Best Contemporary American Restaurants in University City

13 restaurants available nearby

1. Customshop

4.9

Exceptional(1779)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Elizabeth

Booked 45 times today

Customshop in the Elizabeth neighborhood of Charlotte is a beacon for Contemporary European cuisine lovers. Drawing inspiration from Spain, Italy, and France, Executive Chef Andres Kaifer skillfully incorporates the freshest local ingredients to create a menu that changes weekly, ensuring a unique experience with each visit. Reviewers rave about the "unique farm-to-table food" and the "excellent handmade pasta," highlighting the authenticity and quality of the dishes. The restaurant's commitment to an "ingredient-first approach" is evident in both its seasonal cocktail menu and inventive cuisine, making every meal a delightful exploration of European flavors. As one diner put it, Customshop is "one of the most creative restaurants in Charlotte," perfect for any occasion from a casual dinner to a special celebration.

A photo of Church and Union - Charlotte restaurant

2. Church and Union - Charlotte

4.6

Exceptional(5039)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Uptown

Booked 68 times today

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Uptown Charlotte, Church and Union is a beacon of modern-American cuisine that shines brightly on the culinary map. Under the guidance of Executive Chef Aaron Dearing and Bravo Top Chef alum Jamie Lynch, the restaurant crafts dishes that are both innovative and deeply rooted in American traditions. Celebrated as the 2020 Restaurant of the Year by CRVA and home to 2020's Best Chef Jamie Lynch according to Charlotte Magazine, the dining experience here is unmatched. Guests rave about the "exceptional" fried chicken and lamb burger, and the "out of this world" brunch menu, all served in a "casual, yet refined atmosphere" that makes every visit memorable. Whether it's for a special occasion or a delightful meal, Church and Union promises and delivers an authentic American dining adventure.

A photo of Napa on Providence restaurant

3. Napa on Providence

4.6

Exceptional(3788)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Myers Park

Booked 40 times today

Napa on Providence in Myers Park, Charlotte, has earned its reputation as a premier destination for authentic and delightful comfort food. The restaurant prides itself on crafting dishes that embody the essence of homemade warmth, while also incorporating the flair of California cuisine. Guests rave about the "exceptional" seasonal menus and "perfectly done" dishes like the short rib bolognese and the pork tenderloin. The ambiance adds to the experience, with one guest celebrating the "little secret Mediterranean courtyard and cafe" vibe. Whether it's the praised meatballs or the fresh baked bread, Napa on Providence ensures every dish is a heartwarming journey of flavors, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking quality comfort food in Charlotte.

4. Stoke

4.2

Awesome(941)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Uptown

Booked 9 times today

Stoke in Uptown Charlotte is a gem for contemporary Southern cuisine, acclaimed for its rustic yet refined flavors. Celebrated for its wood-fired cooking and use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients from Carolina farms, Stoke offers an authentic Southern dining experience. Guests rave about signature dishes like the Pretzel Brioche and NY Strip with kimchi seasoning, highlighting the innovative twist on Southern classics. Glowing reviews like "the best gourmet grilled cheese and Tomato Bisque!!" and "the food was delicious" reinforce its reputation. The laid-back ambiance combined with exceptional service makes Stoke a must-visit for those seeking a modern Southern culinary adventure.

A photo of Bernardin's Restaurant - Charlotte restaurant

5. Bernardin's Restaurant - Charlotte

4.7

Exceptional(2837)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Uptown

Booked 12 times today

Bernardin's Restaurant in Uptown Charlotte is a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, celebrated for its sophisticated and succulent dishes. Since 1992, the restaurant has mastered the art of seafood, lamb, steaks, and more, blending classic American flavors with modern culinary techniques. Patrons rave about the "outstanding" tuna and duck, and the "delicious and perfectly prepared" halibut special, highlighting Bernardin's commitment to quality and flavor. The elegant atmosphere and exemplary service complement the dining experience, making it a favored destination for both casual diners and special occasions. Whether it's celebrating a birthday or enjoying a night out, Bernardin's consistently delivers an unforgettable culinary journey through Contemporary American delights.

A photo of Lincoln Street Kitchen & Cocktails restaurant

6. Lincoln Street Kitchen & Cocktails

4.7

Exceptional(436)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Southend

Booked 27 times today

Lincoln Street Kitchen & Cocktails, nestled in the bustling Southend neighborhood of Charlotte, is renowned for its exceptional cocktail bar that offers a sublime drinking experience. Led by the talented Beverage Director Amanda Britton, the bar features a creative array of cocktails including house-made shrubs, sodas, and barrel-aged concoctions. Patrons rave about the innovative and expertly crafted drinks, describing them as "well made" and praising the bar for creating a "perfect" cocktail experience. The restaurant’s commitment to quality and authenticity in their drink selection makes it a standout destination for cocktail enthusiasts. One visitor even highlighted, "The vibes are immaculate," underscoring the perfect blend of atmosphere and stellar beverage offerings that make Lincoln Street Kitchen & Cocktails a must-visit spot in Charlotte.

A photo of Tupelo Honey - Uptown Charlotte restaurant

7. Tupelo Honey - Uptown Charlotte

4.3

Awesome(2273)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Uptown

Booked 90 times today

Tupelo Honey in Uptown Charlotte is a beacon of Contemporary Southern cuisine, capturing the essence of Carolina Mountain traditions with a modern twist. This celebrated venue is lauded for its scratch-made, responsibly-sourced dishes that transform brunch, lunch, and supper into a memorable Southern feast. Patrons rave about the "delicious" sriracha honey fried chicken and waffles, and the shrimp and grits described as "to die for." With its welcoming atmosphere and the promise of lingering conversations over cocktails, Tupelo Honey stands out as a must-visit for authentic Southern flavors. As one enchanted diner put it, the experience is "worth every penny and minute," making it a culinary landmark in Charlotte's vibrant dining scene.

A photo of Sixty Vines - Charlotte Southend restaurant

8. Sixty Vines - Charlotte Southend

4.8

Exceptional(732)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Southend

Booked 109 times today

At Sixty Vines in Charlotte's vibrant Southend neighborhood, wine enthusiasts find their haven. Often hailed as "the wine lover's restaurant," it offers an unmatched experience with 60 wines on tap, ensuring an eco-friendly pour every time. The ambiance invites guests to unwind and explore a meticulously curated selection, with rave reviews like, "The wine selection was awesome" and "Wine was tops." Each visit promises new discoveries, from wine flights to full glasses, paired beautifully with seasonal dishes inspired by wine country. Whether it's the interactive service or the "excellent quality wine," Sixty Vines sets the standard for a top-tier wine bar experience, making every sip and bite a celebration of culinary and viticultural craftsmanship.

9. The Asbury

4.0

Excellent(1227)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Uptown

Booked 12 times today

The Asbury, nestled in Charlotte's historic Dunhill Hotel, is a gem for those seeking a modern twist on Southern American cuisine. Celebrated for crafting dishes that honor tradition while embracing innovation, The Asbury provides a dining experience that is both authentic and inventive. Diners rave about the "wonderful cocktails" and "amazing" drunken carrot cake, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to excellence from start to finish. With glowing reviews like "everything was just top notch" and recommendations to try the "delicious" steak and mac 'n' cheese, it's clear why The Asbury stands out in Uptown Charlotte. Whether for a leisurely brunch offering a variety of kid-friendly options or a special pre-theater dinner, The Asbury ensures every meal is memorable.

10. PARA

4.4

Awesome(44)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Southend

Booked 17 times today

PARA, nestled in the vibrant South End of Charlotte, is a premier destination for exceptional Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service. Known for its creative cocktails and a lively atmosphere, PARA stands out for its dedication to crafting unique drink experiences. Guests rave about the mixologists, with one highlighting, “the bartender, Chance, is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING, a true mixologist who makes the experience memorable!” The cocktail menu is complemented by delicious small plates like the goat cheese stuffed olives, creating a perfect pairing for an evening out. Whether you're enjoying a Slay Manhattan paired with lamb chops or a signature dirty martini, PARA ensures each visit is not just a meal, but a memorable event, making it a must-visit spot in Charlotte.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

R
RollynVIP
Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We were lucky to get a last minute reservation for bar seats. Which was great, because Erica was an amazing bartender and we enjoyed watching her create incredible cocktails and chatted away. She gave us dessert on the house for being her fave customers that night. The food was incredible. I loved the whole experience!
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CustomshopPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Elizabeth
•
4.9
H
Haley
South Carolina •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
The food, service, and ambiance of church and union were all outstanding! The food was delicious and definitely of great value.
More info
Church and Union - CharlottePrice: Expensive• American• Uptown
•
4.6
T
Tracie
Charlotte •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We recently dined at Napa on Providence to celebrate my daughters’ birthdays, and it was an unforgettable experience! The food was absolutely outstanding and incredibly fresh. I highly recommend starting with the Goat Cheese appetizer—it’s a must-try. The Mushroom Ravioli was divine, and the Beef Bourguignon was simply amazing. The staff took exceptional care of us throughout the meal, making the celebration even more special. We can’t wait to visit again! If I could give Napa more than 5 stars, I absolutely would. Highly recommend!
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Napa on ProvidencePrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Myers Park
•
4.6
OT
OpenTable Diner
Charlotte •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Food was amazing . The Severs were very attentive.
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PeppervinePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• SouthPark
•
4.7
C
ChrisVIP
Greensboro / Winston Salem / Highpoint •126 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Aaron, AJ and all bar staff is on fire and awesome. Today our server Sydney was spectacular. The food is 100% awesome for brunch. Every time we're at Lincoln Street we're treated like family. Love the staff and again the food is fabulous. Highly recommended.
More info
Lincoln Street Kitchen & CocktailsPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Southend
•
4.7

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University City

Contemporary american

Best Contemporary American Restaurants in University City

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13 restaurants available nearby

1. Customshop

2. Church and Union - Charlotte

3. Napa on Providence

4. Stoke

5. Bernardin's Restaurant - Charlotte

6. Lincoln Street Kitchen & Cocktails

7. Tupelo Honey - Uptown Charlotte

8. Sixty Vines - Charlotte Southend

9. The Asbury

10. PARA

See what locals rave about

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