When it comes to seafood, the Queen City is home to some amazing seafood restaurants. With our close proximity, fresh seafood is sourced straight from the Carolina Coast. Many of these restaurants work directly with fishermen, shrimpers and farmers to bring the very finest to their kitchens. With menus primarily devoted to seafood these five are places you just have to try!
Why it is Concierge Approved | The menu is seasonal, so while you will see a few staple dishes there is always something new to enjoy. When in season, we highly recommend the stone crab claws. You order al a carte, but they are tender, meaty and are served with delicious dipping sauces. Let us just say if you crave raw fish or oysters is your thing, Sea Level has the most amazing array from ceviche, crudo, carpaccio, poke, sushimi and a large variety of oysters. If you prefer a little more heat to be used in preparation, they have plenty of options as well. The clam chowder is creamy and rich but not heavy. Paired with the corn fritters, it makes our mouths water just thinking of them. Other favorites are the shrimp and grits, grilled salmon, lobster roll and Catfish Reuben.
129 East 5th Street | 704.412.2616
NO. 2 | HELLO SAILOR
Why it is Concierge Approved | Gorgeous location on the lake with a playful, but upscale retro vibe. Sitting out on the patio overlooking the lake with one of their custom cocktails makes for a great day | evening! While we haven't had the opportunity to do so, we hear the most amazing way to enjoy Hello Sailor is by docking your boat after a day on the lake. Okay, so get ready for the most interesting dish you might try in a while. When it comes to starters we always get the Hamachi Crudo Salad. So what exactly is in this dish - hamachi (farm-raised yellowtail), crispy puffed blacked rice, pickled radishes, herbs, macadamia nuts & uni (sea urchin). So refreshing & delicious! You also cannot pass up the hush puppies with yuzukosho honey. Maybe our most loved dish is the Maine style lobster roll. This buttery masterpiece is loaded high with tender crab meat, Duke's Mayo, tarragon & milk bread served cold. Crowd pleasers also included the crispy NC flounder, grouper & catfish meals. The Really anything you order here is fresh & absolutely delicious!
20210 Henderson Road | Cornelius, NC | 704.997.5365
NO. 3 | THE WATERMAN
Why it is Concierge Approved | If you are on Instagram, you more than likely have seen some of the Charlotte Foodies post their obsession with The Waterman. Being big IG fans, we had to go try it ourselves and it is pretty darn amazing! So one of the fun things about the atmosphere is you can dine-in or you can enjoy cocktails Topside, which is the rooftop patio overlooking Uptown. We went Topside first to order one of the boat drinks. The Ghost Pepper Polmmarita was delicious. Sounds scary and super spicy, but it has a kick yet is refreshing. We started our meal with the salmon canoes and hush puppies. The fisherman's pick sandwich seemed to be the most popular and we could see why...so good! Fried cod sandwich dressed with slaw, pickles and a tangy waterman sauce. We've been back several times since and there isn't anything we have tried that isn't mouth watering. Make sure you save a little room for the "chocolate in a jar". This chocolate cake and mousse is layered into a jar and topped with whip cream, so simple but beautifully created.
2729 South Boulevard | 704.275.5558
NO. 4 | ROCKSALT
Why it is Concierge Approved | Known for oysters, they receive their signature seafood from our neighboring state to the north, Virginia. They have a flavor for everyone! The Rappahannock Oysters have a buttery and sweet note, while the Rochambeau Oysters have a mild, briny flavor and the Olde Salt Oysters bring a more oceanic taste. They have a fun variety of Charlotte brews and wines that pair perfectly with the oysters of your choice. Just as the change of tides, Rocksalt offers specials & season options that highlights the freshest ingredients. Dishes that are always amazing included: skillet cornbread with red onion jam, beet salad, oyster chowder and the mountain trout. Be sure to ask about the daily catch! Finishing things off on a sweet note, there is something so simple but divine as the Chocolate S'mores - chocolate torte, ganache, marshmallow and a lovely graham cracker crumble. Yum!
512 Brandywine Road | 704.503.9945
NO. 5 | EDDIE V'S
Why it is Concierge Approved | This tends to be a busy restaurant, so reservations are a good idea, however, if you decide to go dine you can enjoy a cocktail in the lounge while you wait for a table. Live performers frequent the bar | lounge area, adding to the vibe and usually playing jazz. When it comes to surf and turf this is one of our favs. The crab cakes combined with the filet is truly a feast. The crab cakes moist with a nice crust and the filet perfectly seasoned & cooked just the way you like it. looking to enjoy something a little lighter? The Maine Lobster Tacos are laid on homemade tortillas making this a must try! While it is included in the starters it could almost be it's own meal. Other great options are the Parmesan Sole or the George Banks Scallops with a citrus glaze. If you happen to be celebrating a special occasion, let your server know. They do a wonderful job of making the night magical & have some beautifully plated desserts to end your meal. 101 S. Tryon Street | 704.333.5262
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HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Our Favorite Dishes | New England Clam Chowder & Linguini with Clams
1205 Thomas Street | 704.321.4716
Our Favorite Dishes | Grilled Octopus, Lobster & Shrimp Roll or Swordfish
135 Levine Avenue of the Arts | 704.800.5680
Our Favorite Dishes | Lobster Roll
2820 Selwyn Avenue | 704.333.1212
Our Favorite Dishes | Smoked Salmon BLT or Snow Crab Salad Stuffed Avocado
10020 Monroe Road | 704.849.0029
Didn't happen to see your favorite seafood restaurant on our list, please let us know about it. We enjoy good recommendations on things to try for sure! Email us your favorite seafood spot to concierge@cltsfinest.com.
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