Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Charlotte

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Charlotte? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes 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 reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Yama Loso

4.9

4.9 (29)

$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

Ron

Dined 4 days ago

Great Sushi and appetizers, as well as Nigori Sake. Service was spot on and the Sushi was very fresh, not to mention interesting rolls / combinations. Highly recommend going to Yama

Seaboy

4.9

4.9 (99)

$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

Paul

Dined 2 days ago

Fantastic! Food was excellent - all of it. Service - Ambience - just everything was great. Will definitely be back - soon.

Chapter 6

4.8

4.8 (461)

$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

rachelVIP

Dined 4 days ago

We had a great time, delicious tapas! Look forward to coming back!

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Experience

Brunch

Experience

Half Priced Wine by the Bottle, Glass & Flights

Flour Shop

4.7

4.7 (1206)

$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

SydVIP

Dined 5 days ago

We sat at the bar food was good service was not. Server was neither friendly nor attentive.

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 Apr 15, 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 (26)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Charlotte

About the restaurant

Unique speakeasy in the heart of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Top review

ZipporahVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Really nice date night place for drinks, only downside is there’s no small plates or snacks. Just solely drinks to offer.

Mazi

4.5

4.5 (46)

$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

OpenTable Diner

Dined 2 days ago

Wonderful service and food! Even though portions were small, we both were full after 4 shared dishes. The servers were super nice and very attentive. Also, while parking is very limited at Mazi, they validate parking on the deck above the restaurant. Beautiful food, restaurant and service!

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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 May 7, 2025

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

Deluxe Fun Dining Restaurant

4.3

4.3 (88)

$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

Rita

Dined 5 days ago

The creativity, service and presentation were outstanding definitely unique and definitely a must try

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Experience

DELUXE BLOODY MARY SPECIAL 5-6 PM

The Social Cork Wine Bar

3.6

3.6 (16)

$31 to $50

Wine Bar

Fort Mill

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 Apr 1, 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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