I fully anticipated that I would be writing an absolutely glowing review of Passion8 after an incredible dinner. Unfortunately, I can't rant and rave.
As several others have stated, you'd nearly drive right past the small and indescript building that houses the restaurant. The inside is cozy and dark, yet quiet and appropriate for a formal meal.
The menu is two pages - the first is a list of 5 daily entree specials that changes on a daily basis, and the second is a list of appetizers and a salad and soup which change seasonally. Unfortunately, of the 5 appetizers listed, we were told they were only serving 3. And, the soup that was listed had been replaced as well. Appetizer prices range $12-17 and the soup/salad were $10. Our table started with the calamari, which was a decent sized portion and coated in a very well season sauce. I'd certainly recommend that course. The salads were small, yet good, and the soup was tastefully seasoned.
I made our reservation nearly 2 weeks ago for a birthday celebration and specifically asked if a vegetarian entree could be available and was assured it would be featured on the menu. However, when we arrived, there was nothing on the menu that was vegetarian. When I inquired, I was told the chef would be happy to prepare a unique vegetarian dish for me. Based on the delicious-sounding sides listed with the other entrees, I was expecting a heart dish filled with well seasoned vegetables. Sadly, what I received was the scallop entree only with tofu nuggets substituting for the seafood. The tofu was seared but without any seasoning, and the remaining few vegetables on the plate were all cold. Hugely disappointing would be an understatement. Our table also ordered the cobia and scallops and both were good, but very small portions and lacking the depth of flavor and complexity we expected for a restaurant of this caliber. Entree prices were $25-45. Several tables around us ordered the pork chop and steak and the portion sizes were easily 3x that which we were served with our vegetarian and seafood plates.
Would I return again, probably not. Charlotte has an incredibly varied and deep food scene, and there are many more restaurants that I would return to again and again for excellent service, appropriate pricing, and modest portions.