Charlotte Food Pro’s Pick The QC’s Most Romantic Restaurants

January 22, 2024

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and believe it or not, Charlotte restaurants are already booking up fast. If you don’t have a reservation already, it’s time to get on it as several popular spots are already filled (at least via Open Table and RESY). At least the big day is on a Wednesday this year, so you can always opt for a weekend celebration if your favorite spot is booked.

Here are our picks for Charlotte’s Most Romantic Restaurants, along with those of some of our favorite QC foodies, that are worth the visit no matter your relationship status.

OUR EXPERTS

Charmaine from @feisty.eats
Curtis from @clt.dish
Karen from @finer_with_thyme
@queencityvoyager
Robin from @_charlottefoodie
Andrea from @dailydreclt
Ember from @fortmillfoodblog
Angela from @charlottedatenight
Allie from @eatdrinkclt
Andrew from @andrewloves_
Kriska & Manny from @clt.remedy

The Foodies’ Picks

L’Ostrica

“L’Ostrica has a really nice, upscale vibe. Even though it’s somewhat industrial, it’s warm and inviting. You feel like you’re in someone’s home. And the food is incredible. Well balanced. Gorgeous mix of flavors and textures that pull influence from around the world – Italian, French, Asian, even some from West Africa! Plus the service is outstanding and their cocktails are some of the best in Charlotte.”

– Andrew from @andrewloves_

“L’Ostrica is so intentional about everything—the food, the ambiance, the space—all of it. Their dining service is superb and a must!”

– Kriska & Manny from @clt.remedy

From February 14 – 17, L’Ostrica is having a Valentine’s Day Tasting Menu featuring 5-7 courses designed to be a memorable exploration of flavors, textures, and ingredients for $110/person. Reservations are still available and can be made here.

Yunta Nikkei

(No online table reservations for the 14th; bar & sofas always first come)

“I love Yunta for a romantic date night — the vibes are unmatched, and they have fantastic cocktails and an innovative Japanese & Peruvian fusion menu. Not only is their food delicious, but they do a beautiful job with presentation. Some of the dishes like the Hotate & Gratin nigiris are torched tableside, and the Mariscos al Fuego are served on flaming shells—who doesn’t love a little fire??”

– Robin from @_charlottefoodie

Ever Andalo

“Ever Andalo is great for all occasions, but it is easily considered a romantic spot, too. The delicate, lacy curtains and dim lighting add to the cozy atmosphere of this restaurant. The menu is designed to be shared, so you can enjoy bites of multiple dishes with your partner. Plus, the all-Italian wine list helps complete the experience.”

– Allie from @eatdrinkclt

The Crunkleton

“One of the best spots to spend a Valentine’s Day dinner is at The Crunkleton. The Crunkleton offers the ultimate combination of unmatched hospitality, an incredible selection of spirits, delectable fare, and a unique intimate atmosphere that’s extremely cozy with wonderful smells from the open hearth flame! They definitely don’t disappoint!”

– Curtis from @clt.dish

Omakase Experience Prime Fish

(No reservations available for Feb. 14)

“I’m a full on sushi addict, so if someone is bringing me out – Omakase by Prime Fish is where I want to go! It’s super intimate, only seating 8 people. They fly in all the fish, rice, wasabi root – as many of the ingredients are sourced from Japan as possible, in the highest quality on the market. What Chef Robin does is exquisite, deserving of at least one Michelin star. It’s 100% chefs choice and almost all raw fish, so that’s the one caveat. It only makes sense to go with another sushi lover.”

– Andrew from @andrewloves_

Stoke

(Only a few reservations left for Feb. 14)

“Stoke in Uptown is serving up amazing food and the hospitality is top notch. Literally, every dish on the menu is a hit!”

– Kriska & Manny from @clt.remedy

Steak 48

(No online reservations available for Feb. 14)

“It doesn’t get more high-end and romantic than dining in one of the private booths enclosed in a glass that allow you a sneak peek in the kitchen at Steak 48 in SouthPark. Top that with spectacular service, excellent steaks and shareable sides, extensive wine offerings, cocktails and you’ll have a night to remember! The luxurious menu features lobster, caviar, a raw bar, and of course wet aged, and hand cut steaks by a master butcher. End your night with hot towel service and complimentary cookies. However, do not skip ordering the Beignet Tree which pro-tip – is off menu!”

– Charmaine from @feisty.eats

Restaurant Constance

(A few time slots available at time of posting)

“Chef Sam Diminich and team at Restaurant Constance will make sure you have the most memorable meal ever. Not only will you stay in love with your date, you’ll fall in love with this Charlotte spot for forever!”

– Kriska & Manny from @clt.remedy

El Puro

(Reservations still available at time of posting)

“One of my favorite romantic places is El Puro on South Blvd. Not only is the food absolutely delicious but the environment is lively and high vibe. Every night they have live music but bring your dancing shoes because when the music starts going, the restaurant comes alive! Truly a special gem in Charlotte.”

– Andrea from @dailydreclt

Stagioni

“For the second year in a row my recommendation is Stagioni. (Sorry to be a repeater) While there are many restaurants in which you can find great food, there are very few restaurants that couple excellent food with Old World Italian Villa charm as Stagioni does.”

– Karen from @finer_with_thyme

Stagioni is offering a Special Valentine’s Menu 4 Courses $95pp++. Book your reservation here.

Chapter 6

“Scream it from the mountaintops: there’s a new Treatment in town, and she is magnificent!! You’ve heard me sing the praises of The Treatment @finandfinoclt, so imagine my elation when I opened up the menu at Rare Roots sister concept @chapter6clt to discover the same great value: $70 for a robust high-caliber chef’s choice tasting. Chapter 6’s cuisine is inspired by the Western Mediterranean – think Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Italy, France, and Spain. Chefs Scott Hollingsworth and Jonathan Cox (you might remember @chefjonnycox from his counter tasting at Dogwood) had firsthand inspiration for the menu after a culinary research trip to Spain, Morocco, and Gibraltar…who’s jealous?! We were served 4 tapas (Spicy Tuna Crudo, Sherry Braised Pork Cheek, Baby Octopus, and Salt Cod Croquettes,) 1 skewer (Spiced Lamb Kefta,) and 4 small plates (Butcher’s Salad, Octopus&Chorizo, Charred Broccoli, and Skate Wing,) and let me tell you: it was win after win after win. For those of you who need a little liquid courage for your big date, there was a fun twist called The Tipsy Treatment available which I hadn’t previously seen at F&F. Ours included an appetizer cocktail, a glass of Picpoul, and an espresso martini; because the beverage program is overseen by our favorite @bkandtheclams, you already know it’s good. This meal is perfect to share with lovers & friends who love good food and surprises!”

– @queencityvoyager

Reservations are still available for February 14th. Chapter 6 features a ‘Valentine’s Day for 2’ experience February 9th-18th, with 2 Glasses of Grower Champagne, 2 Signature Cocktails (Choice of:), 4 Course Meal, 2 Cello’s, for $250 a person. Book the experience here.

Kid Cashew

“If you’re looking for a romantic spot this year with some flavor, Kid Cashew in Charlotte is my pick! Ambiance, food, and vibes are top notch! Romantic lighting, an amazing drink menu and tons of small plate options to share while you get cozy with your date! Amazing staff and all around experience! We always leave with a smile and good memory! It’s a perfect date night spot.”

– Ember from @fortmillfoodblog

Hunter House & Gardens

(Reservation slots still open at time of posting)

“For a really cute and romantic atmosphere, I’d go to Hunter House! It’s an old house that was converted into a restaurant and bar, so it feels really cozy and charming. The food is upscale American – think pan-seared scallops over grits with andouille sausage, and a really good rack of lamb – so it will appeal to a wide audience. In addition to their main bar, they also have a seasonal speakeasy that you can pop into for another cocktail after dinner. It’s a nice time.”

– Andrew from @andrewloves_

Drift on Lake Wylie

(No online reservations available for Feb. 14)

“Drift on Lake Wylie is worth the drive if you want to get away from the city for beautiful waterfront views, brunch, fresh steak and seafood, and French-inspired food. There’s also ample parking and the ambiance is beautiful. This place is a no brainer for a romantic date night!”

– Angela from @charlottedatenight