Get an inside look at Roz Grill, a Mediterranean restaurant now open in South Charlotte
A new Mediterranean restaurant is adding to the diverse and rapidly growing menu of international food options at The Arboretum in South Charlotte.
Roz Grill, which had a June 1 soft opening, is owned by Ahmad Altaany, who operated a kebab food truck and worked in restaurant management in Austin, Texas, before moving to Charlotte four years ago.
Altaany says Roz Grill will offer traditional Mediterranean food with a modern twist. You’ll recognize Middle Eastern and Greek staples on the menu, including hummus, dolma and tabbouleh appetizers and a variety of kebabs with halal meats and seafood.
There’s baklava and basbousa (coconut semolina cake) for dessert, with Turkish coffee or mint, sage, cardamom and clove tea to finish things off.
There are family platters available with kebabs for crowds of four or eight, too. Each comes with rice, grilled vegetables and a choice of two small cold plates.
[DON’T COOK: Check out this food prep hack using family style meals at Charlotte restaurants.]
The “twist”: Roz will offer some new takes on some of those traditional dishes, including a black olive and whipped feta appetizer served on warm pita. Hot small plates include the restaurant’s signature dish, Roz Bites, a fried blend of spinach and cheese.
“I’m trying to show them traditional Mediterranean food but in a more modern way, because people know more about Mediterranean food than before,” Altaany says.
Another twist: Roz will feature a robust juice bar with inventive offerings that include Violet Dream, a blueberry lavender lemonade with blueberry bits, and Laymoon O Na Na, a refreshing lemon and mint drink. The menu does not include alcoholic beverages.
Roz, which offers table service in a warm and welcoming dining room, joins Arboretum newcomer Nusa, an Indonesian restaurant from the owners of Charlotte’s popular Prime Fish. Also new and a neighbor is Curry Junction, offering traditional Indian cuisine, and Joa Korean Food debuted last year with well-reviewed, fast-casual Korean bowls and sides.
Altaany says he’s already become friends with the newer Arboretum tenants.
“There’s an international feel here,” he said. “It’s refreshing. It’s exciting to be a part of it.”
Roz Grill
Location: The Arboretum, 8200 Providence Rd #200, Charlotte, NC 28277
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Instagram: @rozgrillnc
This story was originally published June 10, 2024 at 5:00 AM.