Food and Drink

New spots to try: Seven places to taste Charlotte’s 2025 dining scene

Stories by Charlotte Observer journalists, with AI summarization

Many articles discuss Charlotte's dynamic dining scene in 2025. They highlight a mix of returning favorites and brand new offerings.

These curated pieces emphasize Charlotte's expanding culinary diversity with multiple openings and a few closures across different neighborhoods.

One article lists over 135 new restaurants that were coming in 2025, showcasing the ever-growing food landscape. It highlights Ace No. 3 expanding its burger spots and Al-Basha Halal Grill bringing back Mediterranean cuisine after a fire disrupted its operations.

Another notes the debut of A New Dawg in Town, a gourmet hot dog cart, reflecting the unique offerings available. Additionally, the articles feature Chief's, a cocktail parlor in NoDa, emphasizing its nostalgia-driven concept. Meanwhile, other venues like Tipsy Pickle combine dining with entertainment, such as pickleball. These examples illustrate the variety and continual evolution of dining options in Charlotte.

Diners at Coquette in uptown Charlotte.

NO. 1: 13 BEST RESTAURANTS IN UPTOWN CHARLOTTE, FROM ELEVATED SPOTS TO TRIED & TRUE FAVORITES

There has never been a better time to head uptown for dinner and drinks out. From casual spots to fine dining, here’s a list of our favorites in Charlotte’s Center City. | Published November 26, 2024 | Read Full Story by Sunny Hubler

Chief’s Modern Cocktail Parlor is a new cocktail lounge in NoDa Charlotte.

NO. 2: CHIEF’S, A MODERN COCKTAIL PARLOR OPEN IN NODA, IS BUILT AROUND CHILDHOOD MEMORIES

Expect locally sourced cocktails and light bites at the Charlotte bar in a cozy, elegant setting. It opens this weekend. | Published January 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley Melissa Oyler

Cory Duran, owner of The People’s Market. By Heidi Finley

NO. 3: THE ULTIMATE LIST OF 135+ NEW RESTAURANTS, BARS AND CAFES COMING TO CHARLOTTE IN 2025

Check out the newest additions to Charlotte’s food and drink scene. | Published January 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by CharlotteFive staff

The Good Wurst Company offers parking in the front and a spacious lot in the back. By Samantha Husted

NO. 4: PARKING MADE EASY: 20 CHARLOTTE RESTAURANTS WITH PRIME SPOTS TO BEAT THE COLD WEATHER

Parking in Charlotte can be a battlefield, so let us ease your stress. These restaurants have easy-access, accessible parking to help. | Published January 16, 2025 | Read Full Story by Samantha Husted

Mazi’s menu will focus on Mediterranean mezze and small plates.

NO. 5: NEW LATIN LOUNGE, PIZZA PLACE, PICKLEBALL COMPLEX AND MORE: FEBRUARY’S FOOD SCENE IN CHARLOTTE

10 restaurants opened, 7 closed in February + 11 more will join Charlotte’s food scene. | Published March 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley

Morelia Gourmet Paletas can be dipped, drizzled and covered in your preferred topping. An added bonus is that it can rest in a fresh waffle bowl.

NO. 6: SCOOP AND SIP: JUICE BAR AND ICE CREAM SHOP WILL OPEN IN NODA CHARLOTTE

Scoop: These are the new shops spicing up Charlotte’s Centro NoDa with diverse culinary delights and creative retail. | Published April 30, 2025 | Read Full Story by Melissa Oyler

3rd & Fernwood is now open at Metropolitan Charlotte. By Jonathan Cooper

NO. 7: 115+ BLACK-OWNED RESTAURANTS, FOOD TRUCKS IN CHARLOTTE TO TEMPT YOUR TASTE BUDS

These locally-owned small businesses offer diverse experiences ranging from street food eats to upscale dining. | Published July 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley

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.