So, your 2018 resolution was to branch out of your normal go-to dinner spots. We’re here to help with a round-up of the most popular new restaurants that opened late last year where you can make reservations now. Plus, some news we’re keeping an eye on for future openings.
OPEN NOW
Toucan Louie’s
2753 Rozzelles Ferry Rd.
Marc and LeAnne Kieffer opened Toucan Louie’s, a cafe and roastery in late December. The former gas station turned West End gathering spot boasts a full array of breakfast, sandwich, salad, burger and beverage offerings featuring NC turkey, pork and roast beef roasted in-house. Visit Monday – Friday 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Saturday – Sunday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Zeppelin
235 W Tremont Ave.
Zeppelin, which opened in the last few days of 2017, brings a steampunk vibe to the heart of South End. Try their seasonal small plates and cocktails Tuesday – Sunday beginning at 5 p.m.
The Lights Juicery & Cafe
16631 Lancaster Hwy.
The Lights Juicery and Cafe is now open in South Charlotte, serving organic fresh and cold pressed juices, espresso, salads, sandwiches, bowls and more. View the full menu here and click here to get scoop’s deal for 15% off one of their 1 to 3 day cleanses. Stick to your New Year’s resolutions Monday – Friday 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Via Roma
7416 Waverly Walk Avenue, Suite H-2
In early December, The Conte Restaurant Group opened a new concept in South Charlotte. Described as sister restaurant to Southpark’s Toscana, Via Roma brings authentic Italian flavors and an impressive Italian wine selection to Waverly Charlotte. View the menu here.
Hello, Sailor
20210 Henderson Rd, Cornelius
Image via Instagram
As you’ve surely heard, the long-anticipated venture from Kindred owners Joe and Katy Kindred opened in early December. The menu welcomes guests with sharable appetizers and plates, as well as a bright and sunny interior with very instagram-able style.
Lincoln’s Haberdashery
1300 S Blvd Ste S, Charlotte NC
From the owner of Futa Buta, South End’s newest food market with a bodega feel opened in December to serve pastries, coffee and daytime fare. Visit Tuesday – Thursday 7 a.m. – 6 p.m., Friday 7 a.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Sunday beginning at 8 a.m.
HI Tide Poke & Raw Bar
919 South McDowell St.
HI Tide Poke & Raw Bar opened recently in Dilworth. Stop in for Hawaiian-style poke bowls, made with your choice of premium beef, pork or fish, as well as fresh oysters on the half shell. Visit Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Friday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Umami PokeRito
7510 Pineville Matthews Rd, Suite 5A
Both traditional sushi-lovers and those craving a new flavor will love offerings from Umami PokéRito. Try fresh sushi burritos and poké bowls Monday – Saturday 10:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Sunday 10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Reigning Doughnuts
3120 N. Davidson Street (the window facing 35th street)
Step up to the window at Reigning Doughnuts to get your fill of vanilla, chocolate, cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, honey glaze or plain hot doughnuts without setting foot in a shop. Keep warm with Counter Culture coffee, also available at their walk-up window. Open Tuesday – Sunday 7 a.m – 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
JJ’s Uptown
400 S. Tryon Street
JJ’s newest location opened its doors on January 2nd to serve Uptown lunchers and game-goers. Visit on Tuesdays for $2 signature hot dogs after 3 p.m.
Zinicola
14835 Ballantyne Village Way Suite 140
The newest neighbor at Ballantyne Village is now serving Italian fare crafted from local ingredients. Reserve now on OpenTable.
Little Big Burger
10012 Benfield Rd.
Portland-based Little Big Burger is now open in Prosperity Village. Enjoy a cooked to order burger prepared in an open kitchen.
Rivermen Brewing Co.
52 Ervin St., Belmont
In Belmont, Rivermen Brewing Co. is now pouring from over 20 rotating taps and serving a full food menu, with brewery tours beginning this month. Core beers on tap include Precipitation Scottish Ale, Brennan’s Irish Ale and Triple Drop IPA.
The Daily
214 N Church St.
Uptown’s The Daily opened in early December. Settle into their cozy taproom for brews, cocktails, small plates, a DJ Friday and Saturday night and brunch Friday- Sunday. Open Monday – Thursday 3 p.m. – 2 a.m. and Friday – Sunday 10 a.m. – 2 a.m.
Red House Café
3046 North Davidson St.
A New Jersey family opened The Red House Café in NoDa last December. Classic offerings include chicken parmesan, lasagna, pasta bolognese, Philly cheese steak and the $110 Panther Mega Burger.
Nékter Juice Bar
Cornelius: 19116 W Catawba Avenue Suite B, South End: 2725 South Blvd Suite B
Nékter Juice Bar opened two area locations, one in South End and one in Cornelius. Keep your resolutions with their handcrafted juices, smoothies and acai bowls. If you’re really committed, consider a cleanse.
OPENING SOON
Haymaker
225 S Poplar Street
From William Dissen, chef and owner of The Market Place in Asheville, Haymaker is set to open in early 2018 in the Ascent Uptown Charlotte. Read more from The Charlotte Observer.
Flourshop
Park Road Shopping Center’s Back Lot
Trey Wilson, chef and owner at Customshop, will open a new venture focused on fresh bread and pasta in Park Road Shopping Center. In addition, expect roasted meats from an open-fire grill and a family-style menu.
Aix en Provence owners to open Waxhaw location
201 W South Main Steet, Waxhaw
Owners Bryan St. Clair and Patrick Garrivier will be opening a new venture called Le Cochon D’Or in the former home of Waxhaw’s Heritage Food and Drink. The menu will focus on comforting classics with the same customer experience Aix en Provence regulars have come to cherish. Read more from Charlotte Magazine.
