Looking for the next new restaurant hitting the Queen City’s food scene? Check out these buzzy places to eat and drink in Charlotte — plus, what's coming soon. Keep tabs on this list to stay ahead of the culinary curve. And don't forget to bookmark it.

December openings

Emmy Lou's, 2400 Park Rd. | Wine
Sip from curated wines while savoring a comforting yet elevated menu.

Comal Taco Co., Optimist Hall | Tacos
The new eatery serves Southwest and Mexican-inspired bites like tacos, fresh guacamole, nachos, churros, and its signature cheese crisp — an open-faced crispy quesadilla.

Laurel Park, 4201 Congress St., Ste. 190 | American
This new eatery will serve upscale small plates, pastas, and pastries, along with wine and cocktails. In 2026, they’ll introduce an outdoor bar with fireside seating.

Coco Mexican Restaurant, 3216 South Blvd., Ste. 102 + 8145 Ardrey Kell Rd., Ste. 103 | Mexican
The restaurant serves tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, and more.

Fontana di Vino, 416 S. Main St., Davidson | Italian
Similar to its location in SouthPark, the Italian-inspired restaurant serves pastas, flatbreads, and polenta boards + offers a wide selection of wines.

Prime Fish Cellar, 2921 Providence Rd. | Japanese
The newly renovated and re-imagined shop in Providence Park serves sushi, nigiri, omakase, wine, and boasts a sake bar. (The Charlotte Observer)

November openings

Panko, 730 E. 36th St. | Peruvian Nikkei
Savor fresh ceviche, grilled octopus, sushi, Brazilian churrasco, and Argentinian steaks — we’re excited to try the Barranquino tenderloin.

Dilworth Neighborhood Grille, Baxter Village, Fort Mill | American
Diners can expect menu favorites like burgers, tacos, and pizza.

Two Scoops Creamery, 3123 N. Davidson St., Ste. 102 | Ice cream
The Charlotte-born ice cream shop expanded into the former PopBar space, serving its iconic handmade flavors like the cookie monster and banana delight.

Palm Berries, 1111 Metropolitan Ave. Suite 150 | Acai bowls
Enjoy fresh fruit and sweet toppings on acai bowls, plus free wi-fi, and comfortable seating.

Haraz Coffee House, 15205 John J. Delaney Dr., Ste. B | Coffee
The Yemeni coffee shop serves fresh pastries, coffees, and matcha.

PrimoHoagies, 8736 Outlets Blvd., Ste. 400 | Sandwiches
The South Philly fave offers Italian hoagies, meatless sandwiches, and more — all served on their signature seeded rolls.

October openings

Yugenn, 255 W. Bland St., Ste. 200 | Contemporary Japanese
Order elevated items like nigiri, rolls, miso carbonara, sake, and cocktails. Plus, the restaurant is open late and has live music.

Raahi Art of India, 100 W. Worthington Ave., Ste. 104 | Indian
Warm your belly with a hearty plate of tandoori chicken, tikka masala, and more.

Florence Wine & Beer Garden, Merino Mill, Mooresville | Italian
Choose from Italian-inspired faves like lasagna, gnocchi, pappardelle pasta, sea bass, and salads.

Ace No. 3, 101 S. Tryon St., Ste. 120 | Burgers
This will be the burger joint’s fourth location and first new restaurant since 2021.

Krazy Curry, One South, Uptown | Indian
Savor an Indian buffet for lunch or dinner, while ordering favorites like a mango lassi, dumplings, and butter chicken.

PoppyCox, Optimist Hall | Nashville hot chicken
Expect delicious sandwiches and sides at this eatery's first brick-and-mortar spot.

NADC Burger, The Alley at Latta Arcade | Burgers
The Wagyu burger concept by professional skateboarder Neen Williams and Chef Phillip Frankland Lee is NADC Burger’s first in the Southeast — try the secret sauce.

PopUp Bagels, The Bowl at Ballantyne | Bagels
The viral, top-ranked New York-style bagel restaurant serves freshly baked "Grip, Rip and Dip bagels," and signature cream cheeses.

Stacks Kitchen, 200 N. Catawba St., Lancaster, SC | American
The third Charlotte-metro location is serving up what patrons know + love — all-day breakfast, lunch, and dessert.

Classy Scoops Ice Cream Lounge, 7205 N. Tryon St., Ste. 214 | Ice cream
Satisfy your sweet tooth with rolled ice cream, boba tea, and milkshakes.

Truva Turkish Kitchen, 9213 Baybrook Ln. | Turkish
The Ohio-based restaurant is known for shish kabobs, cabbage rolls, branzino, and steak.

The Salty Donut, The Bowl at Ballantyne | Donuts
Savor their iconic pastries and coffee, plus toasts, sandwiches, and more.

September openings

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, The Commonwealth | Ice cream
The popular ice cream chain is known for unique flavors like honeycomb, coffee affogato, Sicilian pistachio, and Earl Grey Tea.

Salt & Honey Co., Optimist Park | Charcuterie
Formerly known as The Board Babe, the company will specialize in custom charcuterie boards, catering, Italian-inspired sandwiches, dips, and salads.

Indigo Tea and Coffee, 644 N. Church St. | Coffee
The popular shop returns to the Queen City with pastries, teas, lattes, and a cocktail bar, plus the second floor will serve as a coworking and lounge space.

Cool Idiot Coffee, within HopFly Brewing Co., South End | Coffee
Expect to order lattes, matcha, and sips from their seasonal menu.

Sala, 715 Providence Rd. | Wine and small bites
This new neighborhood wine bar offers a small snack program featuring marinated olives, stuffed piquillo peppers, cured meats and cheeses, plus spreads like cauliflower purée and hummus.

Distro Beer Hub, 2412 Distribution St. | Craft beer and relaxed fare
This brew destination features four breweries — Dssolvr, Heist, Incediary, and Divine Barrel — and boasts craft cocktails and a full menu including sushi, wings, and wraps.

Whataburger, 12935 Albemarle Rd.| Burgers
The Texas chain opened its first Charlotte location, serving biscuits, hamburgers, and milkshakes.

Sol Delish, The Shoppes at University Place | Soul food
The popular soul food restaurant serves salmon, chicken, and brunch — get ready to try the collard green dip.

August openings

Mama's Comfort Food & Cocktails, 4271 Park Rd. | Comfort food
The California-based restaurant will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including fried chicken, homemade meatloaf, and mac and cheese.

Bossy Beulah’s, Park Road Shopping Center | Chicken
The restaurant, known for its crispy chicken sandwiches and fries, added a burger to its menu at its new location.

ESO Artisanal Pasta, Optimist Hall | Italian
The food stall offers handmade pastas, in addition to arancini (fried risotto balls), meatballs, and Sicilian fried chicken, using ingredients imported from Italy.

Qamaria Yemeni Coffee, 9325 JW Clay Blvd., Ste. 223 | Coffee
The Michigan-based chain serves Yemeni coffee and hot tea + honeycomb bread, croissants, and other pastries.

Soul Gastrolounge, 4110 Raleigh Ave. | Tapas
The new iteration of this beloved Plaza Midwood spot will be found in NoDA, serving their famous pork belly tacos, small bites, cocktails, live music, and a tattoo lounge coming soon.

The Scoop N Scootery Charlotte, 2135 Thrift Rd., Ste. 103 | Ice cream
Satisfy your sweet tooth by ordering ice cream, sundaes, frozen yogurt, and more at this late-night spot.

July openings

Spaghett, 224 W. 10th St. | Italian
Savor fresh craft pastas — like bucatini or gnocchi — and cocktails within Charlotte's historic Young Morrison House.

Milkshake Factory, 100 W. 3rd St., Ste. A | Ice cream
Satisfy your sweet tooth with thick milkshakes with made-from-scratch ice cream and chocolates. Pro tip: All the milkshakes can be made dairy-free.

McHale’s Irish Pub, 3112 N. Davidson St. | Irish pub
Lovers of this returning pub can expect eight beers on tap, Irish whiskeys, and a mix of American and Irish cuisine like shepherd's pie and fish and chips.

Surefire Market, Camp North End | Burgers
Diners can expect indoor and outdoor seating + an elevated, yet cozy atmosphere.

Toppers Pizza, 3061 N. Sharon Amity Rd. | Pizza
Pizza lovers can get their fill of made-to-order pies, garlic knots, "Topperstix," and custard at the chain's third Charlotte location.

Henrietta's, 117 Southside Dr. | Italian
The restaurant from the team behind Rally features a menu designed by Customshop's Andres Kaifer — expect to order carpaccio, burrata, ribeye, and pastas.

Jeff’s Bagel Run, 2130 Ayrsley Town Blvd., Ste. A | Bagels
The bagel shop serves up 15+ varieties of bagels, spreads, and coffee.

June openings

Harper's Cafe, 9101 Pineville-Matthews Rd., Ste. I, Pineville | American
No need to miss the former Harper’s Restaurant in SouthPark — this new iteration of the longstanding restaurant serves breakfast and lunch, offering favorites like chicken supremes and Betty’s pimento cheese.

Oh My Ganache, 270 Camp Rd., Ste. 103 | Dessert
Satisfy your sweet tooth at this build-your-own cheesecake bar with house-crafted drinks.

Super Chix, 4223 Providence Rd., Ste. A | Chicken
There's something gratifying about a fried chicken sandwich, sweet tea, and frozen custard.

The People's Market, 2820 Selwyn Ave. | American
Sit inside or on the patio while ordering favorites like coffees, pastries, sandwiches, pizzas, plus wine and beer.

Yafo Kitchen, 15105 John J. Delaney Dr., Ste. J | Mediterranean
Marking its fourth location in the Queen City, order classic menu items like shawarma, homemade hummus, falafel, kabobs, and chicken plates.

Seemingly Overzealous, 224 East. Blvd. | Dessert
This popular ice cream shop churns out egg-, dairy-, and gluten-free flavors, plus waffle chips and cones — perfect for a hot summer day.

Painted Rooster, 1601 Central Ave. | American
Sample buckets of chicken, salads, and drinks. The restaurant claims to have the best ranch in Charlotte... we'll let you be the judge.

Sammy Hagar's Beach Bar & Grill, Concourse D at CLT Douglas International Airport | American
Sip refreshing mango margaritas while enjoying quesadillas, burgers, and rocking music between flights.

Mooyah Burgers, Fries, and Shakes, 210 E. Trade St. | Burgers
Savor made-to-order Angus beef burgers, hand-cut fries, handcrafted ice cream shakes, and vegetarian options from this Texas-based chain.

Cara’s Cookie Company, Camp North End | Cookies
This family-run cookie catering business serves half-pound cookies in a baker’s dozen, cookie push pops, edible cookie dough, and cookie decorating kits.

Tyber Creek Pub, 1501 S. Mint St. | Pub
Open seven days a week, the newly reopened Charlotte staple has a fish and chips truck on site + salads, charcuterie, flatbreads, and more.

Did we miss a restaurant that opened in June? Let us know.

May openings

Market on Morehead, 1001 Morehead St., Ste. 100 | American
Sample elevated bites like burgers and cocktails while catching a game on MoM's outdoor big-screen.

Sharigato, 420 E. 22nd St. | Sushi
Guests will be able to watch chefs and robots craft made-to-order hand rolls.

Honey Pies BBQ & Smokehouse, 4400 Sunset Rd. | Barbecue
The North Charlotte eatery will serve beef ribs, chicken, mac and cheese, collard greens, and more.

Packard Tavern, 222 S. Church Street | American
Expect to order craft cocktails and items like beef tartare and pasta carbonara in the former Bar One space in Uptown.

April openings

Uchibā, The Commonwealth | Sushi
Uchi's sister concept serves sweeping skyline views and a curated menu focused on sushi, small plates, and cocktails.

Gouda’s Kitchen, 4431 Brookshire Blvd. | Comfort food
What started as a mobile food truck, this popular eatery will serve loaded fries, cheesesteaks, wings, and signature sauces.

Sage & Citrus, Camp North End | Wellness-focused fare
Expect to order items like cauliflower bites, cauliflower mac, salmon, and short rib entrees.

Reid’s Fine Foods, 14015 Conlan Cir. | Deli + retail
The Ballantyne location will feature a full-service wine and coffee bar, restaurant, deli, and expanded butcher shop.

Casa Azteca, 129 W. Trade St. | Latin

The restaurant will serve specialty items like picanha langosta (lobster tail), skirt steak, handmade corn and flour tortillas, and enchiladas + features vibrant decor and a mural of Miss Universe Fatima Bosch.

South Block, Commonwealth | Smoothie bowls

The award-winning shop serves made-to-order smoothies, acai bowls, toasts, and cold-pressed juices.

The Craic, 4810 Ashley Park Ln. | Irish-inspired

The neighborhood restaurant and bar, is anticipated to open in the former Rusty Bucket space, and serve pot roast and pork loin, plus Irish stew, fish & chips, and elevated bar favorites.

Grey’s Diner, 3100 The Plaza | Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
The new concept by James Beard-nominated chef Sam Diminish is anticipated to use farm-to-table ingredients.

Did we miss a restaurant that opened in April? Let us know.

March openings

Tapside Pizza, 52 Ervin St., Belmont | Pizza
Hungry diners will be able to pair locally brewed pints with fresh pizzas, sliders, and wings.

Harriet’s Hamburgers, The Commonwealth | Burgers
Satisfy your cravings for burgers, fries, and cheese curds at this local chain.

Ricci’s Hoagies, Centro NoDa | Sandwiches
The iconic Philadelphia sandwich shop known for its award-winning Italian hoagies will serve hand-sliced meats, freshly baked rolls, and farm-fresh vegetables.

Chicken Salad Chick, Magnolia Market, Cornelius | Chicken
The sandwich shop offers more than a dozen flavors of chicken salad.

Coquette, One South | French
The French-inspired restaurant moved from its spot near The Mint Museum + is known for its French-inspired classic dishes and cocktails.

Amélie’s L'Express, 1511 Central Ave. | French cafe
The popular bakery and cafe's grab-and-go location in Plaza Midwood boasts a full menu of macarons, brownies, croissants, and breads + coffee, teas, and lemonade.

Uchi, The Commonwealth | Sushi
The renowned spot by James Beard award-winning chef Tyson Cole serves fresh sushi, hot and cold plates, and seasonal omakase.

Did we miss a restaurant that opened in March? Let us know.

February openings

The Improper Pig, 1600 Central Ave. | Barbecue
The new restaurant’s flagship will be designed like a lively backyard barbecue, serving smoked meats, Asian-inspired specialties, and more.

Dilworth Social House, 1301 East Blvd. | American
The new concept by Vitale Hospitality Group aims to be an American-inspired grill with upscale bar food.

Half Shell, 2161 Hawkins St. | Seafood
The restaurant serves ceviche, lobster rolls, crab legs, steak, and oysters.

The Naked Farmer, 2725 South Blvd. | Farm-to-table
The restaurant will offer a seasonal menu, focusing on locally-sourced ingredients.

Crazy Legs, 9325 JW Clay Blvd., Ste. 222A | Sports bar
Pair your game day with grease-free dishes like wings, sliders, salads, and turkey legs + cocktails.

Meshugganah, The City Kitch | Jewish deli
The beloved deli will operate as a ghost kitchen Wednesday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., serving pastrami sandwiches, matzo ball soup, and dessert from Metzger’s.

The Juice Pod, 2151 Hawkins St. | Juices and smoothies
Expect to order smoothies, acai bowls, juices, coffees, and grab-and-go orders.

Velvet Coupe Wine Bar, 1177 Stonecrest Boulevard, Tega Cay, SC | Wine bar
Sip from a variety of red and white wines, and sharables like flatbreads, cheese boards, and desserts.

Raising Cane’s, 520 John Ross Pkwy., Rock Hill, SC | Chicken
Satisfy your chicken-finger cravings, paired with Texas toast and crinkle-cut fries.

Did we miss a restaurant that opened in February? Let us know.

January openings

The Salty Donut, The Commonwealth | Donuts
The shop marks its third location in the Queen City, selling freshly baked donuts and breakfast sandwiches daily.

Brasserie Copain, The Bowl at Ballantyne | French-inspired
This will be the first location to serve a full dinner menu, plus pastries, coffee, and lunch. We’re excited to try the coq au vin.

Eggroll Company, Camp North End | Eggrolls
Diners can sit inside and enjoy American-style egg rolls inside the expanded eatery — with breakfast options coming soon.

Gotcha Matcha, 200 S. Tryon St. | Coffee and matcha
Fuel your day with freshly brewed coffee or ice-cold matcha.

The Changebaker Place, 4405 Central Ave., Ste. B | Bakery
Expect to order espresso and other coffee drinks, gelato, and high-end pastries.

PJ's Coffee, Regent Towne Center, Fort Mill, SC | Coffee
Get your caffeine fix through freshly brewed small-batch roasted coffee, iced beverages, pastries, and New Orleans-style beignets.

South Block, The Bowl at Ballantyne | Smoothie bowls
The award-winning shop serves made-to-order smoothies, acai bowls, toasts, and cold-pressed juices.

Uncle's, 1214 Thomas Ave. | Asian
Grab a drink from Burial Beer Co. before savoring Southeast Asian-inspired bites, like Thai chicken and rice plates, veggie tofu, and charred cabbage.

Dozo, 1419 East Blvd. | Asian
Expect to order menu favorites like Tonkatsu sandos, crab fried rice, small plates, and sample the new bar program with a focus on sake and Japanese whiskeys.

The Story of Mi Cariño, 1440 S. Tryon St., Ste. 100 | Latin
The new concept by the team behind VINYL will offer Mexican and Left Coast Latino-inspired cuisine, paired with curated agave spirits, like small-batch mezcals and tequila.

Did we miss a restaurant that opened in January? Let us know.

Coming soon

Café Audire, The Pass | Cafe | Projected opening: early 2026
The cafe will operate as a vinyl listening room with teas, coffees, and cocktails.

Little Mama’s Italian, 9623 Bailey Rd., Ste. 100, Cornelius | Italian | Projected opening: spring or summer 2026
Order from signature dishes such, like the penne alla vodka, lasagna, and brick oven pizzas.

Roots Cafe, 5033 South Blvd., Madison Park | Cafe | Projected opening: spring 2026
The second location of the popular cafe will boast a larger kitchen, more seating, and (eventually) a larger menu + Roots classics like pastas, sandwiches, and Enderly Coffee.

Guard and Grace, Queensbridge Collective | Steakhouse | Projected opening: fall 2026
The MICHELIN-recommended restaurant will serve wood-fired steak and elevated bites.

Olivelli Deli, 3120 N. Davidson St. | Sandwiches | Projected opening: April
The walk-up window will serve fresh deli sandwiches and soft-serve.

Pinky’s Westside Grill, 1109 Morningside Dr. | Burgers | Projected opening: summer 2026
The popular restaurant is known for its burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches.

La Vecina, 1306 Central Ave. | Latin | Projected opening: March
Hungry diners will find menu items like homemade tortillas, mini tamales, and a full cocktail menu at this walk-up stand.

Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza, The Bowl at Ballantyne | Pizza | Projected opening: fall 2026
The Miami-based Michelin-recommended pizzeria is known for its star-shaped pies + will offer calzones, fresh salads, a burrata bar, and desserts.

Inizio Pizza Nepoletano, Cotswold Village | Pizza | Projected opening: early 2026
Get ready to savor signature Neapolitan-style pizza.

Maman, The Commonwealth + South End | French bakery | Projected opening: early 2026
Get ready to savor pastries, sandwiches, salads, and its signature Nutty Chocolate Chip Cookie, which gained national attention.

Seemingly Overzealous, Davidson + Matthews | Ice cream | Projected opening: summer 2026
The Charlotte staple known for dairy-, egg-, and gluten-free ice cream, will open two new shops, serving 12-16 rotating flavors, gluten-free waffle cones, and ice cream cakes + shakes, flights, and baked goods.

Cocotte Bakery, 245 Beacon Town Dr. | French bakery | Projected opening: early summer 2026
The popular Cornelius bakery is expanding with a new location, serving the fresh pastries you've come to know and love.

Culinary Dropout, The Bowl at Ballantyne | American | Projected opening: TBA
The Arizona-based restaurant is known for its elevated comfort food, like ribs, burgers, and steak.

CRÚ Wine Bar & Bistro, 2161 Hawkins St., Ste. 110 | Projected opening: fall 2026
The restaurant and wine bar will offer more than 30 wines by the glass, a signature flight program, and a bistro menu.

Still hungry for more? Dig deeper through our food news.