It’s springtime in Charlotte, and the trees aren’t the only thing blooming around the city. Charlotte’s culinary scene is buzzing and welcoming back diners with open arms. Read on for the openings, news and events to know this April.
Charlotte Restaurant Openings & Closings to Know
Now Open: La Capital in South End
What to expect: Upscale Mexican fare, plus a healthy tequila and bourbon menu. View both food and drink menus here. They’re reservation-only for now during their soft opening phase.
Now Open: Night Swim Coffee in LoSo
What to expect: The brand’s fourth fourth café and roastery offers a full coffee menu, plus bakery staples and homemade poptarts. Find them at 4500 Old Pineville Road.
Now Open: Sips & Dips in South Charlotte
What to expect: The family-owned soda shop offers customizable sodas, sparkling refreshers, sweet treats, pretzel bites and dips in the Promenade on Providence shopping center. The grand opening is set for Saturday, April 2.
Now Open: Broken Promises in South End
What to expect: Those 25 and older can enjoy craft cocktails from mixologist Bob Peters, DJs on weekends and aesthetic influences from New York and Tokyo from the team behind Lost & Found. There will also be a permanent food truck on site offering Asian street food.
Now Open: Sweet Crunch Waffles at The Market at 7th St
What to expect: Warm, fluffy Liege waffles in flavors like s’mores, maple bacon and more. Find them Uptown at The Market of 7th St.
Opening Soon : Cinergy Dine-In Cinemas in Prosperity Village
What to expect: The eighth location for Cinergy Entertainment will feature in-theater dining, luxury recliner chairs and a full bar. The 10 theaters offer guests the opportunity to enjoy a chef-inspired dining menu and extensive bar menu featuring draft beer and craft cocktails.
Open now: YUNTA
From the owners of Viva Chicken, YUNTA blends Peruvian and Japanese flavors, bringing Nikkei cuisine to the Queen City. It’s open for lunch from 11:30 am – 2 pm and reopens for dinner at 5 pm. Find them at 2201 South Blvd.
Now open: LuLu’s Maryland Style Chicken & Seafood in Plaza Midwood
Adding to its popular spot in West Charlotte, Lulu’s is now open in Plaza Midwood on Central Ave. Diners can expect Maryland-style crab cake plates, chicken and waffles, shrimp and more.
Closed: Civetta in South Charlotte
Closed: Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit in South End
What’s Newsworthy
Charlotte chef Greg Collier named James Beard Award Finalist
Chef Greg Collier, of Uptown Yolk, Loft & Cellar and Leah & Louise, has been named a finalist for the James Beard award in the Best Chef, Southeast category. Winners will be announced on June 13.
Mariposa adds new traditional Ukranian dish to menu
Mariposa’s world-to-table menu is rooted in the idea that food brings people together for conversation and education. Their newest conversation point honors the Ukrainian people who are living through turmoil. Halushki are tender dumplings are served with bacon lardon, maitake mushrooms, toasted garlic and lemon pan sauce and topped fresh dill and green onion. Available on their menu beginning the weekend of April 2.
New vegan pops at Paletas Morelia
The South End spot is launching three new vegan flavors made with coconut milk. Expect to find Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies & Cream, Hazelnut and Coconut on the menu for $5.99.
Dogwood Southern Table introduces new menu and Executive Chef
Under the direction of new Executive Chef Jake Hindman, the SouthPark hotspot introduces a new menu. Experience it all in a unique way by grabbing a spot at the chef’s counter for the Dinner with Jake option, an up close and personal way to try the fresh flavors. It’s offered Tuesday-Thursday with seatings at 6pm and 8pm.
New kitchen coming to Wooden Robot Brewery
Beginning April 1, Wooden Robot will roll out their new in-house kitchen, offering locally-sourced elevated bar food from executive chef Kate Scherpenberg.
Foodie Events
Wine Classes at Rosie’s Wine Garden
Get into the spirit of spring with Rosie’s Wine Garden. Their Spring Series Wine Classes off you a chance to learn more about specific regions, sip and enjoy among the blooms. Upcoming classes include Natural Wines on April 6, Wines of France on April 13 and Wine 101 on April 20.
Dine SHOUT!
April 1-16 | Various participating locations
As part of the larger Charlotte SHOUT festival, many participating restaurants will offer exclusive tasting menus for $40 or less across South End and Uptown.
Charlotte StrEATS Food Festival April 16
Celebrate Charlotte’s food scene at the first-ever Charlotte StrEATs Festival this April ~ the two-day festival will take place at Gateway Village in the heart of Uptown and will serve as the finale of the Charlotte SHOUT! festival presented by Atrium Health and Bank of America. The Charlotte StrEATs Festival is free and open to the public. The restaurant tasting portion of the event on Saturday will require tickets. Tickets start at $85 and are on sale now at cltstreatsfestival.com. Â
- Representing NoDa – @goodyearhouse and @saludcerveceria
- Representing Plaza Midwood – @eatatdish and @supper.land
- Representing South Park –Â @dogwoodclt
- Representing Dilworth – @300east and @fatcatburgersclt
- Representing East Charlotte –Â @manolosbakeryclt
- Representing Camp North End – @leah_and_louise and @plant_joy_clt
- Representing South End –Â @bardorestaurant
- Representing Uptown – @asburydunhill and @sealevelnc
- Representing West Charlotte – @counterclt Biblio and @toucanlouies_westend
WHEN: Saturday, April 16th from 12 – 6 p.m. The Restaurant Tasting portion of the event will be from 12 – 3 p.m. and VIP ticket holders will have early access at 11 a.m.
LEARN MORE: Learn more and get your tickets by visiting cltstreatsfestival.com. For more information about activities at Charlotte SHOUT!, visit charlotteshout.com.
Bake & Brew w/Sweet Spot Studio
April 8 | 5:30 pm | Blue Blaze Brewing
Join Sweet Spot Studio for a Cookie Decorating class led by Chef Alyssa Barefield. You will decorate sugar cookies with royal icing and other toppings while learning a few fun techniques. Includes a prepaid beer (or nonalcoholic beverage)No prior skills are required. Ages 21+
Empanada Fest
April 9 | Camp North End | 12 – 6 pm
The inaugural Empanada Fest is your chance to experience Latin America’s famous pastry turnovers, whether baked or fried, meat-filled or vegetarian, flour or corn. Free admission.
4th Annual CLT Taco Week
April 22 – May 1 | Various participating locations
Ready your appetite for the best tacos across the Queen City. For 10 days, participating spots will offer $3 specialty tacos. While you taste your way around the city, vote online to help crown the “best taco in Charlotte.”
Get your tickets now: A Night at the Museum Dinner 2022
May 12 | 5 pm | Mint Museum Uptown
Get your tickets now for an evening featuring local chefs celebrating produce and proteins from Carolina farms, featuring the honorary keynotes speaker Chris Peake, General Manager, Carolina Farm Trust Local Foods Distribution & Production Center.
