Luxury Experiences in Charlotte
From private dining to exclusive events, Charlotte’s luxury offerings abound.
by Rachel Youngblade
Luxury experiences are all about privacy, personalization and quality—all of which Charlotte offers in spades. Whether fine dining, sporting events or high-end shopping is what you seek, you’ll find plenty of options in the Queen City.
Eat & Drink
Bar Cocoa
Neighborhood: Uptown
Chocolate is always on the menu at the Ritz-Carlton’s Bar Cocoa, which includes a retail boutique and cooking lab. Once your sweet tooth is satisfied, pop over to Hidden Wine to enjoy a curation of wine tastings, including exclusive pre-releases and pairings from the cheese humidor.
Copper & Thyme
Neighborhood: Citywide
Wow dinner guests with service from a private chef. Copper & Thyme offers special event catering, custom meal prep and delivery, and in-home cooking classes for groups and individuals, complete with tableware, recipe cards and clean up by the staff.
Counter-
Neighborhood: Wesley Heights
Full sensory, themed menus are what’s on deck at James Beard-nominated chef Sam Hart’s Counter-. Each multi-course experience is complemented by its wine program and explores complex culinary themes like “Time,” highlighting locally farmed ingredients at various stages of aging.
The Crunkleton
Neighborhood: Elizabeth
The meticulous staff and bartenders at The Crunkleton take inspiration from vintage cocktails to mix creative and delicious new drinks. Cocktail enthusiasts will appreciate the Spirited Luncheon series. Diners rave about the high level of service and menu, with dishes cooked over open flame.
McNinch House Restaurant
Neighborhood: Uptown
The detailed craftsmanship of this historic home is a testament to Victorian artistry, upstaged only by the exceptional level of service and decadent menu. The former home of Charlotte Mayor Sam McNinch, the McNinch House Restaurant boasts multi-course menus, along with a chef’s-table experience, and sommeliers who can recommend the perfect wine pairing.
Prime Fish
Neighborhood: Ballantyne
At Prime Fish, the highest quality fish is imported directly from Tokyo, Japan and prepared by chef Robin Anthony, also a certified sake advisor known for his mouthwatering pairings. A 16-course Omakase dinner experience is available in limited seatings, by reservation only.
RH Charlotte
Neighborhood: SouthPark
The Rooftop Restaurant at RH Charlotte is a skylit garden escape. Enjoy a menu of timeless classics for brunch or dinner, then meet with an RH interior designer. Find inspiration in the 50,000-square-foot design gallery showcasing the finest in high-end furnishings.
Steak 48
Neighborhood: SouthPark
James Beard-nominated restaurateurs, brothers Jeffrey and Michael Mastro, offer luxury personal service and a warm, contemporary atmosphere at Steak 48 in SouthPark. Choose from the highest quality USDA Prime steaks, fresh fish flown in daily, a world-class selection of 6,000 wines or a handcrafted cocktail made with local ingredients.
Things to Do
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
Neighborhood: Uptown
For an evening of refined entertainment, head to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art for one of the popular event series like Music + Museum, Jazz at the Bechtler and Wednesday Night Live. Live jazz and music deepen the art-viewing experience. Dress to the nines for the museum’s annual black-tie gala event.
Blumenthal Performing Arts
Neighborhood: Uptown
Box seats at Knight Theater or Belk Theater will not only give you the best view in the house, these seats are also the perfect place to be seen in your finest attire. Take in a Charlotte Symphony or Charlotte Ballet performance, as well as a Broadway show or concert before enjoying dinner Uptown.
Carolina Grace
Area: Lake Norman
The Carolinas’ largest luxury yacht, the Carolina Grace, accommodates up to 150 guests. With a heated upper deck and on-board catering, including a bar, it’s the perfect setting for a private party. A day on the lake never felt so luxurious.
Charlotte Hornets
Neighborhood: Uptown
Courtside seats in Uptown’s Spectrum Center come with exclusive access to the all-inclusive Crown Club, where five-star chefs craft specialty menus for each game. High five Hornets players as they head from the locker room to the court.
Neiman Marcus
Neighborhood: SouthPark
Level up your shopping experience with a style advisor matched to your individual needs at Neiman Marcus in SouthPark Mall. Book an appointment to shop with your advisor and get personalized help choosing a special occasion outfit or styling pieces from your wardrobe.
Richard Petty Driving Experience
Area: Concord
Ride with an instructor or get behind the wheel yourself for an adrenaline-pumping, race-day experience at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Get one-on-one instruction from a spotter over in-car radio, pull in for a pit stop, then head back out to work on your lap time in an authentic NASCAR race car.
Toska Spa
Neighborhood: SouthPark
Ever wonder how the Kardashians get their glow? European Facialist Toska Husted is highly regarded as one of the world’s best, known for her signature Triple Lift Luxury Facial that's loved by Jennifer Lopez, Billy Porter and the Kardashians alike. When she’s not jet-setting for celebs, she offers her coveted techniques in SouthPark.
Quail Hollow Club
Area: South Charlotte
In 2025, Charlotte's Quail Hollow Club hosts the PGA Championship, May 12-18. Experience this competition from an exclusive seating area with prime views of the golf course and all-inclusive drinks at this private club. Quail Hollow has previously played host to the Wells Fargo Championship (now Truist Championship), an exclusive social event that's perfect for mixing and mingling.
Windsor Jewelers
Neighborhood: SouthPark
Head to Phillips Place, an open-air, luxury shopping destination, to peruse the finest watches and jewelry brands at Windsor Jewelers. A family-owned business, Windsor Jewelers specializes in custom jewelry and offers a wide selection of top brands, including a specialty Rolex boutique. More than 25 high-end shops and restaurants make Phillips Place the perfect spot to spend an afternoon.
Places to Stay
The Duke Mansion
Neighborhood: Myers Park
For a luxurious getaway, stay in one of 20 individually decorated guest rooms at The Duke Mansion, boasting sleeping porches, soaking tubs and views of the sprawling Southern gardens. While you're there, capture yourself looking lovely in one of Charlotte’s most beautiful historic homes turned bed and breakfast.
The Ivey’s Hotel
Neighborhood: Uptown
Charlotte’s only five-star boutique hotel, The Ivey’s mixes Parisian-style elegance with modern luxury in a historic building in the heart of Uptown. The intimate Library Lounge is exclusively for guests, making it the perfect spot to relax and unwind.
The Ballantyne
Neighborhood: Ballantyne
Rent out The Cottage at The Ballantyne for a luxury stay in your own private home away from home. The cottage is 3,670 square feet and offers four king bedrooms, each with their own private bath. Enjoy all the perks of The Ballantyne, including luxury spa treatments like the Carolina Lavender Collection at The Spa at The Ballantyne.
Article originally written by Rachel Youngblade. Updates by Arielle Patterson in December 2024.
