Charlotte’s Ballantyne neighborhood conceals a culinary treasure waiting to be uncovered. The charming area has many restaurants to suit every taste and budget. From the standard American favorites to the delicate aromas of authentic Italian and Spanish food, Ballantyne offers something for everyone.
Whether you are a seafood lover, barbecue connoisseur or an adventurous eater looking to experience the vast culinary horizons, here are some of the best Ballantyne restaurants for you to check out:
Brio Italian Grille
Brio Italian Grille is an absolute must-visit if you are a fan of Northern Italian cuisine. The restaurant is located in Cherokee near Ballantyne. With its warmly lit, sophisticated setting, relaxed environment and Tuscan-inspired grill fare, the restaurant provides an excellent dining experience.
The menu here is all about classic Italian delights featuring mouthwatering made-to-order pasta, tempting risotto, creamy tiramisu and irresistible wood-fired pizzas alongside luxury wines and cocktails. Besides their premium quality steaks and chops, the Lobster and Shrimp Fettuccine is a must-have you must not miss. Guests can also enjoy seasonal delicacies and a happy hour menu. The restaurant also offers a private event area.
Fiore
Fiore is a 1920s-inspired dinner lounge with a full bar in Ballantyne Village, known for its excellent wine selection, unique craft cocktails, local spirits and chef-crafted tapas. The classy bar offers a delightful array of beverages bursting with flavors. On the other hand, the mouthwatering menu includes signature dishes like the grass-fed beef filet with chimichurri sauce and asparagus. You can also savor the famous Fiore Charcuterie Board featuring a chef’s selection of meats and cheeses.
With impeccable service and a thoughtfully curated wine list, Fiore is a haven for food enthusiasts seeking a taste of culinary excellence in the area. The trendy, intimate setting is perfect for a romantic and upscale dining experience. It is one of the top restaurants in Ballantyne.
The Porter’s House
The Porter’s House in Charlotte, NC, is a modern steakhouse renowned for its premium steaks and classic fare. Offering exceptionally tender steaks, delicious seafood and flawless service, the upscale restaurant pays homage to the legacy of porters of the past who provided exceptional service.
One of the top-recommended restaurants in Ballantyne NC, the chic place also has a remarkable private bourbon room with excellent spirits and a patio. Private dining options are available for 6 to 100 guests, featuring modern chophouse dinners or curated appetizers and food stations. With three private rooms and a semi-private area, the restaurant offers a lightened-up vibe that is hard to find in traditional steakhouses.
Miro Spanish Grille
Spanish cuisine is brought to life at the family-run Miro Spanish Grille in Ballantyne. The restaurant is a must-visit for fans of modern Spanish cuisine due to its authentic taste. Miro’s menu offers a journey through Spanish flavors and features a variety of Spanish dishes ranging from fresh tapas to paella. The Seafood Paella is their signature dish that you simply must not miss.
You can enjoy your grilled meats in an upscale-casual setting indoors or on the outdoor patio. With delicious food, innovative Spanish cocktails, and live music shows on weekends, Miro Spanish Grille provides a wonderful dining experience.
Sushi 101:
One of the best restaurants in Ballantyne, Sushi 101 at Promenade on Providence is a noodle and sushi bar offering a diverse blend of Japanese and Asian cuisine in Charlotte. The hip spot offers classic and creative sushi, yakitori and noodle favorites, along with beer and cocktails in a casual setting. Limited outdoor seating is also available.
The family-owned, full-service restaurant focuses on sushi rolls and nigiri with an extensive menu that includes grilled, fried and beaded yakitori, teriyaki beef and seafood served with steamed rice and pork. Professor Vu Roll, Dragon Roll and the Panhandle are some of the top customer favorites. Vegan dishes are also available.
Chuy’s:
Located on Waverly Avenue, Chuy’s is one of the oldest eating joints famously known for its Mexican and Southwestern cuisine. Chuy’s serves authentic and freshly made Tex-Rex food in an eclectic atmosphere with wall art full of vibrant colors and personality.
Visitors can enjoy food following family recipes from South Texas, New Mexico, and Mexican border towns, all made from fresh ingredients. Some of the must-haves on the menu are their Big As Yo Face Burritos, Crispy Tacos, Enchiladas, Fajitas and Tortilla Soup. Famous for its handmade sauces, the restaurant also offers a nice collection of mocktails, mojitos, beer and some fine wines.
If you like made-from-scratch food and sauces, large portions and authentic Tex-max taste, this is your place!
FoxCroft Wine Co:
The only thing better than a good glass of wine is a delectable meal paired with a good glass of wine. Located on Waverly Avenue, FoxCroft is a wine bar and a from-scratch restaurant offering American cuisine, charcuterie, small shareable plates and an extensive selection of wines to choose from.
Their truffle fries, seafood specials, steak burgers, house-made pasta and donuts are the most popular items on the menu. Perfect for an elevated dining experience, the restaurant offers wine from wineries, vineyards, and wine producers from all over the world. Some must-have pairs include Roasted Oysters with White Saumur, House Burger with Cote De Rune and Beef Short Ribs with Avignonesi Montepulciano.
The modern, sophisticated interior and the in-vogue atmosphere of the restaurant make it a perfect spot for casual friends and family meetups and romantic dinners. It is simply one of the top Ballantyne NC restaurants.
Zapata’s Mexican Restaurant
Located in Ballantyne Commons East, Zapata’s is a family-friendly restaurant serving authentic Mexican food in a relaxed setting for over 10 years. With a colorful interior, large portions and a laid-back environment, the restaurant is perfect for family gatherings, date night outs and casual meetings with coworkers.
Zapata’s is open for lunch and dinner with a menu covering appetizers, soups, salads, burritos, enchiladas and tacos. Some of the must-haves include Fajitas Texanas, Arroz Con Pollo, Chicken with Red Ranchero Sauce and chimichangas. You can also order the beers, wine and different flavors of the cocktails to pair with your meal. The restaurant also offers many vegetarian options and is one of the most recommended restaurants in Ballantyne for Mexican food.
Oggi Ristorante Italiano
Classic Italian food with a flare of authentic flavors; this is what we mean when we say delicious Italian food. The family-owned restaurant is a neighborhood favorite for its home-style dishes, laid-back environment and reasonable prices.
The menu features the owner and Chef Eloy Roy’s takes on traditional Italian fare with dishes like light Crab Ravioli with Lobster Cream, house-made Fettuccine Carbonara and Lasagna Oggi. If you are a dessert lover, don’t forget to order their tiramisu, ricotta cannoli and mango cheesecake. The diner offers outdoor seating and serves a nice selection of wine and beers.
Brakeman’s Coffee & Supply:
Tired of your daily, mundane routine and ready for a quick stop to get that extra dose of energy? Well, Brakeman’s Cafe is your answer. About a 15-minute drive from Ballantyne, this funky coffee house is located in Mathews. With a warm and laid-back atmosphere, welcoming staff and the aroma of coffee beans permeating the air, the coffee shop is the place to hit that brake and enjoy your dose of caffeine amid a busy day.
Some signature coffees on the menu are Lavender Latte, Ticket to London, Loco Mocha and Queen Bee Latte. The menu also includes some delicious shakes and smoothies to enjoy on a hot summer day! The best part? You can enjoy your craft coffee drink in outdoor seating on the front lawn.
Restaurants Ballantyne Charlotte NC: Conclusion
In a nutshell, Ballantyne offers a vibrant dining experience that attracts both locals and visitors to savor the refined and diverse flavors from all around the world. From modern American fare to traditional Spanish flavors to modern steakhouses and exquisite Italian cuisine, Ballantyne has it all.
