This Fall, hunt for more than just the perfect pumpkin. Charlotte’s growing culinary scene is quickly expanding this season, and we’ve got your guide for what you should be in the lookout for. 16 of our top picks:

OPEN NOW

Viva Chicken Park Road – Open Wednesday 10/5!!

Neighborhood: Myers Park

What to expect: It’s almost here! Starting this week you’ll be able to get your favorite chicken dish (and sauce!) on the Myers Park side of town. Opening October 5.

Learn more: www.facebook.com/VivaChickenRestaurant

O-Ku

Neighborhood: South End

What to expect: A Charleston favorite expanded into a new spot in Atherton Mill last week. The industrial meets sleek atmosphere is perfectly complemented by the fusion of traditional Japanese dishes and innovative use of local ingredients. On the menu is an assortment of Chef’s Specialties, various sushi rolls and even an “Artistic and Creative Multi-course Tasting”.

Learn more: www.facebook.com/okucharlotte

Fern, Flavors From The Garden

Neighborhood: Dilworth

What to expect: Occupying a piece of prime real estate along East Boulevard, the new location of Fern, Flavors From The Garden opened up late last week. Grab brunch (served weekends 10 am- 2pm), lunch on the patio under the oak tree or dinner crafted from vegetarian and local ingredients. Menu items include fresh salads, vegan handhelds and entrees like the Laughing Buddha Bowl and Curried Chicken Tofu.

Learn more: www.fernflavors.com

Midwood Smokeshack

Neighborhood: Matthews

What to expect: That’s right, your favorite go-to BBQ spot has expanded into Matthews. Not only that, but this Chipotle-style ordering concept makes getting your smoky fix even easier. The new location is in the McKee Farms Shopping Center on the corner of Weddington Rd and McKee.

Learn more: www.facebook.com/midwoodsmokeshack

Turnhouse Grill

Neighborhood: Myers Park

What to expect: Go ahead and try out the newcomer to Parktowne Village. Taking over the spot formally occupied by Tiki Hideaway, Turnhouse Grille offer classic comfort foods in a refined setting. Pull up a seat at their intimate bar, where they have a full wine and beer menu ready for five o’clock.

Learn more: www.facebook.com/turnhousegrille

OPENING SOON

Haberdish

Neighborhood: NoDa

What to expect: Coming in November, the owner of Crepe Cellar and Growlers Pourhouse will open Haberdish, your new favorite neighborhood go-to for fried chicken and seafood dishes complemented by a fresh take on Southern classic sides. The Prohibition era cocktail menu won’t hurt either.

Learn more: www.haberdish.com

Loft & Cellar

Neighborhood: Uptown

What to expect: You probably have passed the building that will house Loft & Cellar plenty of times. The 3-story loft, restuarant and cellar concept is coming to the historic building at the corner of 4th and Popular Streets. The loft is an intimate bar setting with views of the city, the restaurant will offer tapas-style food with an international flair and the cellar offers an 20-seat wine and tasting room perfect for private dining events. Targeting a November opening.

Learn more: www.loftandcellar.com/home

Twenty-Six Acres Brewing Co.

Neighborhood: Concord

What to expect:  Unique brews poured and enjoyed in an industrial-meets-refined taproom with high-ceilings, open spaces and room for growth. Keep an eye out for soft opening announcements throughout October.

Learn more: www.26acres.com

STAY TUNED

Dilworth Tasting Room

Neighborhood: Dilworth

What to expect: Taking over the old Dilworth Billiards space, Dilworth Tasting Room is projected to open sometime this fall. The unique indoor/outdoor space will feature everything from coffee in the morning to craft beer and wine in the evening, accented by tasty menu options–more to come.

Learn more: www.facebook.com/Dilworthtastingroom

Ink n Ivy

Neighborhood: Uptown

What to expect: Sleek resturant/bar concept with an expansive patio overlooking Romare Bearden Park. Menu items include a Monday-Sunday Raw Bar, the cheesy Chicken Ivy and a comprehensive lunch menu.

Learn more: http://charlotte.inkanivy.com 

Le Macaron French Pastries

Neighborhood: Metropolitan

What to expect: Take a break from your errands and step into the sights and smells of a traditional French bakery. Grab a coffee, pastry or gelato and peruse your macarons options. They come in a number of delectable flavors, all found on their website here. No opening date yet, but we’ll keep you updated.

Learn more: www.lemacaron-us.com/coming-soon

Hart’s Soda Shop

Neighborhood: NoDa

What to expect:  Handcrafted sodas, floats and sundaes. Permanent location with an old-fashioned soda counter coming soon to 908 E 35th Street. Until then, try a Spiced Apple Cider fizz from their classic VW bus on their patio of the new location.

Learn more: www.hartssodashop.com

Freshii SouthPark

Neighborhood: SouthPark

What to expect:  An Uptown favorite is making it’s way to Southwark’s Piedmont Row this Fall. Freshii’s menu includes perfect go-lunch lunch items like salads, wraps, bowls, yogurts, smoothies and juices. And yup, you guessed it, everything is incredibly fresh. Check out their menu here.

Learn more: www.freshii.com/us

Oak Steakhouse

Neighborhood: SouthPark

What to expect:  From the same folks who brought us O-Ku, the new sushi spot in Atherton Mill, Oak Steakhouse is bringing their great long-standing reputation in Charleston to SouthPark. Expect a locally-sourced menu with steakhouse favorites and an outstanding wine selection. Exact opening date TBD.

Learn more: www.oaksteakhouserestaurant.com

Teriyaki Madness

Neighborhood: Metropolitan

What to expect: When you’re looking for something fresher than takeout, but don’t want to venture outside of your go-to shopping centers, soon you’ll be able to stop in to Teriyaki Madness. Order at the counter from your pick of bowls, plates, noodles and veggies and more. Exact opening date TBD.

Learn more: www.teriyakimadness.com

Popbar

Neighborhood: NoDa

What to expect: Popbar’s website describes it’s offerings as “Handcrafted Gelato on a Stick.” I don’t think we need to say much more. Popular flavors include Green Tea popGelato Half Dipped in Premium White Chocolate and Crushed Waffle Cone and their Strawberry popSorbetto Half Dipped in Premium Dark Chocolate. They also have YogurtPops. The best news? All of the treats are under 200 calories, with the sorbet pops under 100.

Learn more: www.pop-bar.com/north-america

Burtons Grill & Bar

Neighborhood: Myers Park

What to expect: Opening soon in Park Road Shopping Center, Burtons’ will soon become your go-to steak and seafood spot. Highlighting local flavors and ingredients, Burtons’ specializes in seafood pasta dishes and expertly aged angus beef. It will be perfect for a dinner out before a movie or become a family favorite for special occasions.

Learn more: www.burtonsgrill.com

Urban Cookhouse

Neighborhood: Myers Park

What to expect: Also coming to Park Road Shopping center, this Alabama-based spot boasts local flavor with an urban feel. Try the “Down Home” for a complete meal of comfort classics.

Learn more: www.urbancookhouse.com