To date in Charlotte means to eat (and likely, drink) in Charlotte. Charlotte’s people — singles and couples — are brimming with a revitalized energy that matches the swift growth of this city. A date night deserves the same. From casual, unpretentious first date spots to put-a-ring-on-it special occasion stand-outs, Charlotte has no shortage of spots to set the mood.

So, time to play the field, flirt with flavor, meet the stylish new faces or cozy up with the charming classics…

On an idyllic Elizabeth Street corner lives the buzzy, candlelit Customshop. Some couples dine outside with small plates (like any of the three impressive crudo dishes) and a bottle of red for a relaxed street-style experience, while others pop inside to the granite bar or snug tabletops for pear butter burrata and a shiso lemongrass cocktail. Split whichever fresh catch that chef/owner Andres Kaifer grills that day, and conclude with his mom’s custardy flan recipe. It’s a menu that celebrates North Carolina’s produce, meat, and seafood (sourced from all of the purveyors listed at the bottom of the menu) with the technical style and romantic ambiance of coastal European fare.

Check out the list via Eater here.