We are monitoring 24 eagerly awaited restaurants and bars set to open in Charlotte.
Between the lines:Restaurant opening dates are well-known for being delayed, often due to permit approval delays and supply chain problems that slow down construction and remodeling. Most of the schedules are based on the owners’ projections.
- This list includes onlynewrestaurants, pubs, and other venues in the Charlotte region. It does not include expansions suchSuffolk Punch in Birkdale Village.
Editor’s note: This guide is revised on a monthly basis, with the most recent update occurring on February 26.
Antagonist
A full-day café located in Dilworth fromProtagonistfounders Mike and Kristin Salzarulo andThe Crunkleton and Puertaalumni Phi Hoang and Madison Phillip.
Opening:March 4
The vibe:The café and bar will offer Giddy Goat coffee during the day and transform into a cocktail lounge with a phone-free rule after dark.
The Opponent menu will mainly include cocktails, along with a selection of appetizers and beer.
Go deeper: No mobile devices permitted at the new cocktail bar Antagonist, set to open in Dilworth in 2025.
Sage & Citrus
A health-focused casual dining establishment is set to open in Camp North End.
Opening:March
The vibe:A food stand situated in the Keswick building will provide bowls, smoothies, sandwiches, soups, and meals suitable for children. It will also feature plant-based and vegan choices such as cauliflower bites and cauliflower macaroni and cheese, in addition to robust dishes like salmon and short rib entrees.
Market on Morehead
A large dining area featuring a wide outdoor space that allows pets and a 25-foot television that faces the Rail Trail in South End.
Opening:March
The vibe:Josh Willoughby, one of the founders of Market on Main in Columbia, South Carolina, outlines his concept for Market on Morehead as a full-service hub for dining, beverages, and leisure activities.
Go deeper: A South End eatery will debut with a large outdoor area, a pet-friendly space, and a big television near the Rail Trail.
The Craic
A newly opened eatery is set to debut in SouthPark, occupying the previous location of Rusty Bucket.
Opening:March
The vibe:The Craic’s offerings include daily brunch options, oven-baked pizzas, burgers, wings, and meals with an Irish twist, such as Irish stew and fish and chips.
Go deeper: Daily breakfast and Irish cuisine arriving at The Craic in SouthPark
Crisp Kitchen and Cocktails
A well-known casual salad restaurant that was previously located in Latta Arcade is set to reopen at Brevard Court.
Opening:March
The vibe:The new location will span two levels. It will offer salads and wraps for takeout, along with a complete cocktail menu and a more upscale dinner experience in the upper-level dining area. The dinner options will be designed for sharing, featuring items such as meatballs with garlic crostini, flank steak with chimichurri, and pork belly bao buns.
Go deeper: Inside look: Three fresh ventures set to launch in Brevard Court as the Charlotte FC season approaches
Songbirds
A tavern that serves wine and appeals to independent artists and music enthusiasts in University City.
Opening:March 28
The vibe:A former “American Idol” contestant is launching this venue to provide a platform for artists to showcase their talents and access tools to kickstart their music careers. In the evening, you can expect DJs, live performances, and a variety of Black-owned wines. During the day, enjoy coffee and pastries.
Go deeper: Previous “American Idol” contestant launches Charlotte wine bar to assist other artists
Uchi and Uchiba
A Japanese restaurant by Texas star chef Tyson Cole.
Opening:Late March/early April 2026
The vibe:Situated in one of the two renovated 100-year-old structures in Plaza Midwood. According to a press release from the developer, its “sushi-centric menu reimagines classic Japanese cuisine with attention to detail, refined dishes, and a creative cocktail selection.”
Go deeper: Uchi, Van Leeuwen, Solidcore, and The Salty are set to open in Plaza Midwood
Plot Twist
A café and drink establishment set to open in Plaza Midwood.
Opening:April
The vibe:The previous automotive repair shop is being reimagined by co-owner Nikki Velazquez as a genuine “third space,” featuring a menu that includes coffee, cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks, and THC-infused beverages.
Go deeper: Scoop: A coffee and cocktail bar is set to open in Plaza Midwood, offering a “cool older sister” atmosphere
Olivelli Deli
A deli window opening in NoDa that can be accessed by walking up.
Opening: April
The vibe:A 82-square-foot entryway window located at 35th Street and N. Davidson is set to reopen within the previous Reigning Doughnuts location, managed by the same proprietors. It will offer between six and seven deli-style sandwiches, chips, mini snacks, and soft ice cream.
Café Audire
A record listening room is set to open at The Pass.
Opening:First quarter of 2026
The vibe:Expect tea and freshly made coffee throughout the day, along with unique cocktails in the evening, as well as pastries and small bites. The 1,107-square-foot area will offer vinyl record players for hire; guests are also encouraged to bring their own.
Packard Tavern
A modern American eatery set to open in the former Bar One location.
Opening:Early May
The vibe:The area is undergoing several design modifications, but not a complete transformation. For instance, a 14-seat chef’s table and wine room is being constructed where theburlesque stageOnce existed. They are also introducing a 35-person private dining room featuring its own bar and complete audiovisual system.
Go deeper: New Packard Tavern will serve comforting meals and drinks in the Uptown area.
Chili Willi’s
A Tex-Mex eatery based in West Virginia, owned by the same person behind Duckworth’s, is set to open in the former location of The Waterman.in Lake Norman.
Opening:Spring 2026
The vibe:Prepare for a menu featuring enchiladas, flautas, chimichangas, and huevos rancheros. Additional options include pork carnitas tacos, coffee-seasoned hanger steak, and grilled salmon.
Go deeper: The owner of Duckworth’s is introducing a flavor of West Virginia to Charlotte through a collaboration with Chili Willi’s.
Zamindar’s
A fresh Indian eatery and cocktail bar is set to open in the former Link & Pin location in South End.
Opening:Spring
The vibe:Anticipate two distinct experiences in one place — a sophisticated Indian dining establishment and a cocktail bar with British influences.
Go deeper: Upcoming upscale Indian restaurant and bar set to open in South End
Grey’s Diner
James Beard–nominated chef Sam Diminich and the team behind Your Farms, Your Table Groupthey are reopening Mattie’s Diner on The Plaza as a Michelin-starred venue.
Opening:Spring 2026
The vibe:Grey’s will be open every day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The staff refers to it as a return to the traditional American diner combined with exceptional service in a relaxed atmosphere. It will feature a bar offering everything from morning coffee to evening cocktails.
Go deeper: Chef nominated by James Beard brings Mattie’s Diner back to life
Sharigato
A recently opened sushi eatery specializing in hand-rolled creations is now available at The Joinery in Optimist Park.
Opening:Spring 2026
The vibe:Each order is prepared specifically for the customer and presented at a 24-seat counter, allowing guests to observe the preparation in action.
- It will also feature a dedicated takeout window—called Shariboto—with maki-style rolls encased in a unique film to maintain their texture. Sushi robots will assist in preparing and rolling the rice, ensuring efficient and uniform preparation.
Go deeper:Hand-rolled sushi restaurant Sharigato is set to open at Optimist Park
Brunches
A well-known breakfast destination from the Wilmington region is opening a new location in east Charlotte.
Opening:Spring 2026
The vibe:Brunches, with the slogan “Mimosas Made Me Do It,” offers mimosa flights, a mimosa tower, brunch shots inspired by Girl Scout Cookies, and adult versions of Capri Suns.
Go deeper: Oakhurst introduces the brunch destination Brunches
Pasta bar owned by Vinyl operators
A Italian pasta bar in South End set to open in the formerFuto Buta space.
Opening:Second quarter of 2026
The vibe:Anticipate a cozy, atmospheric interior that includes a chef’s window and a chef’s table visible from the dining area. The outdoor space will overlook the Rail Trail. The menu will include freshly made seasonal pasta dishes along with cocktails that highlight Negroni and amaro flavors.
- Now that its proprietors have commencedMi Cariño, they are concentrating on this new project and anticipate revealing more information, including a name, in the near future.
Go deeper: Team Vinyl to launch a pasta bar in the South End
Fare
A nutritious quick-service eatery is set to open in South End.
Opening:Second quarter of 2026
The vibe:Fare will offer breakfast throughout the day, along with lunch and dinner at theQueensbridge Collective. The menu includes smoothies, bowls, and salads, avocado toast, overnight oats, and egg wraps.
Go deeper: Healthy restaurant Fare is set to open in the South End this year.
Bourbon Steak
A restaurant specializing in steaks, created by chef Michael Mina and his dining group, is set to open in Uptown.
Opening:Fall 2026
The vibe:They strive to provide an upscale experience blending contemporary and steakhouse elements. Prepare for a menu centered around beef, seafood, and fresh seasonal ingredients. The establishment will also offer wine and mixed drinks.
Go deeper: A James Beard Award-winning chef is set to launch a steakhouse at The Ritz-Carlton in Charlotte.
Guard and Grace
A steakhouse based in Denver is set to open in the South End area, featuring a rooftop.
Opening:Fall 2026
The vibe:It will feature both indoor and outdoor seating, a complete bar, private dining areas, and a 2,000-square-foot outdoor deck offering breathtaking cityscape views.
- The menu will feature beef, seafood, cured meats, seasonal vegetarian dishes, wine, and drinks.
Go deeper: Famous Denver steakhouse Guard and Grace set to open in a new project in the South End
The Iberian Pig
A tapas restaurant inspired by Spanish cuisine is set to open in South End, coming from Atlanta.
Opening:Late 2026
The vibe:Expect a menu that includes classic charcuterie and tapas. Notable items are the bacon-wrapped dates and pork cheek tacos, with new dishes set to be introduced only at the Charlotte location.
Go deeper: Atlanta Spanish tapas eatery set to open in South End
Wyatt’s Superfine
A four-level dining experience created by local chefs Jeff Tonidandel and Jamie Brown.
Opening:TBD
The vibe:The iconic 1903 Charlotte structure is being revitalized into a four-level restaurant concept featuring a parlor-style area, upscale dining on the second floor, and a sunlit conservatory.
Go deeper: Historic Leeper-Wyatt structure to open as a four-level dining establishment
Amina
A dining spot combining East African and Mediterranean tastes in Uptown.
Opening:TBD
The vibe:The 5,350-square-foot restaurant will transform into a lounge after 10pm on weekends, offering occasional live performances or DJs playing R&B and house music to create an atmosphere.
Go deeper: Scoop: Restaurant Amina, offering a blend of East African and Mediterranean cuisine, is set to open in Uptown Charlotte
Mariah’s Taco Spot
The well-known taco truck is set to open its first physical location close to NoDa.
Opening:TBD
The vibe:Expect popular items such as tacos and wings, along with new offerings like strawberry crunch churros and cookies.
Go deeper: Mariah’s Taco Spot food truck to launch a physical location close to NoDa
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