Cuisine Goodeats 

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BISTRO 100 100 N. Tryon Street, Bank of America Corporate Center, 704-344-0515. A wood-burning oven is the secret behind the wonderful, smoky roasted dishes here. The roasted chicken, vegetables and salmon are great. $$-$$$

BRAVO! RISTORANTE 555 S. McDowell Street, in Adam's Mark Hotel, 704-372-4100. Authentic Italian cuisine is the star, and professional singers share the stage as waiters. Very good wine list. $$-$$$

CAPITAL GRILLE 201 N. Tryon Street, 704-348-1400. An upper end, luxuriously appointed, dark wood, clubby steak house with a national reputation for dry-aged porterhouse and sirloin steaks and large portions. L$$$, D$$$$

CARPE DIEM RESTAURANT 401 E. Trade Street(corner of Brevard), 704-377-7976. Relocated to new downtown digs in a century old building, but has been popular with Charlotteans since it first opened in 1989. The menu features eclectic cuisine. Closed Sunday. $$$

THE COFFEE CUP 914 S. Clarkson Street, 704-375-8855. Charlotte institution and Soul Food Central, serving the most mouth-watering Southern fare this side of Grandma's stove. $-$$

CRAWFORDS, THE URBAN BISTRO 322 S. Church Street, 704-375-5990. An excellent place for catfish, collard greens, and Southern hospitality. Bar upstairs. L$$, D$$-$$$

DEANO'S 222 S. Church Street, 704-332-3326. A favorite of graveyard shift police, jail, and hospital employees and late night uptown workers since they're open until 4am weekends. The exceptional New York style pizza is only surpassed by the hoagies. Pastas, salads, strombolis, calzones, ribs, too. Delivery. $-$$

FRENCH QUARTER ANNEX 317 S. Church Street, 704-377-1715. Deservedly popular restaurant serves a selection of Cajun and continental foods. $$

GREEN'S LUNCH 309 W. 4th Street, 704-332-1786. Longtime uptown favorite for one main reason: Hotdogs. If it's dogs you want, you'll be hard pressed to find better ones. $

GUS' SIR BEEF UPTOWN 324 S. Tryon Street, 704-347-5741. One of the city's most popular spots for homestyle meals, Gus's is known for Fresh My Farm vegetables cooked without grease. $

LATORRE'S, LATIN-AMERICAN CUISINE 118 W. 5th Street, 704-377-4448. Featuring upscale Nuevo Latino dishes. Here you'll find a unique palette of flavors that are well-executed and served in large portions. Plus after 11pm Friday and Saturday they have a Salsa DJ and dancing into the night. $$$

LA VECCHIA'S SEAFOOD GRILLE 225 E. Sixth Street, 704-370-6776. A haven for seafood lovers. Well-prepared, inventive dishes. For fun try the three coast raw oyster sampler. Valet parking Wednesday through Saturday. $$$

MAMA RICOTTA'S 901 S. Kings Drive, 704-343-0148. Small but imaginative menu of pastas, antipasti and pizza. Authentic, creative dishes, good sauces, good prices, and a terrific lunch selection. $-$$

MARAIS 1400 E. Morehead Street, 704-334-8860. Classic French Cuisine. Chef/owner Ed Steedman changes his tantalizing menu seasonally. Reservations recommended on weekends. $$$-$$$$

McNINCH HOUSE 511 N. Church Street, 704-332-6159. One-of-a-kind experience: 6-course gourmet meals served in a 100-year-old Victorian mansion in Fourth Ward. Exquisite. (Call days ahead for reservations). $$$$

MELTING POT Kings Court Plaza, Kings Drive, 704-334-4400. For those fond of fondues: cheese, beef, seafood, chicken, and, naturally, chocolate for dessert. $$$

MERT'S HEART AND SOUL 214 N. College Street, 704-342-4222. Owners James and Renee Bazzelle create delectable Low Country and Southern country dishes. Service is solicitous, art provocative, food down-home honest, and prices incredibly low. Open late weekends. $$

MORTON'S OF CHICAGO-THE STEAKHOUSE 227 W. Trade Street (Carillon Building), 704-333-2602. Well known for their steaks and elegance. Morton's has restaurants in 50 U.S. and international cities. Dinner only. $$$$

OLE OLE 709 S. Kings Drive, 704-358-1102. Mexican and Spanish food authentically presented, not dumbed down by American influence. Nice sparse atmosphere too. $$-$$$.

PALOMINO EURO BISTRO 525 N. Tryon Street, 704-373-9499. A Seattle-based chain which serves fresh and uncomplicated dishes in a warm, vibrant and inviting atmosphere. Delightful patio fountain. Complimentary dinner parking in adjoining parking deck. $$$

PHIL'S DELI 105 E. 5th Street, 704-347-0035. Authentic NYC-style deli (without NYC prices) with friendly service, fresh breads, and sumptuous cold cuts. $

THE PINE ROOM, RESTAURANT & BAR 121 W. Trade Street(Interstate Tower), 704-347-8947. Contemporary American cuisine. Restaurant in two parts: bar area opens on Trade Street, dinner in a beautifully appointed room. Validated parking. $-$$B, L, $$-$$$D

SONOMA 129 W. Trade Street, 704-377-1333. Impeccable presentation and innovative recipes in a first-class atmosphere. Award winning wine list. $$-$$$

ZYDECO 1400 E. Morehead Street, 704-334-0755. Remarkable Cajun, Creole and French Caribbean cuisine in an upbeat atmosphere. Louisiana beers. Unbelievable desserts. $$-$$$

EAST CHARLOTTEBRAZAS BRAZILIAN GRILL 4508 E. Independence Boulevard, 704-566-1009. Meat runners brandish towering skewers of meat and add to the Carnival-like atmosphere. The price is fixed and it's all you can eat from a cold and hot buffet. Meats are grilled over an imported rotisserie with 105 skewers. Many dishes are Brazilian specialties, others are just plain good. $$$