Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in Charlotte

OpenTable

Updated 05 May 2025

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots 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!

BAR ONE Lounge

4.7

4.7 (39)

$31 to $50

American

Charlotte

About the restaurant

Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Uptown Charlotte at BAR ONE Lounge, where delicious food, expertly crafted classic cocktails and live entertainment create an unforgettable experience. Expanding from its successful South Park location, BAR ONE Lounge in Uptown brings the same elevated dining to a dynamic new space. Indulge in a menu full of bold flavors, innovative small plates and signature cocktails all thoughtfully curated to complement the evening’s entertainment - IVAN KANE'S FORTY DEUCE LIVE BURLESQUE show times: Friday and Saturday 8PM & 10PM. After work, a special occasion or simply looking for a Night Less Ordinary, BAR ONE Lounge is the ultimate destination for unparalleled dining and nightlife in Uptown.

Top review

SherryVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Had an awesome experience!! The food, the show, and the service was amazing!

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Experience

Dinner & Burlesque Show

El Puro Cuban Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (1290)

$50 and over

Cuban

South Charlotte

About the restaurant

Inspired by the elegance and the history of pre-revolutionary Cuba in the 1950s

Heated Patio Coming Soon!!

Top review

Tracey

Dined 3 days ago

Had a great brunch here. Food was delicious, service was great, my Paloma was delicious. We’ll definitely be back.

Culinary Dropout - Charlotte

4.5

4.5 (777)

$30 and under

American

Southend

About the restaurant

Culinary Dropout serves classic meals done right. With crowd favorites like our pretzel bites and provolone fondue, 36-hour pork ribs, and our famous fried chicken drizzled with honey you’ll want to taste everything. Thirsty? Wash it all down with an ice-cold craft beer or a killer house-made cocktail. And don't forget to stick around for games and free live music with a laid-back vibe. Culinary Dropout is for anyone who loves damn good food and drinks. Hosting a private event? Culinary Dropout has three unique private dining rooms, perfect for any occasion!

Top review

Joy

Dined 1 day ago

My waiter Anderson I believe his name is was amazing . He is definitely an asset to the establishment. Charming and funny attentive without feeling like I was being rushed . Give that man a raise lol

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Popular dish

Fried Chicken

Popular dish

Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Popular dish

Cheese

Havana Carolina Restaurant and Bar

4.4

4.4 (158)

$30 and under

Cuban

Concord

About the restaurant

Havana Carolina Restaurant offers a little taste of Cuba presented in a lively-classic setting with Happy Hours and live music. The Cuban Paradise focus on customer satisfaction.

Our distinctive Cuban cuisine is a fusion of many varied elements of Native American Taino, Spanish, African, French, Arabic, Chinese and Portuguese spices and food techniques. Our blend of Caribbean ingredients is added to elevate each unique dish to a different level. The most important ingredient in each recipe is “love”.
Havana Carolina Restaurant & Bar is Cuban family-owned and operated. It flaunts the endeavor, the courage and the strength of those who look for success in new places. At Havana Carolina, we focus on creating a unique dining experience which allows each one of our customers to travel in time and spend a day in our old and glamorous Cuba. This “Cuban Paradise” is not just a restaurant or a business, it’s an experience and a feeling. It’s Cuba in its essence.

Top review

Christy

Dined on 10 May 2025

Always an amazing experience! Feels like we are on vacation !

Muraya Restaurant

4.4

4.4 (524)

$30 and under

Tapas / Small Plates

Southend

About the restaurant

Muraya, a culinary haven located in the heart of Southend, Charlotte founded by a charming couple with a deep love, for food, cocktails and hospitality. Our journey began with a heartfelt inspiration drawn from the vibrant city of Cartagena. Every dish we create is a tribute to its rich culture, mesmerizing colors, and captivating history.
At our restaurant, we pour our passion for Colombian cuisine into every plate we serve. With each bite, you'll taste the authentic flavors of Cartagena, lovingly prepared using traditional recipes and ingredients handed down through generations. Our mission is to transport you to the streets of this enchanting city, where the aroma of freshly cooked arepas and the rhythm of salsa music fill the air.
Just like Cartagena, our restaurant is a fusion of warmth and zest, creating an inviting atmosphere for you to savor unforgettable moments.

Top review

Tammy

Dined 3 days ago

This was our first time and it was amazing! The atmosphere was very welcoming and the food was delicious. I celebrated my birthday and I truly enjoyed the experience and the live salsa music.

One Sixty Cocktails & Kitchen

4.4

4.4 (74)

$31 to $50

American

Steele Creek

About the restaurant

OneSixty offers an elevated restaurant and lounge experience perfect for celebrations, date nights, or simply a night out. Our distinctive ambiance sets the stage for enjoying small plates, signature cocktails, and bottle service. Nightly DJs to highlight your experience.

Please contact 980-416-0262 for reservations larger than 6 people.

Top review

Kisha

Dined on 11 May 2025

Had a great experience for it to be me and my mom’s first time!! First was top tier!! And drink as well! Will be back with my bestie so we can experience adult time with the drinks and tower couldn’t drink with moms!! lol

Emmy Squared Pizza - South End

4.3

4.3 (108)

$30 and under

Pizzeria

Southend

About the restaurant

Serving Detroit-style pizzas and an award-winning burger. Full service bar, local drafts & wine selection.

Top review

Sara

Dined on 29 Mar 2025

Service was a little slow, but the food was amazing! We will definetly be back!!

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!

Emmy Squared Pizza - Plaza Midwood

4.1

4.1 (180)

$30 and under

Pizzeria

Plaza Midwood

About the restaurant

Serving Detroit-style pizzas and an award-winning burger. Full service bar, local drafts & wine selection.

Top review

KevinVVIP

Dined on 7 Feb 2025

We enjoyed our meal! There was an issue with one of the appetizers (came out late) but the waitress graciously took it off the bill).

LulaBelle's Restaurant & Lounge

3.7

3.7 (412)

$31 to $50

Soul food

Charlotte

About the restaurant

Coming Soon!

Top review

Reina

Dined on 11 May 2025

We visited this restaurant for Mother’s Day, and it was a wonderful experience from start to finish. The food was delicious—everything we ordered was well-prepared and flavorful. The space itself was clean, nicely decorated, and had a welcoming atmosphere. The music added a great vibe to the setting; it was a little loud for our first visit, but nothing that took away from the overall experience. The customer service was also excellent—friendly, attentive, and made us feel right at home. All in all, a great spot for a special occasion, and we’ll definitely be back!

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Experience

Tequila Tuesday's

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