Unique Romantic Restaurants in Charlotte:
1. Enjoy fresh baked breads from their own bakery at The King's Kitchen & Bakery
Rating: ★★★★★
The King’s Kitchen & Bakery, located on West Trade Street in Charlotte, is a unique non-profit restaurant with a heart for community. Profits are donated to local ministries to feed the poor and homeless, and the restaurant offers a training and employment program to help individuals regain dignity and build self-belief.
Recommended For: Socially conscious diners, Southern food lovers, and anyone seeking a meaningful, delicious dining experience that supports local causes.
- Support a non-profit mission where every meal helps feed and uplift the local community.
- Enjoy fresh, seasonal, locally sourced ingredients from area farmers and food growers.
- Savor world-class sandwiches crafted with fresh-baked breads from their own bakery.
- Dive into a menu of perfectly prepared Southern favorites that warm the heart and soul.
- Dine in a bright, spacious setting that celebrates community and purpose.
The King’s Kitchen & Bakery, 129 W Trade St., Charlotte, NC
Phone: 704-375-1990
2. Order your favorites with a twist at Pinky's Westside Grill
Pinky’s Westside Grill, housed in a former auto shop crowned by a colorful VW on the roof, is a quirky, vibrant diner that delivers a playful twist on classic American favorites.
Recommended For: Adventurous foodies, burger lovers, families, and anyone craving fun, inventive comfort food in a lively, offbeat setting.
- Indulge in burgers topped with crunchy peanut butter or vegetarian hot dogs with a twist.
- Try the iconic Pimp’n Fries smothered in their signature pimiento cheese.
- Enjoy a menu packed with playful, smile-inducing dishes that surprise and delight.
- Relax with bottomless coffee and free refills on most sodas.
- Dine in a vibrant, eclectic space that’s as memorable as the food itself.
Pinky’s Westside Grill, 1600 W. Morehead St., Charlotte, North Carolina
Phone: 704-332-0402
Date Ideas:
3. Enjoy great steak at Oak Steakhouse
Oak Steakhouse is an upscale dining destination in Charlotte’s SouthPark neighborhood, offering a modern, sophisticated twist on the classic American steakhouse experience. With farm-fresh certified Angus beef and an elegant atmosphere, Oak delivers a refined culinary journey for steak lovers and food enthusiasts alike.
Recommended For: Steak connoisseurs, date nights, special occasions, and anyone craving a polished, upscale dining experience with premium food and drinks.
- Relish fine cuts like filet mignon, prime ribeye, and dry-aged New York strip steaks.
- Explore land and sea entrées such as Oak burgers, grilled salmon, and lobster carbonara.
- Unwind during happy hour with appetizers and an impressive drink selection.
- Sip on fine Californian and European wines, artisan boutique wines, and regional craft brews.
- Dine in a sleek, modern setting perfect for elegant evenings out.
Oak Steakhouse, 4777 Sharon Road, Suite 125, Charlotte, NC 28210
Phone: 704-954-8900
4. Have a romantic dinner at The Fig Tree
The Fig Tree, nestled in the charming 1913 Craftsman-style Lucas House, offers an intimate fine-dining experience with five elegant dining rooms, cozy fireplaces, and romantic outdoor seating on the patio and veranda overlooking the signature fig trees.
Recommended For: Romantic dinners, special celebrations, wine lovers, and anyone seeking refined, seasonal cuisine in an elegant historic setting.
- Savor Chef Greg Zanitsch’s standout dishes, including his unforgettable Carolina take on foie gras.
- Enjoy a seasonal menu that beautifully balances Italian, French, and Carolina flavors.
- Dine in sophisticated indoor spaces or on the romantic patio and veranda under the fig trees.
- Explore the award-winning, extensive wine list featuring vintages from around the globe.
- Experience impeccable service and timeless elegance in one of Charlotte’s most beloved fine-dining spots.
The Fig Tree, 1601 E 7th Street, Charlotte, North Carolina
Phone: 704-332-3322
5. Taste amazing Peruvian cuisine at Viva Chicken
Viva Chicken is the perfect place to dive into Peruvian cuisine, serving free-range rotisserie chicken marinated for 24 hours in a special blend of exotic spices and slowly roasted over an open charcoal fire. With bright, clean spaces and two busy Charlotte locations, Viva Chicken offers a delicious and approachable taste of Peru.
Recommended For: Adventurous eaters, families, and anyone craving flavorful, authentic Peruvian chicken and sides in a casual, lively setting.
- Savor marinated Peruvian rotisserie chicken cooked to perfection over open charcoal flames.
- Pair your meal with authentic sides like cilantro-infused rice, fried yuca, and special house sauces.
- Explore a variety of other Peruvian dishes to experience the country’s rich culinary flavors.
- Refresh with signature drinks like Maracuya, the Peruvian passion fruit punch.
- Visit one of two bustling Charlotte locations on Elizabeth Avenue or at Toringdon.
Viva Chicken, 1617 Elizabeth Avenue, Charlotte, North Carolina
Phone: 980-335-0176
6. Try the pulled pork at Midwood Smokehouse
Midwood Smokehouse, led by experienced pit master Matt Barry, delivers spectacular smoked meats using a custom wood-burning, computer-controlled smoker. With a dedication to real hardwood hickory logs and 24-hour smoking, this BBQ hotspot serves everything from authentic Texas-style brisket to tender Carolina pulled pork — and even smoked veggies.
Recommended For: BBQ enthusiasts, meat lovers, families, and anyone craving slow-smoked perfection in a relaxed, lively setting.
- Savor expertly smoked brisket, pulled pork, and ribs bursting with rich, smoky flavor.
- Sample creative sides and salads that perfectly complement the star meats.
- Relax in the spacious dining room or enjoy the rooftop deck at the Plaza-Midwood location.
- Pair your BBQ feast with craft beers from the well-stocked full bar.
- Indulge your sweet tooth with a must-try banana pudding for dessert.
Midwood Smokehouse, 1401 Central Ave. Suite 101, Charlotte, North Carolina
Phone: 704-295-4BBQ
Plan Your Trip