CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Vana makes fine dining approachable.

“A little more casual, little more fun, little more relaxed,” owner Jayson Whiteside said.

The ownership group behind Bardo wanted a rustic meeting place for foodies in South End.

Even small, delicate dishes are cooked over an open wood-fire grill, visible to guests in the dining area. But after intricate plating, each dish looks as artisanal as they come.

“I would say our overall philosophy is to get really nice, good, clean ingredients. And to treat them well and feature the fire [of the grill],” chef de cuisine William Underwood said.

Vana’s cocktails, focusing on agave and whiskey with house-made syrups, tend to match the smokiness of the food.

This week, Queen City Nerve named Vana the critic’s choice for “Best New Bougie Restaurant” of 2020.

Address: 1440 S Tryon St #100, Charlotte, NC 28203

Hours: Lunch, 11am-3pm Dinner, 4:30pm-10pm; 7-days a week

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanasouthend/

Website: https://www.vanarestaurant.com