15 cozy & romantic Charlotte restaurants for the perfect holiday dinner date, ranked

Don’t get all upset that I didn’t include Kindred and Heritage on this list – they’re in Davidson and Waxhaw respectively. Yes, I know they’re both A+ (no need to email me).

15 cozy & romantic dinner date options

#1 The Fig Tree

Neighborhood: Myers Park.

Pro Tip: Watch for an engagement. You’ll likely see an engagement (or at least a couple that just got engaged), which will be entertaining. When I was dating my wife, I told her, “I just booked a reservation for us at Fig Tree on Friday.” She said she knew immediately that I would ask her to marry me that afternoon. Correct.

#2 Alexander Michael’s

Neighborhood: Fourth Ward (Uptown)

Pro Tip: No reservations, so get there early (or just drink and wait). Al Mike’s is arguably the most underrated restaurant in Charlotte that locals love and outsiders don’t understand.

People in the know love this place. I love that the owner turned down “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” when they asked to film a show there. It’s authentic. It’s cozy.

#3 Beef’N Bottle

Neighborhood: South End

Pro Tip: Ask to sit in their inside wooden booths. Inside is much more romantic than the outside. Also, I respect the way they bring out your salad. Old school. Most popular steak? Ribeye – order it. Oh and the onion rings…

Agenda Stories: Beef ‘n Bottle. It’s a Charlotte institution. – and – 6 weird things that make me love Beef ‘N Bottle even more

#4 Lumiere

Neighborhood: Myers Park

Pro Tip: Request a booth. When making a reservation ask for one of the six booths and order the chicken (it’s their most popular dish and it’s delicious).

#5 Barrington’s

Neighborhood: Foxcroft

Pro Tip: Order the pasta. Bruce Moffett’s first restaurant. His baby. It’s intimate. You’ll need to make a reservation well in advance. Foxcroft Wine is also right next door, so I’d recommend grabbing a glass of wine there before/after dinner. Barrington’s and Customshop are also Jimmie Johnson’s favorite date night spots – just FYI.

Agenda Story: What’s the best romantic date night for a Charlotte married couple?

#6 Good Food on Montford

Neighborhood: Montford

Pro Tip: Make sure to get the Steamed Buns as one of your small plates. They’re tasty. Underrated cocktail program.

#7 Soul Gastrolounge

Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood

Pro Tip: Drink their cocktails. Love the lounge feel. If you’re waiting and it’s slammed, go downstairs for a drink.

Agenda Story: Soul Gastrolounge is beautiful. Here’s proof

#8 Summit Room

Neighborhood: Dilworth

Pro Tip: Order several small plates and use the chalkboard to give a friend the gift of a cocktail. And the rocking chairs outside are a great touch depending on the weather.

#9 Stagioni

Neighborhood: Myers Park

Pro Tip: Prosecco on tap. Intimate bar (in separate room), but you could also grab a margarita from RuRu’s or a bottle of wine from Bond Street Wines before or after dinner (both within 100 yards of the restaurant). Oh, and I’m pretty sure the pizzas still come with scissors which is cool.

#10 Crepe Cellar

Neiborhood: NoDa

Pro Tip: Don’t sit at the tables that connect. Order the Pesto Brie Fries. Love the feel/vibe of this spot.

Agenda Story: 8 photos of the Crepe Cellar from appetizer to dessert

#11 Customshop

Neighborhood: Elizabeth

Pro Tip: Order the BBQ octopus. Small, but cool bar area. Also next to Passion8 and Carpe Diem, so could always combo these for a full dinner and drink date night.

#12 Heirloom

Neighborhood: Coulwood/Mountain Island Lake

Pro Tip: Go big with the 12-course $120 menu. Menu is fresh, local and made from scratch daily.

Agenda Story: Behind the Kitchen: A conversation with Clark Barlowe from Heirloom

#13 Bistro La Bon

Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood

Pro Tip: Arrive early and spend some time in the bar area. Order the mussels with French fries.

#14 The Asbury

Neighborhood: Uptown

Pro Tip: Order the Shrimp & Grits (Cheddar, chorizo gravy, butter-poached shrimp, Texas caviar). Go back for their popular brunch – order the chicken in a biscuit.

#15 Carpe Diem

Neighborhood: Elizabeth

Pro Tip: Grab a drink at the bar tables in the back corner. Oh, and get the fried chicken – it’s the best dish in Charlotte.

Agenda Story: The best and most famous meal in Charlotte