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The Portrait Gallery Restaurant is a hidden gem in the heart of Matthews, NC. Nestled at 118 E Charles St, this eatery offers a warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for any occasion—from intimate date nights to celebratory gatherings. The restaurant prides itself on a diverse menu, featuring delightful starters like Brussels sprouts and Burrata Caprese, alongside main courses such as the pan-seared salmon and blackened shrimp Alfredo. With an extensive selection of crafted cocktails and decadent desserts, each dish reflects a commitment to quality and flavor. Patrons rave about the attentive service and beautifully designed spaces, making every visit memorable.
About
Welcome to The Portrait Gallery Restaurant, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Matthews, North Carolina. Located at 118 E Charles St, this restaurant has quickly become a must-visit for both locals and visitors alike. With its enchanting atmosphere and exquisite cuisine, The Portrait Gallery creates an inviting ambiance that perfectly complements any occasion, whether it’s a romantic date night, a celebratory gathering, or a casual brunch with friends.
As you step inside, you'll be greeted by a warm and friendly staff, known for their exceptional service. Guests have raved about the personal touch that the team brings, making each dining experience feel special and memorable. According to Dasha Smith, “the service was prompt and friendly, the drinks were amazing, and the food was awesome.”
The menu at The Portrait Gallery features a delightful array of dishes that showcase both creativity and a commitment to quality. For starters, you can indulge in the Brussels Sprouts with hickory-smoked bacon and apple cider vinaigrette or the mouthwatering Arancini Rice Balls served over marinara sauce. If you are in the mood for something fresh, the Burrata Caprese Salad with heirloom cherry tomatoes is a must-try, marrying creamy cheese with garden-fresh flavors.
The main courses are equally enticing. The Pan Seared Salmon with an arugula cream sauce and blackberry compote is a standout dish, as noted by many, including Katie Lingafelt, who praised its flavor profile. Meanwhile, the Airline Chicken offers a comforting combination of tender chicken paired with velvety mashed red potatoes, satisfying even the heartiest of appetites.
As for dessert, the Cheesecake, topped with blackberry melba sauce, and the rich Chocolate Torte are the perfect sweet finish to any meal. They have received well-deserved acclaim for their decadent flavors and elegant presentation.
The Portrait Gallery Restaurant is more than just a place to eat; it’s an experience that resonates deeply with its patrons. With unique decor, cozy seating, and both indoor and outdoor dining options, it's designed to create a delightful atmosphere for every gathering. As Sam Drummond shared about a special anniversary celebration, “We had an excellent time,” highlighting that every visit feels intimate and engaging.
Whether you are celebrating a milestone or simply indulging in a night out, The Portrait Gallery Restaurant promises to deliver unforgettable flavors and cherished memories. Come see why so many are falling in love with this quaint dining destination. You won’t be disappointed!
“ We had the best meal at The Portrait Gallery last weekend. The service was prompt and friendly, the drinks were amazing, and the food was awesome. I definitely recommend to anyone who wants to try local or a more intimate setting for date night, brunch, or a small plate at the bar. ”
“ We came here for our friend’s birthday dinner. Brandon and his staff were attentive, friendly, personable, and made the experience very memorable. The truffle fries were an excellent appetizer, the salmon was perfect, and the drinks were fabulous. Thank you for a wonderful, personalized experience! ”
“ We had the most beautiful and special girls birthday at The Portrait Gallery. Brandon took care of our large party and made our experience comfortable, delicious and memorable. All the areas they have are so uniquely beautiful, the front bar area and the back bar with the outside is perfect for nice weather. Every appetizer and dish was better than expected. Thank you so much! ”
“ Brandon was excellent! It was our 5 year anniversary and we were told about this place from my wife’s sister. We decided to stop by for drinks and we had an excellent time. Might be the best old fashioned I’ve ever had. My wife got the whiskey sour and loved it. We enjoyed several appetizers and nice conversation. We will be back ”
“ A group of seven of us went to The Portrait Gallery Restaurant in downtown Matthews for our prom night dinner, and it couldn’t have been a better experience! Most of us ordered the sirloin steak, and it was cooked medium rare to perfection—tender, flavorful, and just right. The mashed potatoes had a hint of sweetness, which was a little unexpected, but the texture was great and still super tasty. Our server was so kind and attentive, and really helped make our first prom night feel extra special. The atmosphere was cozy and elegant, making it the perfect spot to celebrate. Highly recommend for a night out or any special occasion! ”
“ For my first visit upon walking in the ambience is very warm and comfortable. The artwork is beautifully displayed as lower ceiling panels above the seating areas. The bartenders are very knowledgeable and accommodating and consistent with their unique drink making. The menu choices are of high-quality and full of flavors. Prices were very reasonable as well. I definitely return!! Thank you Brandon, for providing us with a top-notch experience! ”
“ Finally!! A place in Matthews that makes a good Non-sugary drink !! The food was good.. I would go back and try the burgers.. but so far the best one was the birria tacos! You can ask for corn tortillas but they said the flour one is the best for that type of taco. I loved the atmosphere!!! no kids ”
“ So happy that they've changed the menu to be more similar to what it was prior to the bar food experiment. The steaks were great! Would love to see the shrimp and grits and flat breads return to the menu ! Those dishes were fire! ”