Located just six miles away from Uptown is Charlotte’s SouthPark neighborhood. It’s home to the two million square foot SouthPark Mall (from where it derives its name) and countless eateries, coffee shops, boutiques and recreational hotspots.
Not sure where to spend your evening in next time you find yourself south of the city? Here is a short overview of some of the top restaurants in SouthPark, Charlotte:
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse is a luxuriouss teakhouse chain serving chef-driven cuisine. The venue includes a vibrant mezzanine bar, plus private wine cellar and dining room in one. Next, settle in at their upscale interior from where you can catch a glimpse of the SouthPark neighborhood.
The restaurant offers standard steakhouse fare paired with an extensive award-winning wine list. Alongside their steaks, they serve fresh seafood, salads and a creative list of entrees. You certainly don’t want to miss their famous shrimp cocktails and crab cakes. It is simply one of the top SouthPark restaurants.
The Palm Charlotte
Likewise, to enjoy authentic USDA prime steaks, Nova Scotia lobsters and delicious Italian entrees, head to The Palm Charlotte, at Phillips Place. The restaurant features a sophisticated setting where guests can try their exquisite steaks and craft cocktails.
The menu serves a mix of fresh greens, plus smoky steaks, seafood, and burgers. Likewise, There’s also an exquisite selection of wines and Palm Signature margaritas. Apart from serving great food, it is also one of the prime destinations in SouthPark for private dining facilities.
Bulla Gastrobar
Next there’s Bulla Gastrobar. This is a popular Spanish restaurant at SouthPark Mall, known for its authentic Spanish-style tapas (small plates). Bulla features an expansive patio and an equally stunning indoor dining space.
The menu includes a mix of Spanish tapas with a contemporary twist alongside a range of Spanish delicacies. Food includes curated meats, paella, grilled octopus salad and traditional favorites like ‘Patatas Bravas.’ Finally, the menu includes an extensive list of wines, beer and craft cocktails.
Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar offers a fun and creative dining experience at their sushi and burger bar in SouthPark. Have a taste of gourmet-style burgers, authentic sushi and some of the most unique fusion combos in Queen City.
If you are unsure what to have, request their bento box, which includes a mini burger, a sushi roll and sides of their signature “Burgushi.” Alongside their creative menu, you will also be served a mix of signature cocktails and fine wine.
Paco’s Tacos & Tequila
Enter Paco’s Tacos & Tequila, and you will certainly be greeted with a rustic Texan feel, a bar brimming with tequila, vintage advertisements on the walls plus colorful accents to brighten up the place. The eatery is popular among those who seek an authentic Tex-Mex dining experience. Their fan-favorite tacos are made using daily freshly rolled tortillas, enriched with Texan-imported spices.
What’s more, they have a collection of over 100 tequila varieties amidst several outstanding wines and a mix of beer from Texas, Mexico and local North Carolina.
Rooster’s Wood-Fired Kitchen
Rooster’s Wood-Fired Kitchen serves classic European-influenced fare in a rustic setting using the freshest locally grown ingredients. Head to this upscale eatery in SouthPark to have a taste of their Scallops, Duck Confit and fan-favorite Wood-Fired Chicken. Simplicity, quality and thoughtfully sourced ingredients are some of the consistent attributes the restaurant is known for.
Not planning a full meal? Grab a seat at the in-house bar and enjoy signature cocktails, special bar bites and burger sliders. Rooster’s SouthPark location is one of the top-recommended restaurants in SouthPark.
Oak Steakhouse
Oak Steakhouse is a modern take on the traditional American steakhouse, serving farm-fresh dishes and a selection of classic steakhouse fare in a mid-century setting.
Items on the menu include the fan-favorite Prime Certified Angus Beef selections, small plates and entrees that celebrate fresh North Carolina ingredients. Expect only the freshest produce on your plate. Finally, complementing the menu is an expansive wine list, including a selection of Italian, Spanish and domestic varieties.
Cafe Monte
Cafe Monte is a chic French bakery and bistro known for its welcoming ambiance and French-inspired pastries. The bakery opened its doors back in 2007 to serve as an “everyday escape.” Step into the gourmet restaurant for fresh pastries, small plates, seafood, sandwiches, pizzas and more.
You should also sample their dessert menu: there’s French macaroons, creme brulee, buttery croissants, and other sweet delights. As for drinks, Cafe Monte offers a mix of seasonal fruit juices plus cocktails and beer.
The Porter’s House
The Porter’s House is a modern steakhouse along Waverly Walk Avenue in South Charlotte. This eatery is known for its classic hospitality and timeless traditions of quality. Enjoy fine spirits, fresh ingredients and signature PorterHouse steaks.
Order from a mix of seafood-based starters, green salads, shareable boards and the delicious signature steaks. Steaks include an assortment of Sirloin, NY Strip, Ribeye and Filet Mignon, among others. Finally, pair your meal with a selection of wine, available by the glass or have a taste of their specialty cocktails.
Napa On Providence
Napa On Providence is a Napa Valley-inspired restaurant located at 110 Perrin Place in SouthPark. The restaurant takes the finest natural ingredients for their specialty small and large plates. Dine on seafood, meats, and flatbreads, plus salads, pasta, and steaks. Every Sunday through Thursday, 4pm to 6:30pm is saved for “Napa Time.” Come into their bar and enjoy limited drinks and eats menu at reduced prices!
Reid’s Fine Foods
Reid’s Fine Foods is a neighborhood favorite perfect for when you want to grab a quick meal or stock up your pantry. This neighborhood store is running in 5 popular locations around the city, including one in the SouthPark Mall.
Reids’ is the best at superior meats, wines, regional goods and produce. Plus, they offer fresh meals and gift baskets available throughout the seasons. And – they also make a killer breakfast burrito. Reid’s SouthPark serves the best breakfast in Charlotte.
Baku
Baku is an authentic Japanese eatery located in the heart of the SouthPark area in Charlotte. This eatery encapsulates the traditional “Robata” style of Japanese cooking in which small portions of food are slow-grilled over charcoal.
On the menu, find an assortment of innovative Robata Yakitori cuisine, a fine selection of sushi and sashimi, plus an extensive list of alcoholic beverages. Or, try the specialty sake to complement your meal. Baku’s interior is intimate yet cozy and includes an upscale lounge where you can certainly settle in for a drink.
Toscana Ristorante Italiano
Toscana Ristorante Italiano is a warm, comfortable neighborhood restaurant. Expect a bright, inviting space with a large outdoor patio with authentic, classic North Italian creations.
The menu offers fresh salads, handmade pasta, and fresh daily seafood. Plus, you can also sample their skillfully crafted cocktails and local craft beer. Toscana is one of the top SouthPark Mall restaurants.
Rusty Bucket Restaurant And Tavern
Rusty Bucket Restaurant And Tavern is a casual eatery along 4810 Ashley Park Lane in SouthPark. Here, you can enjoy genuine hospitality and share laughter and good conversation over warm food in a modern yet relaxed setting.
The menu includes green salads, Mexican quesadillas, queso, nachos, tacos, juicy burgers, artisan pizza, fresh seafood and other flavorful delights. The must-haves include Joe’s regular wings, Soy Glazed Salmon and the Sicilian Pizza. Pair your meal with their mix of cocktails, cold brews and wines.
McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks
McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks is one of the popular nationwide seafood restaurant chains, with a popular establishment in South Park. For those who wish to enjoy fresh seafood and well-seasoned tender steaks, McCormick & Shmick’s will surely delight them! The eatery houses an expansive indoor dining area with high ceilings, warm lighting and selective modern decor.
On the menu, you will find an assortment of fresh seafood, salads, soups, steaks and pasta. Visitors like their happy hour and oysters, complemented by their fresh seafood specials. You can further request their gluten-free and vegetarian options!
Little Mama’s
Little Mama’s takes inspiration from the old, home-style Italian restaurants that gained popularity in New England back in the 60s and 70s. The interior includes a full bar, a sunroom and an expansive dining room, so you have ample space. This is the perfect place to head with your friends, family and co-workers to enjoy a hearty classic Italian American meal.
The eatery serves lunch, brunch and dinner daily, with the menu providing an assortment of freshly handmade pasta, salads, steak, seafood-based entrees and sandwiches. You will also enjoy their mozzarella bar serving soft Italian cheeses with your choice of appetizers and wine. It is the best place for the best lunch in Charlotte.
CO Sushi
CO Sushi is easily one of the best restaurants in SouthPark, Charlotte. The bustling sushi and burger bar near SouthPark Mall has bright and bold flavors. Enjoy traditional cuisines ranging from noodles and pho to sushi. Pair your dishes with the selection of expertly crafted cocktails. CO is certainly one of the most-visited restaurants in the area.
Zinicola
Zinicola is an upscale Italian eatery in the heart of Ballantyne Village. It offers old-world classic Italian fare that not only delivers a nice ambiance but is also family-friendly. Zinicola also one of the top spots to head for a quick drink or lunch when you are around Ballantyne Village.
The menu features hearty handmade pasta, pizzas and meat dishes prepared using authentic Italian cooking traditions. Don’t forget to sample their extensive wine bar during your visit! It is certainly one of the most-visited SouthPark restaurants for Italian food.
Steak 48
Steak 48 is an upscale South Park steakhouse serving some of the best USDA prime steaks, succulent seafood and shellfish across Queen City. The eatery has been tastefully set up with mahogany panels, dim lighting and an open kitchen view surrounded by floor-to-ceiling glass walls, making it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner.
Besides offering prime steaks and seafood, they also offer a mix of green salads, a raw bar and a creative list of sides. Pair your meal with one of their specialty cocktails, wines, scotch, tequila or whiskey – they offer an impressive list of beverages! It is one of the most recommended and visited restaurants in SouthPark Charlotte.
RH Rooftop
The RH Rooftop restaurant is located on the third floor of the luxury RH Charlotte, a 50,000-square-foot home furnishings gallery. This luxury eatery offers a stunning dining room, built with glass walls on either end, sort of like a greenhouse. At its center is a fountain with over a dozen chandeliers hanging overhead.
You can head to the eatery all day for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The menu provides a mix of classic American foods, including smoked salmon, lobster rolls, shaved ribeye, burgers, salads and a mix of sides. The drinks menu includes an excellent selection of wine available by the glass and bottle.
DTR SouthPark
DTR SouthPark, also known as the Dilworth Tasting Room, is a full-service restaurant, wine and cocktail bar serving shareable European plates amidst a curated wine selection and expertly handcrafted cocktails. The interior will immediately take you to the wine bars of Europe with its warm lighting and welcoming atmosphere.
As for the menu, we highly recommend trying their Seared Salmon topped with a spicy honey glaze, their house-made gnocchi, their Hanger Steak, and their mix of craft cocktails. Every Wednesday is live Jazz Music night, so be sure to tune in.
Southern Pecan
The Southern Pecan Gulf Coast Kitchen at the Phillips Place Court in Charlotte is a casual eatery serving authentic Gulf Coast cuisine. The walls carry simple artwork while the room carries blues and jazz to help create a relaxed, laid-back setting.
They offer lunch and dinner consisting of small shareable plates, classic benedict, Louisiana BBQ shrimp, pancakes, soups, salads, flatbreads, pasta, steaks, sandwiches and even a small mix of desserts for those with a sweet tooth. For drinks, they offer cocktails, beer and wine.
Jinya Ramen Bar
The Jinya Ramen Bar was created by founder Tomo Rakahaski in 2010 with a vision to bring everyday ramen to the residents of Charlotte. Finding authentic ramen was not easy a decade ago. Today, Jinya Ramen offers the perfect ramen experience, just as it is done in Japan. Expect each bowl of ramen to be filled with thick, rich broth in perfect balance with handmade noodles. You can further elevate your dining experience with a pair of their small plates or craft beer selection.
Items on the menu include spicy chicken ramen, ramen with wonton dumplings, and spicy umami miso ramen, among others. The menu also features a mix of small plates, mini tacos, salads, rice bowls, curry and even specialty kids’ meals.
Peppervine
Peppervine is located along Piedmont Row, serving classic and new American cuisine. Executive Chef Bill Greene, with his culinary team, offers a menu of locally sourced small plates alongside an inspired wine selection carrying varieties from around the globe.
The menu includes several small, shareable plates, including cheeses, nuts, fruit, pork and seafood. The menu also offers a blend of large plates carrying pasta, pork tenderloin, short ribs, steaks, scallops and more. We also recommend having a taste of their dessert menu featuring Creme Brulee, Toffee Pudding, Doughnuts, Sorbet, and more. Besides wine, Peppervine provides a mix of craft cocktails and non-alcoholic pairings to elevate your meal.
Bar Marcel
Bar Marcel brings the taste of Europe to SouthPark. The eatery is just a few blocks from the SouthPark Mall. Step in, and feel as if you have stepped into an authentic European cafe in the Mediterranean witg string lights, a central fountain and an Italian marble bar.
On the menu, find a mix of starters, pasta and large plates. Plus, there’s roasted chicken, shrimp, beef burgers, and a filet mignon steak with gnocchi that we recommend. To end, indulge in the dessert menu. There’s everything from tarts to brownies, tiramisu, and a mix of sweet wines and after-dinner cocktails.
Limani
Limani is a Mediterranean seafood restaurant located in Phillips Place. They focus on providing traditional Greek specialties in a chic, modern setting. All items on the menu are made from the freshest sourced ingredients. We recommend them for the premium, cold-pressed olive oil, and local organic vegetable.
The upscale restaurant also offers a contemporary menu incorporating several classic dishes alongside its very own modern take on the old favorites. To complement your meal, they offer a mix of classic cocktails and wines.
Mizu
Mizu is a beautiful rooftop restaurant and bar at the Hyatt Centric SouthPark. The eatery includes a beautiful outdoor terrace offering sweeping views of the city. And, the restaurant currently offers traditional wood-fired Robata grills to the residents of Charlotte’s SouthPark.
Mizu combines both the tradition of Japanese culinary techniques with Southern flavors and influences.The menu is strongly seafood-focused, with a mix of wood-fired, raw and chilled varieties. And, you can enjoy the wine and authentic Sake.
131 Main SouthPark
131 Main is a classy steak and seafood restaurant in Charlotte’s SouthPark shopping district. The upmarket eatery is also known for its warm interior and fresh, local fare. Or, try sampling their seafood plates with fresh catch shipped overnight from docks around the world.
131’s menu includes a selection of shrimp, smoked salmon, and steak. Want more? Order from crab cakes, salads, sandwiches, and pastas. Plus, all beef is 100% Black Angus aged to perfection for 35 days before it’s seasoned and seared for you.
Mal Pan
If you’re a Mexican cuisine enthusiasts residing in SouthPark, we recommend visiting Mal Pan, a popular Taqueria and Cocktail bar serving authentic Mexican cuisine. The interior design is fun and colorful, with light fixtures, creative artwork and an outdoor patio.
For the menu, you will find everything ranging from tacos and burritos to regional dishes such as chicken taquitos and queso. You can also pair your meal with their mix of fresh cocktails, mocktails, wine, liquor and even a small mix of non-alcoholic beverages.
Legion Brewing South Park
Legion Brewing is a popular bar built into an industrial-inspired space known for its unique interior style. Feast on their flavorful foods or sip on the house brews. Their SouthPark location was also one of the first breweries in the neighborhood.
Items on the menu include the standard bar fare, including green salads, pizzas, sandwiches, meat-based entrees and a mix of sides. Pair your meal with the seasonal and flagship beers.
Fine & Fettle
Fine & Fettle is an American restaurant and coffeehouse in Canopy by Hilton SouthPark. Expect a relaxing modern American dining experience and feast on farm-to-table creations.
Once there, the menu includes large plates, soups and salads, and even a small kids menu for the young ones! Food is served alongside a creative mix of cocktails by their expert mixologists.
Restaurants SouthPark Charlotte: Final Thoughts
The best restaurants in SouthPark offer a variety of tastes, cuisines and seasonal flavors for all types of palates. From Southern roots to the culinary techniques of Asian, Italian and French cuisine, there’s something for everyone. To have a taste of any of these flavors, head your favority SouthPark restaurants from the list above!
