Even earlier than the stress and disruption of COVID, Charlotte eating places closed, downsized, relocated, expanded, and experimented. With it, town’s eating scene needed to climate a fair greater degree of stress: longtime dine-in eating places delivered meals curbside; fast-casual eateries unveiled take-home meal kits; and rooftop bars spruced up their patios to nudge prospects outside.
This 12 months, restaurateurs appeared to settle right into a post-virus swing whilst the general scene continued to develop and diversify, to the purpose the place it was exhausting to maintain observe of all the brand new additions. It’s quite a bit to digest, however Charlotte continues to impress us with its culinary vary and resilience.
Right here, you’ll discover 25 eating places that opened between Nov. 1, 2020, and Nov. 1, 2021. This listing relies on high quality, creativity, atmosphere, and repair, and it’s in no specific order. We invite you to get on the market, attempt one thing new, and help the gifted restaurateurs behind these dishes.
This can be it, the final word expression of New Southern delicacies: fancified variations of common-folk grub like smothered rooster and country-fried steak, together with an expansive menu of native craft beers and liquor, served in a repurposed industrial constructing that’s now a mixed-use improvement, in a city rising like kudzu in a creek mattress. Chef Chris Coleman and enterprise associate Sean Potter, who with one other associate opened The Goodyear Home two years in the past in NoDa, established Previous City in July 2021 within the historic Lowenstein Constructing close to the Winthrop campus in downtown Rock Hill. It’s an interesting area with dishes to match: bookshelves in opposition to one wall to honor the close by college; and tables, cubicles, and cushioned bar seats beneath a excessive wood-slat ceiling that provides a contact of what the crew calls “authenticity, elevated” to your Fish Camp Catfish with two sides or Hen Biscuit Pot Pie. 300 Expertise Manner, Ste. 203, Rock Hill, S.C., 803-980-6852
Order This: Robust selection, however the Caramel Pork Shoulder with braised butter beans, “sticky greens,” and apple gastrique ($22) is nouveau-Southern on a plate.
Botiwalla, which implies “the meat man” in Hindi, stands out among the many 13 meals distributors and warren of stalls at Optimist Corridor. So do Chef Meherwan Irani’s menus, wealthy with snacks like savory kale fritters and spicy potato dumplings on the “Road” menu; tasty curry and rice plates; and a lineup of entrees that features the Hen Tikka Roll and Botiwalla Lamb Burgers. Even the drinks provide an array of Indian flavors, from Mango Lassi, a relaxing yogurt drink with mango and cardamom, to a Tamarind Cola.
1115 N. Brevard St.,
Ste. 203, 980-296-3993
Order This: The SPDP appetizer ($6.49) is “savory puffed flour crisps” crammed with yogurt, two varieties of chutney, onions, cilantro, and potatoes, with a chickpea noodle topping.
Supperland was maybe the buzziest opening of the 12 months, and rightly so. Jamie Brown and Jeff Tonidandel, the spouses and enterprise companions who personal Haberdish, Growler’s Pourhouse, and Reigning Doughnuts, reworked a 69-year-old former church in Plaza Midwood right into a restaurant and cocktail bar. Chef Chris Rogienski serves Beef Quick Ribs and Wagyu Pot Roast household type, and visitors eat off customized dinner plates embellished with birds, butterflies, and flowers. For dessert, Pastry Chef Liana Sinclair makes individual-sized pies in flavors like chocolate peanut butter, citrus, and candy potato. The church annex homes The Bar at Supperland, the place mixologist Colleen Hughes makes cocktails garnished with edible flowers. In late 2021, Brown and Tonidandel revealed one more side: a 10-seat speakeasy within the basement of the church annex the place they host a two-hour, reservation-only “spirit expertise” with bourbon cocktails and small-bite pairings. Like the whole lot else at Supperland, they’ve fine-tuned each element. 1212 The Plaza, 704-817-7514
Order This: The Miso Mac & Cheese ($15) topped with miso-infused whipped cream is a grown-up spin on a childhood staple.
Jim Noble, whose portfolio consists of Rooster’s, The King’s Kitchen, Copain, and Noble Smoke, opened his namesake restaurant in July within the former Nolen Kitchen area in Myers Park. He modeled it after Mediterranean trattorias and bistros, and designed a menu round wood-fired pizza and selfmade pastas. Govt Chef Jason Neve and Chef de Delicacies Vince Giancarlo sling 12-inch pizzas made with 48-hour fermented dough, which makes for crunchy, ethereal crusts. Standout pasta dishes embrace Pappardelle with brisket ragu and Linguine with North Carolina shrimp. Snag a desk on the sprawling again patio for those who can, as a result of dinner at all times tastes higher al fresco. 2839 Selwyn Ave., 704-979-4242
Order This: The Funghi ($21), aka “Jimmy’s Pie,” topped with roasted farm mushrooms, taleggio cheese, and balsamic discount.
You received’t discover deep-fried sushi rolls doused with sauce at this Ballantyne restaurant. Ninety p.c of the menu is uncooked, and about 95% is seafood-based. Chef Robin Anthony makes Edomae-style sushi, which is what you’d eat in Tokyo. He’s additionally an authorized sake adviser who pairs the Japanese rice drink with fish the identical approach a sommelier pairs meals with wine. Reserve a spot on the 10-seat sushi bar to observe the grasp at work, and let him suggest a sake, even when it’s not your regular drink. Chances are high good he’ll change your thoughts. 11212 Windfall Street W., Ste. B, 980-339-5822
Order This: Do the Chef’s Alternative Nigiri Tasting ($25), and let Chef Robin shock you with eight completely different cuts of fish.
Anybody who’s adopted a plant-based food regimen anticipates underwhelming choices and skimpy parts at eating places, so it’s a luxurious to go to a spot with plentiful decisions and parts. The crew behind Nourish Charlotte opened this meals stall at Camp North End and serves a very vegan menu of dishes like Rainbow Toast and Socca and Salad. However not like normal steamed veggies or underdressed salads, these dishes are simply plain good. 1801 N. Graham St., Ste. 101, 980-237-4855
Order This: The Falafel Tower ($15) is a nachos-style heap of pita chips layered with chickpea and beet slaw, falafel crumble, and smoked chickpea hummus.
Chef Paul Cruz, beforehand of Mama Ricotta’s, and Sous Chef Alfredo Galarza introduced their familial love of Latin consolation meals to Plaza Midwood. FS Food Group modeled Calle Sol after Latin joints in Miami and Tampa’s Ybor City, and it exhibits in each the ambiance and dishes. The restaurant opened with simply dinner service, however hours now prolong to weekend lunch, which is healthier suited to the 2 Cuban sandwiches it affords: the Tampa Cubano and the Miami Cubano, distinguished by the salami and mayo on the previous. 1205 Thomas Ave., 704-565-8291
Order This: The Aji Amarillo ($15) is a standout from the strong ceviche menu, with its titular peppers, ginger, onions, olive oil, and lime juice.
Babe & Butcher gained reputation a couple of years in the past for its Instagrammable charcuterie boards and grazing tables. When homeowners Lindsay Anvik and Rob Henricks opened their first brick-and-mortar at Camp North Finish final 12 months, they launched charcuterie bins full of the identical delectable meats, cheeses, nuts, greens, and fruits they beforehand provided on a bigger scale. You may construct your individual field, however we advise beginning with one in every of their signatures, just like the Pimento Field or the Take Me to Europe Field—each with a curated number of complementary gadgets chosen by the Babe herself, Anvik. 301 Camp Street, Ste. 102, 980-216-4723
Order This: The Butcher Field ($22): cheddar, brie, berry goat cheese, prosciutto, pickles, oranges, strawberries, and walnuts.
The cheesesteak has many self-appointed gatekeepers, however there’s a purpose this onetime pop-up bought out each time it appeared at a brewery—or extra not too long ago, outdoors Financial institution of America Stadium on sport days. What makes them stand out right here in Charlotte? The euphoric mixture of Cheez Whiz and Amoroso’s rolls from Philadelphia. The excellent news: Now that companions Greg Balch, Ryan Hart, and Hannah Smith have a everlasting dwelling in Elizabeth, you now not should creep on their Instagram web page to say a coveted spot in line. 913 Pecan Ave., 704-912-2955
Order This: How concerning the Cheesesteak ($15.99)?
The primary of those “casual-upscale” steakhouses opened in a Mooresville constructing constructed in 1888. The second, which opened in November 2020, is extra up to date, in an city village improvement that’s leased area solely since 2016. The general impact is similar, although, designed alongside basic steakhouse traces: dim gentle, Sinatra by means of the audio system, and a correct bar. The wine rack takes up your entire again wall—the listing takes up 9 pages, in small print, of a drink menu that additionally particulars 58 bourbon and 22 Scotch choices. However the stars listed here are, after all, steaks, of which Epic serves eight varieties. The cooks grill them Pittsburgh-style, at temperatures as much as 1,800 levels Fahrenheit, to char the meat’s exterior however depart the within pink and juicy. The therapy provides every chew a slight, satisfying crunch that enhances the tender inside. 1365 Broadcloth St., Ste. 101, Fort Mill, S.C., 803-548-3742
Order This: The Ribeye 104 South ($29), an aged 14-ounce ribeye topped with roasted garlic brie butter and smoked salt. Contains selection of aspect (Jalapeño Cheddar-Jack Cottage Fries really useful).
Uptown pizza lovers rejoiced when this enterprise, which originated on the Jersey Shore, opened at The Market at 7th Street last summer. Everybody will (rightfully) inform you to order the Grandma Pie, however don’t ignore the extra conventional Jersey-style pizzas in your second go to. The decadent Hen Parm Pizza blends shaved Parmesan and mozzarella, whereas Geno’s doughy crust is the perfect base for the Deli Pizza’s ham, sausage, salami, tomatoes, and garlic. Geno D’s not too long ago launched Breakfast Pizza, too, with eggs, cheese, and peppers. 224 E. seventh St., 704-900-5202
Order This: Sure, you continue to have to attempt the oblong Grandma Pie ($12) first.
Xiao Bao
Xiao Bao, which implies “baby “ or “little bundle” in Chinese language, is chef and proprietor Joshua Walker’s nickname for his spouse, Duolan Li. After their honeymoon touring throughout Asia, they created Xiao Bao Biscuit in Charleston in 2011 to fulfill their cravings for Asian meals. In 2021, they opened its sister idea, Xiao Bao, in Optimist Corridor, the place Walker serves dishes like Glass Noodle Pork Salad and Mango Sticky Rice within the 564-square-foot meals stall. 1115 N. Brevard St., Ste. 14, 980-309-0670
Order This: Fried Mochi Dumplings ($6) filled with caramelized pork are consolation in three bites.
A Denver-based group referred to as Sage Restaurant Ideas opened this restaurant contained in the UNC Charlotte Marriott Resort & Convention Heart in late March. However Basic Supervisor Jim Ragin is a 22-year Charlotte resident who appreciates a Southern-inspired menu. Govt Chef Ben Lacy serves Nashville sizzling rooster Deviled Eggs, Buttermilk Fried Shrimp Po’ Boys, plus desserts like Banana Puddin’ and Pineapple Upside Down Cake. This lineup places normal lodge bar meals to disgrace. 9041 Robert D. Snyder Street, 704-417-0400
Order This: Nashville sizzling rooster deviled eggs ($9) are equally good at dinner and brunch.
When 5th Street Group reopened La Belle Helene in uptown final 12 months, they resuscitated probably the most attractive eating rooms in Charlotte. The restaurant, modeled after a French brasserie, closed in June 2020 after lower than two years. The inside wanted only a few retouches, and the menu sticks to French classics like Steak Tartare, Crispy Duck Confit, and Boeuf Bourguignon. Prime Chef alum Jamie Lynch put his spin on a couple of dishes just like the ratatouille, a relaxing vegetable casserole that’s appeared in numerous Instagram feeds. However the integrity of La Belle Helene stays, because the place you are taking out-of-towners you need to impress. 300 S. Tryon St.,
Ste. 100, 980-209-0941
Order This: Boeuf Bourguignon ($38) is a hearty serving to of braised brief ribs, veggies, and marble potatoes that can maintain you heat all night time.
Mariposa—Spanish for “butterfly”—replaces Halcyon, the farm-to-table restaurant on the Mint Museum that closed final December. The area acquired an attractive makeover with prism chandeliers, velvet couches, and murals by native artist Owl, whereas Govt Chef Jonathan Moore serves “world-to-table” dishes like Elote Corn Fritters, Ceviche Aguachile, and Gullah Paella. For dessert, Pastry Chef Sam Carrasquero-Chappelle makes a Manjari Torte garnished with raspberries, mint leaves, and edible flowers that’s so stunning, you’ll nonetheless dream about it days later. 500 S. Tryon St., 704-910-0865
Order This: Gullah Paella ($35), a skillet of rice pilaf, andouille, chorizo, Gulf shrimp, contemporary each day catch, oysters, soffritto, and saffron.
This 4,000-square-foot Dilworth area housed Fran’s Filling Station for greater than a decade, however a gross sales hunch throughout COVID compelled proprietor Fran Scibelli to reboot. She reopened in April with a new name and a walk-up doughnut window, the place a dessert case brims with maple bacon doughnuts and confetti cookies straight from the oven. The eating room acquired a splash of crimson paint, new wooden tables, and a revamped menu with loaded burgers, sandwiches, and salads. However don’t fear, Scibelli stored a couple of previous favorites, too. You may nonetheless order the New South Fried Hen Sandwich and her well-known Bacon-Wrapped Tater Tots. 2410 Park Street, 704-372-2009
Order This: The Fats Franny ($15) is a sweet-and-savory monstrosity of a sandwich: a beef burger or fried rooster smothered with cheese and onion rings lodged between two maple bacon doughnuts.
Mizu, which interprets to “water” in Japanese, is the rooftop restaurant and bar SouthPark didn’t understand it wanted. Because it opened in late August, it’s been practically unattainable to snag a Saturday night time dinner reservation. Chef Michael Chanthavong (previously of O-Ku) serves a seafood-focused menu that makes use of a centuries-old Japanese barbecue methodology. Seize a seat on the chef’s counter to observe the Robata grill sizzle with lobster, duck breast, and charred greens. You may reserve a desk or sales space within the eating room and order maki rolls, chilled and uncooked dishes, and desserts like a coconut parfait and Robata-grilled pineapple. When you don’t finish the night time with a cocktail on the rooftop patio, you’re not doing it proper. 3100 Apex Drive, ninth Flooring of the Hyatt Centric SouthPark, 704-981-9299
Order This: Splurge on the Robata-Grilled Lobster Tail ($30).
The Atlanta-based restaurant’s Double Stack Burger already had a cult following and a write-up in Forbes when it opened in Atherton Mill in late June—and it lives as much as the hype. BOCADO—Spanish for “chew,” “morsel,” or “mouthful”—additionally serves small plates and craft cocktails, plus a major location alongside the Rail Path in a cluster of South Finish sizzling spots like Trolley Barn, Indaco, and O-Ku. 2000 South Blvd., Ste. 530, 704-248-4848
Order This: The Double Stack Burger ($12.95) is heaven between two sesame buns.
Dilworth Tasting Room SouthPark
Proprietor and sommelier Jaffer Kovic, who renovated the previous Dilworth Billiards area on East Tremont Avenue in 2016, opened the second DTR in February 2021 in what was Corkbuzz’s spot in Sharon Sq. in SouthPark. It has a extra expansive inside, with a patio in entrance as an alternative of a comfortable nook in again, however the focus stays on “low-production” wines; the listing of bottles alone takes up eight pages in a leather-bound binder, at all times a superb signal. DTR additionally serves beer, cocktails, cheese and charcuterie boards, appetizers, and entrées impressed by Kovic’s Croatian heritage. 4905 Ashley Park Lane, Ste. J, 980-938-4959
Order This: The Seared Salmon ($27), with a spiced honey glaze atop a beneficiant aspect of vegetable fried rice.
It’s not straightforward to face out amongst SouthPark’s sea of steakhouses, however Steak 48 does that and extra. The 11,500-square-foot restaurant has an in-house butcher store, 6,000-bottle wine vault, a uncooked bar, and personal eating suites. The huge dishes match the surroundings; beneficiant parts embrace family-style sides and USDA prime steaks nonetheless scorching once they arrive. It’s the type of place perfect for particular events, however you’ll be making up new ones to return. (“Honey, it’s been one complete month since I attempted that Alaskan King Crab & Rock Shrimp Mac & Cheese. Let’s go rejoice.”) 4425 Sharon Street, 980-580-4848
Order This: Particular events name for particular toppings. Cap your Bone-In Ribeye ($68) with a Black Truffle Sautéed Maine Lobster ($44).
Proprietor and Rock Hill native Rob Masone guarantees that each plate is Instagrammable—#phoneseatfirst is the home hashtag—and that each dish will delight. He serves refined variations of childhood favorites: meatloaf, however smoky, wrapped in bacon, and served with crispy Brussels sprouts, clean mashed potatoes, and cilantro crème fraîche; fries, however tossed in Parmesan and rosemary and topped with a tomato malt French dressing discount that subs for ketchup. “Chef Rob” refreshes historical past in a extra significant approach, too: Kounter, which opened in December 2020, honors the Friendship 9, a gaggle of civil rights demonstrators arrested and sentenced to 30 days in jail for daring to take a seat at this very lunch counter within the segregated Rock Hill of 1961. 135 E. Important St., Ste. 101, Rock Hill, S.C., 803-328-7333
Order This: The Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf ($13, lunch and dinner) is what you would like your mama had made—and it’s topped with “Funyun mud,” which is strictly what it feels like.
This sushi, steak, and seafood restaurant opened within the former Inishmore area in April. This seemingly prime location on East Boulevard has seen a whole lot of turnover previously 5 years. Earlier than it was Inishmore, it was The Rogue; earlier than that, East Boulevard Bar & Grill. However Konnichiwa caters to each sushi fanatics and non-sushi eaters with a menu of bento bins, ramen noodles, and hibachi bowls, plus a roster of Charlotte-themed rolls just like the Juicy Jay, Hornets, and CLT Rolls. The eating room nonetheless has the identical approachable, sports-bar sensibility, however the meals far exceeds mediocre pub grub. 1315 East Blvd., Ste. 130, 980-498-0420
Order This: Hunky Dory Roll ($15) is a mouthful of flash-fried tuna, salmon, yellowtail, and avocado topped with spicy tuna, spicy aioli, and kabayaki sauce.
Six years after Jamie Barnes and Greg Williams launched their wildly well-liked meals truck, the cooks and co-owners opened their first storefront in south Charlotte. Order meals truck favorites just like the Shrimp and Steak Hibachi Fries, plus rotating specials just like the Cheeseburger Quesadilla, Clam Chowder Fries, and Purple Yam Milkshake. They’ve additionally acquired completely different pudding tots every week in flavors like salted caramel, pecan pie, and strawberry cheesecake. When you want a cheat day—otherwise you need to bribe your children for good habits—that is the place to go. 10707 Park Street, Ste. F, 980-207-4814
Order This: Lobster Mac & Cheese Fries ($22)—as a result of the one factor higher than an outsized heap of consolation meals is a fair greater heap of two of them.
Detroit-style pizza started popping up all through town earlier than Emmy Squared opened in August. (They’re the sq. pies with thick, crispy crust.) But, like fellow boutique chain Snooze AM Eatery, Emmy Squared opened to lengthy traces and fanfare, because it had beforehand been labeled one of the best Detroit-style pizza in Boston and Louisville. The pizza menu is break up between Reds (topped with sauce and mozzarella) and Whites (topped with simply mozzarella), with the latter’s Sizzling Hen pie being a significant hit. 1508 Central Ave., 704-672-0993
Order This: The Vodka ($14) from the Reds menu has a house-made vodka sauce, basil, and salty pecorino cheese.
Orto
A wave of latest Italian eating places has crashed over Charlotte previously two years, however Paul Verica exhibits that town nonetheless has an urge for food for pizza and pasta. The 2-time James Beard semifinalist opened this informal Italian spot within the Novel NoDa mission in February. Don’t count on outsized American parts—these dishes are a lot daintier than something you’d discover at a sequence restaurant, and Verica isn’t heavy-handed with the olive oil or any of his sauces. Every part has simply sufficient of every ingredient, so that you’ll depart glad however not stuffed. 416 E. thirty sixth St., Ste. 600, 980-938-0080
NOTE: After this situation went to press, Orto closed in NoDa.
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