Gallery Restaurant is a culinary gem tucked inside The Ballantyne, A Luxury Collection Hotel, just outside the city center of Charlotte, North Carolina. Years ago, it looked more like a scene from Steel Magnolias, what with its bright yellow dining room and oversized floral accents. While the food was exceptional, the décor overshadowed the work in the kitchen.
A massive renovation in 2013 left the restaurant looking like the innovative and sophisticated dining spot it was meant to be, one that serves inventive American cuisine with a farm-to-table bent.
A massive renovation in 2013 left the restaurant looking like the innovative and sophisticated dining spot it was meant to be, one that serves inventive American cuisine with a farm-to-table bent.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- Dark wood paneling and modern accents like oversize tufted banquets and all-white place settings prove to be an ideal backdrop for not only the innovative cuisine at the Charlotte restaurant but also the artwork.
- The 18 paintings on display were curated by nearby Shain Gallery to showcase various local, regional and national artists. The paintings are for sale and each provides diversity to the ultra-modern dining room.
- Chef de cuisine David Moore has crafted an updated menu that boasts an array of fresh, local ingredients used to create classic Southern dishes with twists.
- Gallery Restaurant also features a full bar, highlighted by an extensive wine list, North Carolina’s most celebrated and prestigious single malt scotch collection and a variety of original cocktails and martinis.
Things to Know
- Gallery Restaurant, a contemporary American eatery located inside The Ballantyne Hotel, is in the charming Ballantyne community in the heart of Charlotte, North Carolina.
- The Charlotte dining room is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.
- The dress code at Gallery for breakfast, lunch and dinner is business casual, but you’ll definitely want to spruce it up if you plan to dine in the evening. You are dining in a gallery after all.
- The best way to make a reservation at Gallery Restaurant is to call directly at 704-248-4100.
The Food
- Chef Moore’s local deviled hen eggs prove to be an innovative take on the traditional deviled eggs, this time served with pickled spring onions, rice masago, tomato gastrique and a touch of heat from chili sauce.
- Seemingly simple entrées like steak and eggs are elevated to the extraordinary. In this case, rich and tender black garlic-rubbed cap steak is served with a potato puree and smoked Kobe-shi poached quail eggs.
- For breakfast, order up farm-fresh eggs and breakfast sausage patties that are prepared in-house by the restaurant’s executive chef.
- For dinner, entrees like the braised short rib of beef (served with local grits, goat cheese and a house-made peach and barbecue sauce) and free-range chicken Trio 22 (buttermilk-fried breast, local apple stuffed thigh and leg confit) highlight the menu at Gallery Restaurant.
The Bar
- Gallery’s adjacent bar is a destination in and of itself. Oversized armchairs, dark wood paneling, coffered ceilings, and a backlit bar with sleek, leather stools make this place feel more like Manhattan than suburban Charlotte.
- With an impressive selection of Scotches, whiskeys, bourbons and cognacs, the bar has one of the best dark liquor offerings in town.
- There are more than 150 whiskey offerings alone, plus a Woodford Reserve Personal Selection bourbon created by The Ballantyne.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, try a whiskey-pairing menu — dishes like foie gras, smoked almond cake and pork belly are paired with various whiskeys to enhance each dish’s flavor.
Amenities
Bar
Breakfast
Brunch
Business casual
Dinner
Lunch
Outdoor seating
Private dining
Reservations recommended 
Self-parking
Getting There
