- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Carpe Diem Restaurant & Caterers
Categories: Restaurants Canadian (New) Event Planning & Services Caterers Restaurants Vegetarian Canadian (New), Caterers, Vegetarian [Edit]
1535 Elizabeth AveCharlotte, NC 28204
Neighbourhood: Elizabeth
(704) 377-7976
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 5 pm - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 5 pm - 11 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Romantic, Classy, Upscale, Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
35 reviews for Carpe Diem Restaurant & Caterers
Review Highlights
-
"Always have to start with the goat cheese salad." In 8 reviews -
"...shrimp cous cous and mushroom bolognese were very tasty as..." In 3 reviews -
"For a salad course, I'm a big big fan of the grilled grape." In 5 reviews
Loading...
35 reviews in English
-
Review from David A.
2/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
Fantastic meal with impeccable service and decor that would leave Alphonse Mucha green with envy.
Confronted with a hunger and desire to take advantage of restaurant week, we showed up on a Friday night around 5 without a reservation and was--amazingly--able to get a seat at a small table in the bar area.
Bread, service, and water came quickly from the attentive and friendly staff. After ordering we were attended to just the right amount: not too pushy, yet not absent.
While enjoying the bread, which is fabulously fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside, we soaked in the ambiance: romantically lite room, beautiful woodwork, and mesmerizing back-lit vines.
For the first course, we shared two salads, the goat cheese and the grilled grape. Both are fantastic. I particularly enjoyed the blue cheese vinaigrette on the grilled grape, which only hints at its blue cheese roots.
Next, we had the (famous) buttermilk fried chicken and vegetarian cous cous. Again, both were wonderful. The chicken was slightly battered and fried, which was a refreshing contrast to to more traditional fried chicken. The cous cous is a cornucopia of veggies and, well cous cous, in a light tangy sauce that I couldn't get enough of. Both are highly recommended.
Finally, dessert involved sharing a walnut and pecan pie (delicious, but I like my desserts like I like my chocolate--with chocolate) and a chocolate (yay!) bread pudding. The latter earned a paragraph unto itself.
Through years of diligent research, I've reached the conclusion that many chocolaty cake desserts are a let down. They are either not moist enough, too sweet, not sweet enough, too much, or just not satisfying. Yet still, time after time, I trepidatiously order the chocolate whatever in hopes that somehow, this time would be different. Usually, I am let down. However, this time at Carpe Diem it was different: this was the perfect mix of chocolaty goodness delivered via an appropriately moist vehicle for facilitating the devouration (yes, I just made that word up) of said chocolatly goodness (the bread pudding). I realize my error has always been relying on the traditional 'cake' delivery method. No longer. If ever you get the chance, you need to devourate (oops, I did it again) this chocolate bread pudding
In a final note, there is the bar area and the official dining area. We actually preferred the bar area on account of the lighting and more intimate nature of the experience. Still, the dining area has beautifully crafted art nouveau woodwork, a flower centerpiece, and wonderful artwork. I would return just to admire the place. -
Review from Karen B.
2/1/2012
Carpe Diem is a special place. The interior looks like it's been there forever, maybe as some old, upscale law firm or church, but it's also updated and modern, and you spend the meal trying to figure out how to update your house to look exactly like this. The prices signify that this will be a celebratory meal, but it also isn't too expensive that you couldn't just be celebrating a darn good Wednesday. And the level and quality of service is impecable.
Our waitress asked if we had somewhere we needed to be after dinner and if there was a certain time we needed to be out of there by - perhaps my date's tuxedo tipped her off? Regardless, she kept us on schedule and (we realized when she brought it) had even tagged the check with our goal departure time. As we left the restaurant, I looked at the clock and realized we were 5 minutes ahead of the time she wrote down; now that's service.
With the stage set now for a great evening, the food doesn't disappoint. My boyfriend and I each ordered the goat cheese salad, which had a surprisingly sweet and spicy kick from the jalapeno apricot dressing. For our entrees, he got the duck, which was slightly pink, succulently juicy, and perfectly topping a mouthwatering sweet potato polenta. Are you drooling yet? I ordered the buttermilk fried chicken, and I almost proposed to it, it was that good. There's no "if you love something, set it free" mentality here; I scraped up the last little tidbits with a smile on my face. By the time dessert came, I could barely finish my chocolate caramel bread pudding, but I tried my best; although I was nearly married to the fried chicken, I'd consider taking the bread pudding as a lover.
Carpe the experience, and enjoy! -
Review from Bethany R.
Charlotte, NC
1/22/2012
I went here for restaurant week and had an amazing experience!!! First of all, the ambiance is awesome - cool back-lite vine and flower designs all around the bar area along with arch-shaped ceilings in the main dining room with crazy windy metal vines and flower lights.
The service was perfect. My water glass was never less than half full and all of the food arrived in a prompt, well timed order. There was always someone there to check on us, but not in an intrusive way.
The food was delicious! The bread is fresh, warm, flaky on the outside, and soft on the inside. I started with the hazelnut goat cheese salad which was amazing. Then I had the fried chicken breast with mashed potatoes and spinach for my entree. Apparently this is one of their most popular dishes, and I can see why. The chicken was battered and fried to perfection and covered with a light, flavorful gravy. The chicken was served on the mashed potatoes and wilted spinach. Surprisingly, the dish did not feel heavy, like most fried chicken entrees. I ended with the chocolate-carmel bread pudding for dessert - it was also awesome! Nice and warm and gooey with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
The waitress told us about 1/2 off wine bottle and appetizer specials during the week - so I definitely will be going back to Carpe Diem!!!
If you are looking for a quiet, romantic, intimate setting for a date, this is the perfect place! -
Review from V Z.
Reston, VA
Pistachio, grilled grape, blue cheese and light olive dressing are such a combination, and an easy try out salad at home
-
Review from Matt S.
Charlotte, NC
5/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
Very good and not overly stuffy. I enjoy this place.
-
Review from David L.
Charlotte, NC
3/25/2012
One of three or four top restaurants in Charlotte. The food is excellent the room is pretty and I have never had anything but excellent service here. When you are out to dinner and it is a special occasion or you do not want to risk ruining your evening by bad or indifferent service this is the place to go. A few other restaurants have great food but they fall down when it comes to service or decor.
If you are impressing a member of the opposite sex you will not go wrong with starting your evening here. After dinner at Carpe Diem any failure to have a great evening or weekend is yours alone. -
Review from Michelle K.
Charlotte, NC
3/27/2012
Nice place but the food isn't consistant. :( too bad because its a really nice place to have our date nights.
-
Review from Juan M.
5/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
It'd only been~15 years since I last ate there - how dare they move?
Twice?
Graduation night dinner for #1 child - great intimate late supper with her and my the mother unit.
Food was great, our server was gluten sensitive which really made ordering easy; look, I had wine and I don't remember much except for the fact that the food was tasty, the two ladies raved, and we didn't get sick.
Minus a quarter star (thus retaining the 5 stars) for the dessert (a cocoanut cupcake with cream cheese frosting). Our server couldn't vouch for it (since it was glutinous) and I should've trusted her. It was okay, but didn't stand up to the rest of the meal.
Oh wait - I remember that I had scallops and they were the cat's meow!
Great ambiance; beautiful digs in a part of town that's apparently been fixed up since we lived there and well trained staff.
Oh this pic:
http://media3.ct.yelpc...
happened to be in the Men's Room; it's a picture of the restaurant from when I last went to it (right next to the First Union building where I worked). -
Review from Emme E.
12/25/2011 2 Check-ins Here
** update ** owner contacted us & smoothed our ruffled feathers! Very happy that owner is paying attention & is willing to address concerns. We have made another reservation to check it out again & will (hopefully) upgrade star rating after this next visit!
Rating is for Hostesses. Our first visit. Hostesses rude & we rqstd & wanted to sit in the nicer front window area. There were two tables open but she said they were reserved & sat us at teeny round bar table. Back of restaurant isn't as nice as the front pictures they show in all ads & our rqst for a table w/view was ignored. We ordered bottle of wine, appetizers, two entrees, & dessert and were there 2+hours and those tables sat empty the whole time. We asked the hostess about that & she responded poorly. The bartender was our waitress & she was awesome & truly nice. The food was good (House Salad, Filet of Beef, Pork Cutlet, Red Pepper Soup, Madonna Riesling) but not good enough to go back & be treated rudely. Oh, & they cancelled our reservation in the Open Table system after we arrived so I had to contact Open Table to reinstate. One of my pet peeves in Charlotte in general is the crappy hostesses. The first impression can make or break it for me. -
Review from Will H.
1/22/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This fine restaurant deserves 5 stars if for no other reason than the hands-down most artistic and romantic ambiance in the entire Metrolina region. Seriously, I feel like I'm sitting in Bilbo Baggins' hobbit hole with all the bowed wood and twisted iron. The wine rack behind the bar looks like a many-branched oak tree. The bar and dining room just call for a most-intimate dinner.
Luckily, the food is just as quality as the environment. Little galvanized metallic boxes hold fresh-baked rolls for the table. The many-seeded variety are best- tasty and a good mix of crunch crust with a softer inside. For a salad course, I'm a big big fan of the grilled grape. The micro-greens are always garden-fresh and when you get a grape, they each have just a hint of smoke taste that blends nicely with the blue cheese but is a unique surprise. The goat cheese salad is also very good, but still in second place, in this Yelper's humble opinion.
Between the salads and the entree, we've always had a small intermezzo course of fresh sorbet. The flavor changes, but is a great palette cleanser regardless.
Entrees run the gamut from a couple fresh fishes, pork chop, and a (very tasty) buttermilk pan fried chicken. The selection is well manicured so that just about anyone can find an option. The even make a point to have at least one vegetarian entree option every night. Even the vegetables that accompany the protein are artfully done. Foodies will appreciate the detail that goes not only into each of these dish's components, but the way the flavors and matched together.
I'm even a raving fan of their desserts. These can change regularly, but you can count on at least one chocolate option and a cheesecake. Everything is made from scratch and the portions are perfect for sharing.
The staff works in a team approach, though your server is leading the effort. Courses and delivery are expertly paced and everyone is very knowledgable about the menu and the bar. I always feel very well taken care of. We can never seem to leave here for under $50 a person, with a drink or two, but I never mind, the quality of the food and the service are on a plane above most of what you'll find around town. -
Review from Lauryn C.
11/2/2011
WOW! This has got to be the best experience I've had dining in Charlotte. From the service, the food, the drinks everything was just perfect. Carpe Diem has been bookmarked on my yelp for awhile now I'm so glad I finally checked it out. I had some good friends in town who are also big foodies and I really wanted to impress them - kind of a risk taking them somewhere I've never been myself...but life's about taking risks right?
It was 8:30ish on a Friday night and we had no trouble getting a table - when I walked in I was a little nervous that we were under-dressed and that the hostess might give us dirty looks but I was wrong...yes I think we were under-dressed but they treated us like queens. Our server (I think her name was Shelly) was terrific she kept us entertained all night and gave us great suggestions for dinner. We all started with some kick
a_ _ dirty martini's seriously just ask to taste their olives they brine them and they are delicious. Next up a fantastic cheese plate and Thai style carpaccio. Carpaccio is one of my favorite dishes of all time I loved the way they prepared it here. Next a fine bottle of Malbec and dinner time.
We all made good choices I don't know who's dish was the best I opted for the pork dish it's a new addition to the menu it was a German dish with red cabbage, breaded pork, spaetzle, and a sunny side up egg sounds weird but every part of the dish worked. The shrimp cous cous and mushroom bolognese were very tasty as well.
I can't wait to go back this is definitely number 1 on my list of restaurants in the Queen City. -
Review from Gary R.
Charlotte, NC
6/27/2011
Carpe Diem is a culinary jewel in Charlotte's crown, and I wish we'd discovered it sooner.
We had a quick pre-theater dinner here Saturday night with another couple; all of us were 1st timers, and each raved about the place. We walked in without reservations, but they were able to accommodate us, despite a nearly full house.
Facing an 8 o'clock curtain, we wanted to save time, so we ordered sparingly: two appetizers--calamari (a wonderful light version, not the horribly overly-breaded, oily glop most places serve) and Thai Beef Carpaccio (wow! what a great surprise); along with two entrees, Shrimp Cous Cous (we made this plate of heaven disappear quickly) and Mushroom Bolognese (this is worth a trip back to savor it all by itself).
We told our server we were under the gun, so she moved us expeditiously through the meal, even finishing with time left for coffee. The dessert menu looked sinful but we laughingly demurred; she heard our comments, and surprised us with a piece of an Oreo cookie/ice cream concoction and 4 forks, and we reveled in the unexpected treat.
The servers were well-trained, fun and attentive (without being cloying). The prices are a bit high, but the place definitely was worth it. We plan to go back...often. -
Review from Shauna H.
1/18/2011
Very much enjoyed my dinner at Carpe Diem.
I had a tasty scallop dish albeit a bit small portion wise and two delicious starters - the tuna and calamari. I was happy in the end that I did get appetizers or my meal might have been a bit small. The real stand out was the fresh bread- wow delicious..I literally couldn't stop reaching for another roll - even after I was full!
Our server was friendly and attentive- he recommended a nice chardonnay for my dinner and was pleasantly surprised it was in the $8 range.The atmosphere was a little stark- nicer for a quiet date than a girls night.
Overall id say bring your wallet- my meal with two drinks and an appetizer was about $60. I would absolutely visit again since everything was really yummy! -
Review from Suzanne S.
Charlotte, NC
1/17/2011
Carpe Diem is such an elegant place to dine. Their modern, yet neutral toned decor appeals to all. Small details such as ceiling molding that curves and allows light to sift through, just adds another touch of class. The light fixtures that pop out of the wall like bunches of flowers are gorgeous. Just my style! So ambiance gets an A+. Now on to service...
Service - excellent. Our waiter was attentive to all of our needs. There were three of us in attendance. We each relied on him for wine recommendations and they were superb and reasonably priced. He was able to share all of the specials without having to recite from any cards. He responded well to our many questions regarding the menu.
Food - just perfect. We ordered calamari and a seared tuna appetizer plate. They were just out of this world. The different unique but flavorful dijon based side sauce for the calamari was perfect. Tuna was amazing. The garnishes allowed you to make your own little test experiments. Mmmm!
For dinner I ordered the "Eggplant Roulade." It was delicious. It does have a smokey flavor to the sauce which I was initially hesitant about. After trying it, I did like it. Overall, I enjoyed my selection. Next time, I will try the Cous Cous. The waiter gave it very high marks.
I will definitely be visiting Carpe Diem again! -
Review from Rick G.
Charlotte, NC
10/20/2011
Been a fan since the flower shop. They are worth following. Our favorite Charlotte restaurant without a doubt. There is just a certain vibe here that is hard to define... Elegant service, beautiful presentation, fresh local sources. Very laid back welcoming atmosphere and servers, staff etc always make us feel like they are glad we are there. Try the salads, specials and seasonal entrees. I love the carpaccio... Has an eastern twist with a little ginger and micro-herbs. Perfect with a house Pinot Noir.
-
Review from Nicole W.
8/3/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Seize the day and get your hungry self over to Carpe Diem. While Carpe Diem is a little fancy pants to just roll into with jorts and a Dale Jr. tee, make the effort. It's a lovely restaurant- beautifully appointed and as Julia S points out - stellar service and impeccable pacing.
I've taken many of visiting family members here and I've never had anything less than an extraordinary meal. It's not a cheap meal, but it's well priced for the quality and quantity. For two of us with a few courses and a bottle of mid-price wine we usually spend about $120-$150 (including tip). Some of my favorites...
Warm Goat Cheese (salad): I mean, really, it's warm goat cheese over delicious greens with hazelnut crunch. It's so good you basically want to start fist pumping through the restaurant.
Cheese Plate: A very generous and tantalizing plate of cheese of the day. As Julia said - the accompaniments make it stellar.
Scallops: I've had them so many different ways here I can't even count. One time they had some vanilla essence another atop of risotto. Both times they were out of this world. Cooked and seasoned perfectly. Plus they give you a very generous portion of large scallops. YUM.
Desserts: They special make their desserts daily and I wish I could remember what I've had here. I know I've had some delicious type of creme brulee and something uber chocolately. Regardless, I don't think anyone would be disappointed with their dessert selection! -
Review from Mark N.
Charlotte, NC
9/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
This restaurant is always a joy. Since it's origins downtown, through the current evolution. The tuna appetizer was fantastic. Interrupted with the complimentary sorbet (peanut butter and banana this time) and the pork for main. Very friendly staff make for a great finish
-
Review from Sandy L.
Chapel Hill, NC
8/5/2011
A wonderful cosy atmosphere with my daughters on Wednesday night.
The staff were amazing and very friendly.
Service was excellent and the food was delicious.
This restaurant has lived up to its reputation and we cannot wait to come back.
We shared the Indian Lentil Dip and Kabob Plate at the bar with a delicious New Zealand Wine. The Peppadew Peppers, which originally come from South Africa were a great addition to this dish!
We moved to the very comfortable and elegant Dining Room where the food experience only got better!
Warm Goat Cheese Salad, Vege Cake and The Scallops, were the perfect choices for the evening!
Thank You Carpe Diem for the delicious food and the awesome dining experience. -
Review from Cathy B.
3/14/2011
I've been looking forward to trying out Carpe Diem for quite some time, finally getting the chance over the weekend with a group of friends. You'll definitely want to be sure to dress up a bit as the decor and vibe is fancy, but although the crowd was a bit older, it wasn't stuffy. On to the food....
We ordered the calamari appetizer, which was honestly so-so, but it started looking up very quickly after that. The warm rolls and soft butter they bring to the table was very good in combination with the goat cheese salad. The apricot jalapeno vinaigrette dressing was delicious and the three fried goatcheese balls with hazelnut crust were out of this world. You NEED to get this salad if you like goat cheese.
For my main course I had the scallops, which were cooked to perfection. The portion is small (only three per order), but worked for me after the huge salad, bread, and calamari that I'd already eaten. We just had to try dessert, and the peach/raspberry cobbler with ice cream was just the ticket to round off a great dining experience.
The service was very good, and the fare a bit pricey, but as a "special occasion" restaurant, this would make my short list. Parking on a Saturday night was a bit tough, but with the other restaurants on that street, it wasn't surprising. And I would definitely recommend making a reservation. Enjoy! -
Review from Todd W.
10/13/2010 2 Check-ins Here
One of my top 5 restaurant spots in Charlotte. I've been here several times and have used a restaurant week on more than one occasion to indulge. The scallops are fantastic when they're served with almond risotto. I've also had the steak which comes with a great sauce and potatoes and asparagus. Buttermilk chicken is my new favorite. Menu is seasonal and changes so that makes it interesting each time I go. Always have to start with the goat cheese salad...so good with tons of flavor!
If you're in the mood for more than one restaurant in one night. Start at Customshop next door for drinks and an app and go here for dinner.Listed in: Date Night, Top 5 QC Restaurants
-
Review from Julia S.
Charlotte, NC
Updated - 5/30/2010 1 Check-in Here
They've still got it. Perfect lighting, stellar service, pacing is very carefully done. If you want a meal that feels expensive, but really isn't, try Carpe.
The Grilled Grape salad, our fav from the last time we were here, was different, but delicious. Baby romaine, baby arugula, microgreens all tossed with that magical balsamic reduction, tiny pieces of a salty, stinky blue cheese. Every bite was sublime. I sure can't make a salad like this (and believe me, I try regularly).
Cheese plate is reasonably priced, bordering on a steal, depending on what the daily cheese is. Last night, it was a super mild manchego, which complimented the full-frontal-assault of the brie nicely. Accompaniments and plate architecture were fun, and we totally got into pairings based on placement, which a good cheese plate will lead you to do. Awesome.
Entrees were good (mine) and amazing (the special, his). Eggplant roulade, mine, suffered from mush factor (maybe inclusion of walnuts or pine nuts inside the roll would give us something to bite into?). Flavor was stellar - smoky, bite and acid from the tomato concasse complimented the fresh mozz well, but I kept looking for more cheese. Of course, I always am.
His - mushroom bolognese, was flawless, surprisingly rich and meaty and deeply flavorful. Seriously impressive.
We had a bottle of Chardonnay despite being white wine haters. It was really good, and I kept the cork to try and get a hold of some next time I want a good, light wine.
If I were at the helm, there are two or three changes I'd make, and I'll be so bold as to write them here (hey, that's what Yelp's all about, ya?):
More wines by the glass, or a wine flight.
A Chef's tasting menu, complete with wine pairings, taking care to offer a vegetarian-specific menu.
Another kind of bread (and butter) to go with the delicious rolls already served.
Even after a (for us) pricey bottle of wine and more food than we could finish, our bill landed at $100 (again). Thanks Carpe! Mi amore.Listed in: Vegetarian Venues in ze CLT, Crown Town Vegan, Belly Wellness, Women at the Helm
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
11/1/2009
Possibly the best kept vegetarian secret in Charlotte.
Went for a "romantic" birthday dinner. He had… Read more »
-
-
Review from chris n.
Los Angeles, CA
2/2/2011
Went here for restaurant week and enjoyed the 9 oz pork while my date had the Salmon.
Both plates were prepared deliciously and the hot rolls they bring you are just delicious.
The service was as expected of a higher end joint and the tables were cleared immediately after courses were completed.
I was very satisfied with my experience here. -
Review from Fred S.
Davidson, NC
9/24/2009
I had dinner at Carpe Diem with a good friend on a recent Tuesday evening. The company was excellent, but the dining experience wasn't something I am eager to repeat...
First, the atmosphere. Others have commented on this already, but I really didn't care for the decor or the atmosphere. The lighting doesn't really work - the restaurant is too bright - and the furniture and flooring just really aren't up to snuff for a restaurant that's going to charge these kinds of prices. Truth be told, the place reminds me a lot of a funeral parlor... Yeah, I know.
For an appetizer we ordered a salad - priced over $9 - and we told them that we were going to share it. They split the salad, served it on two plates, and charged us a $2.50 "split plate fee". You're kidding, right? The salad was good, but not even close to being worth the nearly $12 that they ended up charging us for it. My friend ordered the Mediterranean sampler from the appetizer menu, and she enjoyed her food - and I am at least glad for that. My entree, the scallops served with risotto, was fine but overpriced. For $24 I received three scallops on a bed of risotto. The risotto was undercooked. The flavor was fine, but for $24 the risotto should be better than average - especially when there are only three scallops.
To me, this is quintessential "high end" Charlotte dining - decent food that is absurdly priced. If they had charged $8 for our salads and $18 for my entree... it would have been a reasonable value. For what Carpe Diem charged, though, I just found myself wishing that I had gone somewhere else. -
Review from Tim B.
Charlotte, NC
11/17/2008
I had dinner here on Saturday night, and I was very pleased by the experience. It didn't hurt that this was a company dinner, so it was free, but I would've like Carpe Diem regardless. Very comfortable, quiet restaurant that oozes niceness without being overly fancy or ornate, which is a nice balance.
There's a nice bar in there, not too big, that serves up great pre-dinner cocktails/wine offerings. But it's the food that really had me raving. Great appetizers all around, and even better entrees. Try the grilled grape salad--it was amazing. I had the Mahi Mahi, and it was perfectly done. I also sampled the grilled steak, which was pretty darn good, too. Desserts were also extremely well-done. Again, everything was pretty pricy, but the quality merited that.
I'll definitely be back--even if I have to pay. -
Review from Ashley K.
San Diego, CA
10/27/2009
I think there is a lot better food to be had in Charlotte.
This place definitely has a romantic vibe going; its just that the food is not that good. Wasn't memorable, exciting or impressive.
Would pass up in favor of something better. -
Review from Lauren S.
St Cloud, FL
6/17/2011 2 photos
We mentioned Yelp but did not get 10% off our ticket. Our waitress had never heard of Yelp. Anyhoo, dined at 7 pm on a Thurs. Evening- got right in, no reservations. Casual elegance- pretty wooden arches and lighting- sat by a large window. Not too stuffy- we were fine in jeans. Soft music in background allows conversion to flow without shouting. Family next to us dined with their happy,loudly talkative baby and no one minded her. :). We had our 10 year old daughter and 6 yo son with us. Everyone scarfed down the delish bread and butter. Jack had fried chicken tenders and mashed potatoes- best any of us ever tasted! Bella had shells with white sauce and real Parmesan on top- it was good, but the Parmesan is NOT from a bottle like it is at home, and she was not fond of it. I suggest getting it on the side just in case your kids might agree w/her. I got the goat cheese salad because it was so praised, only to discover I am not fond of warm balls of goat cheese. I guess I am a cold goat cheese gal. My hubby liked it, though. The waitress was very attentive. I tried To convince her my salad was okay, but upon her further questioning, I fessed up and said I wasn't a huge fan of it.
My hubby loved his Salmon, even though it looked to be a small piece, he felt satisfied with it. I got the veggie plate for my meal- way too tangy for me, due to the glazes on them. Told the busboy I was finished with almost a full plate left. He tipped off the manager, who was concerned that I wasn't happy, and she offered me something else, but I was full on bread, salad, and sampling the kids' meals, so I declined. She took BOTH off our bill, even though I had eaten all the salad, because I said I wasn't crazy about it. We did share two desserts amongst the 4 of us. The peanut butter pie was dense and rich, but not overly peanut-buttery. My son doesn't like peanut butter but loved it! Chocolate crepes were delish- homemade ice cream melts quickly though, so eat fast! The ice cream was the best I've ever had. I would definitely return and get fried chicken or another entree next time- the service and atmosphere are great! -
Review from crystal f.
Pineville, NC
Updated - 7/27/2011
Just visited my favorite place in charlotte for restaurant week an always carpe diem never disappoints. The buttermilk fried chicken with yukon mashed potatoes, spinach and a saw mill black pepper gravy to melt in your mouth was to die for. I cant forget the goat cheese salad with the lightly toasted goat cheese medallions and I didnt do the apricot jalapeno dressing, I wanted the blue cheese vinaigrette was mouth watering. For desert I had the Oero chocolate mousse the chocolate was wonderful the oreo crust was fabulous, cant wait to go back, i see they have mon-Thur 1/2 price apps from 5-630 i'm gonna try that one evening. Try carpe diem I promise you'll go at least once in a while :)
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
2/16/2010
I discovered this place 2 yrs ago during 3 coures for 30. Every time i go i have to have the either… Read more »
-
-
Review from APRIL M.
Charlotte, NC
10/26/2011
Carpe Diem is one of my favorite places to go for a special evening, or just for a great cocktail at the front bar. I've taken business colleagues, friends and my husband all for wonderful dinners. The menus covers all palettes from steaks to vegetarian, and often does the specials. Don't see how anyone can go wrong here. It is a quieter restaurant, but easily handles groups and parties with reservations. I'm making myself hungry to go right now! By the way, I once had their homemade pumpkin gnocchi (it was a special) and it was terrific!
-
Review from Mike M.
Charlotte, NC
3/8/2008
The food was decent, the decor needs some work.
I went on a Monday night with two co-workers. We showed up at about 8PM and were promptly asked by the host "Do you have reservation?". No. It's Monday. There were 6 other people in the restaurant. Why even ask if we had reservations?
The decor looks a bit dated. I was expecting a pretty hip joint, instead got a old fashion restaurant. Pretty bright too. Some might find it charming.
Started off with some martinis. I asked for extra dry, got a pretty wet vodka martini. Fine, whatever.
Appetizers were probably the low point of the night - The seared tuna was about average (although pretty small). The beef carpaccio left a lot to be desired. While it was tender, it feel apart on us. You HAD to use the fried wonton skins to eat it. I love carpaccio, but the asian theme with it just didn't fly with me.
The main course was nice. I had a grilled chicken breast with black rice. I would order it again if I went.
Didn't order dessert. Wine - We ordered a pretty expensive bottle of red wine. The bottle was really warm - disappointing. It should have been at least a little bit chilled.
I'll go back if someone is paying, but probably won't go on my own. -
Review from Heidi S.
Charlotte, NC
1/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
This splurge restaurant located in Elizabeth happens to be one of my top 5 favorites in Charlotte! I've never had a bad meal. They have a seasonal menu with plenty of vegetarian choices and pride themselves on having several local organic farm partners. Hot fresh bread served with butter, the warm goat cheese salad (I get this everytime), their made fresh daily desserts...it's all good! And they also cater.
-
Review from Sarah N.
Charlotte, NC
12/4/2010
Has been one of my favorite restaurants in Charlotte for years! They make great cocktails and their creme brulee is delicious!
-
Review from Daniella F.
4/25/2009
Not a fan of Carpe Diem. It's pretentious and over priced. The food is not that great and the staff aren't all that friendly. Not very vegetarian friendly. I did like that a pallet-cleansing sorbet comes between courses. However, none of the times I've been there have impressed me. I'd probably only go back for a dessert wine and a molten chocolate cake dessert.
-
Review from Winston C.
Palm Beach, FL
5/15/2009
Worth checking out. The food was good and the scene is relaxed.
-
Review from Carter P.
Palo Alto, CA
7/31/2010
On a recent visit I had the duck which was tender enough to cut with a fork and extremely well flavored. The spinach and parmasean soup was out of this world! A fanastic find and very enjoyable atmoshpere. Resonably priced wine and good service make this a "I'll be back" restaurant.
-
Review from Charlotte V.
Charlotte, NC
7/31/2008
I'm really ambivalent about this place. On one hand, the atmosphere is comfy and the staff are professional without a lot of attitude. But the menu is uninspired and the portions are stingy, especially for the price.
