Phenomenal food and experience. Chef Sam Hart made our night incredibly special. Was one of the best meals I’ve had in a long time. The wine pairing from the local vintners was awesome—definitely worth the additional cost. The music and art bring everything into a cohesive experience worth seeking.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Breanne Williams
My husband and I just had a truly unforgettable dining experience.
Dining at Counter isn’t just about food — it’s about story, purpose, and passion. From the moment you walk in, it’s clear that this is a truly unique restaurant. Every detail, from the meticulously curated courses to the warm, thoughtful service, reflects the creativity and heart of Chef Sam and his incredible team. You don’t just eat here — you become part of something greater.
What sets Counter apart isn’t just the exceptional culinary experience (though every bite is a work of art) — it’s the deep commitment to community. Chef Sam and his team are boldly dedicated to ending food insecurity and actively invest in local partnerships and initiatives that make a real difference. Their mission-driven approach elevates every course and gives real weight to their work. Everyone involved with this restaurant deserves every bit of success.
Please — go support them in their mission, indulge in their craft, and get ready for a seat at the counter you won’t soon forget.
Travell Brown
The initial room is uncomfortably quiet and feels awkward. It's also where they upsell you on drinks not in your pairing if you get one. They also seemed intent and getting us to upgrade our dining package during this time. The initial courses in this room were terrible, all very acidic and overly tart/bitter. The highlight was the lobster mushroom lobster roll. After moving to the actual counter, the food began to improve, but there were some low lights, including the toughness of the beef and overcooked salmon in the entree courses and a black ant course that tasted like lawn clippings. The wine pairings were not well matched, and it could be because we chose local pairings, however we were trying to gain an appreciation for some local options, but ended up with multiple courses that we very unappetizing. We really enjoyed the staff, the presentation and music, their showmanship is awesome, and the actual plating and presentation was gorgeous. We wish the food was better, but things we did enjoy included the mushroom broth, the travel through time with the apples, the crab fried rice, and of course the caviar potatoes.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 5
Lawrence Addison
My son treated my wife and I around mothers day. I enjoyed it so much. This was by far the best restaurant experience I have had. I have traveled to alot of countries and states. I will be coming back to dine again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Alexis
We’ve been to counter twice in the past year and have another visit already booked. Counter truly gives you a dining experience from the prep and serving being done in a performance like way to how amazing and unexpected the food is. This place offers unique combinations that are paired in the most perfect way. Chef Sam is always involved in the experience and interacts with most if not all of the diners. The mother broth that continues to simmer is the cherry on top. It’s something familiar yet new with each visit. We are hooked and will continue to comeback to experience Chef Sam’s magic.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Wayne Vinzant
I took my husband to the Counter as an early birthday expierence. Event was a South Africa wine tasting with heavy apps. We had such a great time. So many vegan, gf, items. Thanks Sam and team.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Maria
I’ll gladly return soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lisa Haynes
Such an amazing birthday experience! Thanks for making my night so special!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brian Erickson
Absolute perfection, both times we have been there. This is an excellent team, well led, well taught, and obviously well supported and cared for. This is what a restaurant can be when goodness is at the heart of both the food and the people. Also, to whomever prepared the beurre blanc on 8/9/25, this former saucier tips his hat.
Incredible!! We went to Counter for our 50th anniversary celebration. This was more than a dinner. The menu was Piedmont based dishes and generally local food. We started with a tomato sandwich in a shot glass. The flavors exploded on your palate. Tomato drink with a buttery sourdough foam. Unusual but delicious. The entire meal was one fantastic treat after another. Michael had a wine pairing perfect with each dish. Sam and his crew made the entire night an amazing experience. They were attentive and fun. Their mission to help the local community is also important and above and beyond any expectation. Don’t miss a chance to visit Counter.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sydney Bohn
My husband and I went here for our anniversary and the experience was awesome! It was about a 3 hour ordeal but the pacing of the dishes and the stories behind them made the time fly by. The non-alcoholic drink pairings were also excellent.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Janell Pulice
Wow!! We came in for my son’s birthday and they did everything in their power to make his night special. The food was excellent, the service was superb and the experience was amazing. We didn’t know what to expect and it definitely exceeded what we thought was going to be our experience. Great job and we highly recommend this venue.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Billie Harrington
Dining at Counter- last night was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment we arrived, the service was impeccable—warm, attentive, and perfectly paced. Every member of the team made us feel like honored guests, striking that rare balance between professionalism and genuine hospitality. What truly set the evening apart, however, was the chef’s captivating narrative accompanying each course. With every dish, we were invited into a story—one that wove together ingredients, technique, and inspiration with poetic precision. It wasn’t just a meal; it was a performance, and the chef was both artist and storyteller. And the food? Michelin-star quality, without question. Each course was a masterclass in flavor, texture, and presentation. From the first bite to the last, the menu showcased a level of creativity and execution that rivals the world’s finest dining establishments. Counter- isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an experience. One that lingers long after the final course is served. Charlotte is lucky to have it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Charles Harrington
Dining at Counter- in Charlotte is not just a meal — it’s an experience in the purest sense of the word. From the moment you step through the unassuming entrance, you’re swept into a world where food, storytelling, and hospitality are elevated to an art form.
The evening unfolds like a perfectly choreographed performance. Every course is introduced with intention and passion, creating a narrative that connects each bite to an idea, an ingredient’s origin, or a memory reimagined on the plate. Chef Sam Hart and his incredible team are true visionaries — each dish is daring, refined, and utterly delicious.
Highlights included exquisite flavor combinations that surprise and delight, thoughtful wine pairings that amplify each course, and a level of creativity that rivals the best restaurants in the country. The plating is stunning — almost too beautiful to disturb — but when you do, you’re rewarded with layers of flavor and texture that linger long after the last forkful.
Equally impressive is the atmosphere. The intimate counter seating draws you into the craft behind the scenes — you witness the precision, the fire, the artistry — all while the team remains warm, engaging, and genuinely thrilled to share this moment with you.
Counter isn’t just about what’s on the plate; it’s about connection — to the chefs, the food, and the story behind each creation. It’s the kind of dining that leaves you inspired and eager to return, knowing that no two experiences are ever quite the same.
If you have the chance to secure a seat at Counter, take it. Charlotte is lucky to have a place this ambitious and extraordinary. Without question, one of the most memorable meals I’ve ever had — a true gem deserving of every accolade it earns.
Phenomenal food and experience. Chef Sam Hart made our night incredibly special. Was one of the best meals I’ve had in a long time. The wine pairing from the local vintners was awesome—definitely worth the additional cost. The music and art bring everything into a cohesive experience worth seeking.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My husband and I just had a truly unforgettable dining experience.
Dining at Counter isn’t just about food — it’s about story, purpose, and passion. From the moment you walk in, it’s clear that this is a truly unique restaurant. Every detail, from the meticulously curated courses to the warm, thoughtful service, reflects the creativity and heart of Chef Sam and his incredible team. You don’t just eat here — you become part of something greater.
What sets Counter apart isn’t just the exceptional culinary experience (though every bite is a work of art) — it’s the deep commitment to community. Chef Sam and his team are boldly dedicated to ending food insecurity and actively invest in local partnerships and initiatives that make a real difference. Their mission-driven approach elevates every course and gives real weight to their work.
Everyone involved with this restaurant deserves every bit of success.
Please — go support them in their mission, indulge in their craft, and get ready for a seat at the counter you won’t soon forget.
The initial room is uncomfortably quiet and feels awkward. It's also where they upsell you on drinks not in your pairing if you get one. They also seemed intent and getting us to upgrade our dining package during this time. The initial courses in this room were terrible, all very acidic and overly tart/bitter. The highlight was the lobster mushroom lobster roll. After moving to the actual counter, the food began to improve, but there were some low lights, including the toughness of the beef and overcooked salmon in the entree courses and a black ant course that tasted like lawn clippings. The wine pairings were not well matched, and it could be because we chose local pairings, however we were trying to gain an appreciation for some local options, but ended up with multiple courses that we very unappetizing. We really enjoyed the staff, the presentation and music, their showmanship is awesome, and the actual plating and presentation was gorgeous. We wish the food was better, but things we did enjoy included the mushroom broth, the travel through time with the apples, the crab fried rice, and of course the caviar potatoes.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 5
My son treated my wife and I around mothers day. I enjoyed it so much. This was by far the best restaurant experience I have had. I have traveled to alot of countries and states. I will be coming back to dine again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We’ve been to counter twice in the past year and have another visit already booked. Counter truly gives you a dining experience from the prep and serving being done in a performance like way to how amazing and unexpected the food is. This place offers unique combinations that are paired in the most perfect way. Chef Sam is always involved in the experience and interacts with most if not all of the diners. The mother broth that continues to simmer is the cherry on top. It’s something familiar yet new with each visit. We are hooked and will continue to comeback to experience Chef Sam’s magic.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I took my husband to the Counter as an early birthday expierence. Event was a South Africa wine tasting with heavy apps. We had such a great time. So many vegan, gf, items. Thanks Sam and team.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I’ll gladly return soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Such an amazing birthday experience! Thanks for making my night so special!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Absolute perfection, both times we have been there. This is an excellent team, well led, well taught, and obviously well supported and cared for. This is what a restaurant can be when goodness is at the heart of both the food and the people. Also, to whomever prepared the beurre blanc on 8/9/25, this former saucier tips his hat.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Incredible!! We went to Counter for our 50th anniversary celebration. This was more than a dinner. The menu was Piedmont based dishes and generally local food. We started with a tomato sandwich in a shot glass. The flavors exploded on your palate. Tomato drink with a buttery sourdough foam. Unusual but delicious. The entire meal was one fantastic treat after another. Michael had a wine pairing perfect with each dish.
Sam and his crew made the entire night an amazing experience. They were attentive and fun. Their mission to help the local community is also important and above and beyond any expectation. Don’t miss a chance to visit Counter.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My husband and I went here for our anniversary and the experience was awesome! It was about a 3 hour ordeal but the pacing of the dishes and the stories behind them made the time fly by. The non-alcoholic drink pairings were also excellent.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Wow!! We came in for my son’s birthday and they did everything in their power to make his night special. The food was excellent, the service was superb and the experience was amazing. We didn’t know what to expect and it definitely exceeded what we thought was going to be our experience. Great job and we highly recommend this venue.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dining at Counter- last night was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment we arrived, the service was impeccable—warm, attentive, and perfectly paced. Every member of the team made us feel like honored guests, striking that rare balance between professionalism and genuine hospitality.
What truly set the evening apart, however, was the chef’s captivating narrative accompanying each course. With every dish, we were invited into a story—one that wove together ingredients, technique, and inspiration with poetic precision. It wasn’t just a meal; it was a performance, and the chef was both artist and storyteller.
And the food? Michelin-star quality, without question. Each course was a masterclass in flavor, texture, and presentation. From the first bite to the last, the menu showcased a level of creativity and execution that rivals the world’s finest dining establishments.
Counter- isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an experience. One that lingers long after the final course is served. Charlotte is lucky to have it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dining at Counter- in Charlotte is not just a meal — it’s an experience in the purest sense of the word. From the moment you step through the unassuming entrance, you’re swept into a world where food, storytelling, and hospitality are elevated to an art form.
The evening unfolds like a perfectly choreographed performance. Every course is introduced with intention and passion, creating a narrative that connects each bite to an idea, an ingredient’s origin, or a memory reimagined on the plate. Chef Sam Hart and his incredible team are true visionaries — each dish is daring, refined, and utterly delicious.
Highlights included exquisite flavor combinations that surprise and delight, thoughtful wine pairings that amplify each course, and a level of creativity that rivals the best restaurants in the country. The plating is stunning — almost too beautiful to disturb — but when you do, you’re rewarded with layers of flavor and texture that linger long after the last forkful.
Equally impressive is the atmosphere. The intimate counter seating draws you into the craft behind the scenes — you witness the precision, the fire, the artistry — all while the team remains warm, engaging, and genuinely thrilled to share this moment with you.
Counter isn’t just about what’s on the plate; it’s about connection — to the chefs, the food, and the story behind each creation. It’s the kind of dining that leaves you inspired and eager to return, knowing that no two experiences are ever quite the same.
If you have the chance to secure a seat at Counter, take it. Charlotte is lucky to have a place this ambitious and extraordinary. Without question, one of the most memorable meals I’ve ever had — a true gem deserving of every accolade it earns.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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