Pho restaurant rounds out waterfront Shoppes at University complex

The big picture: Shoppes at University, the waterfront shopping center near UNC Charlotte, is now fully leased. The northern hub along the light rail has a variety of local restaurants, plus things to do like paddleboats and a seasonal farmers market back again this Saturday, April 30.

[Related Axios guide: 18 things to do, eat, and drink in University City]

What to expect: Pho@University will serve the same menu NoDa locals have come to love, including Vietnamese staples like pho, banh mi sandwiches and stir fry. Some of my favorites on the menu:

• Bao pork buns topped with carrots, cucumbers and fried onions (3 for $9).
• P1 pho ($13) – the combination of beef eye round, brisket, tendon, meatball, flank and tripe is always a good choice.
• Papaya salad ($9) topped with beef jerky and peanuts.
• View the full menu.

Timeline: Owner Trung Cao tells me they’re aiming for an October opening.

Location: Pho@University will be located in a new construction building within the complex next to the fast-casual Italian restaurant Piada and adjacent to the building with Dunkin and Cava.