Guest Post by Mel Ishage of Bespoke Opulence
Omakase and tasting menus have become synonymous with an elevated dining experience,
offering a culinary adventure curated by talented chefs. These dining styles allow patrons to surrender their choices to the expertise of the chef, fostering an atmosphere of trust and
anticipation. Omakase, meaning “I’ll leave it up to you” in Japanese, showcases the chef’s
artistry by creating a meal using the freshest and most exquisite ingredients
available. Similarly, tasting menus present a multi-course menu, offering diners a
carefully crafted selection of flavors and textures. While once primarily associated with Michelin-starred restaurants in major cities, the concept of omakase and tasting menus has been gaining popularity across the culinary landscape.
Charlotte’s culinary scene has seen a notable increase in the demand for tasting menus. The city’s influx of residents from larger metropolitan areas, where tasting menus are already prevalent, has contributed to this growing interest. Patrick Murphy, owner of Heirloom Restaurant, notes, “Demand for the tasting menu is increasing due to many people who live in Charlotte moving here from larger cities with already-established tasting menus.”
Owner and Executive Chef of Counter- Sam Hart also attests to this trend, stating, “I’ve seen a drastic increase in demand, not only for tasting menus but also for unique and specialized dining experiences.”
Here are 5 restaurants in the Charlotte area that offer exceptional tasting menus and omakase experiences:
Counter-
2001 W Morehead St, Suite D, Charlotte, NC 28208
(980)292-2090
Counter- offers an immersive and sensory-rich dining experience, curated by Sam Hart, a 2023 James Beard Finalist and the owner of the restaurant. The themed 10- and 14-course tasting menus aim to evoke emotions through a combination of sound, taste, and art. The menus change quarterly, each driven by sense-based storylines like music, modern art, and mental health. The focus is on achieving balance and harmony in the overall dining experience rather than individual dishes or bites. With 42 menus and 531 different dishes, Counter- has consistently delivered innovative and diverse culinary creations.
Some standout dishes include the “Hennessy foie gras milkshake” from the cinema-themed menu and the “crab rice cereal” from the soft-themed menu. Counter- takes pride in converting guests into beet lovers, as they incorporate this favorite vegetable into various themes. The restaurant is dedicated to accommodating dietary restrictions and allergies, ensuring that all guests can enjoy their dining experience to the fullest.
The current theme for the summer is Here & Now – This menu is Vegetarian with a vegan
option. The Counter- team will be focusing entirely on vegetables within the Carolinas, and only using ingredients from within a three hour drive of the restaurant.
- Price $185 per guest/10 courses.
- Optional wine and spirit-free beverage pairings are available
- Reservations are required and booked through Tock
Website: www.counterclt.com
Instagram: @counterclt
Photos via Kenty Chung
Omakase by Prime Fish
2907 Providence Rd STE 101, Charlotte, NC 28211
(704) 754-4315
Omakase by Prime Fish brings the first traditional Edomae Style Omakase experience to North Carolina. Chef Robin selects the highest quality fish imported from Toyosu Fish Market in Tokyo, preparing each dish in front of guests. The seasonal tasting menu showcases the essence of Japanese cuisine. While gluten-free and celiac options are not available, minor allergies or preferences can be accommodated. Soy sauce is used throughout the menu, enhancing the flavors. Favorites include bluefin tuna, A5 Miyazaki wagyu, and Yubari musk melon. Chef Robin humorously warns, “Don’t blame me if you can’t go back to regular sushi after experiencing our omakase tasting menu.”
- Price Lunch $150 pp 10 courses, Dinner $300 per person 16 courses
- Sake & Wine Pairing optional. Partner with Paul Hobbs winery and a sake brewery from Japan.
- Reservations available through Tock
Website: https://omakaseclt.com/
Instagram: @ omakasebyprimefish
Photos by @andrewloves_
Heirloom Restaurant
33 Glenway St.. Belmont, NC 28012
704-829-8232
Heirloom Restaurant offers a tasting menu concept that encourages culinary exploration and pushes the boundaries of food. The menu rotates frequently, allowing the chefs to showcase their creativity and incorporate worldly food concepts. Ingredients are carefully sourced from local farms within a 60-70 mile radius of Heirloom, as well as from farms in the southeast region. This commitment to local sourcing ensures the delivery of high-quality, fresh ingredients.
At Heirloom, vegetarian or vegan guests can request a curated tasting menu tailored to their dietary preferences. The restaurant aims to provide a simple yet elegant dining experience, evoking nostalgic memories of family meals while allowing guests to relax and savor the company and exceptional food. Expect farm-to-fork cuisine of the highest quality and impeccable service that ensures guests’ comfort and enjoyment.
- Price: $50 for 3-courses or $85 for 6-courses
- Wine pairing option available
- Reservations: Call or email for reservations for the tasting menu.
Website: https://heirloomrestaurantnc.com/#
Instagram: @heirloomrestnc
Photos via Heirloom
Fin & Fino
135 Levine Avenue of the Arts, Charlotte, N. Carolina
(704) 800-5680
Fin & Fino offers “The Treatment,” a unique tasting menu experience where guests trust the servers to curate a shared culinary journey based on preferences and dietary needs. The menu changes seasonally, highlighting fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Sustainability is a priority, with a focus on responsibly caught or farmed seafood. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the menu without the need to make decisions. Past favorites include the Tuna & Salmon Poke Bowl, Furikake Fries, and Cajun Roasted Oysters.
- Price: The cost is $70 per person and they donate $5 from each sale to a local non-profit. Currently partnered with Hospitality House of Charlotte. Just this year alone, F&F has donated $12,000 to North Meck Animal Rescue and $15,000 to Make a Wish Central & Western North Carolina.
- Reservations: The Treatment is always available during normal dinner hours as a part of regular service. A separate reservation or advance notice is not required.
Website: https://finandfino.com/
Instagram: @finandfino
Photos via Fin & Fino
O-Ku
2000 South Boulevard, Suite 510, Charlotte, NC 28203(opens in a new tab)
(704) 594-1922
At O-Ku, the culinary philosophy revolves around achieving balance through the elements of fat, salt, acid, and freshness. The team continuously experiments during their
downtime, using those creative endeavors to shape the tasting menus. While guests will
recognize hints of familiarity from their O-Ku favorites, they can expect unique and
meticulously crafted ingredients and presentations in the Omakase tastings.
Completely chef-driven, each dish can vary depending on the chef team working that day,
providing a dynamic and ever-changing culinary experience. Among the Omakase offerings at O-Ku, tartar and tataki consistently emerge as fan favorites, irrespective of the accompanying components.
- Price: Omakase 150pp, optional wine & sake pairing +50pp
- Reservations for Omakase: Call in reservation only
Website: https://www.o-kusushi.com/location/o-ku-charlotte/
Instagram: okucharlotte
Photos via O-Ku Charlotte
McNinch House
511 North Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
704-332-6159
At the McNinch House, the Executive chef uses the Chef tasting menu as a canvas for culinary innovation. With a focus on the finest ingredients and meticulous technique, each dish showcases a creative vision. Local businesses and farms are sourced for fresh, seasonal ingredients, supporting the community. Customized tasting menus are tailored to
accommodate dietary restrictions. Impeccable service and personalized attention are
paramount, exceeding guest expectations at every moment.
- Price: Chef’s Tasting – 5 Courses , $15 per person, Wine Pairings Included
- Chef’s Table $300pp Includes wine pairings, requires parties of 4-8 guests and 7 days notice
- Reservations: Can be booked online at their website
Website: https://www.mcninchhouserestaurant.com/
Instagram: @mcninch_house_restaurant
via McNinch House
This article is a guest post by Mel Ishage’, CEO of Bespoke Opulence, a virtual luxury concierge service. Our mission is to give our members back the most precious luxury of all: time. We offer services for your personal and business life, including lifestyle management, travel planning, team building, event coordination, and more. We aim to provide members with ample time to have fun, engaging in activities they love, while we take care of their needs and create personalized experiences.
