Food and Drink

9 trends redefining Charlotte dining now

Stories by Charlotte Observer journalists, with AI summarization

Charlotte's dining scene is evolving with new restaurant openings, Michelin recognition, chef collaborations, and popular dining spots.

The city anticipates its first Michelin stars, with restaurants like Counter-, L'Ostrica, and Restaurant Constance being noteworthy contenders.

A wave of culinary partnerships showcase the city's collaborative spirit.

Meanwhile, the OG Asian Eatery + KTV prepares to open, promising an all-you-can-eat sushi experience.

These developments signal Charlotte's emergence as a vibrant culinary hub.

Catalina Kitchen + Bar, by NFL Hall of Famer and television commentator Mike Ditka’s Restaurant Group, will open at 1942 E. 7th St. in Charlotte.

NO. 1: NFL HALL OF FAMER’S NORTH CAROLINA RESTAURANT AMONG BEST NEW SPOTS IN AMERICA, YELP SAYS

Here’s which local restaurant was the only one in North Carolina to rank among the top 25 new dining spots in the U.S. | Published December 11, 2024 | Read Full Story by Chyna Blackmon

The Fig Tree’s grilled octopus, bone marrow rockefeller and butterscotch crème brûlée. Alex Cason

NO. 2: THESE ARE CHARLOTTE’S MOST MICHELIN STAR WORTHY RESTAURANTS, ACCORDING TO LOCAL FOODIES

An old Reddit thread reveals which fan-favorite restaurants are on par to those with a Michelin star. What do you think? | Published March 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chyna Blackmon

The NY strip at Restaurant Constance. By Peter Taylor Photography

NO. 3: WHAT WOULD A MICHELIN GUIDE TO NC’S BEST RESTAURANTS INCLUDE? OUR STAR-WORTHY LIST

If we were in charge of a Michelin guide that includes Charlotte and Raleigh, here are the restaurants we’d include. | Published April 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Melissa Oyler, Chyna Blackmon, Heidi Finley and Drew Jackson

Parents and teens with big appetites can customize creations at Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar.

NO. 4: HOW TO NAVIGATE CHARLOTTE’S FAMILY-FRIENDLY DINING SCENE WITHOUT TANTRUMS

From tots to teens, here are 30 kid-approved restaurants to check out in the Charlotte area. | Published August 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley

Desserts from a Rada and Customshop collaboration dinner. By Michael Winters

NO. 5: 9 MUST-TRY CHARLOTTE CHEF COLLABS, FROM RAMEN MASHUPS TO LUXE TASTING MENUS

In Charlotte’s ever-evolving food scene, collaboration is now a mainstay. | Published August 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Shindy Chen

The Cumulus, an iced matcha at Fly Kid Fly located at The Bowl at Ballantyne. By Tamia Boyd

NO. 6: BEAN THERE, SIPPED THAT: A CAFFEINATED TOUR OF THE BEST CHARLOTTE COFFEE SHOPS

Iced lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites, seasonal drinks or maybe a shot of espresso — these are some of my go-to orders at coffee shops across Charlotte.As one of my favorite pop girls, Sabrina Carpenter says, “That’s that me, espresso.” The best part? | Published October 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tamia Boyd

Aura Rooftop is on the fifth floor of the JW Marriott in uptown. Visit for botanical craft cocktails, boutique wines and small bites. By Joe Ciarlante DBA Ciarlante Photo

NO. 7: THIS CHARLOTTE ROOFTOP BAR RANKS AMONG THE BEST IN THE US. WHY FOLKS LOVE IT

A Charlotte lounge known for serving signature cocktails and small bites against the dazzling backdrop of the city’s skyline is among the nation’s best rooftop bars, a new report says. | Published October 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney

Mama Lina’s will open soon in Fort Mill, offering New York style pizza and Italian dishes. By John Marks

NO. 8: FORT MILL IS GETTING A NEW ITALIAN RESTAURANT WITH FAMILIAR TASTES OF NY PIZZA

Fans of the former Mama’s Pizza Pasta in Indian Land won’t have to wait much longer for another helping of traditional Italian food, this time in Fort Mill. | Published October 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by John Marks

The dining room at Yiding Hot Pot. By Heidi Finley

NO. 9: NEW ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT SUSHI SPOT OPENING SOON IN PINEVILLE. HERE’S WHAT TO EXPECT

Hot pot and sushi lovers, rejoice. | Published October 28, 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.