Peggy Crane
This meal was the best meal I have had in Charlotte in 6 plus years. The service was great, the menu was lovely, the food- ALL of it was so delicious. It was such a nice evening and everyone there seemed like they were on a date with their special person.
Kaitlin Plave
Kind of surprised to see so many reviews calling this place amazing. It was solid, but nothing over the top to wow us. We got the squash fritto (yummy in a perfectly average way), coppa (good, and generous amount), tuna crudo (creative but ultimately underwhelming), full sole (tasty but didn't blow us away, especially at $89), and the bavette (best dish of the meal - delicious and different). My non-alcoholic drink was something I've found before at Total Wine, not freshly made, and my husband's cocktail was downright bad. The restaurant is very pretty, but quite loud. I couldn't hear my husband a lot of the evening. Our server was extremely friendly and helpful - we liked his vibe a lot. However, dirty dishes were left stacked on our table for far too long, and it took forever for me to get a menu to browse for my second drink. I even asked the woman who delivered my bottled drink to stick around while I tasted it in case I needed soda water, but she walked away as I poured it. They also didn't change our silverware between courses. I worked in fine dining in Boston and Denver for 10 years, and this level of service simply isn't top-tier. Our friends went earlier in the week and reported similar opinions - it was good, but not to the level that people are applauding it. They actually disliked a dish so much they sent it back. After such glowing recent accolades, I was surprised at how average Rada was. Charlotte's food scene is pretty mediocre, though, so anything helps.
Sam Farley
In a world where Charlottes food scene is dominated by trendy restaurants with shareables such as burrata and shisito peppers, its good to have something different enter the stage. Pretty much everything on the menu is something you cant find anywhere else in town. Rada was unlike anything weve had in Charlotte. Its a unique place with fresh takes on classics. From beginning to end our meal was fantastic. The olive and anchovy bites were briny and bursting with umami. The beef carpaccio was very onion forward but in a good way. The chef takes risks that pay off. The bavette was incredible with a nice char but I could have used it cooked up a touch more but thats a personal preference. The star of the show was the sole. It was a luxurious treat and one of the best dishes Ive had in Charlotte in recent memory. Our sever was attentive and pleasant during the course of our meal and explained the menu well. At this price point I expect service at this level. The cocktails were great and I felt were pretty reasonably priced. The vibes are great as well and the space is intimate and decorated well. I do think the tables are too close together and conversations can spill over into other groups but I get why the owners would want to maximize the use of the small space. Id love to go back and sit on the patio as an evening flowed into night. Overall I think this is a great date night spot for a special occasion like an anniversary or birthday but is definitely pricey for a regular outing. We will definitely be back a few times a year and look forward to trying whatever the Rada team cooks up. Edit: after being back and having the same server, I have to say that Jesse is such a pro - so wonderful and knowledgeable and makes the meal that much more enjoyable.
Carol R
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..
Yu-Hsien Ho
Tucked into a cozy space in Charlotte, Rada makes a strong first impression with its candlelit tables, white linens, and intimate, energetic atmosphere. The interior feels chic without being pretentiousstylish, slightly packed, but warm and buzzing with conversation. Its the kind of spot that feels both celebratory and casually cool. We kicked off with cocktailsI ordered a martini, which was crisp and well-balanced, served ice cold with a bay leaf for a subtle aromatic twist. The drink menu is creative and clearly well thought out. For wine, we shared a bottle of 2021 Antoine Sanzay Les Poyeux Saumur Champignya smooth, expressive Cabernet Franc that paired beautifully with the rest of the meal. The appetizers were where the night really started to shine. The clams in broth were an absolute standoutbriny, buttery, and layered with delicate green aromatics that gave it real depth. Another hit: the potato side. These came out golden and perfectly crisp, seasoned just right and hard not to keep reaching for. We shared the 32 oz steak as our maina hearty cut that was juicy and flavorful, dressed in a savory pan sauce. The pork rib was another highlight, expertly cooked and generously portioned. The flavors throughout the meal felt thoughtful and bold, without trying too hard to impress. For dessert, we split a slice of chocolate cakeintensely rich but not overly sweet, finished with whipped cream and dark cherries. A satisfying close that didnt overwhelm the palate. Service was friendly and attentive, striking a great balance between casual and professional. Rada feels like a neighborhood spot thats been elevated just enough to make a night out feel special.
