Tucked away in Charlotte’s hip South End, The Dunavant brings a fresh take on upscale dining. Since opening in 2020, this chic restaurant has earned a reputation for its creative menu, craft cocktails, and elegant yet approachable ambiance. The Dunavant excels at both intimate date nights and lively brunch gatherings. Its versatile space and outstanding service make it a standout.
The Dunavant: Unique Brunch Experience
Brunch at The Dunavant is nothing short of spectacular. The menu, abundant and varied, caters to all palates. The chicken over funnel cake and mimosas flights come highly recommended by patrons. However, this sought-after brunch spot fills up quickly, so reservations are a must. The Dunavant’s brunch is a testament to their ability to take traditional meals and elevate them into something truly special.
Sleek, Sophisticated Decor
Stepping into The Dunavant, guests are greeted by chic, modern decor. The dining room features a neutral color palette of creams and taupes contrasted by dark wood accents. Pops of greenery and geometric lighting fixtures add visual interest. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow natural light to flood the space by day while creating a voyeuristic street view by night.
Indoor and Outdoor Seating Options
The Dunavant offers both indoor and outdoor seating for their guests. Their outdoor area, particularly, is a great spot to enjoy beautiful weather. Regardless of where one chooses to sit, the vibrant energy of the place is palpable. The establishment is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate.
Creative Menu with Global Influences
The Dunavant’s menu showcases the talents of its culinary team through unique flavor combinations and the use of seasonal ingredients. Small plates like lobster mac and cheese or escargot provide perfect starters. Salads like the watermelon and feta refresh diners. Guests rave about the chicken and funnel cake, which features crispy buttermilk fried chicken served alongside a fluffy funnel cake with creative sauces like bacon caramel.
The dinner menu includes steaks cooked to perfection, fresh seafood like miso glazed salmon, and pastas such as black truffle mushroom. Sides ranging from asparagus to truffle fries allow for customization. The cocktail menu also impresses with its use of top-shelf spirits, fresh juices and garnishes. The Dunavant’s kitchen demonstrates creativity while letting the quality ingredients shine.
Signature Dishes and Custom Drinks
At The Dunavant, their signature dishes and drinks are a testament to their dedication to creative culinary artistry. The chicken and funnel cake, served with a choice of exquisite sauces, is a fan favorite. The mimosa flight, with flavors like watermelon and pineapple, is a refreshing accompaniment. It epitomizes The Dunavant’s ability to provide unique and delicious food and drink options.
Sunday Brunch Draws a Crowd
While dinner garners rave reviews, it’s The Dunavant’s Sunday brunch that generates major buzz. The brunch menu includes breakfast classics like steak and eggs alongside French toast, breakfast pizzas, and shrimp and grits. Diners love customizing bottomless mimosa flights with juices like watermelon, pineapple and grapefruit. Other brunch cocktails like the bacon bloody Mary tempt imbibers.
Long wait times are common but provide the opportunity to nosh on starters like bacon mac and cheese. The relaxing vibe makes waiting in the modern lounge or outdoor patio enjoyable. Groups of friends fill the tables, fueling a lively ambiance. For a high-end brunch experience, The Dunavant delivers.
Knowledgeable, Attentive Service
In addition to executing a menu that impresses, The Dunavant’s service team helps create a welcoming dining experience. The knowledgeable bartenders craft unique concoctions based on customers’ preferences. Servers make recommendations tailored to patrons’ tastes. They provide just the right level of attentiveness while letting diners enjoy their meals at their own pace.
Many team members have established regulars who they greet by name. Their personable, polished service matches the upscale but approachable environment. Management also earns praise for smoothly handling any issues that arise.
Service Excellence
In addition to their delectable menu, The Dunavant excels in providing exceptional service. The staff is praised for their attentiveness, ensuring that patrons always have a pleasant dining experience. They are quick to accommodate special requests, and they diligently keep everyone’s glasses filled.
The Dunavant: Special Occasion Destination
With its sleek atmosphere and outstanding food and drinks, The Dunavant makes a wonderful venue for celebrating special occasions in style. Couples appreciate the dim lighting and intimacy of the leather booths, while larger parties can take over the custom tables at the back dining room. Groups gather over brunch to toast birthdays or other milestones.
No matter the occasion, the kitchen prepares gorgeous dishes for sharing, and the bar shakes up festive cocktails. The polished service completes the upscale experience. The Dunavant provides the full package for marking life’s big moments.
The Dunavant: A Destination for Locals and Visitors
Since opening its doors, The Dunavant has attracted devoted regulars while also drawing new visitors enticed by its glowing reputation. Charlotte residents appreciate having an upscale dining and nightlife destination in the popular South End neighborhood. Groups meeting for after-work cocktails or weekend brunches find it suits their needs.
Out-of-town guests see The Dunavant as a can’t-miss restaurant to visit when in Charlotte. Its inventive cuisine and on-trend vibe feel indicative of the city’s evolving food scene. Both locals and visitors agree this relative newcomer has already established itself as a Charlotte go-to.
The Dunavant Atmosphere
The The Dunavant has a welcoming ambiance that is both clean and elegant. The neutral setting allows flexibility in attire, making it a great location for any occasion. Whether it’s a casual brunch or a celebratory dinner, The Dunavant provides an environment that enhances the overall dining experience.
The Verdict
For elevated yet accessible cuisine in an Instagram-worthy setting, The Dunavant delivers. Creative cocktails and a globe-trotting menu satisfy adventurous palates. Staples like the chicken and funnel cake demonstrate culinary skill while remaining comfortably familiar. The Dunavant manages to feel upscale without pretense.
The sleek atmosphere accommodates both intimate meals and spirited gatherings. Exceptional service completes the package. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a night out, The Dunavant provides an outstanding fine dining experience. It’s a worthy addition to Charlotte’s culinary landscape.
Summary
In conclusion, The The Dunavant is not just a restaurant; it’s an experience. From the unique and delicious food options to the well-curated drink list, and the exceptional service, it is the epitome of what a fine dining establishment should be. The ambiance adds to the overall feel, ensuring that every visit is memorable. Whether a first-time guest or a regular patron, every dining experience at The Dunavant is a culinary journey worth taking. The The Dunavant, truly a gem in the heart of Charlotte, is a testament to elegant dining at reasonable prices.