Best Casual Restaurants in Midtown

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodMexicanJapanese

Regions

Charlotte

Neighborhoods

ArboretumCharlotteCharlotte Douglas Int'l AirportCotswoldDilworthMatthews

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

73 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of The Cocktail Lounge at 3rd restaurant

1. The Cocktail Lounge at 3rd

4.1

Excellent(6)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Charlotte

The Cocktail Lounge at 3rd, nestled in Charlotte’s Metropolitan shopping center just minutes from Uptown, offers an intimate and elevated cocktail experience. Led by James Beard Award finalist Greg Collier, this exclusive 17-seat lounge is a hidden gem for craft cocktail enthusiasts. Guests can savor expertly crafted drinks featuring premium spirits, house-made syrups, and fresh ingredients, paired with a curated selection of light bites. Whether you're looking for a sophisticated date night spot or a refined place to unwind, The Cocktail Lounge at 3rd delivers a unique blend of artistry, ambiance, and exceptional service in the heart of Charlotte.

2. 3RD & FERNWOOD

3.9

Excellent(120)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Southern • Midtown

Discover Fernwood Tavern – A Modern Take on Southern Comfort in Midtown CharlotteNestled in the heart of Midtown Charlotte’s Metropolitan Shopping Center, Fernwood Tavern offers a fresh and vibrant take on Southern cuisine. Led by James Beard Finalist Chef Greg Collier, our kitchen blends tradition with innovation, serving up bold flavors, locally sourced ingredients, and elevated comfort food that feels both familiar and exciting.Step into our warm, inviting space where Southern hospitality meets modern elegance. Whether you’re joining us for a cozy dinner, craft cocktails, or a gathering with friends, every meal at Fernwood Tavern is a celebration of Charlotte’s rich culinary heritage.

A photo of Culinary Dropout - Charlotte restaurant

3. Culinary Dropout - Charlotte

4.5

Awesome(743)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Southend

Booked 47 times today

Culinary Dropout serves classic meals done right. With crowd favorites like our pretzel bites and provolone fondue, 36-hour pork ribs, and our famous fried chicken drizzled with honey you’ll want to taste everything. Thirsty? Wash it all down with an ice-cold craft beer or a killer house-made cocktail. And don't forget to stick around for games and free live music with a laid-back vibe. Culinary Dropout is for anyone who loves damn good food and drinks. Hosting a private event? Culinary Dropout has three unique private dining rooms, perfect for any occasion!

A photo of Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley - Charlotte restaurant

4. Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley - Charlotte

4.2

Awesome(908)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Southern • Uptown

Booked 60 times today

Created to deliver the best in food, drinks and vibes to Charlotte, NC , Kitchen + Kocktails is here to please. A dynamic comfort food restaurant at its core, Kitchen + Kocktails will focus on nicely plated comfort foods, including flavored fried chicken and lobster tails, shrimp and grits, creative waffles and other southern classics made with a twist. Parties of 5+ call : 980-372-7333. Please see our website FAQ section if you have any other questions or concerns.www.kitchenkocktailsusa.com1️⃣ Click About 2️⃣ Scroll down to General Information3️⃣ Click on FAQ

5. Muraya Restaurant

4.3

Awesome(509)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Tapas / Small Plates • Southend

Booked 11 times today

Muraya, a culinary haven located in the heart of Southend, Charlotte founded by a charming couple with a deep love, for food, cocktails and hospitality. Our journey began with a heartfelt inspiration drawn from the vibrant city of Cartagena. Every dish we create is a tribute to its rich culture, mesmerizing colors, and captivating history.At our restaurant, we pour our passion for Colombian cuisine into every plate we serve. With each bite, you'll taste the authentic flavors of Cartagena, lovingly prepared using traditional recipes and ingredients handed down through generations. Our mission is to transport you to the streets of this enchanting city, where the aroma of freshly cooked arepas and the rhythm of salsa music fill the air.Just like Cartagena, our restaurant is a fusion of warmth and zest, creating an inviting atmosphere for you to savor unforgettable moments.

6. STIR Charlotte

4.5

Awesome(1675)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Southend

Booked 47 times today

STIR is the perfect restaurant to enjoy a night out, host clients, or sip a craft cocktail over a dozen oysters. Located in South End, the restaurant is an open-air concept with a large, heated outdoor patio. We are open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.Our cold bar and kitchen offers fresh oysters from North Carolina and beyond, traditional Mexican and Peruvian ceviche, and classic entrees and specials, all prepared from scratch.STIR is famous for craft cocktails. We freeze and carve 300-pound blocks of artisanal ice in-house, age certain cocktails in oak barrels for richer flavors, and place others on draft for crispness and carbonation. The result: categorically elevated cocktails. Our passion for fine spirits also compels us to find and share rare bottles, many of which are extremely difficult to procure.We welcome Charlotte to enjoy our unmatched cocktails, fresh seafood, and classic dishes in an atmosphere of genuine hospitality.

7. Chapter 6

4.8

Exceptional(446)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Southend

Booked 27 times today

With Chapter Six, Rare Roots Hospitality brings the Western Mediterranean to South End, with bold dishes that show off the flavors of the coasts and fields of Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, France, and Italy. Located directly on the Rail Trail in the heart of South End. Must try dishes include the Whipped Ricotta, Sherry Braised Pork Cheek, Spicy Tuna Crudo, and Skate Wing! Sip on our two top selling cocktails, Almafi Coastin' or Peace + Friendship, while you dine. Chef Scott Hollingsworth and Chef Jon CoxGeneral Manager Ellis LindsayBar Program Brittany KellumWine Director Hilary Demmitt

A photo of Dogwood: A Southern Table restaurant

8. Dogwood: A Southern Table

4.5

Awesome(49)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Southern • Charlotte

Booked 19 times today

Welcome back to Dogwood: Southern Table and Bar. Join us at our re-imagined version of this beloved Charlotte restaurant.

9. Aria Tuscan Grill

4.6

Exceptional(4313)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Uptown

Booked 13 times today

Bringing the best ot Italy to Charlotte, Aria Tuscan Grill is Charlotte's urban neighborhood restaurant and lounge located in the heart of center city. Serving mouthwatering old word comfort food in a modern Italian setting, Aria brings the flavors & colors of Tuscany to Charlotte. Featuring a kitchen with a view, a striking wine wall that highlights a wide array of predominantly focused Italian wines, house made Limoncello, live music every weekend, a late night "Bar Bites" menu, Charlotte's only Chef's Table, a street level view of Uptown Charlotte to take in the city as you dine, and a location that is front and center to all of Charlotte's main attractions.

10. PARA

4.2

Awesome(77)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Southend

Booked 6 times today

PARA, located in the heart of South End Charlotte, is an innovative lounge & restaurant serving globally influenced shareable plates, entrées & creative cocktails.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

D
Denisia
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The food and the service was amazing. The atmosphere was amazing.
More info
Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley - CharlottePrice: Expensive• Southern• Uptown
•
4.2
C
Catherine
South Carolina •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Had brunch when the restaurant first opened for the day. Food was excellent and the waiter was great. Highly recommend.
More info
Muraya RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Tapas / Small Plates• Southend
•
4.3
B
Bryan
Charlotte •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We had a wonderful dinner. The food was delicious and very fresh. , Great service and atmosphere!!
More info
Culinary Dropout - CharlottePrice: Moderate• American• Southend
•
4.5
V
VictoriaVIP
Charlotte •42 reviews
5.0
Dined on Apr 12, 2025
Excellent service. Yummy brunch options. We will definitely go back!
More info
3RD & FERNWOODPrice: Moderate• Southern• Midtown
•
3.9
J
Jasmine
Atlanta •6 reviews
5.0
Dined on Apr 5, 2025
Such a cute cocktail lounge hidden in 3rd and Fernwood! My friend and I did the $40 experience which included two cocktails and three light (and I mean light) bites. I got their Razz cocktail for both of my cocktails. This is a place to get the night started, for a mini date night, or if you want to try something new. I will definitely be back.
More info
The Cocktail Lounge at 3rdPrice: Expensive• Cocktail Bar• Charlotte
•
4.1