Soul Gastrolounge is officially open at The Pass in NoDa. The beloved Charlotte-based restaurant closed in 2022 in Plaza Midwood and, after a three-year hiatus, is back with its tapas-style menu and eclectic decor.

Yes, the taxidermy peacock is back. IYKYK.

A few Charlotteans + local content creators sampled the menu before the official opening on Monday, Aug. 25 — and I asked them to share their favorite dishes. Here's what to order when you make your reservations.

Pro tip: Half the restaurant will be saved for walk-ins.

Andrea Fox — known as @dailydreclt — recommends the chimichurri beef skewers. Don't skip dessert: "The baklava ice cream was the most life-changing thing."

Jessica Hodnett, a food lover and creator behind @thesweetseoul, discovered Soul soon after moving to Charlotte in 2016. "My two favorite menu items, hands down, are the Pork Belly Watermelon Tacos and the Dirty South Nachos (fried chicken skins with pimento cheese and okra)."

Soul's menu offers a variety of small plates and sushi rolls. | Photos by CLTtoday

Clayton Sealey — one of the city's biggest advocates, a content creator, and Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at The Mint Museum — told CLTtoday the vibes and food were exactly like the original.

"When Soul eventually left, I was heartbroken — though grateful I was there on its final day. The moment I stepped inside — hearing the bass reverberate, catching the glow of earth-tone walls and jewel-tone windows — I knew the spirit had survived. The food only confirmed it. "

Food and travel enthusiast Charmaine — known as @feisty.eats — visited Soul's OG location. Her favorites were the chimichurri beef skewers, truffle fries, Caesar salad, and all the sushi rolls.

If you follow @charlottefoodandfun, you know Ashley Marie — a fan of the original location. Her recs? "Those watermelon pork belly tacos I dream of."

Editor Maria, here — and I can confirm, those tacos are worth dreaming about. Everything I sampled lived up to the hype.