myers Park

About the restaurant

Your neighborhood pasta bar.
With a culinary team lead by Chef Trey Wilson, we're bringing handcrafted food to the Backlot of Park Road Shopping Center since 2018 and are thrilled to be an OpenTable Diners' Choice award-winner multiple years in a row. At Flour Shop, everything is made in-house with a commitment to supporting ethically-sourced food, including ingredients from local farms and fishermen. Choose to dine with a front-row view of the busy open kitchen at our 24-seat pasta bar, relax with friends and family in the dining room, or enjoy your dinner au natural on our creekside patio. We feature an extensive wine and cocktail program.

Conveniently located a few minutes from Myers Park, Selwyn, Dilworth, Southpark, and other great historic neighborhoods in Charlotte, NC.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Top review

Sydney

Dined 5 days ago

A majestic experience! Thank you Steven and staff!

Saku Yakitori & Sushi Bar

4.7

4.7 (388)

$31 to $50

Sushi

Uptown

About the restaurant

Saku Yakitori & Sushi Bar is open Tues-Sun via reservations or walk-ins.

Saku is a Japanese restaurant specializing in robata grilling of yakitori & kushiyaki (skewers grilled over Japanese charcoal), high quality sushi, classic Japanese comfort food, handcrafted cocktails and sakes in the heart of Uptown Charlotte.

Top review

Andrea

Dined on 15 Apr 2025

It was a great time! Food was amazing and fresh. Alex, our bartender wa friendly and energetic. He gave great recommendations and was very helpful.

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Popular dish

Roasted Bone Marrow

Syn

4.7

4.7 (25)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Charlotte

About the restaurant

Unique speakeasy in the heart of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Top review

ZVIP

Dined on 27 Apr 2025

There’s actually no food available but the drinks were so cute and very good.

Deluxe Fun Dining Restaurant

4.4

4.4 (85)

$30 and under

American

Charlotte

About the restaurant

Welcome to Deluxe Fun Dining – Charlotte’s Most Unique Dining Experience
Voted Best Restaurant in Charlotte (2024), Best Cocktail Spot (2023 & 2024), and Gold Best Date Night Spot (2023), Deluxe Fun Dining is where incredible food, unforgettable drinks, and exceptional service come together to create a dining experience unlike any other.
Known for our innovative food and drink presentations, we bring a sense of fun and excitement to every meal. From popcorn shrimp served right from a real popcorn machine to pastries delivered in vintage toasters, every dish is designed to make you smile and spark conversation. Our unique, handmade trays elevate the presentation, ensuring that every plate is as much of a visual treat as it is a culinary delight.
At Deluxe Fun Dining, we don’t just serve food—we create an experience. Our ever-evolving, chef-driven menu highlights seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, transforming classic favorites and daring new creations into unforgettable dishes.

Top review

Dr. Saroya

Dined 5 days ago

AMAZING!!! A wonderful, inviting, creative experience of food presentation. Food was hot, fresh, seasoned to perfection - especially the lobster crab dip :-)! BEST waffles in the world, as I have traveled to 28 different countries experiencing exemplary culinary tastes and flavors. Definitely a 10 out of 10!

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Experience

DELUXE BLOODY MARY SPECIAL 5-6 PM

Mazi

4.4

4.4 (42)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Southend

About the restaurant

Mazi, meaning "together" in Greek, invites you to enjoy shared dining with vibrant Mediterranean small plates and fine spirits in the heart of Charlotte's Southend neighborhood. Our modern atmosphere is perfect for gatherings with friends and family.

Chef Whit Thomas crafts dishes that celebrate fresh, seasonal ingredients inspired by Mediterranean flavors. From vibrant spreads and crudo to delicious salads and vegetable-forward options, each small plate offers a unique culinary journey.

Beverage Director Bob Peters has curated a selection of wines, beers, and cocktails that pair beautifully with our menu. Whether you prefer a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, a bold Cabernet Sauvignon, or a handcrafted cocktail, Mazi has something to delight your palate.

More than just a restaurant, Mazi is a place to connect, share, and savor life's simple pleasures. Experience the warmth of Mediterranean hospitality and create lasting memories with us.

Top review

DevkiVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Everything was sooo goood and the service was amazing!

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Experience

Brunch at Mazi

Experience

Wine Dinner in Partnership with Orsini Wines

Évasion CLT

4.3

4.3 (21)

$30 and under

American

Cotswold

About the restaurant

Escape the ordinary with Évasion! Enjoy delights and drinks that will make your taste buds dance as we EAT DRINK VIBE the night away.

Top review

JermonteVIP

Dined on 7 May 2025

It’s always a vibe! You never get tired and there’s always fun and karaoke on Tuesday’s!

The Social Cork Wine Bar

3.7

3.7 (15)

$31 to $50

Wine Bar

Fort Mill, South Carolina

About the restaurant

WE ARE OFTEN ASKED, "WHY A WINE BAR?"
This is why:
"Even though I know how to use a smart phone, I'd still rather go dancing than watch television, and I find nothing more satisfying than singing with my friends next to a fire. We are here so briefly that missing a single opportunity to connect with people seems a crime. That's why we drink wine- it softens the hardness of the day, and loosens our tongues so that we may confide in a friend, share the day's event with a spouse, or sparkle with a lover over a romantic dinner. This is why we are alive-to be together." - Celia Ramsay

We want to bring people together in a place where ALL are welcome. We have asked God to use us as a vessel to build strong community, fellowship, and lasting relationships. All that walk through TSCWB doors are friends. Ms. Ramsay's quote on wine will be framed and affixed to the wall at TSCWB to serve as a reminder to never miss a moment to connect with someone and enjoy one another's company.

Top review

BradleyVIP

Dined on 1 Apr 2025

This was a first experience at TSCWB. We were very pleased. My wife had the mimosa flight and a chicken quessadiila. I had the red flight and a very good flatbread. Atmosphere was casual. Staff were attentive and delightful to interact with. Good knowledge of wines, Enjoyed our brief discussion of Italian wines as well. Will definitely return.

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Experience

Happy Hours Mon - Thurs 4p-8p

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