Ready to eat: These are the Charlotte restaurants opening in 2026
If there’s one thing you can count on in Charlotte recently, it’s eye-popping growth in the food and drink scene.
What that means for the rest of us is new hotspots to visit, new drinks to sip and new flavors to explore.
This year, you’ll find new bars and restaurants bringing tastes from around the world in both casual and upscale establishments all around the area. Brunch, cocktails, pasta and sushi are all on the way, along with African cuisine, Middle Eastern sips, seafood and steaks.
Here’s a look all the new food and drink spots that are opening in 2026 or have announced plans to do so.
7 Brew
Location: 101 W. Woodlawn Road, Charlotte, NC 28217
An application with the city of Charlotte has been filed to redevelopment existing commercial property on Woodlawn Road to a 7 Brew location. The proposal for a drive-thru only coffee shop — which offers energy drinks, smoothies and shakes, as well — is still in the early stages.
1368 Sweet Corner Cafe
Location: 9211 N Tryon St STE-5, Charlotte, NC 28262
1368 Sweet Corner Cafe, a Steele Creek fusion restaurant serves a variety of Asian-inspired street foods, is planning an expansion to a second location. The new University City shop is slated to open in late spring.
All Purpose Bar
Location: 3123 N. Davidson St., Charlotte NC 28205
All Purpose Bar — also known as APB — has moved into the former Protagonist Beer space in NoDa. Mixologist and bartender Larry Suggs’ venture opened in April with moody lighting, plenty ofseating and an unpretentious air.
Amina
Location: 225 E 6th St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Amina opened April 3, promising African- and Mediterranean-inspired food in an upscale setting within walking distance of Spectrum Center. Expect curated cocktails and “a space that transitions from lunch, dinner to nightlife seamlessly,” a restaurant spokesperson told CharlotteFive.
Antagonist
Location: The Campbell, 2025 Cleveland Ave, Charlotte, NC 28203
Antagonist, a new cocktail/coffee concept is open in the Dilworth area. The team behind Protagonist Beer created the new spot to serve coffee by day and cocktails by night, starting in early March, in The Campbell apartment tower, touting “quick wits and smooth sips.”
ANTHM Nightclub and Lounge
Location: 950 NC Music Factory Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28206
Launching at the AvidXchange Music Factory, the two-story ANTHM Nightclub and Lounge is a “social hub” with a cocktail lounge upstairs and a buzzy nightclub downstairs. It opened in early February.
Artisen Gelato
Location: Eastland Yards, 7024 Farrell Parlour Ln, Charlotte, NC 28212
Artisen Gelato is among the businesses planned for the Eastland Yards development. which is still under construction. The shop that makes vegan and allergy-friendly gelato is owned by Manolo’s Bakery owner Manolo Betancur and won CharlotteFive’s best ice cream poll in 2023.
Bayt Almocha
Location: Centro NoDa, 715 E 36th St, Charlotte, NC 28205
Another Yemeni cafe is joining Charlotte’s coffee shop lineup. Bayt Almocha — which has locations in Kentucky and Michigan — is coming to the Centro NoDa development, with handcrafted coffee, pastries, savory sandwiches and more.
Brunches
Location: Oakhurst Commons, 4000 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC 28205
Brunches, a brunch restaurant with five North Carolina locations, opened in Charlotte mid-May with a few other spots in the Carolinas and elsewhere on the way. The menu includes breakfast favorites and lunch options including bowls, burgers and tacos — plus a cocktail menu.
Bourbon Steak
Location: 201 E Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Bourbon Steak, a small restaurant chain with elite chef Michael Mina at the helm, is opening this year in the former Punch Room space at the Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte. Expect high-end steaks and seafood, seasonal produce and a wine list with a global point of view.
Burrito Shak
Location: 4941 Dogwood Blvd, Kannapolis, NC 28081
Construction for a Burrito Shak location is underway in Kannapolis. The eatery offers Baja-style burritos, bowls and tacos, is seeking to build its first Charlotte area restaurant, joining North Carolina locations in Cary, Greensboro and Hampstead.
Capishe new concept
Location: 500 E Morehead St # 100, Charlotte, NC 28202
Chef Raffaele and Madison Patrizi, who own Mano Bella, have acquired the lease and assets at Capishe and are planning a new concept for the space while continuing operations there, Charlotte Business Journal has reported.
Casa Azetca
Location: 129 W. Trade St., Charlotte NC 28202
Casa Azteca has replaced what was The King’s Kitchen, serving up classic tacos, fajitas and quesadillas alongside charcoal-grilled chicken and steaks. It opened April 8.
The Changebaker Place
Location: 4405 Central Ave, Suite B, Charlotte, NC 28205
Manolo’s Bakery owner Manolo Betancur opened a new cafe in mid-January with his wife, Leidy, that’s named after “The Changebaker” documentary about his advocacy work. At The Changebaker Place, patrons can sip coffee with pastries, or savor a scoop of gelato before heading next door to Manolo’s for baked goods to take home.
Chilly Willi’s Tex Mex Grill
Location: 9615 Bailey Rd, Cornelius, NC 28031
Duckworth’s owner Rob Duckworth breathed new life into the long-closed West Virginia restaurant Chili Willi’s with a Friday, May 8 opening. The Tex Mex spot moved into the former The Waterman location in Lake Norman and is using all the same recipes, including the one for its award-winning chili.
CHNO Coffee Co.
Location: 4612 Gilead St, Charlotte, NC 28217
CHNO Coffee Co., voted Charlotte’s Best coffee in 2025 before losing its location, opened its doors April 18 at the Elan LoSo apartments. Along with coffee drinks, customers can expect pastries and a variety of merch.
Chop Chop Red Pot on 7th
Location: 224 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202
The Chop Chop Red Pot food truck is expanding with a new concept at The Market at 7th Street that combines its popular barbecue with offerings from its sister restaurant, Marlee Jean’s Raw Bar & Kitchen in Davidson.
Chuyita’s Fresh Mexican Food & Bar
Location: 1727 Sardis Road North, Charlotte, NC 28270
Another restaurant is in the works for the team behind Taqueria Chuyita in Monroe. A specific opening date for the new Chuyita’s Fresh Mexican Food & Bar has not yet been announced.
City Barbeque
Location: 5001 Old York Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29732
City Barbeque’s fifth Charlotte-area restaurant opened in March, serving hickory-smoked chicken, brisket, pulled pork, turkey and ribs. Sides include mac and cheese, baked beans and coleslaw, plus dessert.
The Craic
Location: 4810 Ashley Park Ln, Charlotte, NC 28210
The Craic (pronounced “the crack”) opened April 15 in the former Rusty Bucket location in South Park. Patrons will find plenty of seating, with TV screen views everywhere, and pub food such as wings, burgers, fish and chips and more.
Crave Cookies Mooresville
Location: 201 N. Church St., Suite 103, Mooresville NC 28115
Crave Cookies opened in Lake Norman’s Mooresville community in February, baking up deep dish cookies that are 2 inches thick with rotating flavors. The store is the national chain’s first location in the Carolinas.
Crazy Legs Sports Cafe
Location: 9325 JW Clay Blvd #222, Charlotte, NC 28262
Crazy Legs Sports Cafe opened in February in the University City area, bringing air fried chicken wings, sliders and loaded fries to sports fans who want to catch a game on a big screen. Wing baskets come with more than a dozen sauces to choose from, or you can opt for a burger, pizza or a loaded salmon bowl.
Crisp Uptown
Location: 132 Brevard Court, Charlotte, NC 28202
Crisp, which serves signature salads and wraps, is moving locations in uptown. The restaurant will find a new home at The Alley at Latta Arcade, taking over the former Young and Tate restaurant space, a zoning permit shows.
Crispy Cones
Location: 8736 Outlet Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28278
Crispy Cones branched out of Wilmington to add a Charlotte location on Jan. 9. Look for classic chocolate and vanilla cones, plus cereal milk ice cream and other specialty flavors.
Crown & Tide
Location: Inside City Kitch, 2200 Thrift Rd, Charlotte, NC 28208
Crown & Tide is slated to open in early May inside the City Kitch ghost kitchen. The restaurant based on coastal traditions promises fire-grilled seafood “done right,” co-owner Priya Balakrishnan told CharlotteFive.
Culinary Dropout
Location: 15220 Bowl St, Charlotte, NC 28277
Culinary Dropout has plans to open a second location at the Bowl at Ballantyne, according to a permit request with the city of Charlotte. The project’s timeline is unclear, but when it opens, customers can expect comfort food options such as hot wings and barbecue pork belly nachos.
DeepCuts HiFi
Location: 2433 South Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203
DeepCuts HiFI opened May 1 next door to the Music Yard, offering a tapas-style dinner menu and a late-night dance floor featuring a variety of music styles. “It leans more toward underground dance music, but it’s really whatever the DJs are feeling,” owner Preston Abernathy told CharlotteFive. “Anything from funk to soul to jazz to deep house to R&B — just good vibes.”
Dilworth Social House
Location: 1301 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
The former Bakersfield restaurant has been transformed to Dilworth Social House, Charlotte Business Journal reported. The restaurant’s Facebook page touts the new spot as a “casual, family-friendly” place to “enjoy great food, cold beer, craft cocktails, and catch a game.“
DŌZO Japanese American Kitchen
Location: 1419 East Blvd a, Charlotte, NC 28203
Popular restaurant Dozo Japanese American Kitchen packed up its City Kitch space in late September and moved into the location that formerly held popular vegan restaurant Fern, Flavors from the Garden, opening Jan. 29. That dining stalwart closed last April.
Dutch Bros.
Location: 2027 Celanese Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29732
Dutch Bros Coffee opened in Rock Hill at the end of March, bringing hot and cold drinks to its drive-thru. In January, Dutch Bros reached a deal to take over Mooresville, North Carolina-based drive-thru chain Clutch Coffee Bar, which added 20 locations across the Carolinas including spots in Rock Hill, Indian Trail and Monroe.
El Tres Platos Restaurant & Grill
Location: 1700 S York Rd, Gastonia, NC 28052
El Tres Platos Restaurant and Grill opened April 9 in Gastonia, blending together offerings from Mexican, Colombian and Honduran cuisines “to share authentic food, tradition and community.” Look for dishes such as arroz con pollo, enchiladas and tacos, plus steak and seafood.
Emilio’s Pizza Kitchen
Location: 773 Crossroads Plaza, Tega Cay, SC 29708
Emilio’s Pizza Kitchen is expanding from its original Fort Mill location to take over the space of beloved Village Pizza, which closed in 2025. Customers can expect the same menu of pizzas, salads, subs and more.
Enzo’s Italian Market
Location: 130 Matthews Station St, Matthews, NC 28105
Enzo’s Italian Market opened a larger space in downtown Matthews in early April. The New York-style Italian market, which has locations in Stallings and Lancaster, SC, offers fresh pasta and mozzarella, gelato, plus spaces to eat and sip.
FARE
Location: Queensbridge Collective, 1111 South Tryon, Charlotte NC 28203
FARE — a fast-casual restaurant that had originally aimed to open in Charlotte’s Monarch Market — has switched gears. Now, the Chicago-based and woman-owned restaurant offering all-day breakfast, customizable bowls and seasonal specials plans to open in the Queen City at Queensbridge Collective.
Fenian’s Keep
Location: 423 E 36th St, St A, Charlotte, NC 28205
Fenian’s Keep, a new Irish pub, opened just before St. Patrick’s Day in NoDa. Look for offerings similar to Bridgid’s Pub in South End, as the spots share the same owner.
Flora
Location: 2120 South Blvd #1, Charlotte, NC 28203
Flora, a New York restaurant crafting American cuisine, is coming to the space that once held The Eagle Food & Beer Hall, Charlotte Business Journal reported. It serves lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, with dishes including edamame hummus, butternut squash arancini and chipotle glazed swordfish.
FunkHeizer’s Diner
Location: 631 Brawley School Road, Mooresville 28117
Location: 14013 North Creek Village Drive, Huntersville 28078
Location: 20609 Torrence Chapel Rd, Cornelius, NC 28031
Restaurateur Mel Funk’s FunkHeizer’s Diner has replaced Fresh Egg in Mooresville, with a Huntersville location opening in early April and a Cornelius one to follow at the current space of Fresh Egg Cornelius. The rebranding includes an expanded menu of smashburgers, salads and dinner options with a full bar, along with all-day breakfast.
The Garrison: A Cocktail Bar + Restaurant
Location: 15083 Molokai Dr, Tega Cay, SC 29708
The Garrison has expanded from Pineville to open a new location in the former Shore Club space in Tega Cay. The restaurant opened April 15, pairing up the restaurant’s original menu with the pizza offerings found at Margaux’s, which is next door to The Garrison in Pineville and shares the same owner.
Gotcha Matcha
Location: Three Wells Fargo Center, 401 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Gotcha Matcha opened a second location in January inside Three Wellls Fargo Center, just a short walk from its first location. The drink shop offers more than a dozen matcha options, plus coffee and tea selections and sweet treats.
Gouda’s Loaded Kitchen
Location: 4431 Brookshire Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28216
Gouda’s Loaded Kitchen turned from food truck to takeout spot in early April with a permanent storefront in West Charlotte. Every fry basket comes with its signature cheese sauce, or you can take your pick from 10 other house-made sauces.
The Greek Eats & Sweets
Location: 111 Marketplace Ave, Suite B, Mooresville, NC 28117
The Greek opened in February in Lake Norman as a takeout restaurant featuring the owners’ family recipes and other authentic Greek fare. Build-your-own bowls, gyros, Mediterranean dips and desserts are on the menu.
Grey’s Diner
Location: 3100 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205
James Beard semifinalist chef Sam Diminich is moving into the former Mattie’s Diner space and opening Grey’s Diner, named after his son, Allan Grey. The farm-to-table comfort food spot will be a family-centered space “welcoming everyone as they are.”
Groovers Listening Bar
Location: 1510 S. Mint St., Charlotte NC
Groovers Listening Bar is expanding from Charleston, moving into the South End space where Cloud was located in February.
Guard and Grace
Location: Queensbridge Collective, 111 E Carson Blvd. Ste 100 Charlotte, NC 28203
Guard and Grace, a modern steakhouse with locations in Denver and Houston, will open up a Charlotte location in fall 2026. Expect high-end steaks on the menu, along with internationally-inspired options, a raw bar and other seafood selections.
The Guest House by Choplin’s
Location: 208 Gilead Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078
The team behind Choplin’s Restaurant is setting out on a new venture. The Guest House by Choplin’s will bring “small plates, steaks and martinis” to Huntersville’s downtown district this spring.
Half Shell
Location: Linea, 2161 Hawkins St, Charlotte, NC 28203
Seafood restaurant Half Shell opened at the Linea development in South End in early 2026. Expect a menu that includes Florida stone crab and oyster shooters, along with caviar service, hot and chilled small plates and handhelds.
Hank’s Wings Company
Location: 2729 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28206
Hank’s Wings Company is slated to open in summer 2026 in the Tryon Plaza on North Tryon Street, Ascent Real Estate Partners said via Instagram. Offerings will include wings, Nashville-style fried chicken tenders, sandwiches and more.
Haraz Coffee House
Location: 2410 Herrons Nest Pl NW, Concord, NC 28027
Haraz Coffee House continues its expansion across the Charlotte area with its newest location in Concord, which held its grand opening on May 8. The Yemeni-style coffee shop also has locations in Ballantyne and Plaza Midwood.
Harriet’s Hamburgers
Location: 1711 Commonwealth Ave #180, Charlotte, NC 28205
Harriet’s Hamburgers’ third location, in the Commonwealth deveopment in Plaza Midwood, opened March 3. The burger joint serves a tightly curated menu of burgers, fries and cheese curds, paired with a selection of signature sauces.
Higher Grounds by Manolo
Location: Eastland Yards, 7024 Farrell Parlour Ln, Charlotte, NC 28212
Higher Grounds by Manolo, a coffee shop whose first location is inside Myers Park United Methodist Church, will join sister spot Artisen Gelato at the Eastland Yards development. Both are owned by Manolo’s Bakery owner Manolo Betancur.
Honey Pies BBQ & SmokeHouse
Location: 4400 Sunset Rd, Charlotte, NC 28216
Honey Pies BBQ & SmokeHouse opened May 8 in the space where Bubba’s Barbecue had operated for years. When you visit the restaurant, look for a switch from North Carolina-style smoked meats to hefty portions of Texas-style barbecue with Southern sides such as potato casseroles, macaroni, stewed squash and steamed cabbage, plus creamed corn, fried okra and honey cornbread.
The Iberian Pig
Location: 110 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203
The Iberian Pig, a tapas restaurant with locations in Atlanta and Nashville, will open in South End in 2026. Among the menu items are Iberico Mac & Cheese, Pork Cheek Tacos and paella, along with Spanish meats and cheeses
Ilios Crafted Greek
Location: 231 Griffith St, Davidson, NC 28036
Ilios Crafted Greek is opening a new Lake Norman restaurant in Davidson — its 5th location. The fast-casual restaurant cranks out gyros, falafels and spinach and feta pie, plus Greek-style salads and other fare.
The Improper Pig
Location: 1600 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
The Improper Pig’s new flagship restaurant in Plaza Midwood has replaced the former Pizza Peel & Tap Room. The Charlotte area’s third location of the popular barbecue joint, opened Feb. 16, offers an Asian spin on barbecue with items including smoked tofu, brisket fried rice and vegetarian dishes, too.
Italo
Location: 100 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Italo took over the space where Cicchetti operated, with a May 19 opening planned. Diners can expect cacio e pepe, risotto, gnocchi, wagyu filets and other Italian dishes.
The Juice Pod
Location: 2151 Hawkins St., Charlotte, NC 28203
The Juice Pod, a Northeast-based brand that sells juices, salads, wraps and other foods aimed at “clean” eaters, opened a South End location in late February. The location is The Juice Pod’s first foray into North Carolina and its 23rd location overall, with existing shops in Delaware, Florida and New Jersey.
Karak House Coffee
Location: 220 N Pine St, Suite A, Charlotte, NC 28202
Karak House Coffee is set to open a Middle Eastern-inspired café specializes in Karak Chai (a traditional spiced tea). The first North Carolina location will join existing spots in Chicago, New York, San Diego and Orange County, California.
King of Fire
Location: Multiple
King of Fire, which got its start as a food truck and expanded to a permanent space in uptown Charlotte, plans to open a 3,484-square-foot space at CrossRidge Center across the border in Indian Land, South Carolina. The pizzeria also signed a six-unit franchise deal to expand across the state to Greenville, Spartanburg and Clemson. “This is more than just selling pizza — it’s about creating an experience that people will remember,” co-owner and founder Siler Chapman said in a news release.
Kolapasi Indian Canteen
Location: 9456 Monroe Rd, Charlotte, NC 28270
Kolapasi Indian Canteen, which opened its first restaurant in Charlotte last year, has now got a second location in operation. At Kolapasi, customers can expect a “build your own” experience similar to Chipotle, and customers are encouraged to sample offerings to help them choose.
Kristy’s Creole Kitchen
Location: 1300 South Blvd. Suite 101-F, Charlotte, NC 28203
Kristy’s Creole Kitchen moved from a Wesley Heights ghost kitchen into the former home of Mazi this April. Full service is on the table, along with takeout of options such as Creole Seafood Gumbo, Crawfish Etoufee and Bourbon Street Salmon Bites.
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar
Location: 7804 Rea Rd, Suite A, Charlotte, NC 28277
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar is opening at StoneCrest at Piper Glen, bringing the brand’s first North Carolina location to Charlotte. It will take over the former Pearlz Oyster Bar space.
La Bonbonnière Bakery
Location: 9870 Rea Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277
La Bonbonnière Bakery plans to open a second storefront at Blakeney Town Center, where it will sell a rotating selection of cookies and other treats. The bakery got its start at farmers markets before moving to an uptown shop.
La Dolcekca Deluxe Bakery
Location: 1994 Charlotte Hwy, Mooresville, NC 28117
La Dolcekca Bakery Cafe in Montford has closed, but a new location is opening in Mooresville. Owner Karina Cooper has decided to “downsize and streamline” her menu to focus on one thing: desserts.
Lady Funari
Location: 222 E Bland St, Charlotte, NC 28203
The B-Side Group is slated to open a modern pasta bar in the former Futo Buta space called Lady Funari. Diners can look forward to handcrafted pasta, along with seasonally-driven chef specials and a beverage program that leans hard on Italian spirits.
La Vecina
Location: 1306 Central Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205
La Vecina is working toward a spring opening in Plaza Midwood, with plans for a walk-up taco stand, a full bar and live DJs. Sunday brunch will be offered, too.
LILA Restaurant
Location: 225 S Poplar Street Charlotte, NC 28202
Llila, which was first introduced as Sushi Rosé, is opening June 6 in the former Haymaker space in uptown Charlotte. The Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant got its start in Winston-Salem, offering dishes such as lomo saltado, sushi, crudo and more.
Little Mama’s Cornelius
Location: 9623 Bailey Rd Suite 100, Cornelius, NC 28031
Little Mama’s is taking over the former G.O.A.T. Pizza space in Cornelius. The third location of Frank Scibelli’s Mama Ricotta’s spinoff is slated to open in 2026, although a firm date has not yet been set.
Mac’s Speed Shop + SouthBound
Location: 1954 S.C. Highway 160, Fort Mill SC 29708
Location: Crosslake Industrial Park, Knob Hill Road, Mooresville NC 28117
Long-awaited plans for a Mac’s Speed Shop and SouthBound restaurant complex have finally kicked into gear in Fort Mill. Construction was expected to be complete in 2026 at Mac’s and later for SouthBound, Mac’s president, Tony Salerno, has said. Land for a Mooresville location has been purchased, as well, but the timeline for construction has not yet been set.
Maman
Location: 1711 Commonwealth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
Location: 2000 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
Location: 523 Fenton Pl, Charlotte, NC 28207
Maman, a New York City bakery and cafe that makes cookies Oprah swoons over, is opening three Charlotte locations. The first, in Plaza Midwood, opens May 20.
Maneki
Location: The Alley at Latta Arcade, 320 South Tryon St., Charlotte NC 28202
A new late-night Japanese restaurant is opening at The Alley at Latta Arcade. Maneki, which does not yet have an opening date, will serve traditional Japanese grilled skewers with a variety of dipping sauces. “As with many projects, there have been some unforeseen development issues. Rest assured we have not given up on opening Maneki at Latta,” chef Sam Hart told CharlotteFive in early December.
Mariah’s Taco Spot
Location: 4090 Raleigh St., Charlotte NC 28206
After bringing her birria tacos to Charlotte foodies with her food truck and ghost kitchen service, Mariah’s Taco Spot will open its first brick-and-mortar location. The restaurant, which has tacos, oven-roasted wings and more, does not yet have an opening date.
Market on Morehead
Location: 1001 Morehead Square Drive, Charlotte NC
Market on Morehead is planning a spring opening for its 10,000-square-foot restaurant that will seat 250 people, plus a 150-person patio. Gourmet food, craft drinks and live music are all in the works for the sister property to Market on Main in Columbia, S.C.
Masala Bitez Indian Kitchen
Location: 134 Mooresville Commons Way, Mooresville, NC 28117
Masala Bitez Indian Kitchen opened Monday, Jan. 12, in the former Chefry’s Blue Smoke BBQ space in the Lowes Foods center. Owner Vishal Makkar and his father, Ashok Kumar, also own the longtime Sangam Indian Cuisine in Cornelius and Masala Mastee in Davidson.
Melt n Dip
Location: The Arboretum, 8008 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277
Melt n Dip, a global dessert boutique that originated in Dubai, will open its first in North Carolina location in Charlotte’s Arboretum shopping center this year. As the name would lead you to believe, you can expect molten chocolate and dippable treats.
Meshugganah
Location: City Kitch, 2200 Thrift Rd, Charlotte, NC 28208
Chef Rob Clement re-opened Meshugganah in west Charlotte’s City Kitch in mid-February, starting with lunch service for pickup or by delivery. Shortly afterward, however, he pivoted to selling his pastrami sandwiches, matzo ball soup and black and white cookies solely for catering.
Mestiza Steakhouse
Location: 16 Union St S, Concord, NC 28025
Mestiza Steakhouse is taking over the former Gianni’s Trattoria space in downtown Concord. Owner Eduardo Rios said he hopes to open the restaurant blending Latin, European and American flavors by late May or early June.
Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza
Location: The Bowl at Ballantyne, 14020 Stream Way, Suite 110, Charlotte, NC 28277
Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza, known for its star-shaped pies, is slated to open at The Bowl at Ballantyne this fall. The Michelin-recommended restaurant’s first North Carolina location will offer pizza with what the Guide touts as “slow-fermented dough, premium ingredients and playful flavors.”
Naked Farmer
Location: 2725 South Blvd, Ste A, Charlotte, NC 28209
A Florida farm-to-table restaurant plans to put down roots in Charlotte with a Feb. 7 opening. Naked Farmer, a fast-casual chain known for its locally-sourced, seasonal offerings, will settle its first location in South End. The Naked Farmer’s first North Carolina location occupies the former Maple Street Biscuit Company space at the Sedgefield Shopping Center.
New York Butcher Shoppe
Location: 100 Bryant St, Belmont, NC 28012
New York Butcher Shoppe’s Belmont location opened Jan. 13, offering hand-cut meats along with wine, specialty groceries and prepared foods. Like its sister locations in Charlotte, Indian Land and Fort Mill, the shop also offers full-service dining.
Olivelli Deli
Location: 3120 N. Davidson Street Charlotte, NC 28205
Olivelli Deli is taking over the Reigning Doughnuts walk-up window tucked behind Growler’s Pourhouse in April. Customers can expect deli sandwiches, snacky appetizers and chips, along with soft-serve ice cream from the takeout space, which will keep picnic tables outside for seating.
Orrman’s Cheese Shop
Location: 2901 Selwyn Ave, Charlotte, NC 28209
After more than a decade at The Market at 7th Street, Orrman’s Cheese Shop packed up its wheels and moved to Myers Park. The new brick-and-mortar space opened May 4 with an expanded retail selection, a bigger menu and indoor/outdoor seating options.
Packard Tavern
Location: 222 S Church St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Packard Tavern, a new restaurant from industry veteran Paul Manley, is slated to open in uptown Charlotte in the former Bar One space. Look for its contemporary cuisine starting May 18.
Panda Express
Location: 13108 Albemarle Rd, Mint Hill, NC 28227
Chinese-American food chain Panda Express opened a Mint Hill location in March, bringing its famous orange chicken, beef and broccoli, and honey walnut shrimp dishes to a new part of the Charlotte area.
Picasso’s Sports Cafe
Location: 123 W Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Picasso’s Sports Café in University City plans to open a second location in uptown where a Hooters restaurant had previously operated. Sports fans can expect game day bites such as Buffalo chicken pizza, pepperoni rolls, burgers, sandwiches and salads.
Pinky’s Westside Grill
Location: 1109 Morningside Dr, Charlotte, NC 28205
Pinky’s is planning a late summer opening for its third location in Plaza Midwood. The former Grinning Mule space will soon be serving up White Trash burgers and other specialties that Pinky’s fans love.
Plot Twist
Location: 1518 Lyon Court, Charlotte, NC 28205
Plot Twist, a woman-owned, all-day coffee and cocktail bar, opened April 21 in a former auto shop next door to Trope Bookshop and Wiloe Home & Gift in Plaza Midwood. Mocktails and THC options will also be on the beverage menu.
PostScript Restaurant
Location: 2121 Shamrock Dr, Charlotte, NC 28205
A year after Letty’s on Shamrock owner Letty Ketner shuttered the beloved restaurant in Charlotte’s Plaza Shamrock neighborhood, new life is coming to the iconic space. PostScript’s told CharlotteFive a full renovation was taking place. Now, PostScript Restaurant has opened in its space.
Pure Green
Location: Centro NoDa, 715 E 36th St, Charlotte, NC 28205
Pure Green sells organic cold-pressed juices, smoothies, acai bowls, oatmeal and wellness shots. It’s new Centro NoDa location will open in early 2026.
Raising Cane’s
Location: 520 John Ross Pkwy, Rock Hill, SC 29730
Raising Cane’s chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries and Cane’s sauce finally became available in the Charlotte area starting Tuesday, Feb. 24. The Rock Hill location is the first in the area for the national chain.
Reid’s Fine Foods
Location: 14015 Conlan Circle, Charlotte, NC 28277
Reid’s Fine Foods added a fifth location in Ballantyne in early April. “The Ballantyne store will offer the best parts of our SouthPark and Selwyn Avenue locations in a new and inviting atmosphere in which to enjoy them … with plenty of parking!,” Tom Coker, president and majority owner of Reid’s Fine Foods, said via Instagram.
Ricci’s Hoagies
Location: Centro NoDa, 715 E 36th St, Charlotte, NC 28205
Ricci’s Hoagies opened in March in the new Centro NoDa mixed-use development. Similiar to its two other Philadelphia locations, the sandwich shop will has authentic Italian hoagies, including veggie and chicken cutlet options.
RiceZilla
Location: 5534 Albemarle Rd #107, Charlotte, NC 28212
Family-owned RiceZilla opened in early 2026 in Eastland, offering Thai and Burmese cuisine. The restaurant is next to Myanmar Asian Market, and its menu includes noodle dishes, curries, soups and more.
Roots Cafe
Location: 5033 South Blvd L., Charlotte NC 28217
Roots Cafe is opening a new Madison Park location, planning ahead for the end of its South End lease in 2027. The new spot will open in two phases: A coffee shop ready for service in late spring and then an expansion with a larger kitchen and more dining room space. Coffee shop patrons can expect Enderly Coffee, craft cocktails, pastries and a few hot menu items, plus to-go items.
Royal Bliss Brewing
Location: 19149 W Catawba Ave., Cornelius, NC 28031
Lake Norman’s Royal Bliss Brewing plans to bring a second location with a microbrewery, restaurant and an outdoor beer garden to the area. Once open, the new space would total 10,000 square feet.
Roz Café
Location: Joinery, 1816 N Brevard St, Charlotte, NC 28206
Roz Café, a spinoff of the Roz Grill restaurant at The Arboretum, is slated to open at Joinery over the summer. Among its offerings will be pastries, breakfast sandwiches and Mediterranean fare.
Sabores de Oaxaca
Location: 3654 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
Sabores de Oaxaca, the newest concept from the family behind Tacos El Nevado, kicked off its grand opening Friday, May 8. The restaurant will focus exclusively on Oaxacan cuisine, with savory moles, guisados (home-style stews), tamales and tlayudas, a pizza-like dish featuring a large crispy tortilla layered with bean paste, chorizo, avocado, green salsa, cheese and other toppings.
Sage & Citrus
Location: 1801 N. Graham St., Suite 100, Charlotte, NC
Chef Darius Johnson is opening Sage & Citrus at Camp North End, offering a menu of greens and grain bowls, sandwiches and hand-crafted smoothies, plus kid-friendly offerings. Opening day was set for Saturday, April 4.
The Salty
Location: 1711 Commonwealth Avenue, Suite 110, Charlotte, NC 28205
The Salty started off the year by opening its third Charlotte location in Plaza Midwood on Jan 2. “Plaza Midwood has such a strong sense of character and community, which aligns perfectly with who we are as a brand,” Andy Rodriguez, CEO and Co-Founder of The Salty said in a news release.
Seemingly Overzealous
Location: 207 Griffith St, Davidson, NC 28036
Location: 126 Matthews Station St, Matthews, NC 28105
Dairy-free and allergy-friendly ice cream shop Seemingly Overzealous opened a third location in June 2025. Before the end of the year, the brand announced two more locations were on the way: in Davidson and in Matthews.
Sharigato
Location: Joinery, 420 E 22nd Street, Charlotte, NC 28206
Long-awaited Sharigato opened May 19 in Optimist Park, offering made-to-order sushi handrolls for counter service and takeout. The tightly-curated menu focuses on premium seafood like toro, Faroe Island salmon, yellowtail, scallops and lobster, plus vegetarian rolls and snacks such as edamame with togarashi and blistered shishito peppers.
Shinjuku Station
Location: 230 E W.T. Harris Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28262
Shinjuku Station, a revolving sushi bar, is opening a Charlotte location, along with one in Raleigh. The brand says it offers “bold, playful visuals and tech-driven dining designed to make each visit feel fresh, exciting, and new.”
Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar
Location: 5349 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy STE 100, Charlotte, NC 28277
Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar opened at Promenade on Providence on April 8 with fresh seafood including East Coast oysters. Other selections include chicken wings, salads, sandwiches and its signature Breakwater Burger.
Small Bar NoDa
Location: Optimist Park, 1816 N Brevard St, Charlotte, NC 28206
Small Bar, a dive bar with three Charlotte-area locations, is opening a new location at Joinery. Customers can expect lunch and dinner offerings, plus cocktails, cold beer and entertainment.
The Smoke Pit
Location: 328 W. Plaza Dr., Mooresville, NC 28117.
CharlotteFive Readers’ Choice Best Barbecue winner The Smoke Pit opened a Lake Norman location in Mooresville on April 1. The restaurant focuses on North Carolina-style pulled pork, Texas-style chopped brisket, chicken and traditional barbecue sides.
South Block
Location: The Bowl at Ballantyne, 14020 Stream Way, Suite 114, Charlotte, NC 28277
Location: Commonwealth, 1711 Commonwealth Ave #140, Charlotte, NC 28205
In January, South Block chose Charlotte for its first expansion location outside the Washington, D.C. area. The brand offers freshly squeezed juices, acai bowls and loaded toasts., along with a dupe for the viral — and pricey — Erewhon Strawberry Glaze Skin Smoothie. A Plaza Midwood location followed in April.
The Story of Mi Cariño
Location: 1440 S. Tryon St., Charlotte NC 28203
Mi Carino, a “Left-Coast Latino” restaurant from the team behind Vinyl, is opened Jan. 30 in the former Vana space next to sister restaurant Vinyl. Authentic, scratch-made Mexican food and a beverage program that includes small-batch mezcals and other agave spirits is in the works.
Sugar Creek Brewing
Location: 207 N Chester St, Gastonia, NC
Location: Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Concourse A, 5501 Josh Birmingham Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28208
Sugar Creek Brewing Company has multiple projects in the works. It’s taken over the former Cavendish Brewing Company space in Gastonia with plans for a complex that includes a new taproom and production facilities, along with a barbecue restaurant.
The brewery is also opening its first taproom at Charlotte’s airport, near the Wright Brothers installation in Concourse A. Sugar Creek will serve seasonal and small-batch pours and offer an exclusive “First in Flight” pilsner that can only be bought at the airport. The taproom is a partnership with HMSHost, which operates concessions at CLT.
Sweetgreen
Location: 1710 Commonwealth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
Sweetgreen’s second Charlotte location and third in the area is opening in late April at the Commonwealth development. The fast-casual restaurant offers salads and bowls.
Swig
Location: 4942 Trojan Dr, Charlotte, NC 28278
Location: 10105 Bellhaven Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28214
Location: 2379 India Hook Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29732
Swig, the “dirty soda” shop made famous by the “Secret Lives of Mormom Wives,” opened a Rock Hill location and then made plans open Charlotte locations in Steele Creek and Northwest Charlotte. Permits have been filed, but the project timelines are unclear.
Tapside Pizza
Location: Inside Primal Brewery-Belmont, 52 Ervin St, Belmont, NC 28012
Tapside Pizza opened inside Primal Brewery’s Belmont location in mid-February and brings together teams from two CharlotteFive Readers’ Choice favorites. Primal was chosen as readers’ top brewery, while eeZ Fusion & Sushi was readers’ selection for the best sushi in the area. Now, they are putting out artisanal pizza to pair with Primal’s beer.
Taverna Italian American Bistro
Location: 4547 Charlotte Hwy, Lake Wylie, SC 29710
Taverna Italian American Bistro opened in Lake Wylie, SC, offering classic and modern Italian and American dishes. The restaurant replaced Lily’s Bistro after a change in ownership, the former owner announced in February.
Three Lanterns Restaurant
Location: South End Charlotte
Fast-casual concept Three Lanterns Restaurant plans to open this summer in South End. Look for a menu that includes items such as spicy tuna poke bowls, garlic beef banh mi, veggie roti wrap and classic pho chicken soup.
Thoughtful Baking Co.
Location: 4418 Monroe Rd, Suite A, Charlotte, NC 28205
Thoughtful Baking Co., which has been a farmer’s market staple for years, opened its first brick-and-mortar storefront in Oakhurst on May 8. It’s known for savory pot pies and sweet desserts made with North Carolina ingredients.
Toastique
Location: 1120 S Tryon St Suite 150, Charlotte, NC 28203
Toastique, which had quietly closed its year-old South End location in Charlotte, came back in a Jan. 10 reopening in the same spot. The all-day cafe offers loaded toasts, smoothie bowls and an espresso bar.
True Food Kitchen
Location: Multiple
True Food Kitchen is expected to open its first Charlotte location in South End. The Phoenix-based restaurant chain will be moving into the Linea South End mixed-use residential tower.
Uchi and Uchibā
Location: Commonwealth, Pecan Avenue and Central Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28205
A new sushi concept led by James Beard award-winning chef and sushi master has opened in Charlotte. Uchi, which offers its non‑traditional approach to Japanese cuisine, opened its first North Carolina location in Plaza Midwood in late March and brought along a more casual sister concept, cocktail bar Uchibā, a few days later.
Uncle’s
Location: Burial Beer Charlotte, 1214 Thomas Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
Chef Michael Le transformed his popular pop up Hello Uncle into Uncle’s in early January, expanding the Queen City’s access to Southeast Asian food. Le’s comforting Thai dishes can now be found at the food truck at Burial Beer in Plaza Midwood.
Velvet Coupe Wine Bar
Location: 1177 Stonecrest Blvd, Tega Cay, SC 29708
Velvet Coupe Wine Bar opened in Tega Cay in early February in the same shopping center as Model A Brewing. The wine bar offers lush seating and light bites to nosh on along with the drinks.
Wyatt’s Superfine
Location: 1823 Cleveland Ave, Charlotte, NC 28203
The newest restaurant in the Tonidandel-Brown Restaurant Group, Wyatt’s Superfine, will open in the historic Leeper & Wyatt building the restaurateurs moved next to steak and seafood haven Leluia Hall. Renovations of the building are shown on “Fork & Hammer,” the restaurant group’s new PBS show, as work takes place to turn it into a multi-level restaurant paying homage to grocer Pleasant Wyatt.
Zamindar’s Club House
Location: 155 New Bern St, Charlotte, NC 28203
Zamindar’s Club House is slated to open in South End in early 2026 in the former Link & Pin space. The fine dining restaurant will feature dishes by Michelin-recommended chef Vamshi Adi of New York, who puts a modern take on traditional Indian cuisine.
Desiree Mathurin contributed.
This story was originally published January 7, 2026 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Ready to eat: These are the Charlotte restaurants opening in 2026."
