OH, PLEASE, go to Lulu's. You can afford to eat there whenever you want depending on what you order. Their Sunday brunch is TDF.
Do make a reservation, most especially on a week-end (from Thursday). It has the best overall food in Charlotte, I think. We didn't push it for "romantic", which it isn't. But it is GOOD--a true bistro right here in River City (as the Music Man would say).
Be sure to order their French fries--either with something or as an appy. We have not had a single bad "plate", and you can order small things or big things.

Since you work Uptown Arpa is another good inexpensive joint (it's a tapas place). W/good wine flights also.

Lulu's looks like a great place. We haven't really had a good Italian meal here in Charlotte yet, and are kind of spoiled because St. Louis has a large Italian immigrant population so the Italian food is really good, so we are looking foreward to trying it.

I haven't heard of Arpa but will look for it. I'm always looking for a great lunch or dinner place, especially if its inexpensive.

I have discovered Latorre's for lunch and love it! Have you guys been? They have this fantastic platter of fried plantains and yucca that is heavenly, albeit not very healthy.

Speaking of food in Charlotte, can anyone give me a recommendation for a place to get some really great ice cream that isn't a chain??

Tracy

Spoons has always been the local ice cream shop in town that is not a chain. They used to be located on Hawthorne (right near 7th street), but I am not sure if they are still there. I still love the chains though - Baskin Robbins, Ben & Jerry's, or good ole' Haagen-Daz from Harris Teeter.

Spoons is still there but has changed ownership & is now called Snoops (so no one had to pay for a new sign). Great dogs & burgers also. Brewsters is also pretty good (but a chain) as is the Water Ice Factory downtown in Matthews.

Good Italian--Villa Antonio on South Blvd.
And Mama Ricotta's on Kings is good.
Snoops is home made ice cream and a fun sandwich.

Wow- freaky- from Croatia to Charlotte...one Tracy to another
I'm sure by now you've found some goodies, but for German- try Waldorn behind Carolina Place. My hubby loves the immense beer selection! For Spanish- try Sole on East. For Italian- we love Mio Posto- it's a tiny dive little place on Pineville-Matthews but it is AWESOME. Real Italian food and great atmosphere. Yummy desserts. I LOVE Greek Isles on Bland Street- close to Uptown.
In NoDa, I like Cabo Fish Taco (good chicken tacos for non-seafooders- great queso, too).
So, yes, we eat out a lot!!!

LOL tastravel...small world! So, did you get the "why are you going to Croatia", complete with interesting looks to match, when you told people around here that you were going to Croatia? Because we certainly got our fair share...I guess they aren't fellow fodorites!

We have been to Waldhorn, several times, and the food is delicious! We loved the food in Germany so it was one of the first places we tried when we moved here and were hooked. Their applestruedel is to die for! And I'm making note of the other places you recommend because we are always looking for great places to eat. Thank you! I'm learning that Charlotte is not all chain restaurants like I originally thought when I moved here, which is a very good thing!

Btw, for those that posted above, I did got to Luce several months ago and had a terrific gnocci dish!

Tracy

We went to Bentley's for OUR anniversary and had a lovely dinner.I hadn't been since it was the____Club.
Hey, all heads up.
go to www.restaurant.com and get discount coupons for restaurants here--and everywhere. Once you buy one they will send you a code every month for even more discount--like 50% off.
Lulu's coupons sell out very fast at the first of the month. There are lots of good restaurants on the list.
The discount for 60% of until tomorrow is "seasons".