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Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in Charlotte

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OpenTable
Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots 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!


A photo of Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Charlotte, NC | Second Ward restaurant
4.9
4.9 (606)
$31 to $50
Japanese
Charlotte
About the restaurant
Founded in Tokyo in 1996, Gyu-Kaku has become the world’s #1 Japanese BBQ brand! Thanks to our devoted fans we have reached over 700 locations worldwide. Each day, hundreds of thousands of people gather around the table-top smokeless grill, a centerpiece of our dining concept, enjoying selections of premium meats, just off the grill, and other freshly prepared foods from our kitchens, inspiring laughter, conversation, and a magical dining experience.

Our authentic yakiniku (grilled barbeque) dining experience crowns you the chef. Share a variety of delicious appetizers and premium cooked meats over a flaming grill, paired with Japanese sake, frosty cold beers, or other alcoholic and non-alcoholic options of your choice. We're the perfect spot to enjoy time with friends and family, organize an office party, or to spend quality time with your significant other!

Before you go, don't forget to taste our best-seller Harami Skirt Steak or Prime Kalbi Short Rib among other must-try dishes!

Top review
Christine
Dined on Jun 26, 2025
It was a great experience for our family as we celebrated my son's 21st birthday. He is a meat lover so the food options were perfect.
A photo of Marquee Charlotte restaurant
4.9
4.9 (76)
$31 to $50
Tapas / Small Plates
Charlotte
About the restaurant
Discover unparalleled sophistication at The Marquee Charlotte, just 7 minutes from Uptown. A pinnacle of refined luxury, our prime location offers access to the city's finest cultural treasures and modern conveniences. More than a venue, it's an invitation to indulge in Charlotte's dynamic tapestry. Whether it's an elegant dining experience, a weekend of dancing, exclusive bottle service, or corporate events, The Marquee Charlotte is your passport to a world where every moment exceeds expectations in the heart of Charlotte.

At the Marquee Charlotte, baseball hats, athletic wear, flip flops and hoodies are permissible.

We automatically add a 20% gratuity to all checks.

Top review
RitaVIP
Dined 4 days ago
Enjoyable as always, laid back but, CLassy establishment with AWESOME LIVE MUSIC. Fodd omiss delicious
A photo of Havana Carolina Restaurant and Bar restaurant
4.8
4.8 (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 May 10, 2025
Always an amazing experience! Feels like we are on vacation !
A photo of Cajun Queen restaurant
4.6
4.6 (2783)
$31 to $50
Cajun
Elizabeth
About the restaurant
Home to the flavorsome platters of South Louisiana, Cajun Queen is a converted home restaurant, the architecture of which dates back to the vintage early 18th century. A nostalgic iteration of the 1980's New Orleans greets the visiting patrons, with purple, green and golden themed décor priming the interiors at Cajun Queen. The dining experience is equally comfortable, and customers can cine in the living room, expanded restroom, sunroom or wrought iron rooftop terrace. From crawfish to seafood, gumbo to steak—the servings at Cajun Queen are a concoction of culinary choices. Fried shrimp, etouffee, blackened chicken breast, bayou platter, ribeye steak and frenbch cut pork chop are often the most ladled platters which customers like to order. Wine servings prime the bar area to complement the authentic Cajun flavors.
Top review
Paige
Dined 5 days ago
The food was amazing as always and the service was quick and friendly! We love Cajun Queen!
A photo of BAR ONE Lounge restaurant
4.6
4.6 (49)
$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. BAR ONE Lounge in Uptown brings an elevated dining experience to a dynamic new space inside Packard Place. Indulge in a menu full of bold flavors, innovative small plates and signature cocktails all thoughtfully curated to complement the weekend entertainment - IVAN KANE'S FORTY DEUCE LIVE BURLESQUE show: 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.

VALIDATED PARKING & UBER SAFE DRIVING REIMBURSEMENT Available.

Top review
Theresa
Dined on Jun 21, 2025
This was so amazing to the food from the entertainment!
A photo of El Puro Cuban Restaurant restaurant
4.5
4.5 (1314)
$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
Sara
Dined 2 days ago
Ropa Vieja(shredded beef) is the Cuban Dish. It was delicious, soft, juicy, and the flavor were all there. If you want cuban food go here!!!!
A photo of One Sixty Cocktails & Kitchen restaurant
4.4
4.4 (80)
$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
tomika
Dined 7 days ago
Great vibes, food and drinks! Half price lemon drops are a plus.
A photo of LulaBelle's Restaurant & Lounge restaurant
4.2
4.2 (419)
$31 to $50
Soul food
Charlotte
About the restaurant
Coming Soon!
Top review
Chris
Dined 5 days ago
The server and staff were very pleasant and professional. Hookah was delightful, food was delicious (I just wish the mimosa and grits trio flights were available), and music was good. We will be back!
A photo of OROSOKO Sound Bar restaurant
4.2
4.2 (70)
$31 to $50
Tapas / Small Plates
Charlotte
About the restaurant
Welcome to OROSOKO Sound Bar, a South End restaurant and cocktail lounge featuring a unique East vs. West menu, exquisite sound, comfortable acoustics and a team of gracious hosts, passionate in delivering inspired hospitality. This cocktail, or “listening”, lounge offers a unique setting to enjoy craft cocktails and relaxed fine dining from renowned Chef Jay Pound, while immersed in the curated sounds of a skilled DJ on our world-class audio system. There simply is nothing like it.

Indulge in our beautifully crafted signature cocktails, while savoring Asian and Latin inspired tapas-style shareables in a natural environment that exudes sophistication, comfort and luxury. At Orosoko, we pride ourselves on delivering a first-class, welcoming atmosphere that is stylish, but never pretentious.

**We are currently operating under our Summer Hours schedule and will be closed on Mon/Tue until Labor Day, 9/1/25. Open Wed-Sat, starting at 6:00pm, and on Sundays for brunch 12-4pm.**





Top review
Ryan
Dined on Jun 28, 2025
Amazing experience! Will definitely come back again
A photo of Teranga City Restaurant & Lounge - Charlotte restaurant
4.1
4.1 (20)
$30 and under
American
Charlotte
About the restaurant

Discover Teranga City, a vibrant West African-American lounge where culture, flavor, and rhythm collide in the best way. This unique spot blends the rich traditions of West Africa with modern American flair, offering a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for relaxing or celebrating. Indulge in a fusion of bold, authentic West African flavors and classic American-style dishes, all crafted to delight your taste buds. Sip on handcrafted cocktails, groove to the soulful beats of Afrobeat, hip-hop, and jazz, and soak in the stylish lounge vibe. Whether you're here for a night out, a casual hangout, or just to explore something new, Teranga City is your gateway to a cultural experience that’s as delicious as it is unforgettable. Come for the vibe, stay for the culture, and leave with a full heart (and stomach)!

Top review
Ebonne
Dined on Jun 20, 2025
10000/10 our waiter Moe was excellent. Very professional and attentive. The food was amazing especially the salmon and grits with the Cajun sauce.
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