2025 is shaping up to be the perfect combination of past and present with familiar favorites reopening alongside exciting new concepts joining the QC food scene. And, who better to give you the latest foodie 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.
Moment of gratitude for these foodies who fuel both our appetites and inspiration:
- Allie from @eatdrinkclt
- Amy from @cltfoodgirl
- Andrea from @dailydreclt
- Angela from @charlottedatenight
- Charmaine from @feisty.eats
- Curtis from @clt.dish
- Jessica from @thesweetseoul
- Karen from @finer_with_thyme
- Robin from @_charlottefoodie
- Shionda from @shiondafarrell
New Concepts
Spaghett – Uptown
Chef Sam Hart of Counter is opening an Italian concept, Spaghett, in Fourth Ward.
“I am most excited to experience Spaghetti in 2025 – a craft pasta and cocktail house which already sounds like an absolute dream, especially when James Beard Award finalist Sam Hart is behind it and the very talented Amanda Britton over the cocktail program. The location could not be more perfect as the historic Morrison House in Fourth Ward that used to house Poplar. I have been salivating over all the photos and videos from their tasting menu pop-ups at Counter and cannot wait for them to officially open in their home!“
– Charmaine from @feisty.eats
“I’m so excited to welcome Spaghett to the Charlotte food scene because I love a good Italian restaurant that offers top quality house-made pasta for an affordable price.”
– Curtis from @clt.dish
Tipsy Pickle – Camp North End
Tipsy Pickle’s 35,000 square-foot space will feature 6 pickleball courts, 3 bars, and a Tex-Mex-inspired menu all scheduled to open late this summer.
“Coming to Camp North End, we are excited for another place to play pickleball! It will also have ping pong, pool tables, golf simulator, and a Tex Mex menu. “
– Angela from @charlottedatenight
Leluia Hall – Dilworth
The wait for Leluia Hall is almost over! Coming soon to the former Bonterra spot, the duo behind Supperland will open a new concept in Dilworth.
“After construction delays and much anticipation, Leluia Hall is scheduled to open in February 2025 — and I can’t wait! As an employee of the Tonidandel-Brown Restaurant Group, I may be a *little* biased, but I absolutely love everything Jamie and Jeff create (Haberdish, Supperland, Ever Andalo, Growlers Pourhouse!) The menu at Leluia Hall will have a “steak and surf” vibe with craft cocktails and an extensive wine list. Seating options will include the main dining room, the upstairs mezzanine, a private dining room downstairs, and patio space. It’s going to be beautiful and a very special place!”
– Allie from @eatdrinkclt
La Lima – South End
La Lima is set to bring Peruvian sandwiches and other international fusion flavors to South End this January.
“I’m looking forward to La Lima from the Viva and Yunta team because I’ve experienced nothing but quality from their concepts. I have no doubt the sandwiches will be tasty and unique and I’m curious to see how the South End crowd receives it. I know I’ll be first in line to give it a try!“
– Andrea from @dailydreclt
Keepers of Balance – Uptown
Keepers of Balance, an adventure-style escape room, will be joining the Queen City in 2025 and bringing with it an outdoor corner offering shareable food and drinks.
“We are really excited for the world’s largest escape room that’s coming to Charlotte! There will be 8 escape games with 9-18 room per game and up to 2500 sq ft per game. There’s also plans for a beer garden and a restaurant. We got to try their tiramisu dip and it was amazing!“
– Angela from @charlottedatenight
Maneki – Uptown
Maneki’s approach to traditional Japanese cooking methods using local proteins and produce makes them an exciting addition to The Alley at Latta Arcade.
Chief’s – NoDa
Chief’s is proudly serving up first-class service, meticulously crafted cocktails, and small plates in a newly renovated 120+ year-old mill house.
“At a time when cocktail bars seem to be rivaling breweries for growth statistics, one stands out on my radar! Chiefs, new Noda resident, is my pick for most anticipated 2025 opening – and we don’t have to wait long. Chiefs opened on Saturday, January 5th, housed in a 121 year old mill home that for me is a total draw – old house geek here! Doesn’t hurt that it’s led by Bob Peters, cocktail king, and designed around his parents’ entertainment style – can’t wait to step inside. With snacks and sweets driven by Chris Coleman and Becca Rankin, we can expect unique and delicious. The root beer float has piqued my interest for sure. On my radar – garden patio underway for warmer times. See you there in 2025!!!“
– Karen from @finer_with_thyme
The Sora – Myers Park
Sora’s French and Asian concepts from the Baku/Yama group will combine the precision and technique of Japanese cuisine with the flavor and presentation of French culinary tradition.
“In 2025, I am super excited for The Sora to open. It’s a French/Asian fusion restaurant brought to you by the Baku/Yama restaurant group. They always kill it with their concepts and I can’t wait to try their unique fusion dishes!”
– Robin from @_charlottefoodie
ESO Artisanal Pasta – Optimist Hall
Joining Optimist Hall in March of 2025, ESO plans to bring the authentic flavors of Italy to Charlotte with their artisanal pasta. You can expect to find all things Italian on the menu, like Cicchetti, Foccacia, Dolci, and Vino, along with reservation-only tasting menus.
Panko – NoDa
Panko will feature Chef Gustavo Muñoz, a chef originating from Peru and excited to provide an authentic menu of Peruvian food to the QC.
“I’m so excited for Panko, a new Peruvian Nikkei restaurant to open in 2025! If you’ve never heard of Nikkei cuisine, it’s a type of fusion cuisine that combines Peruvian and Japanese elements. I absolutely love the Peruvian food scene here in the Queen City and can’t wait for this new addition that is coming to Noda!”
– Jessica from @thesweetseoul
Jean’s Cold Drinks – Uptown
One of many exciting establishments joining The (newly remodeled) Alley is Jean’s Cold Drinks. Set to open this February, Jean’s bar may be small, but it will be mighty with its themed cocktails and other cold drinks. In the meantime, check out their merch here!
PopUp Bagels – Ballantyne
After taking the internet world by storm, the announcement of PopUp Bagels opening a brick-and-mortar in none other than the Queen City herself has our mouths watering in anticipation for Spring 2025.
“PopUp Bagels, the “Not famous but known” bagel brand, just announced expansion of 10 new locations across North Carolina. I am SO excited that they chose Charlotte as the scene for their first two NC locations. Started out of owner Adam Goldberg’s kitchen in Connecticut in 2021, PopUp Bagels has become a viral sensation known for its unique business model, featuring hot and whole bagels, weekly schmear flavors and impressive brand collaborations. I’m obsessed with this no frills, no slicing, no sammie shop! Less is more when it comes to a piping hot out of the oven bagel and I cannot wait to rip one open & dunk it into their homemade schmear!
Expanding to North Carolina marks a HUGE milestone for PopUp Bagels (and for US) as it will be the brand’s first store in the Southeast. This is some seriously exciting news for all of the transplants in Charlotte! Partnering with Power Brands Hospitality Group (think SuperChix and Belly Biscuit) I could not be more thrilled to see PopUp Bagels “pop up” all over Charlotte. Stay tuned y’all, this is an opening you do NOT want to miss!”
– Amy from @cltfoodgirl
Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar – South Park
The fashion-restaurant combination seems to be taking the world by storm with retailers opening brand cafes to enhance shoppers’ (and eaters’) experience. Tommy Bahama will be bringing the branded food venue scene to Charlotte with their very own Marlin Bar, serving up island-inspired bites, craft cocktails, and of course, their iconic apparel.
Antagonist – Dilworth
Opening Spring of 2025, Antagonist newcomers can expect an all-day cafe serving up coffee by day and cocktails by night… with a twist: the bar will feature a no-cell phone policy by night. Antagonist hopes to inspire a place for real connection, all while enjoying a delicious drink and live music.
Whataburger – East Charlotte
Coming to Charlotte this year will be Whataburger’s first location in the state of North Carolina and we are thrilled to have them! The iconic burger joint will be setting up shop in East Charlotte’s Clear Creek Crossings development, between Albemarle Road and Rocky River Church Road.
Reopenings
Soul Gastrolounge – NoDa
The iconic restaurant that was located in Plaza Midwood for 15 years is approaching it’s return to NoDa this year, much to the joy of countless Charlotte foodies.
“I’m beyond excited about the reopening of Soul Gastrolounge in Charlotte! It used to be one of my absolute favorites when I first started my food blogging journey. Their creative menu and vibrant atmosphere always made it a go-to spot. It’s one of those oldies but goodies that you never understood why it closed in the first place. Now that it’s coming back spring 2025 ,I can’t wait to see what new twists they’ve brought to the table while still honoring what made them a local legend. I’ll be welcoming Soul Gastrolounge with open arms because they were a staple here in Charlotte & foodies top pick known for those unbelievable truffle fries that I still haven’t found anyone to top those alone!“
– Shionda from @shiondafarrell
Tyber Creek – South End
After serving the South End area for the last 25 years, Tyber Creek may have shut their doors… but not for long. The beloved Charlotte spot is set to reopen just a mile from their original location (still in South End) this January.
Dogwood – Uptown
Previously a staple of the SouthPark area from 2014 – 2023, Dogwood was beloved for its modern approach to Southern classics, a focus on seasonal produce, and inventive cocktail menu. All these valued characteristics will be making a return to Uptown Charlotte in January of 2025.
Expansions
Krazy Curry in Uptown
