Romantic restaurants in Charlotte are where Southern charm whispers over candlelight: elegant dishes, warm ambiance, and skyline views that steal your breath. It’s where I share slow conversations, clink glasses, and fall for the moment again and again.
I’ve got a filet topped with rosemary butter, a glass of Carolina cabernet, and soft piano melodies echoing across exposed brick—right in the heart of enchanting Charlotte, North Carolina. Who knew Queen City evenings could feel this royal?
"Southern grace, cozy corners, and flavors made for two? This is Charlotte romance, plated to perfection!"
This is Why I Keep Coming Back for More:
Unique Romantic Restaurants in Charlotte:
1. Enjoy fresh baked breads from their own bakery at The King's Kitchen & Bakery
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
📔 I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
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Where can you find a romantic date spot in Charlotte?
- Find the perfect romantic date spot in Charlotte, North Carolina, a city well known for its vibrant food scene.
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Are there different types of dining options in Charlotte?
- Whether you are looking for an upscale eatery or a casual breakfast spot, there are many options in Charlotte.
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What type of cuisine can you find in Charlotte’s romantic restaurants?
- The restaurants that made our list serve a diverse selection of flavors. Order excellent sushi, pizza, sandwiches, burgers, or BBQ and enjoy your romantic meal in Charlotte.
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Where can you find the best romantic restaurants in Charlotte?
- These are the best romantic restaurants in Charlotte.
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