The Best Chef’s Tasting Menu Restaurants in Charlotte, NC

Shedding its notoriety as a quiet banker’s town, the Queen City’s population is not only growing, but also becoming younger and more diverse—hence its recent uptick in culinary offerings. And, making sure everyone’s tastes are met, many local restaurants are coming to the table with tasting menus and shareables, giving all an opportunity to take part in Charlotte’s growing flavors. Here are a few spots you won’t want to miss when you’re looking for tasting menus and small plates in Charlotte. 

 

photo credit: qcexclusive.com

Link & Pin New Bern

155 New Bern St Charlotte, NC 28203
(980) 939-1188

Link & Pin honors its location with its name, highlighting the railroad line of the 1800s and current light rail in the historic South End. In the same vein of connection, the restaurant provides an elegantly rustic menu with gastropub-style food featuring a variety of cuisines in many tasting arrangements. From an assortment of cheese plates and charcuterie boards to shareables, like ceviche, hand-battered chicken tenders and candied jalapeno bacon. 

 

photo credit: charlottesgotalot.com

Counter-

2200 Thrift Rd Charlotte, NC 28208
(980) 292-2090

Taking a completely contrary approach to the food services industry—from every angle—Counter- prides itself on creative seasonal tasting menus that combine food, drink, sight and sound for a completely immersive dining experience. Every “theme,” the term Counter- has dubbed each new menu, includes a 10-course tasting menu paired with non-alcoholic, standard or reserved wine pairings, and changes seasonally with an additional specialty theme event each month. Past seasonal menus include “Colour 2021 summer theme” and “Cinema 2022 winter theme.” Be sure to save your seat prior to visiting, as Counter- is a reservation only establishment well worth the effort. 

 

photo credit: foodbevg.com

Vana

1440 S Tryon St Ste 100 Charlotte, NC 28203
(980) 819-5913

From the talented team behind Bardo, comes Vana. Literally translated, the name means “wooded area of the forest” in Sanskrit, which lays the foundation for the restaurant’s look, feel and tastes. Vana’s rustic menu combines tapas-style creations with larger shareable plates, and encourages guests to join in the fun of food together. Further inviting diners to indulge is a laid-back, intimate setting full of reclaimed wood and eclectic design with an open-concept kitchen that welcomes all.

 

photo credit: charlotte.axios.com

Indaco

2046 S Blvd Charlotte, NC 28203
(704) 741-9004

Bringing the traditions of Italian Sunday Dinner to Artherton Mill, Indaco offers elevated classics—served family style or a la carte—to Charlotte’s South End. From wood-fired pizzas and hand-crafted pastas to house-made salami and cured sausages, the simple sophistication of the menu and easy atmosphere will leave you comfortable and craving more. Enjoy the show of an open kitchen and the camaraderie of a shared meal, paired with affordable wines, house-made sodas or a Gin & Tonic cocktail on tap.

 

photo credit: Yelp

Peppervine

4620 Piedmont Row Dr Ste 170B Charlotte, NC 28210
(980) 283-2333

Hidden in SouthPark Charlotte, Peppervine pairs progressive locally sourced small plates and extended tasting menus with art, creating a rare and beautiful dining experience. Looking to provide a synergistic, one-of-a-kind meal, Peppervine takes note of creative plating and atmosphere backed by flavor. From General Tso’s Cauliflower to Glazed Pork Belly or Smoked Octopus, Executive Chef Bill Greene’s thoughtfully crafted menus promote enjoying all that is eating, together with an inspired wine list, craft cocktail or non-alcoholic pairing.

 

photo credit: usarestaurants.info

Dogwood A Southern Table

4905 Ashley Park Ln Ste D Charlotte, NC 28210
(704) 910-4919

Southern hospitality lives on at Dogwood, where being personable and polite only further the idea of what it truly means to share a meal. Comprised of snacks, small plates, a la carte proteins and ample side dishes, Dogwood’s menu is set up to encourage family style feasting and stealing a bite off each other’s plates. And, who wouldn’t want to partake when everything is locally sourced for some new takes on southern classics. If you’re looking to celebrate the flavors of Charlotte—NC shrimp with ramp butter, seasonal succotash or pimento grits—introduce yourself to the fine folks at Dogwoods to enjoy the social spirit of a true southern table. 

 

photo credit: usarestaurants.info

Fin & Fino

135 Levine Avenue Of The Arts Ste 100 Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 800-5680

A self-proclaimed social seafood house, Fin & Fino describes its menu as “food for those with an explorer’s heart.” Appealing to diners with an appreciation for the new adventures and fresh tastes that come with the sea, this Charlotte establishment is known for the best oysters in the Queen City and its menu-topper, The Treatment, which offers a chef-led tasting and comes with a $5 donation to the charity of your choice. Other shareable items like the Penthouse—16 oysters, 16 NC shrimp, 20 mussels, tuna-salmon poke and 2 butter poached lobster tails—draw the line in the sea-lover’s sand, but there is fare for those who prefer to keep two feet firmly planted on land as well—Candied Beets or Kurobuta Pork, for example. Either way, come to enjoy the attention to detail, explorer’s tales and fresh flavors not to be missed. 

 

photo credit: usarestaurants.info

Bulla Gastrobar

4310 Sharon Rd Ste W01 Charlotte, NC 28211
(704) 837-4422

Inspired by the famous gastrobars of Spain, Bulla was born to enliven the senses with traditional mouthwatering tapas and an energetic vibe. Focused around an open kitchen and full bar, the comfortable and lively atmosphere match the menu’s array of small plates and shareables. Created to make meals fun and filled with a multitude of flavorful bites, Bulla’s menu includes cured meats and cheeses, small plates like Montaditos and Andalusian Gazpacho, and shared dishes such as Paellas. Seasonal menus paired with hand-crafted cocktails and an impressive wine list make Bulla a stand-out dining experience in Charlotte.