Local ingredients and sophisticated interior: a high-class restaurant in Charlotte, which has been recognized as one of the best in the world

Forbes Travel Guide has released its annual Star Awards recognizing the best hotels, restaurants, spas, and ocean cruises worldwide. This year's list includes six North Carolina restaurants, as reported by CharlotteFive, among them Gallery.

The upscale restaurant, referred to as a "culinary gem," is situated in The Ballantyne, A Luxury Collection Hotel, as per The Charlotte Observer. In the past, it resembled a scene from the movie Steel Magnolias, with its vibrant yellow dining room and prominent floral decorations. While the cuisine was outstanding, the decor overshadowed the culinary work," the report stated.

"An extensive renovation in 2013 transformed the restaurant into the innovative and sophisticated establishment it was envisioned to be, offering inventive American cuisine focused on farm-to-table service."

Gallery Restaurant, adorned with artwork from the Awaken Gallery, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, along with weekend brunch. It also boasts a full bar.

"Chef David Moore has crafted an updated menu featuring a variety of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients to create classic Southern dishes with a twist," notes Forbes. "The bar adjacent to the gallery is a destination in itself. With its large armchairs, dark wood paneling, coffered ceilings, and a backlit bar with sleek leather stools, this establishment feels more like Manhattan than a Charlotte suburb."

The report recognized 258 restaurants globally as among the best. Forbes Travel Guide compiled the rankings by sending teams posing as ordinary guests to assess each restaurant based on 900 factors and criteria.

The complete list of Forbes Travel Guide's 2024 Star Award winners is available at forbestravelguide.com.