Charlotte Food Pros Tell Us Which Restaurant Openings They Are Most Excited About for 2026
Who better to give you the latest restaurant opening scoop than some of Charlotte’s very own food influencers? Read below to find all the newest spots coming to a neighborhood near you in the year ahead.
Many thanks to those who fuel both our appetites and inspiration:
We love a good fusion restaurant that isn’t afraid to think outside the box. Sushi Rosé is exactly that! It’s a Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant that opened its first location in Winston-Salem. We’re so excited to welcome them in Charlotte! Cannot wait to try their stir-fry steak and potatoes that is served over a plantain-shrimp tempura roll. The foodie lovers of Charlotte are drooling already.
I’m so excited about the upcoming opening of Amina in Charlotte! This new upscale restaurant will have an African Mediterranean inspired menu . I myself love East African and Mediterranean flavors due to its boldness in flavor . Rumors are the elegant space is designed for fine dining and vibes, and on weekend nights it will transform into a lounge with live music and a DJ playing R&B and house to set the perfect atmosphere. Amina looks like it’s going to be one of Charlotte’s most anticipated new spots & I can’t wait !
I’m beyond excited for Flora opening in the heart of South End in winter 2026. From Rooted Hospitality Group, this ingredient-first concept, originally based in New York, feels like a dream for the gluten-free community — elevated, thoughtful, and ensuring everyone has a seat at the table. Truly a place to Eat. Drink. Love.
Coming to the Ritz Carlton in 2026 is Chef Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak. It’s a big moment for our city’s food scene to welcome a restaurant from Michael Mina and it says a lot that a chef of his caliber chose Charlotte for his next location. I can’t wait to try it out and hopefully it will live up to its hype!
The Iberian Pig is officially coming to the Queen City in 2026, and the anticipation is already building. Known for its bold, modern take on Spanish tapas, this beloved restaurant has earned a devoted following at its current locations in Nashville and across Georgia (Decatur and Buckhead). The Iberian Pig blends the traditional flavors of Spain with inventive culinary creativity, offering everything from expertly crafted tapas to one of the most impressive selections of imported cheeses and cured meats in the country; including the prized Jamón Ibérico. Its Nashville outpost, celebrated for its warm, convivial atmosphere and standout dishes, has quickly become a hotspot for diners seeking vibrant flavors and a memorable dining experience.
Bringing that same energy and excellence to Charlotte, the upcoming location promises to be a major addition to the city’s dining scene. If the success of its sister restaurants is any indication, we are in for something truly special!
I am most looking forward to Sharigato opening up in Optimist Park! Charlotte is definitely in need of a made to order hand roll spot with fresh fish, warm rice and crisp nori – the perfect combo! I love that it will be no reservations and will have cocktails on draft as well as sake! It’s great to have another new local option for fast-casual rather than another chain.
I am so excited to have a coffee shop and bar in the Commonwealth Park/Plaza Midwood neighborhood that has a strong focus on books! Located right behind Trope and Wiloe, this will really complete an amazing triad of women-owned small businesses and I will be hosting my book club there at some point in 2026!
I’m excited about the opening of Laurel Park – SouthPark area in the old Village Tavern space. The space, especially the patio, holds many memories for me so this is likely a part of my excitement. They’ve done a beautiful job of restructuring the restaurant from raising the ceilings to incorporating greenery that ties to the patio space. They quietly opened a few days prior to 2026 and I was able to grab dinner. I can highly recommend the Beet Hummus and the Hamachi Crudo! I’ll be heading back soon to check out more of the menu. And (drum roll please) awaiting the opening of the patio space – one of my favorites and maybe most underrated patios in the area.
I’m especially excited about Uchi and Uchibā coming to Plaza Midwood because it brings an elevated Japanese dining experience to one of Charlotte’s most eclectic neighborhoods. Even though I haven’t had the chance to dine at Uchi yet, its reputation alone makes this opening one of the most highly anticipated openings in the Queen City! My personal favorite style of dining is Japanese izakaya and I’m beyond excited for Uchibā, the cocktail bar and restaurant going above Uchi! Uchibā is a more casual dining style, so I’m ecstatic to see both dining options!
I’m excited for APB to open in NoDa. It’s always exciting to see new, diverse spots serving the community, that are unique from breweries and that will also focus on featuring non-alcoholic options. Beloved mixologist (and Charlotte native) Larry Suggs is behind all of this and will also offer beer, wine, and a menu of modern cocktails, natch.
DŌZO is one restaurant I am absolutely pumped to visit this year when they open in Dilworth! Chef-owners Perry and John have had amazing success with their food truck (Katsu Kart) and their most recent DŌZO location in Wesley Heights. The new space will have tons more seating and allow them to expand on their Japanese- American menu. I can’t wait!!!
I’m so excited about the new Seemingly Overzealous locations opening in 2026! Davidson opening April/May 2026 and Matthews opening July/Aug 2026. Ice cream and treats that are gluten free, dairy free and egg free! An absolute heaven for anyone with dietary restrictions! With an ever-evolving menu, each season brings new flavors! Ice cream cups, cones, pints, sandwiches and cakes, they have it all. These openings will brings the total to five locations in the Charlotte area, further cementing Seemingly Overzealous as an absolute gem for ice cream lovers of all kinds.
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