Postino

Our Experience

A Parent's Play-by-Play of Postino Ballantyne

Date-night feel, family-friendly flow, and flavors that deliver.

Let me confess something: I have a deep and abiding love for restaurants that make me feel like a cool adult but don’t faint when I show up with my children. It’s a delicate balance, like trying to assemble a tiny Lego car while a toddler narrates your every move. So, when Postino opened in The Bowl at Ballantyne, I approached with hopeful caution. After a few visits—some with kids, some without—I’m ready to shout it from the rooftops: We have a winner. It’s the kind of place that’s buzzing enough to feel like a real night out but relaxed enough that nobody bats an eye at a dropped fork or a sudden, passionate monologue about dinosaurs. If you're a Charlotte parent navigating the wild world of family dining, here’s why Postino needs to be on your list.

What Makes Postino a Parent Win

Let’s be honest, a wine bar isn’t usually the first place you’d think of for a family dinner. But Postino? From the moment we walk in, they’re on it. High chairs arrive faster than my toddler can get fussy, and the staff is incredibly kind and understanding about the whole parenting-juggling act. It's truly a hidden gem for families.

The patio is a game-changer too, especially with the heaters for chilly days. And the decor? Let’s just say the quirky artwork and vintage finds double as kid entertainment, giving my husband and me a rare chance to actually talk without endlessly pulling out snacks or books.

The Vibe: Chic Meets Kid-Friendly

Postino’s ambiance is a major win. The moment you step inside, you're greeted by a stylish, retro-modern design with comfy couches, an expansive patio, and an energetic buzz. It feels vibrant and adult-centric, but not in a way that excludes little ones. The open layout and indoor-outdoor flow mean there's plenty of space to breathe, and the background music is just loud enough to mask the occasional kid outburst. It’s a setting where you can relax without constantly shushing your children.

Kid-Approved & Parent-Loved Food

Postino’s menu is perfect for sharing! Order several small plates that everyone—babies and toddlers included—can enjoy. For adults, I love the bruschetta board, where you choose four options. We usually pick Ricotta, Dates & Pistachio; Brie, Apple & Fig; Burrata, Bacon, Arugula & Tomato; and Sweet N’ Spicy Pepper Jam & Goat Cheese. Now, let’s talk about the kid's food.

Jamie is obsessed with their cheese board—especially the whipped ricotta. It’s fluffy, light, and toddler-perfect (we skipped the honey until after his first birthday). But the real winner is The Picnic. It’s a thoughtfully put-together kid’s meal with sliced chicken, white cheddar, chips, grapes (cut into safe bites for our toddler, of course), and apple slices. It’s like a fancy Lunchable that both kids AND parents can feel good about.

And let’s not forget the wine for us parents—because we all deserve it, right?

When to Go for a Stress-Free Meal

Timing is everything when eating out with kids, and Postino is no exception. My pro tip? Go for weekday lunches or early weekend brunches. Weekdays are quieter, and you’ll have plenty of room for strollers and squirmy toddlers. Early brunch on the weekends is another sweet spot before the crowd rolls in.

The Happy Hour special ($6 glasses of wine and $6 pitchers of beer) is the perfect addition to an early family dinner that feels makes it special without breaking the bank.

Parking Is a Breeze

Postino is in The Bowl at Ballantyne, which, lucky for us, has a super convenient parking garage. No circling the lot with a hangry toddler - it’s quick and easy to get in and out. Just be mindful of the free parking hours. You can find all parking options and pricing here: https://thebowlnc.com/pages/parking

Hours That Fit Family Life

Postino’s hours are super flexible, so you can pop in whenever works best for your schedule.

Monday–Thursday: 11 AM to 11 PM
Friday: 11 AM to 12 AM
Saturday: 10 AM to 12 AM
Sunday: 10 AM to 10 PM

And after your meal, there’s a nearby playground where the kids can burn off some energy—or you can enjoy a leisurely stroll. It’s the perfect little outing.

Why We Keep Going Back

Honestly, Postino is one of those rare restaurants that just gets it right. It’s sophisticated enough for adults but still totally welcoming for families.Jamie can happily munch on his cheese and grapes while I sip a glass of wine and actually finish a conversation with my husband. It’s a win for everyone.

In a world where eating out with kids can feel like a chaotic sprint, Postino gives us the gift of slowing down—and reminds us why we love dining out in the first place.

Been to Postino? Share your own tips in the comments or tag @thecharlottesprout on Instagram — I’d love to feature your recommendations!