Charlotte

Charlotte is a major city and commercial hub in North Carolina. Its modern city center (Uptown) is home to the Levine Museum of the New South, which explores post–Civil War history in the South, and hands-on science displays at Discovery Place. Uptown is also known for the NASCAR Hall of Fame, which celebrates the sport of auto racing through interactive exhibits and films.
When is your trip?

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Charlotte on your mind?

Build, organize, and map out your best trip yet.
Need a place to stay?
When

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

When

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

When

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Travelers
2
Featured guides
Slide 1 of 9
Picture of Best attractions in Charlotte
Best attractions in Charlotte
Most often-seen on the web
Site icon
Wanderlog
Picture of 5-Day Charlotte Itinerary
5-Day Charlotte Itinerary
Most popular travel itinerary
Site icon
Wanderlog
Picture of Charlotte Guide
Coveted Hospitality's Charlotte Guide
Popular guide by a Wanderlog community member
Picture of Things to Do in Charlotte – 20 Unique Ideas
Tripster Travel Guides's Things to Do in Charlotte – 20 Unique Ideas
Popular guide by a Wanderlog community member
Picture of Charlotte Nightlife: Where to Dance, Dine, and Unwind in Queen City After Dark
Tripster Travel Guides's Charlotte Nightlife: Where to Dance, Dine, and Unwind in Queen City After Dark
Popular guide by a Wanderlog community member
Picture of 48 Hours in Charlotte: Your Two-Day Itinerary
48 Hours in Charlotte: Your Two-Day Itinerary
Charlotte 2 days itinerary
C
Web
Picture of Charlotte Itinerary for the Weekend
Charlotte Itinerary for the Weekend
Charlotte 2 days itinerary
C
Web
Picture of Top things to do in Charlotte
Top things to do in Charlotte
Tripadvisor Top 20
Site icon
Tripadvisor
Picture of Sights in Charlotte
Sights in Charlotte
Fodors Choice
Site icon
Fodors

Top places to visit

4.5
(4874)
Mentioned on 
Science museum
Aquarium
Discovery Place Science, located in Uptown Charlotte, is a captivating science and technology museum that offers interactive exhibits, an aquarium, rainforest experience, and an IMAX theater. Established in 1946 by teacher Laura Owens, the museum has evolved through various relocations and renovations while maintaining its commitment to inspiring and educating students and teachers in STEM fields. With additional locations in Freedom Park, Huntersville, and Rockingham, N.C.
I had an amazing time at Discovery Place Science in Charlotte! This museum is full of interactive exhibits that make science fun and engaging for all ages. We got to touch a snake and sea stars, which was an unforgettable experience! On the third floor, there’s a creative space where you can build your own projects using boxes and tape—perfect for those who love hands-on creativity and solving scientific puzzles. The second floor felt like stepping into a tropical fairy tale, with beautiful birds flying around in a lush rainforest setting. The aquarium section was also a nice surprise, and the live science demonstrations were fascinating. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable, making the visit even more enjoyable. Whether you’re visiting with kids or just love science and creativity, this place is definitely worth a visit. Highly recommend!
Gaukhar R — Google review
Lots of cool things, kept my 16-year-old and my seven-year-old attention and captivated the space was clean. Staff was helpful and friendly parking was OK. You also get a 25% off pass for your parking ticket. I’m assuming if you pay online I paid online. I don’t know how we got the 25% off at the counter, but it was offered m
Latasha J — Google review
Discovery Place science is a great place. I had a great time. I had a blast. It’s definitely worth the money even parking isn’t that back either I would highly recommend this location. Please check it out. Take your children. They will run around and have fun for hours. It’s a lot of activities. Never a dull moment. Well worth the money Time and loud noises lol I’m definitely going back to visit again
Mr. B — Google review
I was a little disappointed with this science museum. There was one area that was closed for a new exhibit that was coming (I know that this takes place at times), but I felt that this was geared more to children rather than people of all ages. When their main exhibit area is closed there is not much for an adult to do there. It is a well kept and informative place though.
B K — Google review
Great museum, in my opinion one of the best ones I've ever been too. Right when you walk in the frogs are incredible. I didn't even know there were that many types of frogs! The next part was more old artifacts that were super cool. Some of them scared me, spiders got something scary bout them. The top floor was really interactive for kids, with a real bed of nails you can lay on. A chair you sit on and pull yourself into the sky. If your in Charlotte, this is another must see attraction.
Kale — Google review
Really fun experience! Here visiting and it was raining so was needing something indoors. My daughter would have stayed here for 4-5 hrs if we had the time! We spent 2.5hrs and it flew by because it was so interesting and hands on. Tons of experiences and stations to do hands on things! My only complaint was the parking. There is a garage but is $17 for 2hrs or $30 for the day. That’s ridiculous when we already spent $72 for 2 adults and 1 child to enter. Parking should be included. We parked down the road in a lot that was $15 for the day and less than 5 minute walk. Otherwise was a blast! Could be a full day if you added in imax and lunch nearby.
Mary R — Google review
Fantastic place to spend a day with your kids. There are countless handson experiences they can do, from playing with water, magnets, gears, building toy cars, playing music with different objects like pans. There are 3 floors full of exitement and open imagination for the kids. They have an aquarium section with lots of different species and one area where they can touch starfishs and sea urchins. Lots of interesting stuff for the little ones and the no so little as well. The dining options are really good and in the healthier side with fun names and shapes for the kids, like the “spaceadilla” with a rocket shape. We didnt had the chance to go into the IMAX shows but it was a great day at the museum. You can save $5 per person when you buy your tickets online.
Ricardo F — Google review
Very interesting and educational for children and their parents! We had a wonderful time with the whole family! We'll be happy to come back!
Kateryna Z — Google review
4.7
(7635)
4.5
(2517)
Mentioned on 
Museum
Auditorium
Specialty Museums
The NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte is a must-visit for race fans and history buffs alike. The museum pays homage to stock car racing with interactive exhibits, a state-of-the-art theater, and the Hall of Fame featuring plaques honoring inductees. Visitors can trace NASCAR's evolution from dirt tracks to super-speedways and view artifacts like the first helmet with a radio, iconic uniforms, and historic trophies.
As a motorsport fan, this place is a must see. Absolutely fantastic and full of awesomeness. I had the tour and was given the pleasure of David - a man who knows pretty much everything about MASCARAS history. I cannot offer enough superlatives about him - what an amazing fellow and hopefully he remains at NHoF for a long time! I will be back to visit again!!
Ron W — Google review
I just spent 3hrs in there and it was GREAT! I could have spent even longer, so if you want to see & do everything the NASCAR Hall of Fame has to offer, plan for the whole day. If you’re already a fan, you’ll learn stuff you didn’t know & for those new to NASCAR, you’ll come out of there knowledgeable in our sport. How it first began, along with Junior Johnson’s moonshine days, interactive experiences, to getting to feel the pavement from numerous different tracks. Depending on what ticket you buy, you get a lanyard with your own hard card, unlimited times in the simulator, and more! Don’t worry about lunch, The Pit Stop Cafe has an awesome BBQ sandwich I’d recommend. Upon leaving, you’ll go through The Gear Shop, where you’ll find a variety of options for a fantastic souvenir. An amazing set-up from floor to floor, clean restrooms, and friendly staff. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and sorry no drinks allowed inside. Enjoy!
Stacie J — Google review
Visited North Carolina for the first time from California for Hendrick training and decided to stop by the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Definitely worth it. The museum has 4 levels packed with history, information, and legendary cars. The layout makes it easy to explore at your own pace and really soak in the sport’s heritage. The simulator experience was the highlight — super fun and surprisingly realistic. Highly recommend stopping by if you’re in Charlotte. A great mix of history and hands-on fun. 🏁🚗💨
James Y — Google review
We had a wonderful time at our company sponsored event! The simulator was very cool and the place was nice with plenty of things to see. John was awesome, checking in and making conversation with us regularly. He was so fun to talk to and so genuine! Highly recommend! Only struggle we had was finding the entrance since we originally entered Buffalo Wild Wings but that’s a super small blip. Great experience overall.
Jordan W — Google review
We traveled all the way from Hungary, and visiting the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte was absolutely worth it! The exhibits, the atmosphere, and the passion for racing are beyond amazing. You can truly feel the heart and history of NASCAR in every detail. A dream come true for any fan unforgettable experience!
Ritschie — Google review
An awesome museum with the actual cars and other memorabilia. Handling a stationery simulator was an experience. Great fun. Nicely laid out. They have a combo with lunch and that was great too. Parking was next door. Reasonable rates. Go see it!
Craig R — Google review
Great exhibits, lots to keep everyone entertained. Videos, memorabilia, and hands on exhibits. We happened to be there on a race day and got to join the fun of the watch party with enthusiasts. Great fun.
Jan A — Google review
We had a blast! I upgraded to the combo package with the souvenir lanyard and photo, as well as the driving simulator. There is a ton of history here and is well worth the experience for those who are fans and who aren’t fans alike! There is a replica car hauler that you can walk through as well as a place to try your hand at what the pit crews do! A must see in Charlotte! They also have a parking garage there on site at the HOF connected to the convention center.
Clint E — Google review
4.7
(11009)
Mentioned on 
Park
Conference center
Nestled just a short 15-minute drive from the heart of Charlotte, the U.S. National Whitewater Center (USNWC) is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. This expansive recreation complex boasts the world's largest man-made river, perfect for thrilling whitewater rafting and kayaking experiences. Beyond water sports, visitors can explore 12 miles of scenic hiking and mountain biking trails or test their skills at one of the nation's largest outdoor climbing facilities.
The U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, NC. is an absolute gem for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're rafting through exhilarating Class IV rapids or unwinding with yoga by the river, this place offers something for every adventurer. The trails are beautifully maintained, the climbing walls are world-class, and the vibe is pure energy and nature. Staff are knowledgeable and safety focused, and the food options are surprisingly great for a recreation center. It’s the kind of place where you can challenge yourself, connect with others, and leave feeling completely recharged. Highly recommend spending a full day here you won’t regret it!
Paul L — Google review
What very fun and active place! This was my first time ever zip lining and white water rafting and I had a ball! The staff was so helpful! Orientation was a breeze! The food was down right delicious and the live band in the evening was great! Such a great atmosphere for everyone and all ages!
Nee A — Google review
Such a wide variety of active adventures here. Various levels of whitewater rafting and kayaking , flat water kayak and stand up paddle boarding, zip lines, suspension bridges… good food and good beer… great staff. All staff we encountered were friendly and knowledgeable. We went one day and decided to buy an annual pass.
AJ B — Google review
The U.S. National Whitewater Center is an awesome, phenomenal place! I highly recommend it, especially for families. It is well worth the visit and the drive. Activities and Facilities This place offers so much more than just the water activities. You can find: • Zip lines • Whitewater kayaking and rafting • Mountain biking • A massive rock climbing wall that hangs out over a pool • Two or three bars on location serving draft beer • A conference center and plenty of open space. We were here for four days for the slalom kayaking and national kayaking cross competitions, and it was a blast. My son is having just as much fun on his second visit as he did the first time. Value and Recommendation The season pass is 100% affordable, making it a fantastic value if you're local to the Charlotte area. If you are in Charlotte, you absolutely have to check this place out. We will definitely be coming back again!
Mike B — Google review
Super cool Place to just enter for a $12 parking fee and take a walk. Have a picnic, even bring your dogs in for a walk. They have an area down the street. That's off-leash, very cool place. You can spend the money to get on kayaks or rafts and ride on the white water rafting pool,/ Area rock, climbing over pools. Stand up paddle boarding in a completely different area off of the river creek. Super cool area Super cool place, whenever in the Charlotte area. I highly recommend this for you. The kids, the wife, the son, the cousin, the daughter, the aunt, everyone is welcome. Very nice and friendly atmosphere go now
LAND R — Google review
First time experiencing white water rafting and such a blast! We held a quick conference there in the morning at their lodge meeting center and then stayed for lunch and white water rafting! Definitely a wet, wild and exhilarating time was had by all. Definitely a must do if you're in the Charlotte area!
James T — Google review
What an awesome place! We came for a few hours and wished we'd planned on taking the whole day. We managed to pack in Rafting, climbing, hitting up the dog park and a really tasty late lunch. And there was so much more to do. BUT this is also a great place to come and just relax. You only have to pay to park if you just want to come and relax in the beautiful park-like setting. And then if you are feeling like having some adventure time, you can a'la cart activities or buy a day pass OR get a yearly pass which is a steal. And it should be said that we were really impressed with the staff. Everyone was not only very nice, but also professional. We wish we had not waited so long to come out and enjoy this wonderful place.
R S — Google review
Great time here! Started out as a company rafting trip.... A couple of us stayed all day. Highly recommend doing the day pass just know that you have to pay extra for the tall zip lines on top of it. (They didn't disclose this) The big zips were worth it! Recommend the top line to ropes bridges to bottom zip over the rapids. The biggest issues that we had were miscommunication on the employees part. It seemed like everybody we talked to had only been working there two months or less.... There's no consistency between which year from one employee to the next regarding where to go or what to do. Prime example was calling 2 months ahead of time to schedule the company rafting trip and specifically asking about the rodeo option for multiple people. We were told at that time that you could show up day of and get in. They were not worried about reservations ahead of time as it probably wouldn't be too busy. Let me show up the day of and they tell us that they don't do it on weekends 🙄. Our guide made up for it as there was only four of us in the big boat and he read the people perfectly and made sure we did the most extreme he could to make it fun!
Ty B — Google review
4.4
(31634)
4.0
(3542)
Mentioned on 
Amusement park
Water & Amusement Parks
Carowinds is a seasonal amusement park located on the border of North and South Carolina, just southwest of Charlotte. It offers a variety of world-class rides, including 13 roller coasters and attractions for all ages in Planet Snoopy. The park also features the Harbor Waterpark for summer fun and the new aviation-themed section called Aeronautica Landing with five immersive attractions.
It was a nice amusement park and water park. There are not many rides for little kids, but they have some great rollercoaster ridesplan on bringing quite a bit of money. I was lucky im 65, so I only paid 19.99 to get in. I bought a refillable drink cup for the day, which cost me 21.97. A small box of popcorn was 8.35.. parking is 35.00 vip parking is 45.00. The one good thing they did was because of the high heat, we went 4th of July weekend was any food place or drink stand you could get a free cup of water. No outside food is supposed to be allowed, but they don't check bags, so you can bring in chips or something. They are a cashless place, so have a credit or debit card with you. Also, you walk through a metal detector. You must have an ID with you. They check for someone over 21 with kids, although he asked a single guy in front of me for his, so just have it ready. There are plenty of rest rooms with no lines for the womens room, that is, people just don't like to flush the toilet, so that's something to watch for. It's a nice park, though, and I can see me going back there again.
Ingrid H — Google review
Had an awesome day! Even with the July heat, the shaded lines, fans, and free water kept us going from open to close! I highly recommend the premium dining plan. By the time you buy 2 meals and a drink you’ve basically paid for the plan. Then, you get to eat every 90 minutes and drink every 15 minutes. Going on a weekday will give you the ability to ride basically all of the rides multiple times! The staff was awesome, kind, and helpful answering any questions we had. Looking for a fun activity for the family that is outdoors and away from screens? This is a great option! We brought a big group our church and had a blast as well! Overall, I’d highly recommend this amusement park if you’re into thrilling rides, good food, and a great time with friends and family!
Christopher S — Google review
What a GORGEOUS and well kept park! There are so many rides I don't think it's possible to do them all in one day! A perfect blend of theme park thrill and carnival charm! The pathways are all very wide and accessible for wheelchairs/strollers. This is very much a thrill park that doesn't offer much entertainment other than the rides themselves, but still nice to go strolling around and shopping/eating. So if you're not a ride person this park may not have too much to offer you, but a beautiful visit nonetheless ✨️
Kiarylane C — Google review
Wow wow wow …I never thought I would be able to take these thunderstorm rides haha. We really enjoyed them and we found all we needed in the park:fun, food, smiles and most importantly collected memories 💪🏻🫂🥰
Gabriel F — Google review
The fury was amazing. Lines were not unreasonably long, drinks were overpriced, bathrooms were kinda gross in some places in the park, Octoberfest was disappointing but the beer was delicious. Staff was super friendly especially Hailey at the t shirt airbrush booth!!!!! Season pass holders should definitely get fast passes for a discounted price!!!! $55 for one season pass holders is stupid!
Heather M — Google review
It's a smaller park, but it's packed full of good times. This was our first trip to the park, and it was spectacular! The rides were great, the food was great. The only thing that wasn't so great was spending so much money on souvenirs. We were able to get on pretty much every coaster. The longest waits were on Fury 325, (definitely worth it), and Carolina Goldrusher (not worth it). We missed out on Vortex and the Flying Cobras. Our first ride was Thunder Striker, and it was a great introduction to the park. That forest drop was nothing to scoff at, and the rest of the ride was a rowdy good time. It was on to Kiddy Hawk, and I'm sad to say it was a little rough. The over the shoulder restraints were cumbersome, and the ride was rather rough. From there, we took a short walk over to After Burn, the inverted looper. It was surprisingly quick, with lots of good inversions. It was probably my third favorite ride. The next coaster we went to was Copperhead Strike, a launch coaster. This one was my second favorite of the day, with an inversion right out of the station, leading to the first launch into what is best described as controlled chaos. You do need to rent a locker for your belongings, or leave them with other members of your party. (The same applies for Fury 325.) We took a break from coasters, and hopped on Zephyr, a little swing ride. After walking for a bit, we got in line for Carolina Goldrusher. This one was a little on the rough side, it is definitely showing it's age. Afterwards it was time for a little break. They offer an all-day wristband for drinks, which you can get every 15 minutes. We also got some food, they also offer an all-day wristband for food every 90 minutes. The food was surprisingly good for a theme park, and things were decently priced. We then hopped on Rock and Roller, your typical roundabout flat ride. We then continued our adventure through the park and found ourselves on Ricochet, which is best described as what it must be like to be a pinball. It's a traditional Wild Mouse coaster, with plenty of tight turns and steep dips and drops. Leaving Ricochet, we jumped to Carolina Cyclone. This Arrow Looper is the precursor to Magic Mountain's Viper, and it offers a little bit of a smoother ride experience than its (much bigger) cousin. Having finished with the corkscrew coaster, we wanted to try out the Woodie, Hurler. Unfortunately, it was down, so we decided to go on Fury 325 instead. We were only in line for about 30 minutes, and honestly, I could have waited longer. This was easily my standout favorite of the day: great big drops, massive overbanked turns, and plenty of zero-g moments. It's pretty obvious why this has been named Best Steel Coaster for nearly 10 years running. By the time we were done with Fury, we were hungry again, and stopped for refreshments. We ended the night with Hurler, and it was definitely a wooden coaster: angry and unapologetical, it doesn't give in. There are better Woodies out there, but there are also some worse ones as well. All-in-all, it was a great experience, we will definitely be coming back for more.
Joseph W — Google review
Very nice park , clean and everything seems to be well maintained. All the employees I encountered were very nice and seemed to do their jobs well. All the food we tried while there was very good from brisket to pulled pork and chicken tenders. I was impressed with Fury 325 and Copperhead Strike . Both are great rides . We came on a Sunday, a very hot day and the park overall was not very busy or at least imo it wasn't, though I'm used to Cedar Point type busy 😅😅. Overall great experience at this park.
J — Google review
Updated review 10/10/2025 for Scarowinds attractions. Would give zero stars if it was an option. Person at the Scarowinds ticketing booth sold us the express passes telling us that it was once for The Conjuring experience and unlimited for the rest of the scare zones. When we got to The Conjuring experience, there was at least 500 people in line already. We told the employee at the entrance to the line that we had the express pass. She said that the Conjuring did not have an express lane. She said they told that to people at the beginning of the park and it was wrong information. Paid $60+ each for 3 useless express passes sold as "for the main experience." This review was 2 months earlier. Great park. Has gotten alot better lately. I remember a few years ago it used to be empty and rides broke down alot. Didn't have any of that this time. Visited July 5th 2025 with family, and we had a great time. Relaxed by the water park after doing some of the roller coasters.
Nestor T — Google review
Mentioned on 
Freedom Park is a popular destination in Charlotte's South End neighborhoods, including Sedgefield, Montford, and Myers Park. It's part of the Metro Diner To-Go catering service that serves various areas in the vicinity.

Top places to eat

4.5
(715)
4.5
(225)
Mentioned on 
expensive
Restaurant
Good Food on Montford, established in 2009 by renowned chef Bruce Moffett and his brother Kerry Moffett, has become a popular dining spot in Charlotte. The restaurant offers an eclectic menu with small plates influenced by various countries such as Greece, Korea, Italy, and Spain. Diners can enjoy dishes like Larry's pork belly buns, fava bean spread, scallops, and red curry mussels.
Very nice atmosphere. The food was amazing. The roasted mushrooms were absolutely delicious! The Korean beef was very flavorful. The mussels were so good we got two dishes of them. Great date night place. Hats off to the chefs. Oh and the banana cake was super yummy. Just wished it was bigger. We got it to go and it didn't make it home.
Kimmie G — Google review
Can you imagine leaving a restaurant hungry? I ended up walking next door to order some wings after a spending my evening here after 2 hours. The food was good, but the kitchen was small - only able to dish out 1 order per 5 minutes, and there were a lot of customers with orders. My party of 3 ordered 4 different dishes, with one person’s order taking 55-65 minutes and the others coming out in the first 15. I was afraid to order more without knowing how long the food would take, and the chairs were really uncomfortable to sit in while waiting at the mercy of the kitchen.
Alex — Google review
Treated my partner to a birthday dinner at Good Food, and it was perfect. We took advantage of the pleasant weather and enjoyed our meal on the patio. The service here is high quality without being stuffy and runs like a well oiled machine - water glass was never empty, finished dishes were promptly removed, courses well timed. Our server, Aaron, was wonderful and even made sure the dessert came out with a birthday candle. But, let's not forget the rest of the food.. For two of us we split a snack, two small plates, one large plate, and dessert. Every dish was so delicious I wouldn't be able to choose a favorite. - prosciutto and burrata - tuna carpaccio - catch of the day (grouper etoufee) - trout - chocolate pie Based off our meal, it doesn't seem like you can go wrong here. There's a reason why it's a long standing CLT favorite.
Carol R — Google review
We’ve been to GoodFood on Montford a number of times over the last few years, and I can’t believe I’ve never remembered to review it. Time to correct that! Their tapas-style servings are generous portions, all of which will provide 2-4 people each for a lovely tasting. The Charcuterie Board is enough for 4-6 people, and I love their selections. The ambience is quite nice, although it can be a bit chilly when they first open if it’s cold outside. It’s the downside of so many huge windows, but it warms up nicely. Excellent selection of wines & beers, great cocktails. Highly recommended if you enjoy fine food.
Charles P — Google review
Good Food on Montford consistently delivers! This is one of my staple Charlotte restaurants that I turn to for any occasion. Their menu rotates seasonally, so there’s always something new to try. Every dish I’ve had has been delicious and comes out quickly. The cocktails are also excellent, with options for almost every major type of liquor, which I really appreciate. The only hiccup I experienced was with the reservation system. When booking through Resy, I had to confirm my reservation twice— once in the Resy app, and it seemed like the restaurant hadn’t received my initial confirmation so I had to call them to confirm a second time. When I brought it up to the staff, they didn’t seem particularly concerned. It wasn’t a major issue, but it’s worth noting in case others run into the same thing. Aside from that, it was a lovely experience overall, and I’ll definitely be back!
Sophie C — Google review
Came here for my Birthday celebration. We ate tapas style picking items from each section of the menu. Appreciated that server knew ingredients of everything on the dinner and cocktail menus and that they offered an NA pilsner (Sam Adams). Great sous chef judging from sauces. everyone praised every dish, which is rare. Our Menu - House bread which came with jalapeño jelly that even my wife enjoyed. - Little gem salad was aptly named; simple eith a delightful mustard dressing. - Green curry muscles came in a cilantro broth I ended up drinking like soup. - Gnocchi was so sweet I’d consider ordering it for dessert - Chocolate mousse pie that was more Ike a cake, and - Decaf which arrived with frothed cream and was some of the smoothest I’ve ever tasted . and the best decaf Parking: Plenty in restaurant’s lot and on Montford.
Charlie L — Google review
It is ok. Service and drinks are great. Food is definitely fresh. If you want to spend 15 bucks on a bowl of mushrooms or 20 bucks for .00005 lbs of Korean beef (was really good), or 2 thin slices of tuna, then this place is for you. No chicken to be had and no other interesting vegetable options. Gnocchi way too sweet.
H S — Google review
The food was fantastic, and the menu had lots of variety in flavors, cuisines, and main courses. The mussels are a must and have some Indian flavors, the mushrooms are fantastic, and the dessert which was some kind of money bread and apples topped with ice cream was delectable. Definitely get a bottle to compliment the meal. The restaurant was nearly empty upon arriving shortly after they opened, but it fills up quickly so get a reservation if you are going during a prime dinner timeframe
Lauren — Google review
4.7
(1071)
4.6
(785)
Mentioned on 
very expensive
Restaurant
Fine dining restaurant
Located in a restored 1913 Craftsman bungalow, The Fig Tree Restaurant is a beloved dining spot in Charlotte known for its upscale Continental cuisine and extensive wine list. The menu features creative French and Italian dishes made with seasonal ingredients, such as Edisto Island Middleneck clams, seared foie gras, sautéed North Carolina trout, and grilled New Zealand elk chop.
Always the best experience. An old foodie couple who goes out to try new restaurants every week told me that their favorite restaurant is Fig Tree without hesitation. The first time I tried it, it instantly became our favorite too. I recommended it to my friends, and we had a party of 7 everyone agreed it was the best fine-dining restaurant they’d ever been to. With every bite, you can tell the chefs truly put their heart and effort into the food. Our server, Justin, added extra charm to the experience with his great sense of humor. making the evening even more memorable.
Wenli X — Google review
We recently celebrated our wedding at the Fig Tree - we rented out the bottom floor of the restaurant for our ~40 guests. Jane and the team were great to work with. They put together an event menu with us, and were more than happy to create custom options not typically on their menu, such as a chicken dish, lava cakes, and a wedding cake. We had looked at other restaurants with private event spaces in Charlotte, and they were all very unwilling to modify the set menu choices - we really we appreciated the flexibility at the Fig Tree! We used the outdoor patio area for cocktail hour and then came inside for a cozy candle-lit dinner, which SO delicious. The service was also excellent, as always. Thank you Fig Tree!
Allie S — Google review
A Culinary Love Letter at The Fig Tree 🍷✨ If you’re looking for the ultimate romantic dining experience in Charlotte, The Fig Tree delivers in spades. From the moment we walked in, the intimate ambiance set the tone—low lighting, warm tones, and just enough old-world charm to feel like a quiet escape from the everyday. The service was flawless: attentive without hovering, informed without being rehearsed. Every course felt like it had its own story. The interplay of flavors and textures was nothing short of sublime—each bite perfectly balanced and thoughtfully composed. Truly a chef’s kiss moment from start to finish. But let me tell you—do not skip dessert. The in-house patisserie staff clearly doesn’t mess around. Every confection was a work of art, crafted with flair and finesse that left us speechless (and borderline licking the plate). The Fig Tree isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience, and one we won’t soon forget. Highly recommend for anniversaries, date nights, or whenever you want to feel a little spoiled.
Christopher O — Google review
My wife and I had been to the Fig Tree Restaurant over a decade ago, and we didn’t recall it as one of our favorites. However, tonight’s dinner wiped that memory away and made it into a fabulous memory. The Caesar Salad was crisp and fresh, with homemade Caesar dressing with real anchovies! The fresh focaccia bread came with garlic spread, we enjoyed amazing wines, my wife’s Filet Mignon was perfectly cooked, as was my Elk Chop, and the Crème Brûlée was delicious.
Charles P — Google review
We came here to celebrate our anniversary and had a wonderful experience. The service was great. They had numerous options on the menu that sounded great. My partner had the Chilean Sea Bass and I had the veal. Both were incredible. They have an expansive wine list and a decent selection of cocktails. For desert my partner had the cheesecake and I had the peanut butter entremet. Both were mouthwatering. If you’re celebrating a special occasion and are looking for a nice dinner I recommend making a reservation here.
Ben M — Google review
Had high hopes for this place, and Justin was amazing. It started off well with the introduction of the menus, which offered a large wine selection and 8-9 entree options along with the specials. We began with the escargot, and calling it delicious is just the start; it had flavor from the first bite to the last. The sauce was fantastic, and Justine mentioned you'd want more bread just to finish the sauce — and we did. I had the lamb loin, which was perfectly cooked, and the polenta cakes were tasty. My wife chose the sea bass, which started well, but once she reached the middle, it went downhill. It was raw and couldn't even be cut with a knife. Another waiter took it to the back, and you'd think they would cook a new one, since she only took two bites. But no, they reheated it, and we're pretty sure they microwaved it, as there was steam coming off the filet, and the mashed potatoes looked the same as what she had eaten. The fish was just placed on top of the plate and was nowhere near the quality of the original presentation. She did enjoy the mocktail mule — it was light and refreshing. I had the tequila old fashion, but unless you like tequila, I’d pass (thought I’d try something new). Big mistake. The lemon crème brûlée was okay but did not live up to the hype. Parking can be difficult if it’s busy, and they are only open for dinner. If it weren't for the bad sea bass experience, I could easily rate this as a four-star restaurant. But for that price, no one should be served microwave-reheated food.
James M — Google review
Came here to celebrate our anniversary. The restaurant is located inside a historic and charming house. The wait staff were courteous and professional. We had the Seared Foie Gras and Escargot as starters. The foie gras were velvety and smooth. It was paired with the sweetness of apple and cherry. Escargot normally comes swimming in butter. Their dish comes in a creamy gorgonzola and paired with mushroom. The cream tasted surprisingly light. For main courses, we chose the Sea Bass and Elk Chop. The sea bass was perfectly cooked and paired nicely with the sweet corn. The prosciutto add another dimension to the dish. We actually thought the few small pieces of lobster were a distraction and probably not needed. NOTE: we just spent a week in Maine last month and therefore are biased on how lobster tastes. The Elk Chop was delicious. Elk is leaner than beef but the chop was perfectly cooked to medium and not though to eat at all. The Spätzle was also a surprising side-kick of the dish and complemented the elk nicely. The desserts also did not disappoint. We had the Beignets and the Chocolate-Peanut Butter Entremet. We probably should have shared a single dessert as they are rather generous portion wise. Overall, a memorable dinner. Final note. Because the restaurant is located inside a historic house. You will very likely sit inside one of the former bedrooms converted small dining rooms upstairs with only a few tables pretty close to each other. It also means the room could be a bit noisy if the tables around you are having fabulous but albeit loud conversations.
Teddy C — Google review
My husband and I came in off of recommendation it was our first time in Charlotte and we were in town for a “show”. We were blown away by the service and food! Service from Justin start to finish was excellent. We will definitely be returning the next time we’re in town!
Jessica S — Google review
4.6
(1169)
4.5
(94)
Mentioned on 
expensive
Seafood restaurant
Fin & Fino is a spacious, white-themed restaurant in Uptown that offers American cuisine and a variety of seafood dishes, including 12 types of oysters. The bar program, led by Brittany Kellum, is particularly noteworthy for its playful and creative cocktail menu. The restaurant exudes a low-country Carolina vibe with its beachy and airy ambiance. While the focus is on sustainably caught or raised seafood, there are also non-seafood options available.
Edited to add (apologies) I did not realize that the entire menu is small plates - which explains the smaller servings! Went to Fin and Fino for the first time. Have to give a shout out to the staff - the one constant at all of Jon Dresslers locations are the people. They are a lot of fun, they love their food, they take pride in what they do and it shows! The people around us got the treatment, and I have to say it all looked amazing! There were no complaints whatsoever from anyone at the table. As one would imagine - there was a great deal of fresh raw seafood as well as cooked. No surprise, it was fresh and excellent!  I got the roasted beets and the heart of ribeye. Both were wonderful - oh my goodness the beef was so tender and flavorful cooked perfectly. The beets, a personal taste? I wasn’t a fan of what might have been peppercorns on the beets? It just was too strong for me when I crunched down on two. I am a beet lover so just scraped them off - they were excellent. The calamari was really good, as was of course the shrimp cocktail and crab dip. Always amazing! The mussels in the pasta dish were minuscule and not alot of pasta - it was about the size of an appetizer to be honest. Now perhaps that is what it was meant to be but not enough to feed one person as a main dish. Still, very flavorful. I have to admit that Dresslers and Chapter 6 are still my favorites - hands-down, but you obviously cannot beat the freshness of the raw seafood and - The Treatment - was such a fun experience! All the seafood dishes were great! Some of the other appetizers looked wonderful - didn’t get a chance to try the mushroom sourdough toast, but it looked amazing, for me worth going back again.  Clean inside, very busy and they have party rooms for anybody that would need one. Everyone was too full to have dessert, but as you know, or in case you didn’t, they are all handmade from Joans Bakery to all the Dresslers eateries!
Robin C — Google review
We went close to closing time. It was last call for food and we sat at the bar. Bartender was nice and I loved the fun names they did for the cocktails. They were very tasty and it looks like they make their syrups and bitters in house. All of the food was good. I enjoyed the crab dip and the lamb & mushroom pasta dush. Important to note, if you are vegetarian or vegan, the menu appeared to be limited with options. I didn't see much beyond a salad. Also, the menu assumes you are sharing so plate sizes can be small.
Paquita P — Google review
Everything about our visit was fantastic — the food was fresh and delicious, the atmosphere was vibrant, and the staff was friendly and attentive. We especially appreciated the creativity and presentation of each dish. The only small thing that left us a bit puzzled: my friend and I ordered different dishes, but for some reason, all of our food was brought out in the same shared plate at every course. It made it hard to enjoy our individual selections separately, even though our orders were placed independently. Still, a wonderful experience overall and I would absolutely come back!
Ehsan G — Google review
I love the Ambience beautiful artwork and the Chefs cooked right next to us so that was comforting our Waiter Max was delightful and made us all feel special as we celebrated my friend’s birthday. The bathroom was clean and they Valet our Parking so that was also nice. I got to sample a lot of Seafood they had a good variety and Oysters that was very delicious the price was steep and did not match the quality or quantity of food served so that was not so good but if you’re looking for an appetizer size serving it will be perfect and if you want unique Circus drinks your in the right spot we got big desserts of three different cakes so that was a plus to end the night so check it out and definitely ask for Max!
Natalie R — Google review
Dined here last night and our server Jimmy made our experience incredible! He was so friendly and attentive and had great knowledge of the menu. The oysters were delicious!!
J F — Google review
I’m from NYC and everyone warned me that the food in North Carolina wouldn’t compare. For this to be my very first restaurant experience here… I was completely blown away. Every single dish tasted fresh, thoughtful, and absolutely delicious. The oysters were the best I’ve ever had. The pasta was incredible, the carrot cake was perfect, and the drink was to die for. The customer service? Outstanding. I genuinely felt taken care of from start to finish. The bartender was amazing, and the owner or manager even came out personally and surprised me with lobster bisque. My entire experience was a true 10/10. This place definitely puts those “no good food in NC” rumors to rest — for sure. I already know I’ll be back often!
DaViana W — Google review
One of my favorite restaurants in Charlotte. Atmosphere was great and the service was even better. Jimmy was attentive, courteous, and was just an overall proficient waiter. He explained everything and ensured we had the perfect experience. Now, in terms of food we did “the treatment” option. If you are not a creature of habit or have a big appetite I HIGHLY recommend this: It ranges from 3-5 courses (we had 4 courses total for ours) which comes with a variety of plates to share. If something sounded good on the specials/menu too be sure to say something. In our case, Jimmy made sure we got to try the striped sea bass special. Whole heartedly recommend. I am so appreciative y’all gave my mom such a great birthday dinner. We will be back!
Eleanora D — Google review
Incredible. Came in and sat at the bar which was pretty busy. I was greeted immediately but never rushed throughout my dinner. I have multiple food allergies and the server immediately consulted the manager to make sure I was safe. He gave me modification options for the dish I really wanted and personally brought it out. Both the drinks and food were delicious. I will definitely be returning.
Emily F — Google review
135 Levine Avenue of the Arts #100, Charlotte, NC 28202, USAhttp://www.finandfino.com/(704) 800-5680Tips and more reviews for Fin & Fino
4.6
(430)
4.5
(10)
Mentioned on 
affordable
Italian restaurant
Ever Andalo is a charming restaurant located in the heart of Noda, offering a diverse selection of dishes to cater to all types of food enthusiasts. The French onion soup and crepes are highly recommended, while the buttermilk fried chicken sandwich with Coppa americano, Gruyere, and Maple Dijon on a baguette is a standout option. The restaurant exudes a laid-back atmosphere and provides excellent dinner and brunch services.
Definitely recommend for any special occasion or dinner you’d like to splurge on! The drinks and food are great. The coffee and dessert are also good too. Definitely on the more expensive end, hence why I recommend for special occasions and times where you’re preparing to splurge only. I was really appreciative of our server. She clearly was giving us recommendations for things she thought we’d actually like, not just trying to rack up our bill. And all of her recommendations were wonderful and spot on with what she described. Exactly what I need in a server! The only critique I’d have is that I wish the food would come out a bit hotter. Encountered this both times I’ve come here. Make sure you get a reservation well in advance. This is definitely a popular place, so reservations fill up quickly.
Sophie C — Google review
We have had so many friends recommend this place, so we finally popped in with a friend. We did not have a reservation, but we wanted to sit at the bar anyway. Reservations are highly recommended because it gets busy. There were 3 of us and we wanted to try several things on the menu, so we shared everything, it was plenty of food for us. Allison our bartender/server was great at explaining the menu and gave us great recommendations for sharing. The bread was fun and came with 3 different olive oils from different regions in Italy. We also got the beet salad, go good! We also got the Branzino and Gnocchi. We were too full for deserts, but had a nice bottle of wine and a cocktail. Carly who also helped us with recommendations was the best. We will definitely be back and spread the word on this cute Italian place.
Jo N — Google review
I absolutely love this restaurant—it’s genuinely one of my favorite spots in Charlotte! The food is delicious, the drinks are amazing, and the ambiance is always great. However, I’m taking away one star because of my recent to-go order from the kids’ menu. I ordered spaghetti for my daughter, and the portion was shockingly small—barely more than a mouthful. On top of that, it was overly buttery and just not enjoyable. I completely understand that it’s a kids’ meal, but the serving size and quality were disappointing. I actually had to go out and get her something else to eat afterward. Hopefully, this was just a one-time slip-up, because everything else about this place is truly wonderful.
YENESKY A — Google review
We arrived at 5pm on a Friday without reservations to sit at the bar. This place fills up fast. If visiting on the weekends make a reservation. Our bartender Alison was very helpful in explaining the menu. The 3 of us got shareable plates. Everything was awesome. The wine list is huge. Alison once again helped us out picking wine that would complement our food. This place is a gem in Noda.
Mike N — Google review
This place deserves the hype and struggle to get a reservation. Everything felt very authentic italian and tasted so fresh. My favorite thing we tried was the burrata with house made focaccia and we got an olive oil flight too, which was fun. I would definitely come back!!
Rebecca — Google review
A fantastic restaurant. Wonderful staff, and wonderful food and drinks. Honestly, I was very surprised, as I haven’t been this happy at a restaurant in a long time. It just checked all the right boxes. it was just the best experience, and the flavors of the food are really superb. Whoever is the chef here is amazing guys, seriously. You should try this out. The portions are a reasonable size, so don’t expect to be knocked out in carb coma. It’s just the right amount of food on a plate to leave you feeling happy and content, but not drowsy and stuffed. The burrata is really good over grilled focaccia - you should get this for sure. The pork Milanese is huge!! Wonderful dish and cooked just right. The mushroom tortelloni has a really unique buttery flavor that I really liked. Even the crudo was great, though that’s a very light entree. We really, really, really liked our waitress Tatyana - very wonderful lady she’s fantastic.
Mark B — Google review
We celebrated my birthday and our friends 50th anniversary. The drinks and food were both awesome. All four of us loved our dinner. There was so much flavor to the food. They even had birthday and anniversary cards signed at our table. I highly recommend Ever Andalo
John X — Google review
Had an amazing time at this restaurant. Everything that we at was delicious and made with a lot of care. I believe this is a sister restaurant to Supperland. We had a variety of dishes ranging from seafood, pasta, and beef. Everything was amazing including the mixed drinks. Service here was also topnotch. Our favorite dishes of the night were the Cacio e Pepe, Oysters, and Braised Short Rib.
Prisca M — Google review
3116 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205, USAhttp://everandalo.com/(704) 910-6543Tips and more reviews for Ever Andalo
4.4
(795)
4.0
(25)
Mentioned on 
Temporarily Closed
affordable
Restaurant
It's a modern juke joint in the heart of Camp North End that pays tribute to Southern comfort food and cocktail recipes. The rustic dining room and open kitchen is decorated with antique furniture, photos, and artifacts from the area. The menu includes bacon-wrapped dates, their signature burger with wit cheese and fried oyster sliders.
Absolutely wonderful meal and even better service! I will continue to say that Camp NorthEnd is wildly underrated, and Leah & Louise proves my point. This spot was incredible. We had the Oxtail and Grits, which my partner almost wasn't going to let me try because it was that good. I had a micro green salad, Fried Hot Oysters on toast, I don't remember the actual name of these two dishes. However, just know they were both delicious. The salad was perfectly seasoned, and the texture of the greens were the right amount of crunchy. The fried oysters were definitely the star, though. The bread was buttered and fluffy, pairing to the nicely battered oysters. The hot sauce on them was smokey yet had a nice spice that was running you to find water. The service was impeccable, and everyone was so friendly. I would definitely recommend getting a reservation as the space is small yet cozy.
Emily — Google review
A nice place in Camp North. Both inside and outside tables are available. Not many tables though, so reservations are highly recommended. Frog legs are the most impressive one. It’s fried and carefully flavored. Mussels are not super fresh, but the bread is fluffy and soft. Catfish (as entree) is good as well. Appetizers are more of the same size as entree. We ordered drinks but nobody brought them to the table. We ended up finishing most of the food so had to cancel them.
Siran T — Google review
I've been meaning to check out this spot for a while but it's always been busy. Although there was not a wait when I went, I'd still recommend you hop on Open Table and make a reservation just to ensure you secure a spot. Make sure you read the fine print on the reservations because there may be a fee if you cancel the reservation within a certain time. Our waitress, Asia, gave us the rundown of the menu. If you're a person who likes the huge menu at Cheesecake Factory, you won't find that at L&L. They have a small menu. We got two appetizers, two drinks, and our entrees. The River Chips were like pork skins but made of chicken skins. They were well seasoned and the sauce added a sweet contrast. The roll up was a piece of grilled bread loaf. There was a garlic butter with it and it was also very tasty. As for drinks, my companion had the zodiac punch (which was a Leo themed drink). I had Black Maybe. Both drinks were strong and well made. The entrees were Mud Island, (a catfish dish), and Trust Your Gut (a pork belly dish). Mud Island is their most popular dish and everyone was ordering it judging by all of the people we saw eating it. I got the Trust Your Gut to be different. I tried my companion's food and the fish was better than the pork. The music was most 90s and early 2000s r&b. The vibe works well for the area and ambiance is chill. The look of the place made me feel like I was sitting in a soul food restaurant in New Orleans. But don't get it twisted, this is fancy food. The gratuity is included at 23% which is fine for me because I normally tip 20%. If this is a deterrent for you, then you should order takeout. I'd definitely return to Leah and Louise. It's a really cool spot with great drinks, good food, and a dope atmosphere.
V. E — Google review
The food was Devine! Service and atmosphere was great. We will definitely be back with friends. The mud island was so good the 1/4 a brick chicken was to die for and to top is off the it’s like buttah dessert the best I’ve ever had. We were definitely in foodie heaven. The cabbage and chicken skins was amazing we took an order to go as well. The nuts and fruit drink was so good, uncle nearest should be proud!
E F — Google review
Wow! This place is incredible. We celebrated our anniversary tonight and they made it so special for us with a little card signed by all of the staff. It felt so personal. The food was another level. We ordered the cabbage which was our absolute favorite. We will never forget it. We also ordered the mussels which had the most amazing flavor. I could have drank the broth. Then we finished we the lamb ragu bucatini which also left us amazed. Drinks were great too. I ordered a mocktail because I’m pregnant and they just asked me what my flavor profile was and they nailed it. The service, the atmosphere, and the creative menu make this place so special. What a little gem!
Jessica A — Google review
Drinks and food were fabulous. Service was warm, friendly and knowledgeable. I love the vibe of the place. Whomever picked the background music (primarily old school and 90s R&B) had me dancing in my seat as we ate and chatted. From a food perspective, the menu changes frequently because it is farm to table. Highlights of the meal were fried mushrooms with pickled watermelon rinds along with the silky, fluffy grits topped with refreshing pops of cherry tomatoes, and cornbread brioche. The cabbage is a staple on the menu and is a must if you eat pork. It is so delicious because of the gravy. Note, if you only want a meal from the appetizer section, you will need to deliberately ask to have it coursed and timed out. We made an assumption that it would happen automatically and we ended up with 5 dishes coming out at the exact same time for a 2-person table.
Paquita P — Google review
We had such a fun and decadent experience here for my wife's birthday. Everything from the opening course to dessert was impeccable. Funky dishes and design set the tone with great service throughout the meal. For sure an immaculate vibe. Will definitely recommend this place to out of towners visiting Charlotte.
Patrick M — Google review
We arrived as a walk-in on Sunday afternoon at 1 pm and had no trouble getting seated. It is a Soul Food restaurant in North End Camp. Leah's cabbage was the best dish. The soup of the day was catfish and mushroom it was good except for a couple of bites that had bones. The Fritata veg dish was similar to a quich and salad. It was OK. We finished off with an Alfajores, which was like a moon pie. Not my favorite. Overall, I'm glad I tried it. Their vegetable dishes are their stars I would say.
David T — Google review

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Charlotte?

Get inspired for your trip to Charlotte with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here: