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PlateSurf city guide

What’s new in Charlotte

New openings, menu drops, dishes and local sourcing worth knowing about.

maman

maman

Commonwealth · Charlotte · French

Maman is a cozy eatery inspired by the French countryside, offering a delightful menu of comfort foods and baked goods that evoke the warmth and charm of a mother's kitchen.

FrenchDate night
Market on Morehead

Market on Morehead

Charlotte · American

Market on Morehead is a vibrant restaurant offering a unique menu inspired by local ingredients and flavors, making it a standout choice for both casual dining and special occasions.

AmericanGroup dinner
Italo

Italo

First Ward · Charlotte · Italian

Italo is a vibrant Italian restaurant in First Ward, Charlotte, offering a blend of traditional and contemporary dishes that emphasize fresh, local ingredients and bold flavors.

ItalianDate night
Crispy Cones - Charlotte

Crispy Cones - Charlotte

Dixie · Charlotte · Bakery

At Crispy Cones - Charlotte in Dixie, inventive crispy cone creations turn meals into playful, Instagram-ready bites — choose from savory options like the Savory Chicken Cone to sweet classics and customize with fun, locally sourced toppings. Family-friendly and fast, it's a casual spot offering varied menu choices to suit different dietary preferences.

BakeryBrunch

Sabores de Oaxaca

Woodland · Charlotte · Mexican

Sabores de Oaxaca offers a rich dining experience focused on authentic Oaxacan cuisine, highlighting traditional flavors and locally sourced ingredients.

MexicanFamily-friendly
SHARIGATO

SHARIGATO

Optimist Park · Charlotte · Sushi

Located in Charlotte's Optimist Park, SHARIGATO delivers an inventive fusion experience—think miso-glazed salmon, kimchi tacos and Szechuan noodle bowls—crafted from seasonally sourced ingredients. Enjoy creative craft cocktails and a curated wine list in a warm, contemporary dining room or on the outdoor patio.

SushiDate night
Plot Twist CLT

Plot Twist CLT

Commonwealth · Charlotte · Coffee

Plot Twist CLT is a unique dining experience that combines modern American cuisine with a creative twist on traditional dishes, making it a popular spot for food enthusiasts in Charlotte.

CoffeeSolo-friendly

Casa Azteca Uptown Charlotte

Third Ward · Charlotte · Mexican

Casa Azteca offers a vibrant dining experience with authentic Mexican cuisine, known for its fresh ingredients and a festive atmosphere that captures the spirit of Mexico.

MexicanFamily-friendly
Reid's Fine Foods Market & Wine Bar

Reid's Fine Foods Market & Wine Bar

Ballantyne · Charlotte · American

Reid's Fine Foods Market & Wine Bar offers a unique blend of gourmet market and casual dining experience, focusing on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and an extensive wine selection, making it a favored destination for food enthusiasts.

AmericanGroup dinner
Uchibā Charlotte

Uchibā Charlotte

Commonwealth · Charlotte · Japanese

Uchibā Charlotte is a vibrant Japanese-inspired restaurant and bar that blends contemporary flavors with traditional techniques, showcasing its unique approach to ramen and sushi in a lively atmosphere.

JapaneseGroup dinner
Uchi Charlotte

Uchi Charlotte

Commonwealth · Charlotte · Japanese

Uchi Charlotte offers a unique blend of traditional and contemporary sushi and Japanese cuisine, featuring innovative dishes and an impressive omakase menu that highlights the freshest ingredients.

JapaneseDate night

The Craic

Foxcroft · Charlotte · Cocktail Bar

The Craic in Foxcroft brings lively Irish hospitality to Charlotte with locally sourced, hearty dishes like bangers and mash and Guinness-glazed wings, paired with craft cocktails and a curated beer selection. With warm, Irish-inspired decor and live music on weekends, it’s a welcoming spot for seasonal weekly specials and a festive night out.

Cocktail BarLate night
PostScript

PostScript

Plaza-Shamrock · Charlotte · Korean

PostScript in Plaza-Shamrock, Charlotte blends global flavors with locally sourced ingredients in an ever-evolving, seasonally driven menu. Housed in an elegant, modern space, it’s known for artfully crafted dishes like Miso Glazed Salmon and Spiced Lamb Ragu, plus a carefully curated wine and cocktail program perfect for both casual nights and special occasions.

KoreanDate night
Grey's Diner & Community Kitchen

Grey's Diner & Community Kitchen

Plaza-Shamrock · Charlotte · American

Grey's Diner & Community Kitchen in Plaza-Shamrock blends hearty comfort food with a community-driven, sustainably sourced menu—featuring seasonal daily specials and accommodating vegetarian and gluten-free diets. With a warm, family-friendly atmosphere, cozy outdoor seating, and signature dishes like the Hearty Breakfast Bowl and Classic Chicken Pot Pie, it’s a welcoming spot that celebrates local flavors and inclusivity.

AmericanWork lunch
Zen Bowl: Asian Fusion

Zen Bowl: Asian Fusion

Wilmore · Charlotte · Japanese

Zen Bowl: Asian Fusion in Wilmore, Charlotte blends traditional Asian techniques with inventive fusion twists, offering a vibrant seasonal menu of fresh, locally-sourced dishes—from signature Teriyaki Tofu Bowl and Miso Ramen to Korean BBQ Chicken Tacos. With plentiful vegan and gluten-free options and an inviting contemporary atmosphere, it’s a welcoming spot for casual dining or special occasions.

JapaneseLate night
ANTHM NIGHTCLUB & LOUNGE

ANTHM NIGHTCLUB & LOUNGE

Greenville · Charlotte · Cocktail Bar

ANTHM NIGHTCLUB & LOUNGE blends upscale ambiance with high-energy entertainment in Greenville, Charlotte — featuring live DJs, frequent themed parties, and exclusive VIP areas. Enjoy craft cocktails like the Signature ANTHM Cocktail, share a charcuterie board or truffle parmesan fries, and relax in stylish lounge seating for a memorable night out.

Cocktail BarHappy hour
Tajhouse Uptown

Tajhouse Uptown

Elizabeth · Charlotte · Coffee

Tajhouse Uptown in Elizabeth, Charlotte blends traditional South Asian recipes with modern twists, highlighting house-made spice blends, crafted cocktails, and warm, attentive service. Signature dishes like Spiced Lamb Biryani, Vegetable Tikka Masala, and Tandoori Chicken Skewers — plus ample vegetarian and vegan options — make it a standout spot for both classic and innovative flavors.

CoffeeSolo-friendly
Antagonist Coffee and Cocktails

Antagonist Coffee and Cocktails

Dilworth · Charlotte · Cocktail Bar

Antagonist Coffee and Cocktails offers a unique blend of artisanal coffee by day and creative cocktails by night, set in a cozy atmosphere that celebrates community and craftsmanship.

Cocktail BarHappy hour

Food For Your Soul CLT

Wesley Heights · Charlotte · American

A soul-food–forward spot in Wesley Heights serving warm, nostalgic dishes with a contemporary touch.

AmericanLunch spot
Haraz Coffee House University

Haraz Coffee House University

Mineral Springs / Rumble Road · Charlotte · Coffee

Yemeni-inspired coffees and comforting regional bites served in a warm, tradition-forward setting near Rumble Road.

CoffeeSolo-friendly
Groovers Charlotte

Groovers Charlotte

Wilmore · Charlotte · American

A Wilmore favorite for soulful, flavor-forward comfort food and lively, music-driven nights.

AmericanLunch spot
The Wafflery

The Wafflery

Smallwood · Charlotte · Bakery

Smallwood's cozy spot celebrates Southern staples—crispy waffles, buttery biscuits and creamy grits—reimagined with bold flavors.

BakeryBrunch
Emmy Lou's

Emmy Lou's

Dilworth · Charlotte · American

Dilworth's go-to wine bar and retail shop offers rotating glasses, local brews, and a small-plates menu built for sharing.

AmericanGroup dinner
TSAOCAA 朝茶 Tea Cafe

TSAOCAA 朝茶 Tea Cafe

Elizabeth · Charlotte · Korean

TSAOCAA Tea Cafe serves handcrafted, eco-minded teas alongside crispy Korean fried chicken, corn dogs, and egg waffles in a cozy Elizabeth spot.

KoreanLunch spot
Bev Proseccheria

Bev Proseccheria

Commonwealth · Charlotte · Italian

A breezy Prosecco patio in Commonwealth offering flights, small plates, and a relaxed soft-opening vibe.

ItalianBrunch
Brasserie Copain

Brasserie Copain

Ballantyne · Charlotte · French

A full-service French brasserie in Ballantyne delivering fresh-baked bread, timeless classics, and quality grab-and-go provisions at The Bowl.

FrenchSpecial occasion

Panko

NoDa · Charlotte · Japanese

Panko in NoDa serves inventive, texture-driven small plates and shareable bites that make for a lively neighborhood meal.

JapaneseSolo-friendly
Mother of Dragons

Mother of Dragons

East Forest · Charlotte · Coffee

A game-forward neighborhood spot where tabletop nights pair seamlessly with curated wine, craft coffee and shareable plates.

CoffeeGroup dinner
Foo Bar - Bar and Arcade

Foo Bar - Bar and Arcade

Greenville · Charlotte · Cocktail Bar

An intimate arcade bar in Greenville pairing classic games with elevated bar bites and a lively, retro atmosphere.

Cocktail BarLate night
Truva Turkish Kitchen Charlotte

Truva Turkish Kitchen Charlotte

Elm Lane · Charlotte · Mediterranean

Authentic Turkish plates — from smoky kebabs to vibrant meze spreads — served with warm, traditional hospitality in Elm Lane.

MediterraneanGroup dinner
MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes

MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes

Second Ward · Charlotte · American

Build-your-perfect burger joint offering Certified Angus Beef, turkey and plant-based options with fresh-baked buns and standout shakes.

AmericanFamily-friendly

All Purpose Bar

NoDa · Charlotte · Cocktail Bar

All Purpose Bar is a casual eatery in NoDa, Charlotte, known for its innovative take on classic bar food and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that fosters community engagement.

Cocktail BarHappy hour
Astra Restaurant and Lounge

Astra Restaurant and Lounge

First Ward · Charlotte · Cocktail Bar

Astra delivers elevated, seasonally driven fare and inventive drinks in a sleek First Ward setting — perfect for city nights and special occasions.

Cocktail BarGroup dinner
Laurel Park

Laurel Park

Barclay Downs · Charlotte · American

Laurel Park serves thoughtful New American plates in an elevated but welcoming setting, perfect for both date nights and celebratory meals.

AmericanDate night

Gouda’s Loaded Kitchen

Hoskins · Charlotte · American

Gouda's Loaded Kitchen is known for its creative take on loaded comfort food, featuring gourmet toppings and a variety of options that cater to both meat lovers and vegetarians alike.

AmericanSolo-friendly
Amina CLT

Amina CLT

First Ward · Charlotte · Mediterranean

Amina CLT is a vibrant restaurant that blends Middle Eastern flavors with Southern influences, focusing on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Notable for its unique dishes and welcoming atmosphere, it aims to create a memorable dining experience in the heart of First Ward.

MediterraneanGroup dinner
DONUT I LOVE U

DONUT I LOVE U

NoDa · Charlotte · Bakery

DONUT I LOVE U is a vibrant donut shop located in the NoDa neighborhood of Charlotte, known for its creative and delicious donut flavors that combine classic and unique ingredients.

BakeryLate night