PARA Charlotte

This was our first time here. We managed to get great seats at the bar where we recieved excellent service from Porsha. We went on a Wednesday night where they had hookahs for 1/2 off and Don Julio for $10, and Don Julio 1942 for $20. We tried out a few apps, all which are we delicious 😋. I recommend the spinach dip, the crabcakes, the wings in Thai Chilli, and the pork dumplings! If I could've eaten more..I would have. Also too they had a live dj @stay.greased who was popping off 90s mixes all night! All the vibes were met here! What really sealed the deal for us was the kindness of the staff, including the GM and Owner! If you haven't been here...you're missing out! I strongly suggest making a reservation, it stayed packed. If you are planning a party I suggest calling, they have movable tables and they have booths, but I don't know how many it can accommodate.

Tried Para fo the first time during restaurant week. It was a good experience. The food and the service were good. We read previous reviews and knew about the automatic 20% gratuity so it was not a problem. With that being said their is always room for human error but with automatic gratuity there should be a certain level of service to be expected. When my entree came I had to grab silverware from another table after waiting over 5 minutes for the server, they forgot the chimichurri sauce for the steak entree, and drinks were only refilled once without being asked. For those reasons I wouldn't return but glad I did get to try it at least once.

Let me just start off by saying this restaurant has an amazing ambiance. The DJ had the music going and he was on point the entire night, the dimmly lit tables, perfect. When we arrived, the hostess was pleasant and sat us down right away (we had reservations.) Our server arrived 7 minutes later with waters and said he would be back. He took another 10 minutes to come back for our drink orders. I got a Dusse side car, my friend got an old fashioned. The drinks were amazing! We weren’t feeling too hungry so we got light shareables, the fried calamari, and short rib dumplings. Both amazing, 10/10. Our waiter, however, seemed frazzled and overwhelmed the entire night. He was very forgetful and as we were sat on the outside patio we just didn’t understand why he was bouncing between inside and outside. Just to set the scene a bit, our drinks and appetizers came at the same time. He was nice but the service was very slow and believe we would’ve enjoyed the night a lot more if he was more active. The hookah girl was very sweet as well and quick, but the hookah was overstuffed so the flavor seeped into the water as we gradually smoked. Overall, Para was an amazing vibe, with great drinks, and amazing food. We would return.

Atmosphere was a vibe. Food was not good. Only thing I recommend was the jerk chicken appetizer and the chicken wings. Drinks were not good. Old fashion was barely smoked. Hookah was not pulling at all. Steak was rare not medium well. The only thing that was good was the DJ. PAYED 430 with 20 percent gratuity included even though the service was terrible. Payed an additional 65 dollars for three shots of casamigos. I don’t recommend.

This spot has an amazing atmosphere, a fantastic location in South End, and an outstanding staff—definitely worth checking out. We stopped in for drinks and ended up ordering every appetizer on the menu, and I have no regrets. Since we made late reservations, patio seating was our only option, but with heaters overhead and pleasant weather, it turned out to be perfect. The place was packed inside and out, a clear sign that it’s a local favorite. It was my first visit, but I’m already looking forward to booking another reservation soon!

The food is okay, I think I need to give them a third try! I think the vibe is cool and the atmosphere overall is also nice. They have good music as well. I’d definitely come back here for a calm girls night or date night

My first time coming here. The food was great. They had a special of the day 10oz ribeye with a lobster tail for $50 can’t beat that. Everything was cooked well and flavorful. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone especially couples or friends going out. The parking isn’t that great id advise carpooling if you can.

The place is superrrr cute, love the vibe and drinks. Absolutely insta worthy ambiance however, the food is a little lackluster. Considering the price range and location I was hoping for more out of the dishes. We got stakes and pasta and some appetizers. The jerk chicken karaage were delicious probably the best things we had. The stake was stake, it was good stake nothing much can be said about that…. But the pasta??? Man it was so mild, the menu said it’s a “spicy rigatoni” but all you taste is mild “basic” tomato sauce.. I say “basic” in opposition to acidity like usually with pasta you have creamy + acidity form the tomato sauce + the spices specifically when advertised as “spicy” but it was not that. Again, super cute place and okay food but would not recommend the pasta.

An unforgettable experience at Para! If you have never been to PARA, seriously....RUN....don't walk! It's located in the Southend neighborhood of Charlotte and you are guaranteed to have an amazingly memorable time dining here! Inside, you'll find a chic atmosphere with very modern touches. The food is phenomenally good, with a variety of options to choose from. Make sure to try the calamari as an appetizer, the perfectly seasoned lambs chops as your main, and a side of well-seasoned brussels! The drinks were also amazing! I'm an Old Fashioned guy and they have a variety of them - both regular and two versions with tequila! They do not miss! A major highlight was talking to their amazing Mixologist, Richard, who has been featured in Charlotte's Axios. He's the reason the drinks are ! Make the stop at PARA today and go on an unforgettable dining journey!

They have changed the menu a bit, to cater to the new demographic around the area - but I must add that it's still delicious. The lamb chops will drover be my favorite- now it comes with fries, not mad at it. Service was excellent - she was kind, patient and all around good. The ambiance was quiet as we went in a Saturday at 5:30pm, right as they were opening.

Nice decor inside and a very nice vibe. They did have some good music playing. It's very dimly lit inside so it's hard to see a bit if you're looking at the menu. There is also outside seating but it was chilly outside when I went. I think this place has alot of potential but they're just trying to hard to be an "upscale" spot. The menu items for food were confusing and the descriptions didn't match the items. I'd say the edamame was very good, I also tried their crab rangoons which I wouldn't suggest to order, the rangoons werw coated in a pretzel type bread and a weird cheese sauce. The drinks that we had were good and the bartender was nice. The old fashioned was well made but it was listed as a regular old fashioned and not a smoked old fashioned so I was surprised when it came out. Simple things weren't described. I'd only grab drinks here nect time and eat somewhere else.

The drinks were amazing! They've got a decent selection of mocktails too. The service was good, however, it did feel like our waitress was bothered by us despite needing minimal help over the evening. I would've liked to see more variety in the small plates. The food we had was delicious. I absolutely hated the fact that they put the spicy crab on top of these pebbles in a dark restaurant. They looked like legumes because it was dark and half the table accidentally chewed on rocks.

This restaurant is a gem in south end. The menu was recently overhauled, so if you been before, go again! We had a party of 4 on a Saturday night and had a great experience from the moment we arrived to the last bite of our skillet cookie for dessert. Our server, Sky, was amazing! She was friendly, engaging and helpful with questions and recommendations. We all had drinks from the bar, and they were hands down some of the best drinks we've ever had (try the litchy limone for sure). Our favorite appetizer was the crab rangoon dumplings and the entree of the night was the short ribs. All were just great! The menu was recently updated, so make sure to go check it out, you'll be glad you did!

Para is to cute! I go for the crag rangoon buns and the drinks!! The service is always great! I recommend for small plates!!

Wish I could do 3.5 stars. Love the NYC/LA vibe of Para. The black, white & gold tiles are the bomb. It's really dark so a touch more lighting would be great. Our server was fantastic and made sure those dinky glasses for water were continually filled. Now the meal - really enjoyed the watermelon poke w/not sure what the little "feta" balls were. Shrimp rolls talk about a small plate. Mostly bread not much shrimp. The lamb meatballs were tasty. If you're looking for a little spice the lamb meatballs have that kick. It's subtle but getting 3/4 the way thru definitely put them aside for dessert. The grits the meatballs came w/need a little TLC. I encountered instead of smooth creamy grits really lumpy and in some cases really chunky. A bit skeptical of the Wagyu. It's American w/no grade on the menu. Tasted like run of the mill NY Strip. Not anything I needed to pay extra for. Maybe it was for restaurant week but the entree portions were definitely entree sized and not small plate. Dessert was the really rich ice cream scope of chocolate cheesecake. It was divine. Now the not so great - unisex restaurants w/area mats down and it smelled like a porta potty. Definitely need more diffusers or not one but 2 glass automatic scent releasers.

Cute little spot in South End! Tucked back a bit from the rail trail, but an easy walk closest to East/West station. We stopped in for drinks after dinner on a Friday. It wasn't particularly busy, many tables occupied but definitely seats available. I think they prefer you make a reservation, so we were not able to sit on the patio. The bar was nice though! I chose the caffe Reggio Emilia, which was delicious! It was also very creative, being topped with cheese. Don't knock it til you try it! Service was solid, our bartender was friendly and helpful with our questions. Parking may be a challenge, as there are lots around but they will fill up. Typical of south end. It's a little pricey, but definitely a great vibe and worth the splurge on occasion! We will be back!

Really enjoyed our evening at Para! I was a little nervous based on the reviews, but I was pleasantly surprised. I will agree that it's pricey for what you're getting, but we knew that going in which helped. My favorite part was how creative the menu was. Examples... an espresso martini with Parmesan cheese in it, a whiskey sour with sesame oil, Korean pasta carbonara, etc. For drinks, I ordered the Paul Wall and loved it. You don't often see tequila and egg white together, but it was great. For food, we ordered the short rib dumplings, spicy salmon, broccoli, and kimchi carbonara. They also brought us a complimentary watermelon wonton dish which was delicious. My 2 favorites were the broccoli and carbonara. The only dish I wouldn't order again is the short rib dumplings. They weren't bad, but a little dry. If you're looking for a unique tapas experience (and willing to spend a little more than average...!), Para is your place!

Drove all the way from Michigan to check this place out and it far exceeded any expectations. Not only was the food such a great experience, but our group sat at the bar and the service was just fun the whole way through. Location: stunning part of town, the location has outdoor seating which was super popular. Inside is just as gorgeous. Dark and sexy mood but not too dark where you can't enjoy the company Food: easily one of the best dining experiences I've had. The flavors of each dish was unique and we ordered enough to sample everything. Personal favorites were the hot poppers (not sure what the actual name is), lobster bisque (has a spicy kick to it), cauliflower, and the shrimp special. There was not a single plate we sent back empty. So good and surprisingly filling. Really enjoyed the drink options -- friends had alcoholic drinks. I had mocktaiks and highly recommend the Respresso in a mocktail version. My stomach already misses this place.

I chose this place to pre-celebrate our V-Day dinner last night... First of all, the place had a VERY dark ambiance...almost black. The place was quite small/compact...but their mirror really helped in making the place feel a bit bigger. Still, for some reason, I wasn't too impressed with their decor. The overhead music wasn't my fave either...but at least they had one! Still, the place definitely had a city vibe...which I appreciated. One more negative...all the tables were squeezed in together, making it not-so-comfy. Plus, the tables were too small. Again, I don't understand how a place like this that specialize in small plates can have such small tables. It just doesn't make sense to me. Because of the tiny tables, they could only bring out a few plates at a time. It's probably just my pet peeves, but I just don't like tiny tables...or claustrophobic dining environments. Now the good part...the FOOD!! We ordered about 8 small plates to share. Our favorites were the Lobster Shooters and the Short Rib Dumplings, but also really liked the unusual Crab Rangoon and Lobster Toast. Korean Street Corn was good, but nothing to write home about (and overpriced for what it was)...and the Tempura wasn't what we expected (but then, we didn't read the print in detail lol). This Tempura (Fried Pepper) dish really grew on us though. We also shared their Chocolate Creme Brulee for dessert...and as expected, quite yummy! BTW, they even offered this cute complimentary appetizer...quite tasty and unusual! Overall, I loved the foods here. So innovative and eclectic (global fusion?)... plus, nicely presented as well, some that can be described as "food art". The drinks were a bit underwhelming. I tried this "Blue Moon", supposedly one of their more colorful, fancy drinks...and it wasn't really all that...in both taste or presentation. Lastly, the service here was excellent. Our waitress was Gabby, and she was not only friendly and attentive, but great at explaining all the drinks in detail. If based on the foods and the service, I would gladly give this place 5 stars. However, I just didn't love the small table, and the super-tight seating situation. Plus the super-black ambiance with Blaaah overhead music didn't help. Overall, I still really liked this place...and would gladly return to try more items on their menu...if not repeat those yummy Lobster Shooters and Short Rib Dumplings!

I like to give new spots a couple months before I visit them so they have time to work out the kinks first. It took us a bit to make it here. My husband and I went with another couple and we shared: - Jax'd Up - Spice Girl - Lobster Shooter - Crab "Rangoon" - Korean Street Corn - Short Rib Dumplings - Lobster Toast - Gnudi My favorite thing, hands down, was the Crab Rangoon. It's not a normal Crab Rangoon, but it was absolutely delicious. I also enjoyed the Korean Street Corn. The rest was good, but nothing stood out. My biggest issue with all of it, was that nothing was warm. It seemed to all come out right when it was ready, so it's weird to me that it was borderline cold. I feel like this spot has potential, but it was a bit disappointing for us.

After waiting for Para to settle into South End, I've finally given it a try and have come back multiple times now. I love the ambiance and really enjoy the small plates. And the drinks?! GIMME a cheers. The fun dishes and tasty drinks keep me coming back. After waiting for @paraclt to settle into South End, I've finally given it a try and have come back multiple times now. I love the ambiance and really enjoy the small plates. And the drinks?! GIMME a cheers If these are on the menu, you MUST order them: - Cheesesteak -- onion purée, pickled mushroom, chive, and perfectly cooked wagyu on top of a perfectly toasted slice of bread - Crab Rangoon -- fried steam bun, miso ginger sauce, pickled vegetables - Milk Bread PB&J -- peanut butter, Foie Gras, and berry jam - Lobster Shooter with a chunk of Maine lobster. $1 of this shooter is donated to @its4thekids Foundation! If you recognize a lot of servers here, that's because they came over from The Stanley after it closed. The chef at Para, Alex Verica, is the son of Paul Verica (best known to Charlotteans as the James Beard recognized creator of The Stanley restaurant, which used to be in Elizabeth).

Para is a great experience from the moment you walk in. The ambiance is unique with dimly lit lighting and great music playing throughout the restaurant. The service is great. The servers are always knowledgeable about the menu and provide great recommendations. I have been to Para a dozen times and have never had a bad dish. With a rotating menu, you have ample opportunity to try new dishes regularly. My only request would be to make the crab rangoons and some form of watermelon tuna year round menu items. This past visit, some of the dishes I enjoyed the broccoli, spicy salmon, lobster rolls, and kimchi pasta and all four dishes were excellent.

Decided to come by and finally try this place after hearing so many great things. Definitely did not disappoint! They also have a parking lot, which was helpful, bc parking in south end can be a challenge. Joanna, our server was so friendly and warm. The hostess was very sweet as well. Didn't have a reservation but luckily was able to enjoy their patio which a nice since it was warm but rainy evening. It was somewhat busy for a Monday dinner, but seemed like everything was moving efficiently. We didn't have to wait long for our food which was a plus. Now for the food: we decided to try a few dishes, that's why I love tapas style dining. Sharing is caring!Small but decent size portions. We ordered the crab ragoon, Korean street corn, king crab, lobster toast and gnudi(Joanna's recommendation) every thing was spectacular. Tasty but leaves you wanting more lol the most surprising was the enudi and crab ragoon. I'm not a fan of goat cheese but this gnocchi(enudi) was amazing! The crab ragoon did not come in the traditional fried, crispy egg roll skin that I'm used to. It came in a small, somewhat fried bread bun. Unconventional, but still very good! This was my bfs fav. It's a bit on the pricey size, but well worth the quality of ingredients. Will definitely come back to enjoy the rest of their menu and course menu!

Decided to visit to celebrate a friend's birthday. We both want to try the newest restaurant in town. I heard mixed reviews and thought it was a visit. The space was very small inside. They have a large covered patio. Reservation: Required. Walk-ins maybe available to sit at the bar. Parking: Valet parking is available. You can also try street parking or the deck about two blocks away Cocktail: Espresso Martini. I was not happy about the size of the martini glass (very small) but it was DELICIOUS. It was one of the BEST espresso martinis I ever had. I had to order two l. 5/5 Lamb chops: I ordered medium well. The lamb chops were over cooked. Very disappointing 2/5 Cheesesteak: was NOT good at all 1/5 Crab Rangoon: it was a soft dough with crab filling drizzled in honey. My mouth was so confused with the flavor. The outside tasted like a donut but the inside was seafood. Not a good combination of flavor in my opinion. Our waitress was knowledgeable about the menu and friendly. Overall, I loved the drinks but disliked the menu. I would not go back.

Decided to join a few friends on Sunday for dinner. This just so happened to be the last night of Queens Feast Restaurant Week. The server was extremely nice however he did let us know if one person wanted the restaurant week menu we would all have to order off that menu. However we could add additional apps. I was pretty disappointed with that seeing as my choice should not be forced due to someone else. None the less the service was amazing and the food was spot on. I enjoyed the atmosphere and ambiance of the restaurant. And amazing place for a girls night out or date night vibe.

I came on a Friday night and really enjoyed the ambiance here. The restaurant is dimly lit, aesthetically pleasing, and had a fun playlist on. It is a great size as well, not too big and and has additional outdoor seating, which appeared to be heated. Perfect night out restaurant for a cool atmosphere and dinner/drinks. We were gifted a complimentary dish, which was nice as well. I really enjoyed the crab rangoon. The restaurant is in Southend, so as expected, you should plan to either valet, park in a garage, or search for parking.

I have been wanting to try this place out for quite some time and glad I finally made it there. This place is a big reservation place. Doesn't seem like they take very many walk ins so be prepared to wait or be comfortable with bar seating. We got there without reservations around 6 and no one was at the bar, but within 20 mins it was completely packed. The service starting out was really good and the bartender was super attentive, but it got too busy for them to properly take care of all bar seats being filled. Ok, I know what you're thinking... can we skip to the good part... THE FOOD?! Sure, let's do it! The one thing you cannot miss is the Lamb Chops, holy cow they literally melted in your mouth and were bursting with flavor. My friends and I decided next time we would all be getting our own and not splitting they were that good!! (There were 3 to the order) The crab Rangoon was interestingly delightful. It was almost like a fried pastry, so not your typical crab Rangoon "shell", but let me tell you it did not disappoint! It was really good with a flavor to not be forgotten. (There were 3 to the order) The ravioli was good, but not amazing. Lots of ingredients packed in, but could have still used another step up in the spice/flavor as it was fairly bland. Still delicious, but not sure I have to have it again. (There were 4 to the order) The short rib dumplings were a little spicier than expected and the flavor was lacking, it was probably my least favorite thing on the menu we tried. I love short ribs but unfortunately I don't think I would recommend this to other short rib lovers, as there are other things on the menu that are better or worth the try instead. (There were 4 to the order) The wine menu was FABULOUS! Lots of great selection that any wine lover, regardless of your connoisseur level, would enjoy! I did not have any cocktails, but my friends did and they loved them. They were pretty too! All in all, I'll be back! Although some items are a little pricey for what you get compared to similar restaurants with the same vibe, I did like the experience and quality of food and drinks. However, I will be making a reservation!

They tried- it wasn't terrible but was not good and will not be back. My husband and I both walked out saying we did not feel good after eating there. Food felt heavy and over sauced, fried etc. also not a big selection of food for small plates that you are going to want to get 4-5 plates. So many good places in Charlotte, I wouldn't waste my time here.

Para specializes in creative cocktails and small sharable plates. It is located in the busy South End area and is very unique to the area. They have two parking lots adjacent which can be full depending when you go, there is also street parking close. The ambiance is really nice, it feels upscale with the dimmed lights, full length mirrors with adjustable lighting going to the bathrooms. This is also a place people go to celebrate an occasion or go to right before going out for the night so everyone is usually dressed nice which goes with the ambiance. The patio area is awesome, it is huge, heated and covered. On a nice day I prefer to sit out here. The service is really good as well, they start you off with a complimentary small plate which changes week to week. The drinks are some of the best in the city. The food menu does change seasonal my favorite is the pork belly and short rib dumplings. The larger plates are not that large to me so do not expect to get a full meal with one of them. You are better off ordering multiple small plate options. The desserts are delicious the matcha cheesecake is my favorite. The halo halo is great as well, can't go wrong with either dessert.

What can I say besides Para really surprised me . I honestly thought it was going to be just another beautiful restaurant with sub par food . Boy did they prove me wrong . They are located dead smack in the middle of south end area . They were previously Zepplin restaurant. We arrived right at 5pm of opening . Online we tried to book but they were totally booked up so we decided to chance it and sit at the bar . Our plan worked and we were in the building . It's super nice inside from the lights, plants inside and out , just the entire set up was plush . One of my favorite bartenders Yoshi bartends here so I knew we were in for a treat . Every cocktail she recommend was everything we asked for and more . They started us off with an amuse Bouche before some of our dishes came out . Which for those that may not know is a small complimentary appetizer offered before dinner . Every dish we ordered was absolutely divine. We looked mostly forward to the lobster shooters , just because I mean who all can say they had lobster shooters ? Well we can now lol . That was somewhat the hi lite of our night . Out of all the dishes we ordered I'm going to have to say the tuna crude, lobster toast , &. Lamb chops were my fav . Is this somewhere I'm absolutely crazy about ? No , but I would definitely come back for sure I feel like Para is more cocktail driven . So if you're Looking to step into somewhere nice for drinks and have dinner while there Para will take you there . Don't forget to go check out the cool mirrors before entering the bathrooms & the bathroom itself is clutch , for god sakes it's a black sleek toilet that makes you feel like royalty and the toilet paper should be 14 karat gold . Yup that's how I feel about that bathroom . Para passes the vibe , ambiance and more check so check them out asap if you can pull of a reservation due to them always being booked since opening date .

Welp! Another one! Para is adorable, the food is delicious, the service we received from Ricky was fantastic. He was super knowledgeable of the menu and very attentive and nice. The interior is very swanky and has fun decor. I loved the food we ordered as well. We tried: -Lobster shooter: so good and just the right amount for a nice taste and currently $1 of it is going towards a charity, amazing! - Crab rangoon: this is a fav for me always and Para's version of it was very different. From texture to taste, but I still enjoyed it. - Cabbage Gratin: this was an interesting dish, it was good but not really my cup of tea. I actually like veggies and can live without cheese. So, I'd have preferred some regular sauteed cabbage. I know I'm crazy lol. Still good though. - Oddly, my FAV item was a complimentary amuse they were giving to all guests for their grand opening: "Tuna" Crudo, which is really watermelon crudo and DELICIOUS! I didn't have any cocktails, but they looked amazing and lots of folks were ordering up the bar. It was pretty dark in there for good pics lol. But great for atmosphere. Great service and amazing music LOL. I couldn't stop singing and dancing. Can't wait to go back. Welcome Para!

If you're looking for a place with great music, delicious small bites, amazing selfie mirrors, and an overall "cool vibe" this is the place! Order the lobster shooters, lobster toast, short rib dumplings, and my all time favorite- crab rangoons! They also make a great mocktail. I know they have just changed their menu and some newer dishes have been added and others replaced, so I'll be looking forward to my next reservation soon!

I have only been here once & late night, but will definitely be back for more! Visited last weekend on a LATE Saturday night with my 3 girl friends. We were on the lookout for a place that would serve us espresso martinis and could not find a place that was open past midnight. Alas, we came across Para that was open until 2 AM. One of my friends has dined here before, so she vouched for it. We sat at the bar and were attended to by the bartender almost immediately. We ordered 3 espresso martinis & let me tell you...probably one of the BEST espresso martinis I have ever had in my life. I don't like other martinis (haven't tried that many) solely because they taste like straight alcohol and TBH, I can't handle that anymore at this age. I like my drinks to taste good even if that means a little simple syrup is added to them. This espresso martini was so smooth, that I wanted to drink another. But, it was my night cap, and I honestly had enough. But, I absolutely cannot wait to visit Para again, this time for a sit down meal, however, I have no doubts that it will blow my mind. Recommend 100%!

I had to try the Crab Rangoon because it's not your typical but was still delicious. This version is a crab bun vs crispy wonton. Very good and filling for a small plate. I also ordered the Short Rib Dumplings. Would definitely get again. Between the two plates, I left feeling full. You absolutely MUST get the Japanese Shaved Ice in the cold brew flavor. Tasted just like Tiramisu. Never Lychee Go was a lychee version of a Moscow Mule. The decor is a definite upgrade from Zeppelin's - RIP. My only dislikes were the Lobster Shooter which had good flavor but it was small and came with only "a tease" of lobster. The food was good but I can't help but feel like Charlotte doesn't need anymore small plate restaurants. Smaller plates for the same big plate price.

Service was great food was fantastic. We were fortunate to walk in and get a table... make a Reservatio!!!

All I can say is wow! I am so glad we decided to have brunch here on our drive through Charlotte. It definitely has club vibes during the day on the weekend but we got in early before the untz started. The decor in this place is top notch. Wonderful atmosphere and really cool design palette. Their cuisine is a mix of everything and seems to have no specific parameters. For example, I got the Pork Belly Grits and my girls friend got Crab Bao Buns. Both were really good but could not have been more different. They also both came with home fries, which were good but, again eclectic. My girlfriend also got a Summertime Sadness cocktail that was very spicy. The drink menu seemed inventive and interesting for a brunch spot. This one, however, was very spicy. Come here for dinner or brunch! It is definitely upscale. Would probably make a great date spot.

I've been wanting to try Para since they opened, and finally got the chance while celebrating a friend's birthday on a Monday night. Ambience: Located in South End on Tremont (which is very busy), next to Bang Bang Burgers. While small on the inside, this place is A WHOLE VIBE. From the lush garden inspired exterior to the dimly lit dining bar area, the sexy, upscale tone is set from the moment you walk in. The service: It was packed, especially for a Monday night, but we were seated rather quickly. The service is top notch. Our server and Yosh (the resident mixologist) were very attentive. The goods: The food and drinks here take it to another level! The menu is small, but the options are amazing. Everything from dumplings to lamb chops. Potions are small, almost tapas style. So keep that in mind. We ordered lamb chops, short rib dumplings, lobster toast and crab ragoons. Everything was fantastic. The lamb was well seasoned and tender. The dumplings were hearty. The lobster toast was absolutely beautiful, and delicious. And the ragoons were unique. Almost like a fried doughnut, stuffed with crab. The main reason we visited was for the cocktails. Yosh is the best mixologist in Charlotte. She is so skilled at creating unique flavor profiles with stunning presentations. My friends opted for wine, while I had the Para old fashioned (which she smoked table side), and the Make it crane (garnished with a beautiful origami crane). We can not wait to come back, sit at the bar and soak in the vibe. I may have found my new spot!

This is my second time here and I am just not impressed. For the price and size of each dish, there should be less flaws. We got the short rib dumplings, spicy salmon, lobster shooters, and carbonara. The dumpling wrap was too thick, and overall just alright. The salmon was lacking flavor and the rice that it sat on was mush. The lobster shooter was creamy and flavorful, I would order that again-- and honestly they should make that a bigger dish because it is one of the better things we ordered. I also did enjoy the carbonara, it tasted unique. It had tang, creaminess, and spice all at the same time. The service was good but the food didn't do it for me.

Service was great. Started with the lobster shooters which were amazing, nice and whipped. The special drink, watermelon cucumber punch was refreshing and not too sweet and the poke... omg... sooo good. Great experience overall happening upon this restaurant.

I really wanted to love this restaurant but our experience fell short in almost every way. Upon our arrival we checked into the host stand (reservation for 3) and when I asked for both menus so we could choose additional items, I was told I had to choose either the full menu, or restaurant week menu(the entire table has to participate in one or the other). After having to reiterate twice and assuring her we wanted to all be involved in Queens Feast AND order more from the main menu, she finally gave us both menus and sat us. Waters were brought over and I ordered a Pinot Noir and two apps from the main menu. Once more, stopped in my tracks by the server who says I have to choose one menu or the other. I said we already spoke to someone and it would be fine to order additional items so long as all three of us were participating in the $45 prix fixe option. She repeats herself AGAIN and after I insisted she went back to ask THE SAME PERSON WE ASKED IN THE FIRST PLACE...clearly I became a bit frustrated. We have lived in Charlotte for over 15 years, frequent this event and have worked in the Charlotte restaurant and service industry for a decade and I don't understand why this would even be an issue because we're spending more and excited to try a new place! Both menus are available. We're already spending $45/person x 3ppl -- why can't we eat more food why I'm here? Server returns to repeat AGAIN as if they're doing us the favor "they(didn't specify who gave her direction and a decision--was it a manager, a lead server?) said you could order more as long as everyone at the table chooses the restaurant week menu too." Wonderful, now that we had that settled we FINALLY put our order in and I went ahead and canceled the Short Rib Dumplings, hoping it would lessen the time before any food was brought to the table. It just seems as if there was no communication amongst the staff and definitely no communication to the patrons coming in to dine. We all chose the following(an app, entree, and dessert): Main menu: * Lobster Toast - $18 [dry chopped up lobster on burnt toast and caviar...can we talk about this serving size?....it was a disappointment...we couldn't taste anything beyond the burnt milk bread and I could say the aioli was nonexistent in ours.] Appetizer: * "Crab Rangoons" (2) - [these were still cold and the filling absorbed into the bun so it just tasted like fried sweet bread,the sauce on the side was DELICIOUS however, and it came with 2 pieces - not sure why it's called "Crab Rangoon"....it doesn't resemble one at all. I tasted no crab/cream cheese...why fry a steam bun when it adds no crisp? So many questions... * Burrata (1) - [halved cherry tomatoes on a plate with half a small portion of burrata - can't really mess this one up but it could have definitely used a dressing or balsamic to give it flavor--definitely could make this at home for a fraction of the price, order something else] Entree: * Ravioli (1) - [3 or 4 small ravioli in a watered down sauce--we found this flavorless and definitely not enough to be considered an entree] * 8oz Eye of Rib Eye (2) - [over salted steak(although our temperatures were cooked perfectly) and inconsistent cuts and plating across multiple plates, carrots were so salty we couldn't eat them, the sesame eggplant purée was unpleasant in texture/flavor/color, and luckily our tiny tiny piece of bok choy was barely sautéed and added so we were able to eat a vegetable on the plate.] Dessert: * Japanese Castella (1) - [essentially a small slice of white cake - the best of the three options] * Fernet Kakigori (1) * Watermelon Kakigori (1) [these last two desserts are just shaved ice and flavored syrups with some nuts...doesn't taste anything like traditional Kakigori as there wasn't enough flavoring on any of ours. I'm just disappointed that flavorless shaved ice is being served during a $45-3 course meal] I have never had an experience like this at a restaurant. Waters weren't filled because our server was never around. I made eye contact with other servers and none came over to check on us--was there any leadership there at all? We were itching for just ONE PERSON to make the experience memorable or pleasant but service, food, and overall experience was not what we were expecting for a family dinner on a Monday night. I could understand if it was busier because of the weekend or Queen's Feast but I fear it's just lack of attentiveness. Last but not least -- terrible experience and no warning with a SURPRISE 20% auto gratuity for LARGE PARTY.....we had 3 people at our table and just went ahead and signed the check, we couldn't get out of there quick enough. Sad this visit ended the way it did and we most likely won't be returning.

PROS: - Staff was amazing - Music was AWESOME! - Loved the patio seating - Parking was easy and accessible - The lamb chops were good (tried my friend's) CONS: - I was NOT a fan of the menu (selections) - The food was not filling (yes I understand this is a small plates establishment but it was overpriced and not worth it - AT ALL!) - I ordered the chip & dip (overpriced onion dip) and the crab Rangoon sliders (they were cool - ended up ordering two servings because the chip and dip was a joke) I would come back for the drinks and the music only...*shrugs*

Came in on a Wednesday night and really enjoyed my time here! We had early reservations and they filled up quickly so I highly suggest making them! The Good: as we all know, the aesthetics are a vibe. I don't have IG so if not for this review, my pics would be wasted. Gorgeous place, food, drinks - all of it. Service was great for the most part, too! We ordered 7 out of their 16 menu items and really enjoyed everything. Our favs were the Cheesesteak, Crab Rangoon, Short Rib Dumplings, and Ravioli. Loved the flavors and high-quality ingredients. The Meh: it took a while for our server to greet us (we came early before the rush) but once they did, they were consistently on it. Liked the Tuna Tartare but it was probably my least favorite of the 7. Might be good to add some toasted bread of some kind as the tartare was by itself. Same with the Burrata. The Bad: as some have mentioned, these are SMALL, Maybe-I-Shouldn't- Share plates. Usually I'm not deterred by the concept of tapas and small plates since I don't eat huge amounts but, we kept ordering more because we were still so hungry! $200 later, we finally felt satisfied in the belly but not so much the wallet. Definitely more than I was expecting to spend. While the food is delicious and quite obviously uses high-quality ingredients, I do feel it's a bit overpriced. If the prices came down a bit on both the food and cocktails (those range from $15-$17), I'd be there often. All in all, a great place with a great vibe. Don't come starving like we did or be prepared to fork out $$$. Will definitely be back for light drinks and a couple of dishes but not as my main dinner.

Ah, I wanted to fall in love with PARA. But, PARA leaves just a bit to be desired with their food selections. I'm a huge fan of a great tapas restaurant. Who doesn't love the option of a little this and a little that for your palate? Where PARA lacks in cuisine it makes up for it in atmosphere. The patio is spacious and well-situated for people watching and taking in a bit of sun. After nightfall, the patio transitions into the space with the ambience for a great date. Albeit it small and quaint, great attention was given to the aesthetic of PARA. Their bathroom has me on a hunt for the stunning wallpaper for my own space. Our waitress was very knowledgeable. I loved the second version of my Mez Me with That cocktail, as the first was far too spicy. The food was good, but quite overpriced for the portion size and quality level. I am all for great culinary presentation but it must match flavor and quality...this is where PARA falls flat.

I came with my friends for a girls day to start the new year and was greeted by the bartender Kayla and she was wonderful the whole time. She made me a starboy (cocktail) and it was so good! Great music and vibey atmosphere.

Para is off to a strong start but could use some fine tuning to their menu and flavors to achieve the necessary balance. What we ordered for a group of 4 (and it felt like enough food) - lobster shooter: tasty, good piece of lobster meat - crab rangoon: not as much crab as there should be but really good overall - tempura: the mushrooms were tasty but none of us liked the weird broccoli slaw - short rib dumplings: very yummy and I loved the chewiness of the dough - tuna tartare: strange blend of flavors and bad consistency to the tuna. Could only describe as mushy. Also weird that it just came out on its own without anything to accompany it with. - wagyu: excellent, worth the price and definitely the standout for me. Loved the different parts of this dish and the meat was cooked perfectly. - lamb chops: good but not spectacular. Also only came with 3 chops and the collared greens were most of the plate. The zero proof cocktail selection was appreciated though my jasmine garden fell a little flat. Their dessert of shaved ice didn't really call to us so we skipped. Love that their bathrooms are inclusive and even provide tampons. Nice touch. Ambiance overall was nice but a little louder than I expected.

We went to Para for a girls night. We had a reservation so we were seated right when we arrived. We were lucky to find a spot in the parking lot next to the restaurant. Usually parking on a Friday night in this area is very hard to find. I'm really surprised by how flavorful the food is. The food was delicious; however, I probably wouldn't go out of my way to come back because the portion is very small and the menu is also small. I'm also not a fan of the atmosphere, it was a little too loud to have a conversation. One thing to note is the "Ahi Tuna" Crudo doesn't have Tuna. It's vegetarian, so the watermelon is supposed to be Tuna.

This place is visibly stunning! I enjoyed everything I ordered - both cocktails and small plates. Our server was a little slammed with our large table so Elizabeth, the hostess really stepped in to made sure we had a great experience. Elizabeth made exceptional Drink and Food recommendations. Can't wait to come back!

I lucked up and scored a last minute reservation at PARA and am so glad I did! It's a tapas still restaurant with plenty of food and drink options. Everything we ordered was DELICIOUS! There wasn't one bad item. Lots of unique flavors and fun spins on classic items. Lobster shooters were super creamy. Crab rangoons were different than your average in that they're more like donuts filled with crab - also delicious. The sashimi came with jalapeños and shaved ice, which was a fire & ice combo. For me, the stars of the show were the short rib dumplings and the lamb chops. If you don't have a reservation, be prepared for extended wait times. The first time I tried to come we were quoted a 2 hour wait time and even after 2 hours, we still weren't able to be seated. So get a res in advance!!

If you haven't been to PARA what are you waiting on?! I went for a little solo outing and they did not disappoint! They have valet parking at the restaurant and the ambiance is amazing. I started with the lobster shooter and a Berry Nice, which were both delicious! The short rib dumplings are a MUST HAVE and I finished off the evening with the Wagyu beef large plate (and berry nice, lol). The staff provided optimum service! I will definitely be back!

Para is officially one of my favorite restaurants in Charlotte! I sat with a group of 4 people and we all shared plates. Each one was fantastic! I highly recommend the Lamb Chops and Crab Rangoons. Although every plate was delicious - you can't go wrong. I have zero complaints. The waiter went over the drink and dinner menu in detail. He gave GREAT recommendations. My favorite drink was the Berry Nice, although Tropic Like It's Hot was also delicious. I can't wait to go again!

I could really sum this review up by saying "I LOVE everything about Para & will be a regular here." Great parking--which is unheard of in South End. Excellent playlist--loud enough to grab your attention, but low enough that you can speak to your companion without shouting. Beautiful decor & lovely lighting to make any outing feel intimate. One of the best menus I've encountered in Charlotte, with a lovely aerated lobster bisque impressive enough to convert someone who normally passes on this dish. Everything I ate was flawlessly delicious--and I sampled quite a bit: lobster bisque (an enticing cup of rich, decadent, creamy, WHIPPED & perfectly spiced goodness), lamb chops, foie gras, & sashimi. All of this amazing-ness + impeccable service? Thanks Para!

While I want to bombard you with a long review I'm going to try and keep it short and sweet. Great experience overall. I will say this, if you want to dine in (inside the actual walls because outside is first come first serve) MAKE A RESERVATION. Seating inside or outside. A small plate restaurant that has a great drink menu. Cool part about sitting outside is, if it is cold, they have area warmers that are incredibly efficient. Customer service grade: A. Everyone spoke when I walked in, something I am extra conscientious of. Gabby brought out the utensils and glasses and was very polite. Lindsey was our server and she was phenomenal. Incredible knowledge of the menu and very attentive. Food: B+. I ordered the lobster shooter, deviled eggs and crab rangoon. All were delightful. The B+ grade isn't a knock on the food or the business you any means. My ONLY observation was just more menu options. The options they have are unique, I would only encourage a few more. Cleanliness: easy A! The bathrooms were even spotless! My favorite part about the experience, the GM Stephen was working. That's not a sarcastic statement. I appreciated him getting his "hands dirty" as they used to say. But even more than that, how accessible he was to the patrons. Even my questions. He took the time to explain the meaning behind the name "PARA" to satisfy my interest. And after learning more about the origin of the business and it's name it made me even more excited to partner with them in being a customer and providing an honest review. Please do yourselves a favor and dine in or outside. You won't regret it. And ask about the name "PARA". It will warm your heart and encourage you at the same time. Well, I tried to keep it short..

Overall, the food is delicious- drinks are good (strong). I highly recommend the lobster shoot, corn and fettuccine. Service- 10/10 Food came out on time and servers were friendly Ambiance- good music which wasn't too loud, slow but then got packed. Location- parking can be challenging. The business has a dedicated parking lot but not many spaces. There's street parking and other lots for other businesses (park at your own risk).

Para is definitely unlike any other restaurant I. Southend. They have a very innovative cuisine. It's one of those places where you're not sure what exactly you ordered; however it was all delicious! The cocktail list is super impressive. I had the purple reign which was a little too tart for me but my husband loved the Tropic like it hot. The service was top notch and the ambiance is modern and hip...it is definitely a hot spot to be. I was disappointed with the portion sizes. It's tapas style but even for tapas the dishes were very small. Also for tapas style the menu is pretty limited. My favorite thing was actually the cabbage gratin. It was such a great way to use cabbage! The lobster shooters are also great!

A few of my friends and I went to Para for restaurant week or queens feast. We ordered from the queens feast menu because they required the entire table order from either their regular menu or queens feast even if paying separately which was a bit annoying. The queens feast menu looked good but the items fell short of expectations. We each order the katsu buns which were pretty dry we managed to eat 1 of the 2. The main course for each of us was pretty good. The ribeye I order was cooked well and seasoned pretty well. The desserts fell short just like the appetizers. Very dry and thrown together. I will say the drinks were 10/10. I think I would give Para another try from their regular menu but this visit wasn't great.

We had reservations for during Queens Feast, however about a hour before they cancelled our reservation due to kitchen issues.

Really enjoyed my first experience here. Super cute vibe, great drinks and food. Food is tapas style and my favorite was the crab Rangoon (it's a must )! I felt very welcomed with great service. The chef even sent out an app for us after we told him it was our first visit. This restaurant is on the more pricey side but if it's a "treat yo self" type of night this was a very cool spot for a good vibe and very tasty tapas and drinks. We'll definitely be back in the warmer months as they have a very cute patio perfect for people watching as well.

Treated my best friend out for her birthday dinner here and was not disappointed! New spot that opened up in South End and It. Was. Packed. Make sure you do reservations on "Resy" The ambiance and decor was sexy and definitely great for a girls night out or just a date night in general. Two things that stood out. The lobster shooter was light and "frothy" with so much flavor and the lamb chops was absolutely delicious! The fried tempura oyster mushroom was also surprisingly a favorite and my date wasn't even into mushrooms like that and liked it. (Make sure to get the dipping sauce) The dumplings were steamed instead of fried and had a "pot roast" taste to them. The crab wontons was more "bready" than "crabby" but still had a really great flavor. We will definitely be back!