When it comes to new restaurant openings, Charlotteans will have no shortage of options in 2023. From brick and mortar expansions to new concepts from familiar names, we’ve got the round-up of the spots we and Charlotte’s food influencers are most excited about. Many thanks to these local foodies who keep us entertained on instagram and in the loop on what to eat:
- Andrew from @andrewloves_
- Allie from @eatdrinkclt
- Shionda from @shiondafarrell
- Karen from @finer_with_thyme
- Amy from @cltfoodgirl
- Morgan from @sliceofclt
- Jessica from @thesweetseoul
- @queencityvoyager
- Kriska & Manny from @clt.remedy
New Concepts
The Abyss at Camp North End
“They’ve always had some incredible cocktails, so I love that they are opening a cocktail focused space.”
Andrew from @andrewloves_
I’m sure Abyss is highly sought after by food lovers like myself and critics, due to the reputation and skill of the chefs behind the masterpiece.””
– Shionda from @shiondafarrell
Leluia Hall in Dilworth
Coming soon to the former Bonterra spot, the duo behind Supperland will open a new concept in Dilworth.
“It’s hard to not be excited about Jamie and Jeff’s newest concept. Jamie’s eye for design and an amazing culinary team behind the menu are setting this “steak and surf” restaurant up for success.”
– Allie from @eatdrinkclt
“Jamie Brown and Jeff Tonidandel have a unique vision of taking old churches and turning them into fascinating restaurants. And we can’t forget their other delicious concepts in CLT too.”
– Amy from @cltfoodgirl
“I love every concept that the Tonidandel Brown restaurant group creates! They put so much thought into each concept and the level of detail is unmatched! Can’t wait to see Leluia Hall after it’s complete!”
– Jessica from @thesweetseoul
Schreiber’s on Rye at Optimist Hall
According to reporting by The Charlotte Observer, Chef Larry Schreiber will open a New York-style deli inside Optimist Hall in the former Xiao Bao spot. When it opens, diners can expect deli sandwiches, hot dogs and more.
The Teal Turnip in Oakhurst
From Chefs Steve McGinley and Taylor Kastl of Tayste Catering, The Teal Turnip will offer small plates and a lively bar.
Prima Rasa
A new concept from the team behind Prime Fish called Prima Rasa, aiming to open in the fall of 2023. It will focus on Indonesian food in a fast casual setting.
“I’ve known the chef for about a year now…and well, she makes incredible food. It’s so good that I asked her to make the shumai at my birthday – so fingers crossed those make the menu.”
– Andrew from @andrewloves_
Passage Seafood in Camp North End
Fans of Bayhaven Restaurant Group can expect a modern fish camp concept serving “creative, whole fish, seafood centric dishes.”
Restaurant Constance in Wesley Heights
Chef Sam Diminich’s new restaurant, named for his daughter, will open soon offering seasonal dishes made with local ingredients.
“While Sam’s food has always been top notch, the man behind the food gives us even more
– Karen from @finer_with_thyme (read her full recommendation below!)
reason to be excited about his newest venture – Restaurant Constance.”
“Chef Sam Diminich is a super talented chef and loved following his journey when he started Your Farms Your Table delivery service during the pandemic. His meals are outstanding and looking forward to the opening of Constance in 2023!”
– Jessica from @thesweetseoul
Chapter 6 in South End
The restauranteur behind Dressler’s, The Porter’s House and Fin & Fino will open Chapter 6 in South End.
Pizza Baby in Wesley Heights
From the owner of Flour Shop and Customshop, Pizza Baby will offer pizzas, salads and more.
RALLY in LoSo
Pickleball fans are warming up for the opening of Rally, a pickle ball complex with a street food inspired full service menu.
“Rally Pickleball is hitting Charlotte and I’m excited to try America’s fastest-growing sport once it opens! I can’t say I’m an avid Pickleball player, but looking forward to trying the sport, indulging in cocktails, and acing the game!”
– Morgan from @sliceofclt
STK Steakhouse in Uptown
Replacing Carolina Ale House in Uptown, STK Steakhouse is expected to open over the summer.
Rosemont Market and Wine Bar in Elizabeth
Expect a full-service dinner menu as well as to-go items, lunch, breakfast and a coffee bar.
Seemingly Overzealous at Camp North End
Camp North End will welcome this dairy-free ice cream spot in spring 2023. Expect custom flavors made in-house as well as grab-and-go options.
Bird is the Word at Camp North End
Fans of the Leah & Louise chicken sandwich will love this new counter-service spot coming soon to Camp North End.
Urban District Market at Lintmen’s in NoDa
This year we’re looking forward to welcoming 12 stalls in a new food hall in NoDa. @sliceofclt and @queencityvoyager agree:
“Counting down the minutes until we can explore the 12 food stalls, restaurants, and breweries within walking distance from the LYNX Blue Line 25th St. Station.”
– Morgan from @sliceofclt
“The emerging food hall scene in the greater Charlotte area is perfect for people who like a taste of everything, who don’t know what they’re in the mood for until they get there, or who are trying to please a large group of people with different preferences.”
– @queencityvoyager
B.A.D. at Camp North End
B.A.D., or Beyond Amazing Donuts, will feature sweets crafted by pastry chef Jasmine Macon.
Humbug
Humbug has found their permanent home and will be at 2501 The Plaza, right over top of the new Summit Coffee in Plaza Midwood. They anticipate an opening in May.
Larry and Andy run an amazing bar program and we have seen them execute great concepts, like Krampus, in such a small space. We are super excited to see what they will do for the next phase of Humbug.
– Kriska & Manny from @clt.remedy
Phat Burrito in LoSo
Those who have been missing their favorite orders at Phat Burrito may be in luck for 2023. Be on the lookout for a re-opening in LoSo this year.
Davidson Ice House in Davidson
Jennifer Brulé, owner/chef of Davidson Ice House, and Robert Maynard, CEO of Won Life Holdings and co-founder and CEO of Famous Toastery, are teaming up on an exciting new venture. Davidson Ice House will temporarily close beginning Saturday, December 31 to make room for the new concept. Long-time friends, Brulé is also the chief culinary officer at Famous Toastery, the North Carolina-based 26-unit breakfast and lunch brand. This latest endeavor is another collaboration that capitalizes on the culinary duos’ experience and expertise, and Brulé will remain fully involved. Keep an eye on the Davidson Ice House Facebook and Instagram to learn the latest on Brulé and Maynard’s new venture.
Expansions
Little Mama’s Italian in South Charlotte
The Dumpling Lady in South End
The Good Wurst Co. in Birkdale Village
Olde Mecklenburg Brewery in Ballantyne
KPOT in Pineville
“I love Korean bbq and hot pot, so the fact that this restaurant brings them together, well I’ll be a regular if it’s good!”
– Andrew from @andrewloves_
Calle Sol Café & Cevicheria in SouthPark
Midwood Smokehouse at Charlotte Douglas International Airport
More on Restaurant Constance from Karen with @finer_with_thyme:
Could be a complicated question – “What’s your pick for most anticipated restaurant opening in 2023?”
No pondering, no hesitation, not a pause before I answered “Restaurant Constance”
If you know me, you know my passion not only for local Charlotte food, but also for the people who make it happen.
Our relationship with Chef Sam Diminich started before he knew who we were. Dinner at
Upstream (Jan. 2020) had us falling head over heels in love with his Sake Marinated Sea Bass and that was the beginning.
Roll around the pandemic and Sam saved my daughter’s redesigned backyard wedding with a four course dinner that included that same sea bass dish and blew everyone away!
His pivot to Our Farms Our Table meal delivery kept us engaged with his food and his lasagna has become a family tradition around the holidays.
Aside from our personal admiration of the man and his food, Sam Diminich has a strong impact with, and connection to, many facets of the Charlotte community.
✅Need a meal delivered to someone in need? No questions asked. Done
✅ Looking for someone committed to supporting addiction and recovery in the Charlotte Food and Beverage community – reach out to Sam
✅The thoughtful support of other small businesses that will be tied to his restaurant is
outstanding. From the local potter who is creating the dishes for Restaurant Constance, to
Wentworth and Fenn who will be providing desserts, you can be assured that when you
patronize Sam’s restaurant, the local support is felt widely.
I could keep this list going, but I’ll stop. While Sam’s food has always been top notch, the man behind the food gives us even more reason to be excited about his newest venture – Restaurant Constance. Be sure to keep this early 2023 opening on your radar!
