"With its exposed ductwork, black leather couches and gorgeous bar, Church and Union is without question Charlotte's sexiest restaurant. And the man in the kitchen, chef Jamie Lynch, is a big deal. The "Top Chef" alum was named best chef by Charlotte Magazine in 2018. Here, inside the ultra-cool boutique hotel The Ivey, his menu is confident and bold, with yellowfin tuna tater tots and spiffed-up steakhouse classics, including a tomahawk for two. Sides are served family-style and—with selections like Southern street corn and white truffle cheddar mac 'n' cheese—they're a main event unto themselves." - Nancy DePalma