M5 Modern Mediterranean

The food at M5 is pretty good, only have eaten appetizers there while I was having some drinks. Being part of the Harpers group, I wouldn't expect too much finesse to come from the kitchen. But this place is perfect for South Park. With the huge corner patio overlooking Sharon and Morrison and the wealthy and good looking hanging out here, it is sure to make for a fun evening. Friday evenings they have killer beer specials and the patio gets pretty slammed so go kind of early and grab yourself a couch, or table or combo of the two and listen to the house DJ. If its too cold or you just want to get away from the heat, then the lounge is a nice place to relax. With dim light and pretty good music (that fits the location), you will enjoy this as well. Very trendy, people get really dressed up to go here and its a great spot to check out and try your luck at picking up some of the good looking people in town who have deep pockets and little care, bring your A game. Pros: Drink Specials Nightly, Good Looking Crowd, Great Outdoor Cons: Can Get Expensive, People Trying To Be Too Cool Frequent more

Loved the interior with its warm earth tones and modern fixtures, doors, etc. Really stunning! Some reviewers indicate that they think the decor and hype outperforms the food but I was very happy with my lunch there. Features Mediterranean cuisine such as Greek bread with three different dips, spanakopita, or full meals such as lamb or salmon with sides. I had an excellent server who knew the wines and could advise on pairings. Will return on my next visit to Charlotte. Pros: Varied dishes, good wine list, knowledgeable servers, patio Cons: none that I noted more

3 1/2 stars-- Nice for a dinner out with friends. Sort of trending, and I like the contemporary decor. I have heard it can be loud once the DJ start- but our reservation was at 7 and they had not start yet. Greek salad is very nice and of the 4 or us we all enjoyed our meals but though the apps and greek salad was more interesting then some of the mains. I would definitely return but my husband may have to be more convinced since he paid the bill. Pros: modern, trendy Cons: slow between courses more

I've heard some people say this restaurant is all decor, but it really is much more. Yes, the decor is impressive, but so is the food. This is a great place to go for a more upscale lunch in the Southpark area (I think almost everything was under $12), and the menu is seasonal, so its changing fairly frequently. Dinner is more expensive but definitely worth it. I had the lamb, it was delicious and so is the squash, fugi apple soup.... Large wine, liqour, drink selection. Pros: Delicious and Unique Food, Good Place to take a Date more

I am very suprised reading the other reviews - I dined this past Saturday and my experience was completely the opposite of most others. The service was extremely slow... it should not take 3 hours for a simple meal. Took forever to get water, forever to get drinks, there was an hour span inbetween getting our apps and getting our dinner. The food was nothing great... I was not impressed by a single thing I tasted. A lot of the dishes were very satly. Desserts left something to be desired.. pumpkin bread pudding very dry, lemon raspberry tart was grainy... the goat cheese custard was good as well as the carmel creme. The interior was very nice, great ambiance... but it doesnt make up for the lack of service and the poor quality food. If you want to impress people who dont know any better, this is the place. Pros: nice interior Cons: slow service, satly food. more

Just went to M5 the other night (Saturday). It was busy and the eight of us arrived late for dinner. But from the moment we walked in, we felt welcomed. Every employee was smiling and all said 'hello'. (The interior was not like anything in Charlotte!) Reminded me of bigger city experiences. Also, the red carpet leading to the front door was a classy touch. By the time I left, a DJ was playing great music in the front of the restaurant and the entire place was so energized. The food and service were amazing. My friends and I stayed longer than intended because we decided to enjoy the music and ambience. We changed our later plans because we decided this was the place to be! Kudos to M5 for making every minute count and appreciating my business! The eight of us were celebrating a birthday and it couldn't be more memorable! I plan on hanging out at M5 when I am looking for fun and food! Truly amazing! Pros: all staff very friendly and knowledgeable more

Now a days I really don't go out much, saying that when I do go out I do a little research. Having heard of M5 I decide to read some reviews. Some good and some bad, but seeing one person saying that their server was not fast enough and someone else saying their server was too fast I decided you can't be everything to everyone and gave them a shot. My first visit was on the 5th, I forgot I was in Charlotte. It's a well designed restaurant ,lots of browns and neutral colors. Dim lights and chill music. My date and I sat in the "Round" room, they had a name for the room but I forgot it. The server was young guy and very energetic. He let me know about the Sangria feature for the night but we opted for a bottle of wine. M5 has a very well rounded wine list full of wines you don't see often (One from Lebanon). We had a great Tempranillo from the Rioja region. The food was very nice as well. Started with the mussel-pot which had me dipping my bread into the sauce long after the mussels where gone. My entree was the "Whole Fish", explained to me as "Head on and Tail On". . It was a mediterranean sea bas that night and was quite delicious. My date didn't care to see the fish's head so the chef fillet it in the kitchen. She had the scallops and loved them. Dessert was a goat cheese custard which blew my mind. I enjoyed my experience and will come again. All in all A++ meal, total bill was around $100. Pros: Ambient, Diverse wine list, Great food. Cons: Wish I could go out more than I do. more

It seems everyone has something to say about M5 - whether good or bad - it's under fire!! It's a quality I find often in vibrant young restaurants! First: I believe it's safe to say the masks we wear as we dine certainly affects the environment around us; there is art in dining! I'll explain my experience at M5. From valet, a long red carpet led me through two large dark doors. Intimidating!! I do say M5's interior is among the best I've seen nationally - It's comfortable and vibrant. Our server and I had a very interesting conversation about wine -- Ironically I asked him if he was attending college: turns out he's 25 and full of energy, CPCC must be doing something right!! He paired my Bergstrom (Organic Pinot Noir, Oregon) with three different courses -- all, right on!! My favorite: Duck Confit, appetizer!! But, I do warn, he was a smooth talker, my wife and daughter wanted to bring him home; jokes on me if you read this!! None the less I don't want to single him out - everyone/everything, including managers, and the fashionable restroom, seemed on their game the other night; it must have been our lucky night! It seemed hard not to smile, truly reminding me of Hospitality the way I desire. Too bad I got too tossed (too drunk) to remember any of it -- just kidding -- Thanks M5!!! See you Soon!! Pros: Ambiance, Service, Experience Cons: Reviews more

I dined out for my first time at M5 last night and was blown away. I ordered the short ribs and they were the best I've ever had. The service went above my expectations. My server was very knowlegable and helped pair a superb Rioja with my meal. The whole look and feel of the restaurant screams high-end but my bill was less then $75 for dinner for two with wine. I can't believe some of these other reviewers complaining about a $2 pita. Get a life. Pros: Food Service Ambience Cons: I can't eat there every night more

First off the positiv points about this place: Great modern decor, prompt seating and a very friendly waiter. We ordered a variety of appetizers. All the taste and flavors were right on and very good. The 3"Traditional Greek Spread" came with two very good pita breads. Unfortunately the bread was not enough for the dip. We ask for a bit more and were charged $2 for the refill as we discovered later. Sorry, but for a high priced restaurant like this they could throw in two more pitas. I truly enjoyed the "Chicken Souvlaki" until I bit into the raw end of it. I let the waiter know who was very apologetic. None the less, I was not offered a new order or a price reduction. We frequently dine at upscale reataurants and if you would like people to return you usuallly wil try your best to please them. Not here. Even though I enjoyed my evening at this place, it needs a lot of improvement if it wants to keep up its upscale note. Pros: Ambience Cons: Undercooked food, overpriced for the value more

After reading the majority of the prior reviews, all I have to say is it is astounding to read my own thoughts before I have verbalized them into the universe! The food was bland, cold, and I can honestly say at best barely mediocre. A Total rip off for quality of food and attitude of staff. Upon arrival on a Friday night, we should have seen the signs when there were only 6 tables seated with the rest of the restaurant empty at 9 p.m.. Our waiter took 10 minutes to take a drink order and when asked for recommendations, stared at us blankly. We ordered 2 filthy martinis and when they arrived clear and we asked for a glass of olive juice, a food runner promptly popped off at the mouth responding," Wow thats a lot of olive juice'- I really don't need to be judged about my drink or cop attitude from a 25 year old college student paying his way through community college. Their "specialty" drinks are not so special unless you call no alcohol the surprising special. Our appetizers arrived fast, but again, the hummus was bland at best along with the trio. Mind you , if you want required pita bread for your hummus order, its $2 per pathetic side order.Mind you- the pita bread is the best and the ONLY hot item that arrived t the table. All entrees came out two by two with 5 minute spans. After returning steak for arriving ice cold, they took it back to return the same plate, just as cold, 5 min later. The greek fries are straight Ore-Ida potato wedges with feta and sage. When our waiter asked us if everything was ok after we had already asked for our check, I told him he was ok. And I'm sorry, but when its obvious everything is awful from the minute you sit down and they know, they should own up to it. Even the manager returned my cold food and dropped it at the table like a scared little boy and ran away like a scared pathetic child. Without asking us anything about the meal. They need to invest their money into training and quality of food- Not decor. more

This place was such a dissappointment. Everything was mediocre at best, but with extraordinary prices. Example: A $16, 6-oz GLASS of Conundrum wine that typically costs somewhere in the $20 price range for a BOTTLE. Food was typical for a generic restaurant, but definitely not worth the price. You are much better off spending your money at Brio down the street. We also went on a Friday night and the patio was almost completely empty. I think this is a sign of things to come for M5, given the current market and changes in consumer spending. Such a shame because it really has a great location. Pros: Great patio Cons: Mediocre food, not worth your time or money, overpriced and overrated. more

Let me clarify some things about M5. There are a lot of mixed reviews here and I'll summarize a little bit more consicely. First thing to know, the restaurant IS a little pricey. However, they use a lot of organic vegetables and farmers market items. The meat and fish are all extremely fresh. So the quality is definitely worth it. As for the decor, it can be slightly overwhelming if you are expecting to go somewhere that is more of a family dining experience. However I felt very comfortable dressing up a little an going there. Khakis a a dress shirt are perfect for guys. Everytime I have been there the bar has been so much fun. It's not the typical "tween" crowd, it's more of a sophisticated after work crowd. A lot of amazing people to talk to. The patio is AMAZING and has a great atmosphere, with a DJ who plays really chill and original music. Some people have been saying the portions are very small but Im a little confused on that part because I couldn't even finish my meal and we had a little bit left on each plate. Whoever is claiming small portions must be insane or expecting to eat the caloric equivalent to two Big Macs. Also- the restaurant is called MODERN Mediterranean. I don't recall the menu saying "authentic Mediterranean food". They don't "lie" to you. I suggest you try this restaurant yourself and establish your own opinion with an intelligent and open mind. Pros: food, ambiance Cons: none more

The name "M5" was very unique and generating our interest in dining there. We started with there hummus appetizer which should be very flavorful; instead the hummus tasted only like mashed chickpeas and the flat bread was presented soaked in olive oil which made it a mess to tear off a piece to dip in the hummus. The Mediterranean salad dressing completely lacked any seasoning and I wasnt sure what we were suppose to derive from it as olive oil would have had more flavor. The spciy prawn appetizer had a piece of bread soaked and was as hard as a piece of wood - couldnt cut or bite into it! The bartender "Rachel" had an attitude as if you were interupting her workflow to ask for something extra, not expected attitude for Charlotte hospitality. And not sure when then wiped down the bar last - but for 6pm (before the rush) it shouldnt be sticky to touch. I would only recommend M5 if you dont know what good Mediterranean food tastes like. Pros: Cool name - pleasant hostesses Cons: Quality of food, parking, and cleanliness more

i dont know if the people that are reviewing this are other restrants trying to bash M5 but im sorry, ive been there 8 times and havent had 1 bad meal. M5 never has been and never will be a family resterante. so if your looking for that kind of resterante go to ruby tuesdays, thy have cheaper prices and it looks like your grandmas house...But if your focused on true medditerranean food, a new enviroment and a FRIENDLY staff, then go to M5. its not for children, and its not for people who can eat 3 "BIG MACS" for lunch, its for people who have a palate that enjoy flavorful foods, and eye catching dishes. I have spoken to the staff and they def. arent rude, so maybe people are very very self concious but they never acted rude. and the staff is over 20, i have personaly met them and they were very nice. So dont come if your expecting Ruby tuesdays, do come if your expecting an expirence. Pros: food is out of this world! Cons: busy, but thats good for M5! more

By far the best restaurant in Charlotte. The servers are obviously very well trained. My server took me on a tour of the menu offering up many great suggestions. The culinary fare is on the same level. I had the halibute and the goat cheese salad; both were to die for. The decor of the restaurant screams high end prices but I was very suprised to have recieved such a high quality meal for such a low price. The menu features locally grown vegetables and niamen ranch meat for under $25. I will be back and often. Pros: Food, Service, and Ambience Cons: Hard to get a table on the weekends more

I just recently moved here from Los Angeles and was very excited to try this restaurant because I had heard it was hip & trendy with more of a big city feel than most Charlotte restaurants. What a major disappointment. While the food wasn't bad, it was not worth the price. But that isn't even my major complaint. The service was in a word, pitiful. Our waitress rushed us like I have never been rushed before. She made the experience extremely unpleasant and when you are spending that kind of money on a meal, you would expect decent service. I would most likely never return. Cons: Horrible Service more

I'd heard great things about this restaurant, so I decided to take my colleagues there for lunch. I've never felt so uncomfortable. We were "greeted" quickly, but with such insincerity, I can only assume the staff is required to jump the customers within seconds of when they enter--regardless of how the greeting is delivered. Shortly after we were seated, we were rushed to order our drinks, as if the clock were already clicking on our table. Our server seemed to know the menu well enough, but he needed a course in hospitality. He answered my questions but without a speck of friendlieness. When I asked if he'd tried one of the dishes, he said he had, but when I asked a few more questions, it was obvious that he'd never tasted the dish before. As I looked around the restaurant, I noticed what I assumed was a manager speaking in hushed tones, but obviously very harshly to an employee (I believe such reprimands should be handled out of the public eye--it's uncomfortable for the employee and for the rest of us who have to witness it). I was even more shocked when I overheard one server tell another that "the real posers" come in on Friday and Saturday nights. My food was very good--but terribly overpriced. Other reviewers have had a much better experience here, so perhaps I'm just not the target market for this restaurant. I noticed that there seemed to be no one on staff over the age of 30, and I felt as if I were sullying the restaurant's image merely by eating there. Not to worry, I won't be going back. Pros: Good food Cons: Insincere service, too rushed, overpriced more

The food to the interior design was a complete train wreck. Everyone has been talking about this place for months so I figured I would try it out. We ordered appetizers, I couldn't even get them down without a drink they were so dry. There was no music in the bar at all. The bar was completely full and no one was talking. For the interior design! The light level was so bright; I felt I was sitting in a gymnasium having a drink. Some of the lights were green fluorescent, some were red incandescent (and not low voltage) they were screw in floodlights! Everything was lit, or backlit, or down lit, give me a break. The detailing of every corner was horrible. Plastic, aluminum, fake stone, real wood, laminate, tile, more tile, tile running a different direction, leather, alligator skin, bamboo...on and on. This place is probably 2,000 sf. Some architect pulled out the a detail cataloge and sat in front of a computer for 900 more hours than they needed to. It was the most disgraceful design I have ever seen. What can people possible see in this place? It's the Britney Spears of Restaurants in Charlotte, everyone is talking about it, but it is a fake flop. JH, local Architect more

I travel to San Fran, LA and New York for work and this restaurant in Charlotte is My favorite place. It has truly wonderful food and is so chic. YOU MUST GO. Great brunch! Pros: Wonderful food, chic Cons: nada more