Good Eats 

Page 8 of 8

The Peaceful Dragon, 12610 Steele Creek Rd., 704-504-8866. Chef Geoff Bragg, a Johnson & Wales culinary graduate, presents delightful Asian dishes, which are not only pretty on the plate, but good for you - in this vegan restaurant. $$

Pho 98, 5937 South Blvd., 704-643-1243. You may not find all the Vietnamese dishes you like here, but what is offered sparkles with freshness and flavor. $$

Portofino Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria, 5126 Park Rd., 704-527-0702. Wonderful rustic Neapolitan dishes at incredibly low prices. Served in a casual atmosphere. New York style pizza (large is 16 inch). Take out, too. $$ L, D $$

The Press Box, 1627 Montford Dr., 704-523-4981. With a pub-like interior, this meeting place is a Charlotte tradition for burgers, sandwiches and salads. L, D $$

Restaurante Mi Tierrita, 5033-G South Blvd., 704-525-5781. The place is simple. The food is simple and is, perhaps, more comfortable with village tradition. But this is a fun place to explore rural Colombian cuisine. $$

The Roasting Company, 1601-A Montford Dr., 704-521-8188. Rotisserie chicken that falls off the bone and melts in your mouth. Excellent cornbread. L, D $

Saigon Palace, 5215-B South Blvd., 704-529-0098. Delightful frothy tropical fruit shakes and hardy bowls of steaming pho are among the array of delicious items to try from the menu. Chinese buffet at lunch, but Vietnamese menu items are always available. $$

Sir Edmond Halley's Restaurant, 4151-A Park Rd., 704-525-2555. Quaint neighborhood pub ambience, but the food here is good. Caters to beer savants pouring seven drafts including Watney's and Whitbread. L, D $$

Situl Indian Restaurant, 540-B Brandywine Rd., 704-523-0037. Small Northern Indian spot producing a generous selection of big flavors in well-crafted traditional dishes, but served in a sparse atmosphere. $$

Sushi 101, Noodle & Sushi Bar, 1730-F East Woodlawn Rd., Shops at Woodlawn Rd., 704-672-0990. This upbeat spot offers a balance of conviviality, energy and informality with dishes that are uncomplicated and well-priced. Patio. Delivery available. $$

Villa Antonio, 4707 South Blvd., 704-523-1594. A wide ranging, expertly prepared selection of Northern Italian specialties and a fine wine list. Great service tops it off. $$$$

SouthPark/Cotswold

Baoding, 4722 Sharon Rd., Suite F., 704-552-8899. Named for Charlotte's sister city, this place offers funky, haute Chinese with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and unusual vegetarian selections. $$$

Barrington's Retaurant, 7822 Fairview Rd., 704-364-5755. Place is small, the wine list brief, but the food is powerful. Chef and owner Bruce Moffett achieves sensational tastes while creating simple and honest New American cuisine dishes. $$$

Hotel Charlotte, 705 S. Sharon Amity Rd., 704-364-8755. This comfort-food port with Cajun and Creole specialties has a loyal, neighborhood following. Known for its mammoth beer selection. L, D $$$

Il Nido Italian Restaurant, 4219-3 Providence Road, 704-364-4445. Small, 50 seat, intimate family-owned restaurant where you won't be a stranger twice. Co-owner and Italian native Manuela Baron's Tuscan recipes are worthy of frequent visits. L, D $$$

Manzetti's Bar & Grill, 6401 Morrison Blvd., 704-364-9334. A SouthPark landmark bar known for salads, onion rings, and Pittsburgh-style steaks. L, D $$$

Noble's, 6801 Morrison Blvd., 704-367-9463. A local version of award-winning Triad restaurant featuring American Regional cuisine in a graceful interior. L, D $$$$

Original Pancake House, 4736 Sharon Rd., 704-553-8364. This is a chain restaurant, but the pancakes are so good. The apple pancake is a huge, puffy affair big enough for at least two people. There are plenty of other flavors, too. Expect to wait in line on weekends. B, L $$

P.F. Chang's China Bistro, 6809-F Phillips Place Court, 704-552-6644. Arizona chain. Upscale ethnic eatery, very popular with SouthPark work crowd. L, D $$$

Palm Restaurant, 6705 Phillips Pl. Ct., 704-552-7256. National chain excelling in such classics as Clams Casino, Maryland crabcakes, Caesar salad and of course, the all-American steak. Relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere and popular bar. $$$$

Phil's Deli, Strawberry Hill Shopping Ctr., 704-552-7256. Authentic NYC-style deli (without NYC prices) with friendly service, fresh breads and sumptuous cold cuts. $

Shun Lee Palace, 4340 Cotswold Rd., 704-366-2025. A neighborhood tradition for dependable Hunan, Mandarin, and Szechuan cuisine. $$$

Upstream, 6902 Phillips Place Ct., 704-556-7730. Streams have always been an important component of Charlotte's geography and this stylish interior reminds one of a mountain stream. Executive Chef Tom Condron's dishes are delightfully harmonious and visually pleasing. L, D $$$$

Zebra Restaurant & Wine Bar, 4521 Sharon Rd., 704-442-9525. Chef and partner Jim Alexander's cooking is classical and luxurious, and the wine list is deep. Although located in an office building, the pine paneling and fireplace give it an intimate feel. B, L, D $$$$