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McNinch House, Charlotte, NC

McNinch House

4.7
4.7
1004 Reviews
$50 and over
Continental
Since 1989, the ca. 1892 Queen Anne style home of Victorian-era Charlotte Mayor Sam McNinch has served as the McNinch House Restaurant. In this historic Fourth Ward home of the original chef/owner Ellen Davis, guests can expect to be treated like royalty during their multi-course culinary journey. Featuring Charlotte's most carefully constructed wine list, guests will select their entrees from the chef's choice menu, and professional service staff will take care of the rest. Recognized as Charlotte's Most Romantic Restaurant, The McNinch House Restaurant is the perfect place for your anniversary, birthday, special event, private corporate or executive dining. **ALL RESERVATIONS MUST INCLUDE A VALID EMAIL ADDRESS TO CONFIRM**



Dinner Only, Prix Fixe:

5 Courses-$145pp

4 Courses-$130pp

Chef's Tasting-$215pp

Chef's Table-$300pp

+ alcohol, tax, & gratuity (20% standard)

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 p.m.


Booked 3 times today
Experiences are available.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Continental, European, French / American
  • Hours of Operation
    Dinner Tue–Sat 5:30 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (704) 332-6159
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress Code
    Business Casual
  • Private party facilities
    Private party accommodations are offered for groups up to 35. We welcome weddings, rehearsal dinners, corporate closing dinners, and medical education dinners, and will be happy to discuss your individual group's needs for private dining.Private Dining Contact: Tracy Webb, 704-332-6159
  • Private party contact
    Tracy Webb: (704) 332-6159
  • Neighbourhood
    Uptown
  • Cross Street
    Between 9th St. & 8th St.
  • Parking Details
    Private Lot
  • Additional
    Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Wine

Experiences

  • New Years Eve

    US$250.00 per person

    Dec 31, 2023 only
    New Years Eve Special Come celebrate New Years Eve with us. Special 5 course prefix menu with wine pairings. $250 per person plus tax and gratuity. Hurry and book, limited seating!

What 1,004 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Charlotte

    Best Service

  • Charlotte

    Best Ambience

  • Charlotte

    Great for fine wines

  • Charlotte

    Romantic

  • Charlotte

    Good for special occasions

  • Charlotte

    Best Service

  • Charlotte

    Best Ambience

  • Charlotte

    Great for fine wines

  • Charlotte

    Romantic

  • Charlotte

    Good for special occasions

1,004 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 28, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience3
    Nice staff and pretty decor but the insistence on a $130 prix fixe for the substandard value that you get is just not worth it unfortunately. They would have more patrons if they allowed a la carte dining. Dinner for 3 was exorbitant.

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  2. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing experience one of the best restaurants we have ate at in Chicago. They decorate the house for the Christmas season, very beautiful.

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  3. OpenTable Diner

    Charlotte

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 15, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Lovely ambiance, good service, excellent food… but cost $400 for two people, and we did not order the wine pairing. Slightly overpriced, especially for Charlotte. That’s the only complaint. We will return for another special occasion down the road…

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  4. StuartC

    Charlotte

    27 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on November 14, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Loved this place. Just a little expensive to come here often.

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  5. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was a wonderful dinner. Very memorable. The house was gorgeous and beautifully decorated. Kudos to the entire restaurant team!

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  6. ChrisC

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything at McNinch House was lovely; from the excellent service to the wonderful, farm fresh ingredients of the food. The ambience was exactly what we were looking for to celebrate our anniversary. The restaurant was a short walk off the beaten path from the large hotels and noisy restaurants to a residential historic district. Everything about our evening was enchanting including each room already decorated for Christmas.

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  7. OpenTable Diner

    Anchorage

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely evening Friendly server Fab food and wine pairings

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  8. OpenTable Diner

    Charlotte

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Anniversary date. Upon arrival we were congratulated on event and offered 2 complimentary glasses of Prosecco. Food voices, quality and presentation was excellent. Nice touch was that 20% gratuity was included in total bill ( which is quite reasonable for such establishment) and when credit card was taken, unlike other restaurants of lesser quality and reputation) that WAS the total and no other lines presented for additional tip. Very classy! Jordan was relatively new but did a great job serving up and always had a smile on her face.

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  9. OpenTable Diner

    Charlotte

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on November 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The wine tasting was a fun experience. Very informative with a nice variety of wines.

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  10. swbozzy

    Charlotte

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Taste of Italy wine tasting was wonderful We had a fabulous time

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  11. wesp

    Anchorage

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Service was impeccable. Food was exceptional. Atmosphere was phenomenal.

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  12. Dave

    Charlotte

    18 reviews

    4.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    McNinch House is a restaurant for special occasions, and it is excellent for that. Desert was a little disappointing but other than that food was outstanding.,, Service seems to be a little slow so there is plenty of time to talk between courses. Wine pairing really introduces the diner to new experiences. Ambiance is very unique and frankly beautiful. Soft music plays in the background just enough to make each table separate from the other. For us, it was expensive but worth it for a very special occasion.

    1 person found this helpful

  13. DavidH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I had been waiting over a year to take my wife to this restaurant. It was so much better than expected! Start to finish, this restaurant was amazing!

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  14. OdunayoF

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food selections were nothing short of exquisite. The atmosphere made me feel like I was dining as an aristocrat. Perfect place to take my wife for our 15th anniversary. Jordan's professionalism and pleasant demeanor made our service level outstanding. Mel is not only a excellent chef but a true expert at her craft. Anyone that can make a soup as desirable as an entree is worth noting. This place is at the top of the Charlotte list standing out as one of the few establishments that is more than just hype or unwarranted reputation, sadly unlike many other venues in this town. Thanks McNinch house staff for making this occasion one to remember!

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  15. OpenTable Diner

    Phoenix

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is the best fine dining experience in Charlotte. My wife and I have been coming for special occasions for over 25 years.

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  16. EdOrientalNC

    Washington DC

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on October 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our first visit. Great tasting food. I had the filet and she had the duck, both prepared to perfection. We had the lobster bisque and crab cakes for our appetizers, once again both were delicious. Impeccable service. Beautiful setting, we dined in the front room, everywhere else looked just as nice. Dinner even came with some ghost stories. We will certainly try to return on our next visit to Charlotte.

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  17. AG2022

    Charlotte

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 12, 2023

    overall1food2service1ambience4
    This was the worst fine dining experience I have ever had. It started with a lie about the wine. One person ordered a glass of wine, a nice Chardonnay from France. He drank it all, they even offered to bring him another glass but he refused as he was driving. He liked it so he asked to see the bottle. However, the bottle they brought out was an inexpensive wine from California ($15 a bottle). They explained they had served him a different wine because the French wine "wasn't chilled". I do not know what happened in the kitchen or why we weren't asked about the change. But I know how it felt to us. It felt like we were swindled. I'm glad they at least admitted it when we asked to see the bottle, but that's the kind of malfeasance that can get a restaurant shut down. All three people on staff came out to apologize and comp the glass of wine, which was nice, but honestly I'm not sure what anyone could have done to fix an error that large. We all just resolved to never return to McNinch House. Even if you are comfortable making them pour your wine at the table, you are going to be displeased by the food. It was very inconsistent, some dishes were delicious, while others were so stale or over-seasoned I couldn't eat them. I was there with three other people and we all agreed some dishes were inedible. Because you order all of your courses right when you sit down, there was no turning back by the time we realized that the food was not going to be good. I suggest staying away from the lobster bisque and the pork belly succotash. I spent the rest of the night apologizing to my family for taking them to the McNinch House for a special occasion. Please don't make my mistake. There are such wonderful restaurants in Charlotte, this is not a good representation of what our beautiful city has to offer.

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  18. DavidP

    Charlotte

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best dining experience I’ve ever had. The execution of each dish, the service, all impeccable. Several amuse-bouche and palate cleansers provided making it a splendid masterclass of perfection. This is a 2-2.5 hour dining adventure. I mention this in case anyone is trying to plan around events. This is the only thing I was uncertain of while planning and wish I had known. Wine pairing 100% worth it and will be repeating the whole experience on a regular basis. Gratuity automatically included as well.

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  19. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 6, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Wonderful experience and a true treasure for Charlotte!

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  20. Annie

    Charlotte

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    McNinch House is a Charlotte treasure. Superb cuisine served in the elegance of authentic Victorian decor is a delight.

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  21. paige

    Charlotte

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a fantastic time. From the ambiance to the staff the service was impeccable. The food and wine pairings were out of this world. We will be back!

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  22. OpenTable Diner

    Tahoe

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We arrived early and the host gave us a mini tour and history of the house and family. Great special occasion spot! Parking in rear!

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  23. PhilipC

    Charleston

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is my favorite place within 150 miles. Everything is always delicious and the service staff is always so friendly.

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  24. AnitaH

    Charlotte

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 28, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience4
    Expensive. They were out of bread but yet had butter on the tables. Desserts should have been much better for the price of their food.

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  25. CraigJ

    Chicago

    24 reviews

    3.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    DECOR: If you love antiques, you’ll appreciate McNinch. Refreshingly quiet. However Wesley's description exaggerates the connection between the Biltmore and McNinch. SERVICE: Very pleasant and attentive, at a very slow pace - almost 3 hours for cocktails and 4 courses. Many of the servers were young, not well versed in the menu. When we asked what Habanada soup was, all she knew was 'it's very spicy, don't order it if you don't like spicy foods.’ FOOD: Cocktails were generous. Wine service was good. We've had tasting menus from Keller, Waters, Trotter, Tramanto/Gand, so we're familiar with the format. Their menus are a mix of classics, clever variations, or breaking new culinary ground. McNinch uses good ingredients, mostly well executed, but there's nothing novel or creative on the menu - it's strictly old classics. The cheese plate was uninspired - I can have Colby-Jack anywhere. Lobster Bisque, Pork Belly, Pumpkin Soup and Crab Cakes were all nice. Her scallops were fresh and well prepared. My filet was tender but overcooked, medium rare does not mean all the pink is gone. My Apple Walnut Cake was good, her Chocolate Crème Brûlée w Cayenne was barely thicker than chocolate milk, with too much cayenne, she did not eat it. It's not easy to get the custard just right on crème brûlée - but this wasn't even close. OTHER: 20% gratuity is added to all checks, stated on the menu. We were presented with a check for $337, they'd comped us for the cheese plate, cocktails and wine to acknowledge the dessert failure. We told them that was too generous, and the server quickly said "we can just take the wine off, or put everything back," - it wasn’t clear what would come next. It was for the full $483. Our experience was not worth that, though we've gladly spent quite a bit more on tasting menus elsewhere. Well intended but if you've experienced the creativity a tasting menu is supposed to offer, you won't be impressed at McNinch.

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  26. JoshuaL

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Dining at McNinch seems to be the exact experience you want if you are looking for extraordinary dining. It's sophisticated but also friendly. The Victorian charm is off the charts. The menu is a masterpiece. This is the place you go for a special occasion. Quite possibly one of the most expensive restaurants I've ever been to, but worth every penny. My girlfriend and I got engaged at dinner, and the staff was extremely accommodating. They brought the ring to the table with the bottle of wine, and my fiancee was captivated and beyond excited.

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  27. OzzieH

    Charlotte

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    the staff was constantly checking on us and provided top notch service. our 4th visit. drink, food, service, all excellent. we shall return !

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  28. DarleneE

    Tallahassee

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Perfect date night in Charlotte. The service and food are beyond excellent. Highly recommended.

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  29. OpenTable Diner

    Charlotte

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing. The entire staff was extremely attentive, everything was taken care of, and the food was sublime.

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  30. MatthewP

    Cleveland

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Truly one of the most amazing meals we have had. My wife and I got the chef selection and it is worth the price! Fair warning that this is an expensive restaurant but the service and cleanliness are phenomenal. Worth it to try once in your lifetime.

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  31. GaryE

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    From the moment we walked in we were impressed. The staff, Wendy, Jordan and Wesley were fantastic. The food was superb. I hed the best duck ever and my wife had the lamb which she couldn't stop talking about. Wesley's wine pairing were perfect and the dessert was perfection. We will absolutely be back!!

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  32. OpenTable Diner

    Charlotte

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was super delicious. The whole ste menu was spread out equally with the amount of food and wine pairing. I am not fab on lamb but I like the lamb chop dish. It was cooked exactly as I requested with juicy and full marinated. My bf had the NY filet mignon...it was buttery in the mouth. We love all dishes. The service is perfect. They give you feelings concentrate and enough space to enjoy meals and times. The room.id historical so.it is small and old vibe

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  33. Jerry

    Charlotte

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on August 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This dinner was beyond my expectations! I have dined at some amazing restaurants, but this is one of the best date spots I’ve ever been to. Would come back with other couples. Very romantic.

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  34. SueS

    Charlotte

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on August 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our favorite restaurant for our special occasions! So unique and charming and the food and service are excellent.

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  35. UncleD

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My first dining experience at McNinch House was 15 years ago. It is an amazing consistent dining experience. The house is a historical site furnished with elaborately decorated tables. The staff is attentive and friendly allowing ample time between courses creating a relaxed atmosphere. Food is artfully presented, cooked to perfection enhancing the flavor. Their wine list is extensive offering moderate to high priced wines.

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  36. NoThanks

    Charlotte

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on August 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Ashamed I've lived around the corner from this place for nearly 15 years, walked or biked by it nearly every day, and have never been. 100% recommended 100 times over. Fantastic experience!

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  37. Katherine

    Hamburg

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on July 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was our first time there to celebrate our son’s engagement. The atmosphere was so romantic and the table settings, candles and velvet furnishings added to the elegance of the beautiful rooms. We opted for the Chef’s Table which included the wine pairings. Everything was delicious and each wine was a complement to the six courses. A standout there were many but don’t miss the lobster bisque!

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  38. TomL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful setting, very quite. Staff is very attentive. Wonderful experience. Very high end. Food is amazing.

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  39. BrendaD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Most beautiful house over in the fourth ward! Food was amazing and service was awesome. Very highly recommended.

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  40. Mitch

    Charlotte

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on July 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our relaxed girl’s night out was perfect! Food was fabulous and ambiance unique. Easily able to talk without noise. Watched a sweet proposal while we were there!

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FAQs

McNinch House is rated 4.7 stars by 1004 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 p.m.


Booked 3 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for McNinch House

511 North Church St., Charlotte, NC 28202

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Between 9th St. & 8th St.
  • Neighbourhood
    Uptown
  • Hours of Operation
    Dinner Tue–Sat 5:30 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Continental, European, French / American
  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Dress Code
    Business Casual
  • Parking Details
    Private Lot
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Wine
  • Phone number
    (704) 332-6159
  • Private party facilities
    Private party accommodations are offered for groups up to 35. We welcome weddings, rehearsal dinners, corporate closing dinners, and medical education dinners, and will be happy to discuss your individual group's needs for private dining.Private Dining Contact: Tracy Webb, 704-332-6159
  • Private party contact
    Tracy Webb: (704) 332-6159
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