Food and Drink

The biggest food news you missed this week in Charlotte: 12 things to know

Charlotte's restaurant scene saw an array of diverse updates and openings this week, reflecting a vibrant and evolving food landscape. Several articles highlight how local culinary experiences are both expanding with new options and evolving with innovative trends.

Farmers markets around Charlotte offer seasonal produce. As fall arrives, local spots like the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market and Davidson Farmers Market emphasize autumn's bounty, promoting sustainability and fresh local ingredients.

The local coffee scene experienced a change with the closure of High Grounds Coffeehouse in Concord. Owner Andrea Runyan expressed gratitude for the support received over the two years the shop was in business.

In a showcase of Latin American flavors, a new list of underrated restaurants invites residents to explore authentic cuisines from various countries, including favorites like Brasas Arepas Grill and Aromas De Mi Pueblo.

Charlotte also continues to make headlines in the pizza scene, with Pizza Baby being recognized for offering the best pizza in North Carolina, earning nods for its locally sourced ingredients and creative toppings.

Greenville, South Carolina, has been chosen by Michelin as the host territory for the Guide ceremony which will be held in November at the Peace Center. Michelin

NO. 1: WILL A CHARLOTTE RESTAURANT EARN A MICHELIN STAR THIS YEAR? SIGNS POINT TO YES.

Charlotte’s culinary scene prepares to shine bright in the spotlight of the new Michelin Guide American South. | Published October 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley

Duckworth’s offers a variety of game day foods, including burgers, nachos and sandwiches. By guerrillaRAW

NO. 2: MY FRIENDS ARE NEW TO THE CHARLOTTE AREA. HERE’S WHERE WE EAT IN HUNTERSVILLE

In a stroke of good luck, my husband‘s best friend and his family — the couple who set us up together and have been by our side ever since — have moved to the Charlotte area this year and landed in Lake Norman. | Published October 8, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley

Matt Simpkins, left, and Tom Bogan cheers before sampling a whiskey at Oaklore Distilling Co. in Matthews, N.C., on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. By KHADEJEH NIKOUYEH

NO. 3: BASED ON A TRUE ‘BOURBON’: DISTILLERY CONTINUES TO MAKE FOOTPRINTS IN CHARLOTTE

After turning a hobby of making homemade whiskey into a local distillery business, buddies Matt Simpkins and Thomas Bogan believe great-tasting bourbon should come with a story. | Published October 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chase Jordan

The arepa bowl is a crowd-pleaser consisting of egg, chicken, beef and pork on a bed of fried plantains and lettuce. By Chevere Street

NO. 4: 10 UNDERRATED LATIN AMERICAN RESTAURANTS IN THE CHARLOTTE AREA

Good flavor knows no boundaries, and Charlotte’s restaurants featuring authentic Hispanic and Latin American cuisine will make your mouth water. | Published October 10, 2025 | Read Full Story by Loàn Lake

The Uptown Farmers Market is at 300 S. Davidson Street in Charlotte every Saturday during its winter or spring season, rain or shine. Hours vary by season. By Alex Cason

NO. 5: WHAT’S IN SEASON THIS FALL AROUND CHARLOTTE? CHECK OUR AUTUMN FARMERS MARKET GUIDE

As humidity-heavy summer memories fade into crisp autumn air here in the Carolinas, our palates change, too: | Published October 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by Melissa Oyler

At Dilworth Tasting Room, food and cocktail offerings change seasonally. The restaurant recently launched 18 new drinks on its Seasonal Cocktails Menu. By Chris Rodarte

NO. 6: WOULD YOU TRY ONE? 5 WEIRDEST COCKTAILS IN CHARLOTTE RIGHT NOW

This fall, Charlotte bartenders are blurring the lines between cocktails and culinary art in delicious ways, putting out drinks. | Published October 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley

Raahi Art of India, a restaurant specializing in traditional Indian cuisine, recently opened in Charlotte’s South End.

NO. 7: NEW RESTAURANT PROMISES ‘TRUE INDIAN DINING EXPERIENCE’ IN SOUTH END CHARLOTTE

A new restaurant is bringing “the vibrant traditions of India“ to Charlotte’s dining scene. | Published October 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney

Cafe Pamlico offers breakfast, Sunday brunch and dinner. Reservations are strongly encouraged. By Melissa Anderson

NO. 8: 10 NC RESTAURANTS NAMED ‘BEST OF THE BEST’ IN THE US, TRIPADVISOR SAYS

From up-and-coming concepts to award-winning classics, North Carolina’s food scene is full of delicious dining spots — including a few that have been named among the best in the country. | Published October 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chyna Blackmon

Courtney Evans, who has worked in Charlotte restaurants with James Beard Award finalist chef Greg Collier, was among 21 chefs competing in Netflix’s “Next Gen Kitchen.”

NO. 9: CHARLOTTE CHEF COURTNEY EVANS TALKS LIFE AFTER NETFLIX’S ‘NEXT GEN CHEF’

Courtney Evans is still overwhelmed by all the attention she’s received since the finale of Netflix’s “Next Gen Chef” aired September 30. | Published October 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by Shindy Chen

The Rosemary pizza at Pizza Baby has pistachio pesto, shaved red onions, pecorino and hot honey. By Alex Cason

NO. 10: BEST PIZZA? CHARLOTTE RESTAURANT CLAIMS NO. 1 SPOT IN NORTH CAROLINA, REPORT SAYS

Flaky crust, zesty sauce, flavorful toppings and a cheese pull worthy of your Instagram story: | Published October 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney

NoDa Brewing is among the Charlotte breweries working to devise a strategy amid President Trump’s shifting tariff plans. By Timothy DePeugh

NO. 11: 5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE CRAFT BEER SQUEEZE — NATIONALLY AND IN CHARLOTTE

The craft beer industry is making headlines again, with The New York Times spotlighting the recent wave of brewery closures and industry challenges across the country. | Published October 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by CharlotteFive staff

Downtown Concord, North Carolina. By Alex Cason

NO. 12: CONCORD NATIVE CLOSES DOORS ON DOWNTOWN COFFEE SHOP. ‘I’M BEYOND GRATEFUL’

A Charlotte-area coffee shop is “officially closed” after nearly two years in business. | Published October 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.