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North America

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# Rada – Upscale New American Restaurant in Charlotte, NC

Rada is an upscale New American restaurant located at 2820 Selwyn Ave, Ste 180, Charlotte, NC. Known for its innovative menu that blends Spanish and Mediterranean influences, Rada has quickly become a culinary hotspot since its recent opening. The restaurant prides itself on offering a unique dining experience characterized by high-quality ingredients and exceptional service. With a modern ambiance and an intimate setting, Rada has garnered rave reviews for its delicious dishes, including small plates and desserts that leave a lasting impression. The community has embraced Rada, celebrating its contribution to Charlotte's vibrant dining scene.

## History
### The story of Rada
Rada was founded with a vision to create a dining experience that combines high-quality cuisine with a welcoming atmosphere. The founders aimed to fill a gap in Charlotte's culinary landscape by offering a menu that celebrates diverse flavors and innovative cooking techniques. Since its inception, Rada has focused on providing an exceptional dining experience that emphasizes both food and service.

### Milestones and growth
- Opened its doors to the public just a few weeks ago.
- Quickly gained recognition as a top restaurant in North Carolina, making the New York Times list of top 50 restaurants.
- Established a loyal customer base, with many patrons returning for multiple visits.
- Developed a reputation for its unique, curated menu that changes daily.

### Cultural and local influence
Rada has made a significant impact on the local dining culture in Charlotte. By introducing a menu that features Spanish and Mediterranean influences, Rada has broadened the culinary options available to residents and visitors alike. The restaurant has become a gathering place for food enthusiasts, contributing to the city's growing reputation as a dining destination.

### Continuing the tradition
Rada is committed to maintaining its high standards and evolving its menu to reflect seasonal ingredients and culinary trends. The restaurant's dedication to quality and innovation ensures that it will continue to be a beloved establishment in Charlotte for years to come. The team at Rada is passionate about providing an exceptional dining experience that honors the traditions of fine dining while also embracing modern culinary practices.

## Community
### Community involvement
Rada actively engages with the Charlotte community, participating in local events and initiatives that promote culinary arts and community development. The restaurant aims to foster a sense of belonging and connection among its patrons, making it a welcoming space for everyone.

### Community notion about the place
The community has embraced Rada as a valuable addition to Charlotte's dining scene. Many locals appreciate the restaurant's commitment to quality and service, often praising the intimate atmosphere and the attentiveness of the staff. Rada is seen as a place where residents can celebrate special occasions or enjoy a night out with friends.

### Events and gatherings
Rada hosts various events and gatherings that bring people together to celebrate food and community. These events often feature special menus or themed nights that highlight different culinary traditions. The restaurant's intimate setting makes it an ideal venue for private gatherings, allowing guests to enjoy a unique dining experience in a cozy environment.

## Offerings
### What Rada offers
Rada offers a diverse menu that features a range of dishes inspired by Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients and innovative cooking techniques, resulting in a menu that is both unique and satisfying. Guests can expect a variety of small plates, snacks, and larger entrees that cater to different tastes and preferences.

### Dining and food experience
Dining at Rada is an experience that goes beyond just the food. The restaurant's ambiance is designed to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, with dim lighting and modern decor that enhance the overall dining experience. Guests can enjoy expertly crafted cocktails and a carefully curated wine list that complements the menu. The attentive service further elevates the experience, ensuring that every guest feels valued and well taken care of.

### Events and packages
Rada offers special events and packages that cater to various occasions, from intimate dinners to larger celebrations. These packages often include curated menus that showcase the restaurant's culinary offerings, allowing guests to indulge in a multi-course dining experience. The restaurant also accommodates private events, providing a unique setting for celebrations and gatherings.

### Facilities and features
- Intimate dining space with modern decor
- Full-service bar with a selection of cocktails and wines
- Open kitchen concept that allows guests to see the culinary team in action
- Seasonal outdoor seating for al fresco dining
- Private dining options for special events

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Reviews of Rada highlight both the strengths and areas for improvement. Guests frequently commend the quality of the food and the attentive service, while some mention concerns about noise levels and pricing.

### Compliments and strengths
Many reviewers praise Rada for its delicious food, particularly the small plates and desserts. The service is often described as exceptional, with staff members going above and beyond to ensure a positive dining experience. The ambiance is also frequently noted as a highlight, creating a welcoming and intimate setting for diners.

### Contrasts and notable mentions
While most reviews are positive, some guests have mentioned that the noise level can be high, making it difficult to have conversations. Additionally, a few diners have expressed concerns about the pricing, feeling that some menu items are on the higher end. However, many agree that the quality of the food justifies the cost.

### Summary evaluation
Overall, Rada is well-regarded for its innovative menu and exceptional service. While there are some areas for improvement, the restaurant has quickly established itself as a must-visit dining destination in Charlotte. The combination of high-quality food, attentive service, and a welcoming atmosphere makes Rada a standout choice for both locals and visitors.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
Rada is conveniently located in the heart of Charlotte, NC, at 2820 Selwyn Ave, Ste 180. The restaurant is situated in a vibrant neighborhood that offers a variety of attractions and activities. Guests can explore nearby parks, shopping districts, and cultural landmarks, making it an ideal spot for a night out. The restaurant's location also provides easy access to public transportation, making it convenient for both locals and tourists to visit.

## FAQs
**What type of cuisine does Rada offer** Rada specializes in New American cuisine with Spanish and Mediterranean influences.  
**Is Rada suitable for large groups** Yes, Rada can accommodate private events and larger gatherings.  
**Do I need a reservation to dine at Rada** Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.  
**What are the operating hours of Rada** Rada's operating hours may vary, so it's best to check their website for the latest information.  
**Is there parking available at Rada** Yes, there is a free parking deck available under the building.  

## Visit Rada Today
Rada invites you to experience its exceptional dining offerings in a modern and inviting atmosphere. With a menu that highlights innovative dishes and a commitment to outstanding service, Rada is the perfect destination for a memorable meal. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to enjoy a night out, Rada's welcoming community and culinary excellence make it a must-visit restaurant in Charlotte. Don't miss out on the chance to indulge in a unique dining experience that has quickly become a favorite among locals.

abfe7e07-5c1b-4b85-b7f2-345143b439a4

We had an excellent meal at Rada. Three of us split: Charcuterie Squash Fritto Kanpachi Beef Carpaccio Lasagnetta Charred Cabbage Halibut Pannacotta Everything was tasty, but the snacks/small plates and dessert really shone. Service was wonderful as well. Get in now, because I have a feeling they may have a star coming their way..

6eee7b88-1751-47f9-a845-591be2d04ec9

Terrific dinner and fantastic service. First time in, had meatballs and ricotta small plates along with the salad and tuna carpaccio. Delicious all of them. For mains, we had the tri tips and the salmon. Flavorful and perfectly prepared. We were too full for dessert but next time... Only criticism is the noise level, they need some panels to help with that.

302f4ac4-0f99-4105-bdec-1afe9aff5cef

Wow! Rada is a lot! In a great way though. The ambiance is great. Dim lighting, but not too dim. Service, off the charts good! We had several come by and check on us over the course of our hours long meal. The food was incredible. The best non-dessert dish for me was not pictured, their angulotti(spelled wrong) was to die for! The desserts were also the BEST I have had in Charlotte! They also make a great martini too.

f1f609f3-60fc-4f99-830b-54312ec4c766

Wow. We loved everything about our first visit to Rada! We made a 5:15 reservation just so we could get in so that alone is a testament to the amazingness already. The restaurant is so modern, airy and fresh with many more tables than it looks like from the outside. From the start, our server (Jesse), was an absolute gem and so helpful with the menu and recommendations. Here is what we got: - San Sebastián martini with the gilda added - highly recommend - The Duckworth - my husband loved!! - homemade bread was unreal - they had a special that evening as a small plate which was scallops prepared so uniquely and full of flavor - hickory grove and honeycomb - get it, promise you won't regret it - veal tonne with capers - brand new dish for us and it was wonderful - Dave's clams - slam dunk - Striploin with the potato pave added on - stole the show - we had zero room for dessert but wish we had Parking: there is a free deck under the building with elevators Bathrooms: could have eaten off the floor! We can't wait to return!

94c77310-0832-4bae-a0ce-13ba3d853c43

So rad that Rada is now open! This is the kind of restaurant that I'm so happy to see in Charlotte. It's high quality, with a unique, curated menu. Inside, the space is on the smaller side with a bar and maybe 20 small tables. It feels intimate. The service is very helpful. Our server did a great job explaining the dishes and advising us on how much food to order. After getting seated, we were given complimentary glasses of sparkling wine since we were celebrating our anniversary. Such a nice touch! We ordered the Selwyn Spritz and Orange Mule to drink, which were both refreshing and prepared well. The cocktail/mocktail options on the menu are not too sweet. They also have a good variety of wines by the glass and bottle, including an orange wine from Slovenia. To eat, we started with 2 gildas and 2 meatballs with harissa. Then came the veal tonne and the lamb bolognese with bread. I loved the variety of flavors, textures, and preparations. The menu has a Spanish/Mediterranean bend, with dishes I haven't seen elsewhere. We ended our meal with the pannacotta served with olive oil, honey comb, and sea salt. Again, not overly sweet, with unique flavors and textures. We agreed that this dessert felt very "adult" - in a good way. Highly recommend Rada for an intimate outing or celebration if you're looking to try something new and have a nice time doing it!

277ce49a-bbd5-4afd-af3a-1fe63c2444b1

Rumor has it that this place just opened a couple weeks ago. The vibe is fancy, you can come here with your better half, for girl's night out, or like me a new hire welcome dinner. I arrived to the restaurant, we had reservations and were immediately seated. TJ was so nice and made me a mocktail, super delicious. I asked for something sweet and he delivered a tasty ginger orange mocktail. We ordered multiple items from the snacks & skewers, small plates, and large plates menu - croquetta, meatball harissa, tuna carpaccio, chorizo, lamb bolognese , sea bass and bavette. Hands down my favorite was lamb bolognese, the ricotta was a perfect add to the dish. I can't forget we ended the night with the most perfect and unique panacotta - drizzled with a honey olive oil, three dollops of honeycomb crunch, and lastly sprinkled with sea salt. This place is definitely worth a try, if you are looking for an upscale evening. Note the menu items changes daily. Loved the all gender bathrooms that were stocked with Aesop soap and lotion products. The restaurant has very dim lighting (please excuse my photo quality) and is a quite loud restaurant.

0f42001d-cb82-4721-85eb-2fbc6c96e640

My husband and I have been coming to Rada regularly since they opened. What an amazing restaurant! We are so thrilled to have you in Charlotte (and in our neighborhood)! Every time we come we know we will have an amazing experience! The food is outstanding, the service is stellar (everyone who works here shows such pride -- it's so refreshing!), and the drinks are amazing! The intimate setting makes the experience complete. We love everything about Rada! Thank you for being a part of our community!!!

35dc1a92-40de-48c6-9442-247801a39d74

We moved to Charlotte a few years ago and have been on the hunt for local, consistently impressive restaurants with professional service. I think we've found a new favorite. When I saw Rada was the only restaurant in NC to make the NYTimes list of top 50 restaurants, I immediately made a reservation online. We were warmly greeted by Eloy Roy, who was kind and on the floor throughout the evening -- greeting guests and jumping in when needed. It was a beautiful night and we ended up sitting outside. We started inside but were seated close to the bar, and it was just too loud. Yes, the tables are close together, which I wouldn't have minded had we been able to hear the server or each other. We prefer locally-owned restaurants with unexpected ingredients that are combined in surprising ways. We've tried other restaurants with intriguing menus but something was lost between the concept and execution. Or constantly-changing menus seem to undermine the kitchen's ability to consistently deliver the best food and servers' ability to get to know the menu. No issue at Rada. Our servers were Sidney and Maya? They easily answered our questions about ingredients and preparation. We didn't feel rushed and were easily able to get assistance when needed. I didn't sense and pretentiousness as one reviewer mentioned. Rather, I sensed a genuine enthusiasm for the kitchen offerings and desire to share that enthusiasm with guests. We ordered the meatballs, salad, stuffed peppers, charred cabbage and the bavette. I'm attaching pictures and am not sure what else to add besides the food was prepared perfectly. The meal felt like a breath of fresh air and ingredients. I think I had only one piece of the bavette which had a beautiful char on the outside and wonderfully flavored. The salad was large and delicious but not necessarily elevated. A bit unruly to eat and share as the plate was quite small. The meatballs (on a skewer) and peppers were also flavorful. By the time I got to the charred cabbage, I was full but couldn't resist the flavors. It is on the more expensive end, but I would encourage people to go! A couple of small plates and an entree to share would suffice if you aren't starving. The sourdough bread was delicious. Only regret is we didn't have room for dessert! Next time. Only nits: yes the tables are close and the noise level is high depending on where you sit. No one asked about allergies or sensitivities (we don't have any) as other restaurants of this caliber do seem to consistently do, either by phone call ahead or text when confirming.

be88d101-64ad-4ed7-92fb-be84c59a6915

This place has potential, but I think they are being a bit pretentious at the moment. Everything is a touch overpriced for what you get. $19 for a cocktail, but served in a chipped glass that I almost cut my lip on. Trendy vibe and decor inside, but no sound dampening efforts have been made to a very small space, so it's super loud. $24 for a plate of 10 tiny clams - that's right, 10. They were delicious, but I can't even get a baker's dozen? Then comes the server's opening dialogue when you sit down - I am growing tired of them. "Have you dined with us before?" No, you've only been open a few months. Then proceeds to explain how it's a sharing menu and you need to order 2-3 snacks, 2-3 small plates, and 1-2 large plates - for 2 people mind you. I've dined at fancy restaurants around the world, I get this isn't The Cheesecake Factory. And I looked at your menu and pictures before booking the impossible reservation that only is available for 2 weeks out at a time, so spare me the condescending PSA please - I'm pretty sure I know how to order! The menu supposedly changes daily, but 75% of what we saw on it this weekend was listed online from when they opened. This isn't Manhattan, guys - you might fool a few wealthy Charlotteans that yearn for more 'it-spots' in our growing city, but you won't fool any Michelin inspectors that will be reviewing the Southeast for their upcoming guide. Please get over yourselves, rethink some of your approaches and reel it in a bit, and then call me!

98373480-cea7-425a-b6bb-0c40414fc728

Disappointed. Saturday evening reservation at 6:30pm for two. Place crowded and loud - tables too close- hard to hear. Waited 20 minutes for an $18 cocktail. Skimpy. overpriced appetizer of Roasted Red Peppers & Anchovies. Ordered large plate Pork Chop to share after seeing sizable portion at next table but was let down when a smaller portion was served to us which included bone (which other table didn't have) - was tasty but fatty. No side dish comes with entree so ordered overpriced roasted sweet potato dish. Upon hearing server tell table next to ours that their time to leave was approaching - we were concerned that we'd be rushed out. We canceled bottle of wine order and opted for individual glasses. We later learned that the other couple were walk-ins and were told they'd need to vacate table at certain time to accommodate a reservation. We were comped a dessert after raising concerns with manager. Food was OK not great, place is loud, pricey and somewhat pretentious. We've traveled the world and dined at amazing places - this establishment doesn't rise to that level sorry to say.

Discover Rada in Charlotte, NC—an inviting restaurant offering delicious cuisine in a cozy setting. Experience local flavors and enjoy a memorable dining experience today.

Rada Restaurant in Charlotte, NC | Cozy Dining & Local Flavors

Charlotte

Rada

North Carolina

Discover Rada in Charlotte, NC for a memorable dining experience. Enjoy delicious cuisine and cozy ambiance. Book your table today!

Rada Restaurant in Charlotte, NC - Unique Dining Experience

Learn about Rada in Charlotte, NC. A top spot for delicious food and great service. Find out what makes us special and plan your visit!

About Rada Restaurant, Charlotte, NC

Opening hours for Rada, Charlotte, NC. Find opening hours for Rada, Charlotte, NC on 2820 Selwyn Ave, Ste 180.

Rada Menu Overview

Signature Dishes

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