New Uptown restaurant Spice offers international cuisine and late-night bites

Of note: Spice is in its soft-opening phase until Dec. 14. Walk-ins and reservations will be available after the grand opening on Dec. 15.

Context: Atakora and his brother Nana, who are originally from Ghana but have traveled the world, say there’s a lack of international cuisine in Charlotte compared to other major cities like New York, Miami or London. Spice’s menu has food from places like Asia, Latin America and Africa. 

• “As far as the food, design and atmosphere are concerned, this place will be spicy,” said Baffour.

Why it matters: Charlotte is giving big city vibes (we have the rats to prove it) but newcomers like the Atakoras still think there are a few details that separate us from other larger cities. Like, late-night food options, which Spice will have since it’ll close at midnight on weeknights and 2am on the weekends.

The menu: Expect small plates at affordable prices and items like sushi, Korean chicken wings, spicy chicken satay and sliced ribeye.

• Its cocktail menu consists of 13 signature cocktails with fresh locally sourced ingredients, mocktails, beer and more than 20 wines including some from South Africa and Spain. 
• “After trying our items, we want people to walk away knowledgeable and cultured in a way that makes them feel like they traveled,” said Nana.

Details: The 3,000-square-foot restaurant has an indoor bar and lounge seating. 

• It’s located on the lower level of The Ellis apartment building at 515 N Ellis Lane.
• It’s open Tuesday through Thursday from 5pm-12am, Friday and Saturday 5pm-2am and Sunday from 5pm-12am.

What’s next: Eventually the Atakoras will introduce a brunch menu and extend the restaurant’s hours to start at noon. 

Editor’s note: This story was originally published Sept. 29, 2023 and updated Dec. 8 to reflect the restaurant’s opening date.