I'm seconding your recommendation on the Collectors Cafe because I was there about three years ago. I Fell upon the place and boy was I very pleasantly surprised. You always expect beach towns to have "meh" food options or strictly family fare. Not the case with Collectors Cafe. It's upscale dining (and prices, be forewarned!) Creative and thoughtfully prepared. I recall gracious service to boot.

I'm going back to Myrtle this week with family and I'm thrilled the restaurant is still around. I'll be back! Those scallop cakes are still calling my name!

Yes. I was at this restaurant maybe three years ago. Glad to know it's still around as I will be there for a full week with family soon. This place is a sanctuary. When you see all that is wrong with this resort area, and then see the menu, and then taste the food, you will remember me and praise me.

And the scallop cake... oh my. I still have dreams.

This place shouldn't be in Myrtle, but it is! Run, don't walk... and remember my name in your prayers.

Because myrtle Beach is a vast culinary waste land without this place!

Josh opened up a 2nd restaurant on Hwy 321. "Josh's Fish, Fowl and Cow" I haven't been, but I like Josh's. The most "big city" presentation and original flavors in the area. So I hope his 2nd restaurant carries on with the trend.
Original Josh's: http://www.joshsonunionsquare.com/ind...
New Josh's: No website yet, but has a Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Joshs-...

Another small stand out in "Viewmont" off of Hwy 127 is a small restaurant called "Bistro 127". Chef uses seasonal, local and organic ingredients for the most part.
http://www.hickorybistro.com/

New Greek / Mediterranean Restaurant that I have not been to: "Santorini Grill " Also in Viewmont area off of Hwy 127.
http://santorinigrillnc.com/

I still like Youseff's.
http://youssef242.com/

Maybe more folks will contribute.

Report back where you go!!!

Good point on Japanese restaurants.

If you want authentic Japanese restaurant, try Umi's in Viewmont off of 127 (Cloninger Mill Rd) near the bridge to Bethlehem. The owner / chefs are from Japan and they don't serve everything with Shrimp Sauce or Sweet Carrots.

40 Cloninger Mill Rd NE
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 322-5511‎

They have a simplistic sushi menu. Nothing crazy creative nor extensive, but they do a good job with the basics. Their curry Katsu is TOO DIE FOR. The real deal...

I've had some creative, tasty sushi at Sakura's, too.

Little doubt in my mind that MMC didn't mean "dreadful"... maybe MMC meant: "While as a whole, Charlotte may not have as wide a variety of restaurants found in, say, So Cal, if you keep your mind open and enjoy what the locals do best, you'll be surprised. Fried Pickles for starters."

; )

FYI, I'm new to N Carolina and I'm not even in Charlotte... I'm in Hickory. Hick-o-ry! Having lived in a few major US cities and traveled fairly extensively internationally, I'm still getting challenged to live in a small town with one authentic Japanese restaurant and NO Indian restaurants at all. BUT! Do I have the glorious exposure to Western Carolina BBQ, both Sliced & chopped versions? HELL YEAH! And what about the sublime "All the Way Burger" experience. Browned, slightly crisp Livermush served eggs and grits. YUM!

MMC - I hope you are exploring and challenging yourself to find what's new for your tastebuds in your new home in Queens City.

I've traded in decent fresh pita and "real bagels" for amazing homemade biscuits. It's a trade off I can live with considering I still travel and get my fix of the foods I miss!

Charlotte Restaurant : Nolen Kitchen & CRESCENT BAR AND LOUNGE

I've been here twice and I plan to return. This place is REALLY good. Fresh prepared / fresh ingrediants and perfect service with a heck of a wine list. Ok - The Guiness is served in bottles, but other than that, you can't beat the upscale swank of this place in little old Charlotte! Prices are really reasonable considering in a more urban sophisticated city they would probably be about 33% more! Ambience is fetching too!

Favorite Dish: Fried calamari rocks. Sandwiches are good (I had the curry chicken sandwich). I had a risotto that was pretty decent. Their Sweet Potato Bisque was heaven unequaled. Consider this if you are looking for fine upscale food in a small quaint southern city. Good enough to be in Chicago or Boston. Good... and attentive service to match!

Theme: Eclectic/International
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$21-30 per person
Phone: 704-372-1424
Address: 2839 Selwyn Avenue Charlotte, NC 28209
About a 12 minute drive from Tryon and 3rd. Worth finding!
Website: www.nolenkitchen.com