UPTOWN. Tapas and an outstanding selection of wines draw the crowds to this innovative Spanish eatery, located just a few blocks above Ericsson Stadium. Comfortable, low-key yet stylish nonetheless, Arpa appeals to both couples and large groups. In fact, it's not uncommon to see a handful of close friends huddled around a table, sipping rose wine and sharing grilled squid a la Plancha, Basque cod fritters and eggplant fries. Of course, not all the offerings are small plates ­ after all, who'd want to split something as good as Madeira-glazed pork loin?

BALLANTYNE. Owner Ciro Marino brings Southern Italy to South Charlotte. Winner of "Best New Restaurant," Campania seamlessly blends varied Mediterranean flavors. Neopolitan influences are evident in the variations of dishes prepared with tomato based sauces, garlic, capers and olives. To accompany your meal, choose from a selection of wine which received the Wine Spectator "Award of Excellence." The ambiance, with amber walls and luminescent candlelight, sets the mood for an unforgettable dining experience. Reservations recommended.

Located near Piper Glen, this eatery enchants folks with its authentic Iberian atmosphere. Indeed, to say that Miró is a comfortable restaurant is to understate what it is all about ­ in the truest tradition of Spanish gastronomy, this is the type of place where diners take solace from the bustle of their everyday lives and feel free to indulge in food, drink and casual conversation. Tapas, of course, are perfect for such communal endeavors, but if more sustentative fare is called for, Miró's paella Valenciana, carne asada or pollo relleno more than fits the bill.