The squid ink bucatini topped with Spanish octopus at Peppervine. Photo by Peter Taylor.
These picks are based on our BOB Awards and our 50 Best Restaurants list.
Good Food on Montford
1701 Montford Dr.
704-525-0881
Bruce Moffett’s small-plates bistro unites a variety of influences and flavors onto one menu, and each dish is worth ordering.
Try This: Pommes Frites (fries topped with truffle oil, parmesan, and herbs)
Rooster’s Wood-Fired Kitchen
6601 Morrison Blvd. (additional location in uptown)
704-366-8688
Chef Jim Noble’s menu features gussied-up, Southern-tinged American and European peasant fare, like hand-tossed pizzas and roasted chicken.
Get This To Go: Roasted Chicken Pizza
Dogwood Southern Table & Bar
4905 Ashley Park Ln.
704-910-4919
Ingredients are fresh and cocktails are innovative at this spot, a sister to Dressler’s.
Try This: Crab & Chorizo Hushpuppies
Photo by Peter Taylor
Steak 48
4425 Sharon Rd.
980-580-4848
Steak 48 had a buzzy December opening at Apex SouthPark, and this upscale steakhouse with locations in Phoenix, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Houston is worth the hype.
Try This: Bone-In Ribeye topped with black truffle sautéed Maine lobster
Little Mama’s Italian
4521 Sharon Rd.
980-209-0323
Think of this eatery as the prequel to Mama Ricotta’s, with family recipes and scratch-made pastas and mozzarella. Settle into one of the dining rooms with a plate of pappardelle or cozy up at the “Mozz Bar” and watch the chefs at work.
Try This: Penne alla Vodka
* Best New Restaurant
Peppervine
4620 Piedmont Row Dr., Ste. 170B
980-283-2333
Chef Bill Greene serves a rotation of artistic small plates with unexpected pairings like lamb belly with kimchi porridge, or smoked butternut squash with miso.
Get This To Go: Signature Yeast Rolls
Flour Shop
530 Brandywine Rd.
980-299-3754
Watch your pasta get prepared in the open kitchen. Chef Trey Wilson’s shared plates are great for larger groups, but if you don’t want to share, get the lamb Bolognese.
Try This: Rigatoni with Veal Bolognese
Barrington’s
7822 Fairview Rd.
704-364-5755
Bruce Moffett’s first restaurant is one of the best in town, with a classic menu and stellar service.
Get This To Go: Roasted Chicken, Family-Style
Dot Dot Dot
4237 Park Rd., Ste. B
704-817-3710
Stefan Huebner’s creative cocktails may be the main attraction at this members-only speakeasy, but the sweet potato gnocchi with bourbon glaze will convince you to stay for dinner.
Get This To Go: Old Fashioned Cocktail Kit + the Cheese & Charcuterie platter
Louisiana BBQ Shrimp with red beans and rice. Photo by Peter Taylor.
Southern Pecan
6705 Phillips Place Ct., Ste. C
704-749-2949
The team behind Café Monte serves Gulf Coast-inspired cuisine like pecan fried catfish, Louisiana barbecue shrimp, and oyster po’ boys.
Try This: Roasted Corn Cakes
* Best New Restaurant