Aura — Restaurant in Charlotte

We attended this place because we are Offliners and had received credit to visit Aura. We had two horrible experience with the hostess staff. First, we put our name on the list to be called for a seat. We waited downstairs at the Oyster Bar which was great by the way! They never called us so we stayed and enjoyed the food at the Oyster place. We try it again the following week. We checked in with the hostess and the hostess said we will grab you in 5 minutes after we clean the tables. We said ok. So we stood nearby to make sure that we were close. The hostess started seating everyone but us. Now, this is was an observation but all of the folks seated were non people of color. So, I asked her about our table and asked if you were only seating "large parties?" She said but did you check in? I said yes and you told us 5 minutes but now you are seating everyone else. She rolled sighed and said you can come with me. I said us our the other party that you said "you can follow me?" In a nasty manner she said "you!." I said ok. She never apologized. We got to the table and shared what happened and asked to speak to the manager. So the manager was busy but came after we received our food. As we were eating, our waitress never came back to check on us. She stood at the bar and talked to her friends who were visiting. So when the manager arrived, we shared our experience and the waitress was still sitting there talking to her friends which we were able to show the manager. After chatting with the manager, we asked for our bill. She never brought us water and didn't ask if we wanted anything else. After we paid the bill, she brought us water which was so strange.

So all in all, the atmosphere and food were great but the service wasn't. We didn't feel welcomed and would probably leave this off our list of our places we frequent. As I shared with the manager, the hostess is the first impression of what to expect with the rest of their experience. That was a terrible...

We stopped by Aura after a night of enjoying the Charlotte International Arts Festival, and we couldn’t have had a better time. We were seated at a small round table for two in an odd spot at the entry to the bar and couch seating, but that was due to 90% of the space being rented out for a private event. However, we were greeted by the kindest and most informative server, Dylan, who made us feel like family, actually more like royalty, right away. He guided our choices very interactively, never overbearing, resulting in my wife and I enjoying everything we ordered, especially the simple yet spicy Guac. Don’t miss the Burnt End Lollipops or the Tuna Tacos at Aura…simply delicious, bite after bite.

The ambiance was perfect, the music was just right to allow for our own conversation, even with a big crowd. The views were fantastic just a few floors up above street-level. Aura’s staff are all top notch, tirelessly working to keep their guests’ needs met or exceeded, to keep things clean and refreshed, and to ensure everyone is enjoying their experience. Once the private event ended, Dylan guided us to grab a couch along the edge of the rooftop patio and we were immediately captivated by the views of the city as it became dark and the skies were lit by the buildings and activity on the streets below. Fantastic photo opp!!!

Don’t miss making Aura your next adventure out for some excitement, beautiful views, delicious drinks and scrumptious little plates, as well as great conversation at your table, and with fellow guests, and the amazing staff. Thanks again Dylan, you made this such a wonderfully memorable experience, hope to see you there...

Hubby and I decided to be tourists in our town on a Sunday, grabbing lunch then onto the Charlotte Symphony for the matinee, followed by a drink and shareable plate at Aura Rooftop at the JW Marriott. We grabbed the last 5:15 reservation and scored the last set of cozy papasan chairs.

We were immediately greeted by a server and then another server checked on us while waiting on our drinks. Small cocktail and wine/beer menu, but there is a bar with more offerings.

Being gin and vermouth collectors, we were intrigued by the Queen Negroni, featuring a chamomile-infused gin, amaro and sweet vermouth served in a glass mug with a large single rock and orange peel. Definitely well balanced and on the sweeter side, it was a refreshing sip on a beautiful day.

We decided to share the Wagyu Beef Handroll, which was actually more of a poke bowl. Beautiful presentation, great flavor, very little wagyu for two to share, and a lot of rice. We’d like to try the chicken satay or burnt end lollipops another time which were unfortunately unavailable at the time. Many vegetarian and gluten free options on the menu though I couldn’t attest to safety for celiac patrons - I’m only gluten sensitive.

The scene was festive, with nice planters and plenty of shade umbrellas and a good breeze. Not much of a view if that’s what you are seeking. Thankfully, no blaring music though once the adjacent hotel pool cranks up, that could possibly change.

Overall, a nice place to take friends on a progressive dining and entertainment venture...