The Best Kept Secret in Charlotte
By Scott Bland
21 Dec 2008
I have to be honest; I have been conflicted as whether to write this or not because of me being selfish and not wanting to share this fabulous restaurant. Mostly because I fear that it will become too crowded to enjoy, but like most things in my life that I'm passionate about, I can't keep this secret and I have to tell someone!
Tucked away in a strip mall in south Charlotte is little restaurant where culinary perfection is not only common, but the rule. Ilios Noche is a place where Greek and Italian cuisines merge into a mixed Mediterranean menu of sensational delights. With a top notch serving staff and a world class talented kitchen, this place can't be beat!
Appetizers range from the best calamari this side of the Atlantic to a plate of traditional Greek spreads of tzatziki (imported Greek yogurt with dill and garlic), htipiti (roasted red peppers barrel feta E.V. olive oil, and chili pepper), and hummus (crushed chickpeas lemon and capers) served with restaurant made pita. Beautifully simple, but enormously flavorful fresh salads with their homemade dressings that are light and delicious vinaigrettes; the champagne served on the Grapes and Fennel is not to be missed!
A beautiful stone oven is the center of the kitchen where delectable fare such as roasted lamb pie, incredible specialty pizzas such as meli "mangio" pizza (granny smith apples sliced paper thin with equally thin proscutto de parma and barrel goat cheese) and the best pizza in my opinion, the Greek, with roasted lamb, artichoke hearts, a light white sauce and plenty of Italian mozzarella... it's a common "special" and not on the menu, but if you beg, they will accommodate your wishes!
Basically this is how the management treats all its patrons; if you want something different from the menu, they will do what they can to satisfy your request. They truly have the best service and food anywhere in Charlotte. But hey, don't take my word for it... check it out for yourself... www.iliosnoche.com . You'll find a complete menu online as well as the secret location. I hope you find them as I say, the best kept secret in Charlotte, NC.
