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The Most Fun Restaurants in Charlotte

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by The OpenTable Team
Updated November 19, 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.

Peppervine
4.8 (2211)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
SouthPark
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
Jess
Dined 4 days ago
Brandon was AMAZING! His service and the dirty martinis were perfect!
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
Jess
Dined 4 days ago
Brandon was AMAZING! His service and the dirty martinis were perfect!
McNinch House
4.9 (1142)
$50 and over
Continental
Uptown
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
Samuel
Dined 1 day ago
Had a wonderful experience here with my family. It felt like a special occasion from beginning to end. We chose to let the chef guide us with his picks and we did not regret it. Every course was incredible! Would definitely visit again!
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
Samuel
Dined 1 day ago
Had a wonderful experience here with my family. It felt like a special occasion from beginning to end. We chose to let the chef guide us with his picks and we did not regret it. Every course was incredible! Would definitely visit again!
The Melting Pot - Midtown NC
4.9 (1667)
$31 to $50
Fondue
Midtown
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
Dave
Dined 1 day ago
Everything was wonderful! Great food and service! Perfect place for Mother’s Day!
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
Dave
Dined 1 day ago
Everything was wonderful! Great food and service! Perfect place for Mother’s Day!
forchetta
3.8 (547)
$31 to $50
Italian
Uptown
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
MaxVIP
Dined on Apr 19, 2025
Very good food with very good service which always make for a great dining experience. Nicely laid out and quiet enough to allow conversation at the table.
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
MaxVIP
Dined on Apr 19, 2025
Very good food with very good service which always make for a great dining experience. Nicely laid out and quiet enough to allow conversation at the table.
Bulla Gastrobar - Charlotte
4.7 (2598)
$30 and under
Spanish
Charlotte
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
OpenTable Diner
Dined on May 4, 2025
Great food, great specials, great vibes. Would definitely go back.
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
OpenTable Diner
Dined on May 4, 2025
Great food, great specials, great vibes. Would definitely go back.
The Cellar at Duckworth's
4.8 (2773)
$31 to $50
Gastro Pub
Uptown
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
jonathanVIP
Dined 2 days ago
This was my first time there and we will certainly be back. The evening was amazing. We all had different cocktails that were really good. We had some appetizers and then each of us had filets with a nice bottle of wine. The service was excellent and perhaps the best steaks I have had in Charlotte.
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
jonathanVIP
Dined 2 days ago
This was my first time there and we will certainly be back. The evening was amazing. We all had different cocktails that were really good. We had some appetizers and then each of us had filets with a nice bottle of wine. The service was excellent and perhaps the best steaks I have had in Charlotte.
Fin & Fino - Uptown Charlotte
4.8 (2961)
$31 to $50
Seafood
Uptown
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
Marianne
Dined 2 days ago
Delicious and delightful experience, it was our first time.
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
Marianne
Dined 2 days ago
Delicious and delightful experience, it was our first time.
Ri Ra Irish Pub - Charlotte
4.5 (814)
$30 and under
Irish
Uptown
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
HeatherVIP
Dined on May 3, 2025
Fantastic! Service and food were excellent. Enjoyed the musician, as well.
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
HeatherVIP
Dined on May 3, 2025
Fantastic! Service and food were excellent. Enjoyed the musician, as well.
Fahrenheit - Charlotte
4.5 (7923)
$31 to $50
American
Uptown
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
Becca
Dined 2 days ago
We visited to celebrate a college graduation. For service was great and the food was delicious!
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
Becca
Dined 2 days ago
We visited to celebrate a college graduation. For service was great and the food was delicious!
Trio Restaurant - Charlotte
4.5 (645)
$30 and under
American
South Charlotte
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
OpenTable Diner
Dined on Sep 4, 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!
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
OpenTable Diner
Dined on Sep 4, 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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