102 CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JUNE 2019
THE GUIDE
menus are worth trying, too. 4625 Piedmont Row
Dr. (704-554-6177) $$-$$$
TOSCANA
ITALIAN
An authentic northern Italian menu is paired with an
extensive wine list, while courtyard dining adds to
the experience on a nice night. 6401 Morrison Blvd.
(704-367-1808) (weekdays) $$$
UPSTREAM
SEAFOOD
The 20-year-old SouthPark mainstay is known for
high-dollar seafood dishes, but Executive Chef Sam
Diminich's new sushi menu adds some Pacic Rim
avors to the mix. 6902 Phillips Place Ct. (704-556-
7730) $$$$
YAFO KITCHEN
MEDITERRANEAN
This fast-casual concept, the newest from Frank
Scibelli, serves bright, fresh avors in minutes. Israel-
born executive chef Shai Fargian adds authenticity.
720 Governor Morrison St., Ste. 120. (704-365-7130)
$$
YAMA ASIAN^ FUSION^
FUSION
An upscale Japanese restaurant, Yama has excellent
sushi, hibachi, and Asian-inspired entrées. A second
location opened in Waverly, at 485 and Providence
Road, in December. 720 Governor Morrison St. (704-
295-0905) $$
University Area
AMALFI PASTA ’N PIZZA
ITALIAN
The only other places where Italian food is this real,
this good, and this cheap are called trattorias, and
you have to take a plane to get to them. 8542 Uni-
versity City Blvd. (704-547-8651) $$
FIREWATER
AMERICAN
The food here is primarily American bistro-style, but
the owner’s family tuna business makes apps like the
tuna tartare standouts. 8708 J. W. Clay Blvd. (704-
549-0050) (weekdays) $$-$$$
ZAPATA’S CANTINA
MEXICAN
Expect typical Mexican fare in a high-energy dining
room. 8927 J.M. Keynes Dr., in University Place shop-
ping center. (704-503-1979) $$
Uptown
204 NORTH
NEW SOUTHERN
This uptown spot with modern Southern food is
best for cocktails and conversation at the bar. 204 N.
Tryon St. (704-333-3747) $$$5CHURCH
NEW AMERICAN
Here, the details are most important, from execu-
tive chef Jamie Lynch’s innovative, seasonal menu
to the decor, which includes all 40,000-plus words
of Sun Tzu’s epic The Art of War painted on the ceil-
ing. 127 N. Tryon St. (704-919-1322)
$$-$$$ALEXANDER MICHAEL’S
AMERICAN
The blackened catsh is cooked just right, the Cajun
pasta is piping hot, pints of beer ow at the bar, and
light-hearted chatter lls the no-reservations dining
room. 401 W. 9th St. (704-332-6789) $$^- $$$
ANGELINE'S
ITALIAN
The Italian-inspired entreés at this uptown spot are
all excellent, and the whipped ricotta with sour-
dough, lavender honey, and pistachio is the most
imaginative appetizer on the menu. 303 S. Church St.
(704-445-2540) $$$ARIA TUSCAN GRILL
ITALIAN
This restaurant serves up an extensive Italian menu
in an elegant, modern space. 100 N. Tryon St. (704-
376-8880) (weekdays) $$$THE ASBURY
NEW SOUTHERN
The inventive menu here mixes countryside favor-
ites like biscuits and deviled eggs with bold avors
and contemporary techniques. 235 N. Tryon St. (704-
342-1193) $$$BASIL THAI
THAI
Thai lovers can sate their cravings with tasty pad
Thai, while the more daring can try dishes like the
crispy red curry duck, a rich, deep-fried half duck in
a spicy red curry sauce. 210 N. Church St. (704-332-
7212) $$-$$$CAPITAL GRILLE
STEAK HOUSE
A classic steak house, complete with a large bar for
sipping martinis and a dining room that exudes
power. 201 N. Tryon St. (704-348-1400) (week-
days) $$$$THE CELLAR AT DUCKWORTH’S
NEW AMERICAN
The focus here is on small plates, cra¤ beer served
in its proper glassware at proper temperature, and
cra¤ cocktails. 330 N. Tryon St. (980-349-4078)
$$-$$$COCO + THE DIRECTOR
AMERICAN
Marriott introduced this co¥ee and sandwich
shop with hopes that locals and hotel guests
alike would ll its comfortable, casual seating.
100 W. Trade St. (704-353-6003) $COWBELL BURGER BAR
AMERICAN
This sister restaurant to Mortimer’s and Le-
roy Fox has a trendy, pop culture vibe—and a
roster of fancy burgers (including a foie gras-
topped o¥ering for $20). 201 N. Tryon St. (980-
224-8674) $$DANDELION MARKET
NEW AMERICAN
On weekend nights, this Irish pub turns into
one of uptown’s hottest nightlife spots. But visit
during the day and expect to nd a cozy dining
experience, with ickering candles and shared
small plates. 118 W. 5th St. (704-333-7989)
$ESSEX BAR BISTRO
GLOBAL
Middle Eastern and Mediterranean inuences
run through the menu, which includes share-
able plates. Order a few tapas and a bottle of
wine, head out to the patio, and watch the ac-
tivity at Trade and Tryon. 101 S. Tryon St., Ste. 14.
(980-406-3857) $$-$$$EVOKE
STEAK HOUSE
In this modern space o¥ the lobby of Le Méri-
dien, the beautifully seared steaks and seafood
crudos are among the must-try menu items.
555 S. McDowell St. (980-237-5354)
$$$-$$$$FAHRENHEIT
NEW AMERICAN
Located on the 21st oor of Skye Condos, chef
Rocco Whalen’s restaurant has become the
place in Charlotte to eat a meal and see the city
twinkle. 222 S. Caldwell St. (980-237-6718)
$$$-$$$$FIN FINO
SEAFOOD
Come for the raw bar, but stay for the drinks by
bartender Brittany Kellum. Fin & Fino's upscale
dishes are complemented by its lively dining
room. 135 Levine Avenue of the Arts, Ste. 100.
(704-800-5680) $$$HALCYON, FLAVORS^ FROM^
THE EARTH
NEW SOUTHERN
With gorgeous views from the Mint Museum
Uptown and a sophisticated interior, this res-
taurant with a local menu is popular for lunch- Charlottemagazine (ISSN 1083-1444) is published monthly by Morris Communications at 214 W. Tremont Ave., Suite 302, Charlotte NC 28203-5161. Entire contents Copyright © 2019 by Morris Communications. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reprintedor otherwise reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Periodicals postage paid in Charlotte, NC and additional offices. To subscribe, renew, or change address, go to http://www.charlottemagazine.com or write to:Charlottemagazine, 214 W. Tremont Ave., Suite 302,Charlotte NC 28203-5161. Subscription rate $19.95 for one year (twelve issues). For renewal or change of address, include the address label from your most recent issue. POSTMASTER: Send address changes toCharlotte, P.O. Box 433237, Palm Coast, FL 32143-9616. Unsolicitedphotographs, illustrations, or articles are submitted at the risk of the photographer/artist/author. Charlotte magazine assumes no liability for the return of unsolicited materials and may use them at its discretion.