photos by: EMILY COWAN, ROOTED SOCIAL MEDIA
There’s something decidedly delicious in the air at Peninsula Prime Seafood & Steakhouse in Cornelius.
It’s not just that you’ll be savoring the freshest, most flavorful food, you’ll also feel a genuine connection to the staff who strives for excellence in every detail.
While Robin Gordon, managing partner, and her husband, Jim, have owned the restaurant since 2021, they took full operational ownership last January. The couple relocated to the Lake Norman area from Pennsylvania in 2012, having found their forever home – and the perfect community niche.
“Collaborating with local and regional farmers allows us to offer our customers the highest quality food at a competitive price,” shares Robin. Staying community minded is also a strong element of the unique hospitality here – and delivering the best possible experience to every guest.
Now an autism-friendly dining destination, Peninsula Prime is committed to creating a welcoming environment for all, by accommodating sensory sensitivities and unique needs. Families can receive a sensory kit and menu with pictures for easy ordering. Guests are welcome to contact the restaurant in advance – or simply ask their server.
Even beyond amazing service, superb food, delicious cocktails and relaxing live music every Wednesday evening, there’s an unmistakable vibe at this popular Lake Norman spot. You’ll feel it throughout the elegantly lit dining room, cozy bar area and charming outside patio.
“We couldn’t deliver on our vision without our excellent staff led by General Manager Angela Broadway and our head chef, David Castillo,” says Robin. “We change our menu twice a year but also add seasonal features every week. Being a steak and seafood restaurant, our most popular dishes are the prime ribeye, Chilean seabass and our meatballs – which are made fresh every day. Our most popular cocktail choices are the Prime old fashioned and the Lake Norman blonde martini. Plus, we have an outstanding selection of bourbons.”
The restaurant’s most recent innovation prompted a switch to all beef tallow preparation.
“My husband has been in the specialty food industry for the last 20 years, and he’s incorporating that knowledge into our restaurant,” Robin explains. “As an example, seed oils, like canola and soybean oil, are often highly processed and contain unhealthy trans fats. They may lead to health issues due to their high omega-6 fatty acid content. By choosing healthier fats like beef tallow and olive oil in our cooking, we not only enhance the quality of our dishes, but also contribute to the overall well being of our customers.”
As the holidays approach, take note that Peninsula Prime is now available to book for your family or corporate party, bringing their farm-to-table goodness to every event. The private dining room seats 40 guests for full dinner service, the mezzanine seats 60 for dinner (including space for a full cocktail bar) and the outside patio is equipped to seat 65 guests across both table and bar seating.
Peninsula Prime also offers unique pairing dinners throughout the year – watch for details on their October 14th event – a “Cask & Cattle” dinner – partnering with Little Mountain Farm & Cattle Co. Follow the restaurant on Facebook and Instagram @peninsula_prime for event updates and specials!
Call now to book a holiday gathering, 704.655.2727, or visit peninsulaprimelkn.com to make reservations online. Peninsula Prime Seafood & Steakhouse is located at 19918 N. Cove Road in Cornelius, NC. Hours are Monday through Thursday 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
