Fin & Fino is an acclaimed “social seafood house” located in the heart of Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, known for its emphasis on shareable plates, fresh raw bar selections, and a lively, upscale atmosphere.
Here is a detailed look at the restaurant, covering its unique concept, history, menu highlights, customer feedback, and essential information.
What Makes Fin & Fino Unique
Fin & Fino defines itself as a “social seafood house,” encouraging guests to “shake off a busy day or shake up a slow one” through communal dining.
- Concept: The menu is designed around small plates, allowing guests to sample a wide variety of fresh seafood, high-quality meats, house-made pastas, and locally sourced produce. The restaurant celebrates an “explorer’s mindset and the sailor’s heart,” with a theme that permeates the dining experience, from the decor to the cocktail program.
- The Treatment: A unique feature is the chef’s tasting menu, called “The Treatment.” For a flat price, diners inform their server of any allergies or dislikes, and the kitchen curates a multi-course culinary journey, ensuring a fun and surprising experience with the restaurant’s staple dishes.
- Ambiance: The space offers an inviting and contemporary atmosphere, described by customers as both upscale and welcoming. It features stylish decor and is considered ideal for intimate dinners, group gatherings, and romantic evenings. The staff adds a touch of personality, noted by one customer for their “dry, witty sense of humor” and wearing “funny shirts.”
History and Ownership
Fin & Fino’s flagship location in Uptown Charlotte opened in April 2018. It is situated in the same building as the Mint Museum, in the space formerly occupied by the restaurant E2.
- Rare Roots Hospitality: The restaurant is proudly part of the Rare Roots Hospitality family of restaurants, owned by Jon and Kim Dressler, who are well-known figures in the Charlotte dining scene.
- Significant Events/Initiatives: The “The Treatment” dining option has been linked to significant charitable work. Notably, the restaurant used this initiative to raise $12,000 for Mental Health America of the Carolinas. The restaurant also celebrates its anniversary annually, celebrating its sixth year of operation in April 2024.
Highlight Menu Items
Fin & Fino focuses on fresh, sustainably sourced seafood delivered daily.
- Raw Bar: The raw bar is a central attraction, offering a selection of oysters from various regions (e.g., Eastern Canada, New England, West Coast). For group indulgence, they offer spectacular seafood towers like the Tower of Power and the ultimate Penthouse, which includes oysters, shrimp, crab cocktail fingers, seafood salad, tuna crudo, and poached lobster tails.
- Signature Dishes and Customer Favorites:
- The Treatment: The server-guided tasting menu is consistently highlighted by customers as a “must-try” experience.
- Furikake Fries: Described as a signature item, these fries are served with kewpie mayo and furikake seasoning.
- Oysters: In addition to the raw bar, the Cajun Roasted Oysters and Bienville Oysters are popular cooked options.
- House-Made Pasta: The Lamb Rigatoni (made with house-made rigatoni and braised lamb) and the squid ink pasta have received praise.
- Desserts: The dessert recipes, including the New York-style Cheesecake, are recipes created by owner Jon Dressler’s mother.
Customer Feedback and Reviews
Fin & Fino boasts a high rating of 4.6 stars, with reviews consistently praising the dining experience:
- Food Quality: Customers describe the experience as a “sensational culinary journey,” praising the “unparalleled selection of impeccably prepared seafood,” and noting the “fresh flavors, impeccable presentation.”
- Service: The service is frequently called “impeccable,” with staff noted as being “highly knowledgeable, attentive,” and passionate about the food. One customer noted that a minor incident was “swiftly addressed and rectified” by the staff.
- Ambiance: The environment is praised for its “stylish and contemporary decor” and warm lighting, making it a place to “relax and savor every moment.”
Location and Contact Information
| Detail | Information |
| Address | 135 Levine Avenue of the Arts #100, Charlotte, NC 28202 |
| Phone Number | +1 704-800-5680 |
| Website | Fin & Fino Website |
| Social Media | Links to the restaurant’s social media channels can be found on their main website. |
| Google Maps Link | View on Google Maps |
The restaurant offers dine-in, takeout, curbside pickup, and delivery services. They are generally open for lunch and dinner, with dinner hours starting at 5:00 PM on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. They also feature amenities like reservable tables, outdoor seating, and a full bar with wine and craft cocktails.
