New Latin lounge, pizza place, pickleball complex and more: February’s food scene in Charlotte
Not a month goes by when Charlotte’s food and drink options remain static — and February was no exception when it comes to restaurant openings and closings.
Among the new options for eating local in Charlotte are a second location of Pizzeria Sapienza’s in Dilworth and Casa Azteca Mexican Grill, a new spinoff of Azteca and Don Pedro’s in Mooresville. Tipsy Pickle also joined the scene, offering a new place to play pickleball or watch others while you sip a cocktail and munch on a Tex Mex meal.
The city said goodbye in February to Good Wurst Co., a local favorite for bagels and brats. But the space won’t be empty for long — original Good Wurst owner Lincoln Clark plans to open Clark’s Snack Bar in its place. The Bottle Tree also closed, and its ownership team is working on opening Kaya Gastrolounge soon. Plans call for longtime favorite Fenwick’s to shut down at the end of the month, as well.
Even more new spots are on the way, however, including a couple of fresh pasta shops and Mediterranean restaurants.
Here’s what has happening in the Charlotte restaurant scene in the past month:
What’s opened?
A new Coffee Republic location opened in Charlotte on Feb. 3 in uptown near Truist Field and Bank of America Stadium.
The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar opened a Fort Mill location on Feb. 3.
Papi Ricko, a new Latin American restaurant and lounge, hosted a grand opening on Feb. 7.
Pizzeria Sapienza’s second location in Charlotte opened Feb. 11 in Dilworth.
Casa Azteca Mexican Grill opened on Feb. 17 in Mooresville.
Shipley Do-Nuts opened its first North Carolina location in Concord mid-February.
Tipsy Pickle, a new pickleball complex with three bars and a Tex-Mex menu, opened Feb. 22 at Camp North End.
- North Italia, which has locations in South End and Ballantyne, opened Feb. 26 at Birkdale Village.
Tous Les Jours’ third Charlotte-area location opened Feb. 27 in the Ballantyne area.
And a bonus: Bar One opened March 1 in uptown Charlotte, bringing along a burlesque show you can watch on the weekends.
What’s closed?
The Waterman Fish Bar shuttered its Lake Norman location after three years on Feb. 2. Its Charlotte location remains open, and a Charlotte Douglas International Airport location opened in February, as well.
The Good Wurst Company closed its final location in early February, although a sign on the building says “Re-opening soon. Thanks.” Charlotte Business Journal reports that original owner Lincoln Clark will open Clark’s Snack Bar in its place.
The Bottle Tree in Belmont, which won the top spot in CharlotteFive’s Readers Choice: Best Patio contest, closed Feb. 16. Its ownership team is working on a new restaurant, Kaya Gastrolounge.
Cuzzo’s Cuisine’s location at Charlotte Premium Outlets closed Feb. 23. The restaurant is not renewing its lease there.
Queen City Craft & Gourmet closed permanently on Feb. 23.
The Pauline Tea-Bar Apothecary closed its second location on Beatties Ford Road on Feb. 28, about a year after its opening. Its original location remains open.
Fenwick’s, a Myers Park stalwart since 1984, is saying farewell at the end of March.
What’s coming soon?
- ESO Artisanal Pasta, featured on “The Great Food Truck Race,” is set to open at Optimist Hall in March.
Greco Fresh Grille is opening a new location in the former Wolfman’s Pizza spot in Cotswold Village.
Kaya Gastrolounge, a new restaurant from the team behind the soon-to-close spot The Bottle Tree, is set to open in Belmont in March.
Krazy Curry is expanding from Pineville to uptown in March.
La Lima Sangunchería, a Peruvian sandwich shop, is expected to open in March.
Leluia Hall, named a must-visit spot to try this winter by Bon Appetit and one of the top 25 restaurants to try in 2025 by CharlotteFive, is expected to open soon.
Mazi, a new Mediterranean restaurant operated by Built On Hospitality, plans a March opening.
Mezzo Market plans a March opening, Unpretentious Palate reports.
Tommy Bahama’s Marlin Bar is slated to open soon at SouthPark Mall.
Sala, a new cocktail bar from chef-owner Bruce Moffett, will open late this spring or early summer.
Sorellina Pasta is opening in 2025 in Plaza Midwood, offering fresh pasta, sauce and focaccia.
This story was originally published March 4, 2025 at 5:30 AM.
