If you asked me for a list of my favorite restaurants in Charlotte, Aria would definitely crack the top 10. I've been here 3 or 4 times and am extremely happy with the food, service, atmosphere and consistency. My favorite dishes are the caprese salad, butternut squash ravioli and penne a la vodka. Their wine list is spectacular and, although I'm not a wine aficionado by any means, I really love the $6.50 glass of Chianti they offer. My boyfriend got the Bourbon Smash cocktail and said it was one of the best cocktails he's had.
I haven't been there for their happy hour, but they do have $5 bar bites available on weekdays. A lot of my friends say they go there after work and have nothing bad to say. I also would say this is a good place to go for after-dinner drinks or dessert and a coffee. Lastly, if you are going here on a date, try to get one of the seats in the corner- it is a good way to sit close to your date without being awkward and sitting on the same side of the table.