Fin & Fino — Restaurant in Charlotte

After so many people raving about this place, I put this on my list to visit. My husband decided to plan a date night so we could experience the treatment together (since he had already been).

As someone who loves dining out and tasting menus, this was an experience and had its highs and lows.

Our waiter asked if we had anywhere we needed to be and we let him know we were here to experience the treatment with no plans for anywhere else. After selecting some drinks, we waited to see what we would be having for dinner.

We were served:

CAJUN ROASTED OYSTERS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ cajun butter

(Tasty but sort of sad that there was only 2. One for each of us. 2 per person would have been nice.)

SEAFOOD SALAD ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ steamed mussels, poached shrimp, confit octopus, calabrian chilis, vidalia onion, parsley, tomato panko

(Surprisingly refreshing! Loved the crunch of the Panko!)

SCALLOPS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ roasted squash risotto, pine nut pesto

(Probably the dish of the night! Scallops and risotto cooked perfectly. Pesto really shined. I would come back just to order this dish individually.)

CONFIT OCTOPUS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ jalapeno creme fraiche, preserved lemon tapanade

(Tender and tasty tentacles. It was good but I’m not sure if I’d order it again.)

MUSSELS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ chorizo, leeks, herbs, baguette

(Outstanding flavor and the bread dipped in the sauce was 🔥. One of the top dishes! Would order again.)

FURIKAKE FRIES ⭐️⭐️ kewpie mayo & furikake seasoning

(These were good for about 3 bites. It needed more furikake or something else. The flavor was very flat and one dimensional. Although my husband seemed to enjoy them more than me. )

ROASTED BEETS ⭐️ whipped feta, pistachio dukkah

(I would never order beets. Decent flavor, however, after both of us trying them, more than half of them remained on the plate.)

LAMB RIGATONI ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ braised lamb, shiitake mushrooms, pecorino

(Excellent flavor and texture of pasta was perfect!)

MOM'S CHEESECAKE ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ joan dressler's classic

(One of the best cheesecakes that I have had! Light and creamy! Would order this again!)

CHOCOLATE CAKE ⭐️⭐️ layered with espresso cream

(It was okay. Not as good as the cheesecake.)

Overall, this was a decent tasting for $70 per person although YMMV if you’re with a larger group or just as a couple.

The treatment was an experience, however, the pacing went from very slow (33 minutes) to fast (10 minutes between courses) to super fast (3 minutes) to super long (30 minutes). I took pictures of the items when they arrived so the numbers are accurate. We arrived at 6:45 and were served our first course by 7:18. We left at 9:30.

I’m also a bit torn on what we were served. There were some real stand outs like the mussels and scallops, but a few of the dishes (beets & fries) and the order they were served in (before dessert) had me confused. It felt a little disjointed and different from a traditional tasting menu where flavors compound and compliment as you progress.

It was surprising that we were never served fish as one of the plates. Would have liked to have tried the trout, salmon, poke, or whole fish. Neither the pork or waygu was served to us. I know the experience depends on what the chef sends but having heard about other people’s experience with fish, I was anticipating something.

I would have liked to try some other items besides the beets and fries. The mushrooms would have been better than beets or fries but again taste is subjective.

I still would like to return and now having experienced the treatment, would probably just select the items I want instead of relying on a chefs whim. Dollar wise, it would be the same as the tasting with more control.

If you like surprises, get the treatment. However, if you like to select your own items, order a la carte. Either way, it will...

Prepare to embark on a sensational culinary journey at Fin & Fino, an exquisite seafood destination that has captured the hearts and palates of food enthusiasts in Charlotte, NC. From the moment you step foot into this coastal-inspired gem, you are transported to a world of fresh flavors, impeccable presentation, and an ambiance that effortlessly combines elegance and comfort.

Fin & Fino is a seafood lover's dream come true. The menu is a true celebration of the ocean's bounty, offering an exceptional selection of sustainably sourced seafood that showcases the utmost care and respect for the ingredients. From the delicate and briny oysters to the tender and succulent lobster, each dish is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to serving the finest seafood available. The culinary team's expertise is evident in every bite, as they expertly balance flavors and textures, creating dishes that are both sophisticated and comforting.

The menu at Fin & Fino extends beyond seafood, offering a range of delectable options that cater to every palate. Whether you're in the mood for a perfectly grilled steak, a hearty vegetarian dish, or an innovative small plate bursting with flavors, the variety and quality of the offerings are sure to impress. The thoughtfully curated menu showcases a blend of global influences, resulting in a harmonious fusion of flavors that tantalizes the taste buds and leaves a lasting impression.

The service at Fin & Fino is impeccable, surpassing all expectations. The staff is highly knowledgeable, attentive, and passionate about providing an exceptional dining experience. From the moment you are greeted at the door to the attentive service throughout your meal, every interaction is executed with warmth and professionalism. The staff's genuine enthusiasm for the food and their willingness to go above and beyond to accommodate special requests contribute to an unforgettable dining experience.

The ambiance at Fin & Fino strikes the perfect balance between upscale and welcoming. The stylish and contemporary decor, combined with warm lighting and comfortable seating, creates an inviting atmosphere that is ideal for both intimate dinners and group gatherings. The attention to detail in the design reflects the restaurant's commitment to creating a memorable dining experience, allowing guests to relax and savor every moment.

Complementing the exceptional culinary offerings, Fin & Fino boasts an impressive beverage program. The bar features an extensive selection of craft cocktails, thoughtfully curated wines, and an array of premium spirits. The knowledgeable bartenders and sommeliers are more than happy to guide you in selecting the perfect libation to accompany your meal, ensuring a well-rounded and satisfying dining experience.

In conclusion, Fin & Fino in Charlotte, NC, is a seafood haven that exceeds all expectations. With its unparalleled selection of impeccably prepared seafood, a diverse and enticing menu, impeccable service, and an inviting ambiance, this restaurant sets the stage for an extraordinary dining experience. Prepare to be captivated by the freshness of the ingredients, the creativity of the culinary offerings, and the genuine passion that resonates throughout every aspect...

We had dinner here for my partner's birthday last night and the tasting menu was absolutely incredible, although the service we received was an issue. Our waiter was young, distracted, unprofessional (called a few dishes "weird"), and not at all suitable for this caliber of dining.

The waiter: Our waiter didn't introduce himself, tell us about any specials, or tell us how the tasting menu worked (how many plates, etc.), didn't tell us what we were eating, etc. Just failed to give us basic info. Our waiter would disappear for 20mins without checking in. Our empty plates would sit there forever to the point that it was a bit gross. Other staff stepped in to help since they'd noticed he was gone as well. The waiter knew it was a birthday celebration and said he would "hook us up" and then did nothing The waiter asked if we wanted all seafood on the tasting menu or a mix of red meat and seafood. I said seafood only for me and my partner said he wanted a mix. We only received seafood. If the waiter was actually serving us, he would hover around our table and watch us eat which was very awkward and uncomfortable. We got the "surprise us" cocktails. We expected that they'd ask us what spirit we wanted, what flavor profiles we liked (e.g. fruity, refreshing, herby, smoky, smooth, etc), how sweet we want it, any special ingredients we wanted, etc. Our waiter only asked us what spirit we wanted and walked away so our cocktails were $16 and not at all to our liking. He never returned to ask how they were.

The tasting menu Food was absolutely incredible with a good portion size Not sure if this was the waiter or the structure of the tasting menu (again, we got no info), but we'd receive all three plates for each course at the exact same time so we'd have to rush to eat them to avoid them getting cold. Then, we'd have maybe a 30 minute gap and another three plates would come in all at once. Other tasting menus stagger the plates and that works much better so I can enjoy each dish individually. Each plate they'd bring was for my partner and I to share, so we'd serve ourselves onto smaller plates to eat. However, the waiter never replaced our small plates so they were covered in sauce all night. Another waiter actually offered us plates after the 2nd course thankfully. We would have asked our waiter but he was nowhere to be found. It would have worked better if food was served as a single portion on an individual plate to avoid having to mix flavors on a side plate. Would have been nice to choose our dessert or have multiple smaller desserts. As it was, we got cheesecake which neither of us really likes but the waiter didn't ask if we had a preference.

The staff The rest of the waiters definitely noticed our waiter had disappeared so they were trying to pick up the slack. They were bustling around and our waiter was just gone. The water guys were super attentive!

Overall, we'd be back for the food alone, but our waiter isn't suitable for working in fine dining yet. His awkwardness, incompetence, and lack of action definitely put a damper on our night. I really do expect better for...