5 Stars -Hidden Gem in Charlotte's NoDa Neighborhood!…read more
Panko, you have officially won me over! From the atmosphere to the customer service and incredible food, this restaurant checked EVERY box!
On Sunday, November 1, I finally had the pleasure of visiting Panko in Charlotte's NoDa neighborhood for the first time. I had heard so many wonderful things about this restaurant, but I kept putting off my visit because parking in NoDa can be a headache. There is street parking available, and the restaurant also offers parking validation through one of the neighboring apartment buildings, which is definitely worth looking into.
From the moment I walked up, I was impressed! The exterior gives off sexy, upscale Miami or Orlando vibes, and the inside is just as inviting. The lighting is dim enough to create an intimate atmosphere without feeling dark. The decor is absolutely beautiful, and the restaurant has a full bar. It's not too large or too small, making it perfect for date night, brunch with friends, or a special occasion.
Now, let's talk about the customer service! My reservation was for 2:15 PM, but I didn't arrive until 2:30 PM. Despite being late, I was greeted warmly by a gentleman who immediately escorted me to my table. I later learned that he was the general manager! Talk about making a great first impression!
Our server, Gonzalo, was equally amazing. He was personable, knowledgeable, attentive, and made excellent recommendations. Once the rest of my party arrived, we began ordering. One thing I immediately appreciated was the menu. There were plenty of delicious options without it being so overwhelming that you needed 30 minutes just to decide what to eat!
I started with a pineapple, coconut, and lime lemonade, while my friends enjoyed mixed cocktails. Let me tell you, the drinks were amazing! Everything tasted fresh, natural, and perfectly balanced. Sometimes simple ingredients really do make the best drinks.
For appetizers, we ordered the Shells on Fire and Tuna & Passion Nigiri. Baby, the presentation alone had me sold! But the flavors? Even better! Everything was seasoned to perfection, and that butter served with the Shells on Fire deserves its own standing ovation! It was absolutely delicious.
By the time we finished our appetizers, I was practically full, but there was no way we were leaving without trying the entrées!
Two of us ordered the Seafood Grill, which included grilled shrimp, squid, prawns, white fish, octopus, and mussels, served sizzling hot with a garden salad, roasted yellow potatoes, and grilled tomatoes. Our other friend ordered the Chicken & Mushroom Risotto, featuring chicken roulade stuffed with cream cheese, basil, and dried tomatoes over shiitake risotto.
The Seafood Grill arrived on a hot skillet, and you could immediately tell everything had been prepared fresh to order. The seafood was flavorful, beautifully presented, and absolutely delicious. My only suggestion would be to offer some of that amazing butter from the Shells on Fire to drizzle over the seafood. That combination would be outstanding!
Now, you would think we had eaten enough, right? Wrong! Somehow, we still found room for dessert!
Gonzalo spoke so highly of the cheesecake that I had to see what all the excitement was about. My friends ordered sorbet, and I went with his recommendation. When I tell you that cheesecake was one of the BEST I've ever tasted, I mean it! It tasted homemade, with a rich, creamy texture and incredible flavor. Every bite was worth it! The sorbet was also a hit with my friends.
What impressed me most about Panko was how effortlessly everything came together. The welcoming general manager, attentive staff, gorgeous atmosphere, fresh ingredients, beautiful food presentation, and exceptional flavors made this an unforgettable first visit.
I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I was seated, especially after arriving late for my reservation. And because I'm NOT a gatekeeper, I believe everyone deserves to know about this hidden gem in Charlotte!
I'm already hoping Panko spreads its wings and eventually opens another location in the Concord or Kannapolis area. Trust me, we would welcome you with open arms!
Panko absolutely understood the assignment! Great customer service, beautiful ambiance, delicious drinks, and food that will have you thinking about your next visit before you've even left the building!
Five stars across the board! I will definitely be back!