High hopes for Fin & Fino and, for the most part, it didn't disappoint.
Love the space and the build out-very tastefully done with lots of blue hues- nautical theme but not in a kitschy way. Bar is very cool as well- good spot to saddle up for a drink and some small plates.
One rub is that with the open floor plan the decibel level is pretty high. Was difficult to hear anyone but the person next to you (we had a party of six) and dining room was only half full. Buyer beware. However, they were playing cool tunes from the 90's so that took the edge off..
On to the food. Some hits, some misses. Fried oysters were fantastic-great texture and perfectly cooked. Same with the Bahn Mi shrimp- great balance of heat and cool and a good mix of fresh veggie crunch that defines that sandwich. Mussels were a big hit as well- everyone was gaga over the broth and we needed extra orders of bread to sop up every last drop. Hanger steak was very good as well. Worth an order.
Now some of the clunkers... calamari was a bit bland and over cooked however will admit that we asked for it "naked" so the aioli may have saved it. Smoked salmon flatbread was bland- arugula salad on top needed some seasoning but that may not have salvaged it. Just blah. Grilled oysters were also flavorless- needed salt badly and the heat from the japs was lost in kind of a pool of nothingness. Faroe Island Salmon was steady but a bit over cooked on both our orders (which is a shame b/c that salmon is so damn good medium rare).
Service was very attentive and knowledgeable. A bit slow at times but not an issue at all.
Would certainly return and is a refreshing addition to the Charlotte dining scene.