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South Charlotte NC Date Night Restaurants

Looking for the perfect spot for a Charlotte NC date night? If you’re in South Charlotte, I’ve got you covered with a list of our top favorite spots that Matt and I love most. From craft cocktails to incredible food, these restaurants offer the best of what South Charlotte has to offer.

Shhhh, spoiler: we usually end up at 131 Main, Link & Pin for cocktails, and most recently, Oshen has skyrocketed to the top of our list! Whether you’re looking for a cozy vibe or a place to celebrate with a flaming birthday cake, these spots are our go-to for the best nights out. Let’s dive in!

Date Night

South Charlotte NC Date Night Restaurants

Bonnie & Clyde’s Lounge 

Bonnie & Clyde’s Lounge is the perfect spot for a fun night out with a luxury twist. The rooftop bar has a vibe that feels like you’re in a swanky South End restaurant, but it’s just a few minutes from our home in South Charlotte! It’s the ideal mix of chill and lively, with craft cocktails, bottle service, DJs, live music, and delicious food. The upscale, sexy atmosphere makes it perfect for celebrating a special occasion or just hanging with friends. Make sure to grab a reservation, and you’re all set for a great time!

What to Order: The kimchi tots are a MUST (trust me, you won’t regret it), and the small plates are on point too.

Charlotte NC Date Night Lounge

Ilios Noche

Ilios Noche is one of those spots we often end up at for date night, especially when they’re running cocktail specials! The vibe is cozy, and we typically prefer sitting at the bar over a table—though the patio looks great, and we’ll definitely try it one day. It’s just one of those places that never disappoints, with a relaxed atmosphere and fantastic drinks. Whether we’re grabbing a quick bite or enjoying a laid-back evening, Ilios always hits the spot.

What to Order: You HAVE to start with the Goat Cheese Stuffed Peppadew Peppers—I actually order these takeout and serve them as appetizers when I’m hosting! A few other favorite dishes include the octopus (seriously, so tender), and the lamb souvlaki skewers. Ilios also has an excellent cocktail menu, so you’ll definitely find something delicious to sip on.

Foxcroft Wine Co.

Foxcroft Wine Co. at Waverly is the ideal hangout for a low-key yet classy night out. The vibe is laid-back but polished, with a cozy interior and a charming patio perfect for wine sippin’. The wine list is next-level, featuring a variety of unique bottles, and their small plates are just as impressive. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just looking for a chill spot to unwind, Foxcroft always delivers.

What to Order: Definitely get the truffle fries and the lamb sliders—we order both EVERY time. It’s really fun to browse the shelves of wine for your perfect bottle too. The staff is also super friendly and knows their stuff, so you’re in good hands when picking a wine or a pairing. Oh, and save room for their donuts!!

Foxcroft Wine Date Night at Waverly

The Porter’s House

Porter’s House, part of the Rare Roots Hospitality Group (think Dressler’s and Dogwood), is the spot to hit if you’re craving steak. It’s all about those thick-cut steaks, delicious modern sides, and craft cocktails, but with a laid-back vibe that makes it feel less stuffy than your typical steakhouse. Whether you’re there for a special occasion or just a solid meal, it’s the perfect place to kick back and enjoy some seriously good food.

What to Order: STEAK.

Oshen

Oshen at Colony Place is hands down the best sushi meal I’ve ever had in CLT! The vibe is perfect—not too loud or too dark (which I’m really appreciating now that Matt needs readers!). The service is top-notch too; during our last visit we planned to just walk in and sit at the bar, but the hostess was so sweet to shuffle tables around to get us seated.

What to Order: Sushi lovers, take note: the chef comes from Nobu Miami, so the food and drinks are on another level. They’ve got tons of gluten-free options, and everything we’ve tried has been beyond incredible. You MUST try the scallop nigiri. PLEASE! It’s topped with soy butter and torched tableside—so good, you’ll be thinking about it for days. And don’t forget to order a cocktail — they are spectacular.

Favorite Charlotte NC Date Night - Oshen

131 Main

131 Main in South Charlotte is one of our top date night spots we end up at most often—and for good reason. It’s the place we’ve been coming to the longest because everything is consistently delicious, and the service is always on point. The vibe is warm and inviting, with cozy wood accents and gas lamps, making it the perfect spot to unwind. It’s the kind of place you can always count on for a great experience. Pro tip: definitely make a reservation, no matter the day—it’s almost always packed!

What to Order: I always start with the Pearfection cocktail—it’s so good, I often recreate it at home! For an appetizer, definitely try the cast iron cornbread or the ahi tuna stack. You absolutely cannot leave without having the crab cake—they’re hands down the best I’ve ever had! The Top Chop salad with a crab cake is my go-to, but Matt’s all about the Thai Steak salad or the shrimp and grits. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, and even the kids’ verbal menu has some seriously tasty options, making it one of our kids’ favorite places to go for a “fancy dinner” with us!

Favorite Charlotte Date Night 131 Main

Napa Bistro & Wine Bar

Napa at Stonecrest is one of those spots that nails the perfect balance of relaxed and refined. It has a gorgeous ambiance that’s great for a date or hanging with friends. They’ve got an amazing wine list (because, Napa) and a menu with fresh, flavorful dishes inspired by California cuisine.

What to Order: You’ve gotta try the truffle fries—they’re seriously addicting. The grilled salmon is another favorite, super flavorful and cooked just right. If you’re keeping it light, the house salad with their vinaigrette is SO good. And don’t forget to get the warm sourdough bread service — I could just eat the bread with it’s delicious whipped garlic butter and be happy.

CO

CO at Waverly is a great casual spot for fresh sushi and Asian fusion dishes in South Charlotte. They’ve got a solid selection of specialty rolls, and the staff is super friendly and helpful.

What to Order: You’ve gotta try the spring rolls, the Blossom sushi roll (it’s spicy!), the Kung Fu Crunch sushi roll, and the Rainbow sushi roll. And don’t miss the pork belly buns—they’re a total must!

CO at Waverly

Rooster’s

Rooster’s Wood-Fired Kitchen at The Bowl at Ballantyne is the perfect spot for a laid-back yet upscale date night. The vibe is fun and inviting, especially with the cool location at The Bowl. The interior is beautiful, and the food and cocktails are seriously SO good! The service is always top-notch, making it a reliable choice for a great night out.

What to Order: While the rotisserie chicken is the popular choice, I love the salmon—and the French fries are a must! And don’t forget to start with the calamari appetizer; it’s crispy and delicious.

Pro tip: After dinner, take a walk down the street for some gelato—it’s the perfect sweet end to your meal!

Hestia

Hestia in Ballantyne is the ultimate spot for a chic and sophisticated date night. Located on the 16th floor of the AC Hotel, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of Charlotte’s skyline, especially stunning at sunset. The ambiance is sleek and modern, with a gorgeous rooftop setting that’s perfect for sipping craft cocktails and enjoying innovative Asian fusion dishes.

What to Order: The menu changes seasonally, but if you spot the Wagyu Tacos…get them!

Hestia Roof Top Date Night

Little Mama’s

Little Mama’s in Rea Farms is a must-visit if you’re craving Italian with a fresh twist. The vibe is super chill, with a modern yet homey feel that makes you want to settle in for the night. The menu is packed with fresh pasta, mouthwatering house-made mozzarella, and the meatballs are a standout dish. Whether you’re going for pasta, pizza, or a classic antipasto, it’s all flavorful. Plus, the cocktails are amazing, so make sure to grab one while you’re there.

What to Order: Start with the Goat Cheese & Mascarpone Dip—it’s creamy, dreamy, and always a hit. I usually go for one of the salads (they’re all amazing) and also order the ginormous Prime Beef-Pork Meatball—it’s seriously HUGE. All the pasta is incredible, and if you’re gluten-free, they’ve got noodles that don’t disappoint. Trust me, you can’t go wrong with whatever you pick! The kids menu is also spectacular here.

Charlotte NC Date Night Little Mamas

Link & Pin

Link & Pin at the Arboretum is my favorite spot to kick off date night. We almost always start here with a cocktail (sometimes an app too) at the beautiful bar. I love the vibe here—modern, comfy, and the drinks are next level—seriously, every single one I’ve had is incredible.

What to Order: Honestly, every cocktail is SO good here that you cannot go wrong! Some of my favorite cocktails are a Naked & Famous, Pear & Cilantro Margarita, or an Espresso Martini. Our go-to apps are the mini ahi tuna tacos, candied jalapeno bacon, brussels sprouts, and absolutely the truffle fries. If staying for dinner, we literally order ALL of those to split.

Date Night Link & Pin

These are just a few of our go-to spots in South Charlotte that we love for a great date night, but I’m always on the lookout for new places to try! Let me know if there are any restaurants we absolutely need to add to our list or if any of these are your favorites too. Also, if there’s something on the menu at these places that I have to try next time, drop it in the comments—I’m always up for new recommendations!

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Erin

Thursday 30th of January 2025

Love these recommendations! Iโ€™m a South Charlotte girlie as well and always looking for new places to try! Iโ€™d recommend venturing down to Waxhaw- Emmets is amazing. Cork and Ale is a great place for a drink and they have good food too!

Christina

Monday 3rd of February 2025

Ohhh!!! Adding to my list!