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Diners' Choice: Contemporary American restaurants in Charlotte

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Contemporary American cuisine in Charlotte? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

A photo of Customshop restaurant

4.9

4.9 (1877)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Elizabeth

About the restaurant

Customshop is a chef-driven restaurant that showcases local farms and purveyors in an effort to bring our guests the highest quality ingredients within our community. Executive Chef and Owner Andres Kaifer along with his team believe in crafting honest straightforward food with an elevated modern touch that delivers something truly unique. Weekly menu changes allow us to highlight the seasonality of food and the beauty of North Carolina produce, seafood, and specialty items. With stylistic inspiration from Spain, Italy, and France, our neighborhood restaurant aims to make everyone feel welcome. We are proud to offer a seasonal cocktail menu that also takes an ingredient-first approach and looks to mirror the creativity and ingenuity of our culinary team. Our wine list is curated around a balance of old-world staples as well as new and emerging producers pushing the envelope. We cannot wait to serve you on your next date night, post-work drinks with friends, or at a family celebration.

Top review

K

KimberlyVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Always our favorite place in town! And my favorite espresso martini on earth!

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A photo of NC Sea Scallops of a restaurant

NC Sea Scallops

A photo of Beets of a restaurant

A photo of Blue Crab Ravioli of a restaurant

Blue Crab Ravioli

A photo of Peppervine restaurant

4.8

4.8 (2231)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

SouthPark

About the restaurant

Peppervine is a chef-driven modern American restaurant where every detail—culinary, wine, and service—is paced with intention.

Led by Executive Chef Will Stephenson and General Manager & Wine Director Tommy Trull, our menu is designed for a shared, coursed experience: vibrant vegetables, thoughtful composed plates, and elegant entrées crafted from seasonal ingredients and global inspiration. We invite guests to explore the meal progressively, savoring bold flavors and beautiful presentation along the way.

Our wine list—recognized with Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence every year since 2021—features 500+ selections from iconic and boutique producers across the globe, while our cocktail program offers both craft precision and playful elegance.

Top review

L

LeslieVIP

Dined 6 days ago

We have eaten at Peppervine a number of times and enjoyed it. It wasn’t until took a guest with gluten allergies that we realized that Peppervine makes little to no provision for guests with dietary restrictions. The waiter did ask and did steer our guest away from an item that had gluten that you would not expect. However, there were no indications on the menu, no gluten-free pasta, bread, or crackers. This was surprising since we frequently eat at award-winning restaurants with these friends and have found even Michelin star restaurants have gluten-free pasta. Most surprising was that there was no real apology from anyone, just “We don’t have gluten-free pasta/bread/crackers, you’ll need to make another selection.”

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A photo of Branzino of a restaurant

A photo of General Tsos Cauliflower of a restaurant

General Tsos Cauliflower

A photo of Pimento Cheese Scones of a restaurant

Pimento Cheese Scones

A photo of Fish Market - Fort Mill restaurant

Fish Market - Fort Mill

4.7

4.7 (1290)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Fort Mill, South Carolina

About the restaurant

Fort Mill Fish Market is a beloved, locally owned restaurant known for its exceptional seafood and welcoming atmosphere. Conveniently located off I-77, it’s honored with OpenTable’s Diners' Choice awards and celebrated as a neighborhood gem and an ideal spot for special occasions. Our chef-driven menu highlights high-quality ingredients and locally sourced produce, with signature dishes that change seasonally. Enjoy fresh seafood, perfectly cooked steaks, flavorful chicken, and house-made desserts crafted daily. Whether you’re planning a date night, family gathering, or private event, Fort Mill Fish Market delivers an unforgettable dining experience. Reserve your table today!

Top review

J

JoeVIP

Dined 4 days ago

A neighborhood gem! My wife and I enjoyed perfectly prepared trout and sea bass. I also recommend the mango margarita, a very tasty start for dinner. Thanks to Benjamin for the great service.

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A photo of Chilean Sea Bass of a restaurant

Chilean Sea Bass

A photo of Salmon Tacos of a restaurant

A photo of Bernardin's Restaurant - Charlotte restaurant

Bernardin's Restaurant - Charlotte

4.7

4.7 (2901)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Uptown

About the restaurant

Located in the heart of Uptown Charlotte, Bernardin’s Restaurant is a locally owned gem known for exceptional service, upscale ambiance, and expertly crafted Modern American cuisine. Just steps from the Charlotte Convention Center, this elegant restaurant specializes in premium seafood, hand-cut steaks, game meats, lamb, and house-made pasta.

Bernardin’s is the perfect destination for business dinners, romantic evenings, and special occasions. Guests enjoy an extensive wine list, refined desserts, and a sophisticated dining experience that has made Bernardin’s a standout in North Carolina since 1992. Discover one of Uptown’s best fine dining restaurants, where every detail is designed to impress.

Top review

L

Linda

Dined on Jun 16, 2025

Our lunch was wonderful and enjoyed the beautiful table at the window!

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A photo of Grilled Emu of a restaurant

A photo of Surf & Turf of a restaurant

A photo of Lincoln Street Kitchen & Cocktails restaurant

Lincoln Street Kitchen & Cocktails

4.7

4.7 (478)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Southend

About the restaurant

Nestled next door to Craft Tasting Room and Growler shop in South End. The seasonal menus’ are inspired by the roots of the region and local farmers and committed to being 100% seed oil free. A locally owned gem for both Brunch and Dinner where health is the forefront our philosophy as a seed oil free restaurant that has a variety of menu items that are both gluten free and vegetarian. The restaurant is also known for innovative bar program with cocktails featuring house made shrubs, sodas, barrel-aged cocktails, zero poof and curated wine list. The restaurants midcentury nostalgic rustic yet refined design finds the balance between nature and modern, featuring a moss wall, lime washed brick, a walnut live edge bar, 48 seat dining room and a 30 seat roof top deck.

Top review

K

Kennedy

Dined 5 days ago

Great food and drinks. Rae the bartender was very knowledgeable and attentive. The complementary birthday brookie dessert was amazing.

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A photo of Happy Snacks at Lincoln Street Kitchen & Cocktails of a restaurant

Happy Snacks at Lincoln Street Kitchen & Cocktails

A photo of Napa on Providence restaurant

Napa on Providence

4.7

4.7 (3936)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Myers Park

About the restaurant

At Napa on Providence, we're bringing the heart of California to Charlotte. Enjoy fresh, flavorful dishes made from scratch, paired with bold wines, all in a cozy atmosphere that feels like home. Just think of us as your friendly neighborhood restaurant, with a serious wine obsession.

With small & large plate offerings, Napa on Providence is perfect for a business luncheon, friends gathering for cocktails, or families craving brunch. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are recommended. We look forward to your visit!

Top review

T

TracyVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Always a great experience! Great food, ambience, and service!

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A photo of Shrimp Capellini of a restaurant

Shrimp Capellini

A photo of Chocolate Mousse Cake of a restaurant

Chocolate Mousse Cake

A photo of Cast Iron Meatballs of a restaurant

Cast Iron Meatballs

A photo of Gallery Restaurant restaurant

Gallery Restaurant

4.5

4.5 (1944)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Ballantyne

About the restaurant

Relish contemporary American artistry at Gallery Restaurant, where seasonal menus showcase the finest in-season ingredients through breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Each dish becomes a masterpiece crafted with culinary precision and creative flair.

Dine surrounded by an exclusive collection from local contemporary art provider Awaken Gallery, creating an authentic gallery atmosphere where culinary and visual arts converge. This distinguished experience has earned Wine Spectator's Best of Award of Excellence and Forbes Recommended recognition.
This isn't just dining—it's your sophisticated culinary journey where seasonal flavors meet artistic inspiration.

Diners enjoy monthly culinary events and seasonal Al fresco dining. Private dining offers an elegant space for small social events and meetings up to 20 guests.

Dress code is business casual or nice dress; no baseball caps please.

Top review

D

Dennis

Dined 5 days ago

It was a great experience and I am looking forward to our return in September.

A photo of Napa at Kingsley restaurant

Napa at Kingsley

4.6

4.6 (3541)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Fort Mill, South Carolina

About the restaurant

At Napa Kingsley, we're bringing the heart of California to Fort Mill. Enjoy fresh, flavorful dishes made from scratch, paired with bold wines, all in a cozy atmosphere that feels like home. Just think of us as your friendly neighborhood restaurant, with a serious wine obsession.
We offer complimentary Valet with Validation Thursday, Friday & Saturday Evenings from 5-11pm. To access Valet you can enter on Textile Way off of SC-160 and make a right hand turn onto Broadcloth and valet is located across our restaurant on the right hand side.

Top review

K

KDHVIP

Dined on Jun 24, 2025

Food was great and Yeti was very helpful with the menu and attentive!

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A photo of Filet Mignon of a restaurant

A photo of Chocolate Mousse Cake of a restaurant

Chocolate Mousse Cake

A photo of Napa Salad of a restaurant

A photo of Stoke restaurant

4.1

4.1 (957)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Uptown

About the restaurant

The warmth of wood-fired cooking complemented by meticulously sourced seasonal ingredients from Carolina farms and local partners. Simple, rustic yet refined flavors served in a gathering space with a laid back, neighborhood vibe.

Located within the Charlotte Marriott City Center. Please note Stoke Restaurant validates parking for restaurant guests who valet park at the Charlotte Marriott City Center. Please provide your receipt/valet ticket to the Host/Hostess.

Top review

A

Arthur

Dined 6 days ago

The service was great and environment was impressive.

A photo of Napa Bistro & Wine Bar - Stonecrest restaurant

Napa Bistro & Wine Bar - Stonecrest

4.5

4.5 (473)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Ballantyne

About the restaurant

At Napa Bistro & Wine Bar at Stonecrest, we're bringing the heart of California to Charlotte. Enjoy fresh, flavorful dishes made from scratch, paired with bold wines, all in a cozy atmosphere that feels like home. Just think of us as your friendly neighborhood restaurant, with a serious wine obsession. With small & large plate offerings, Napa Bistro & Wine Bar is perfect for a business luncheon, friends gathering for cocktails, or families craving brunch. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are recommended. We look forward to your visit!

Top review

K

KaushalVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Amazing food and stellar customer service, will definitely be back!

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A photo of Neal Family Wine Dinner of a restaurant

Neal Family Wine Dinner

A photo of The Bear Immersive Dinner of a restaurant

The Bear Immersive Dinner

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