18 most anticipated new restaurants and bars in Charlotte

Between the lines: Restaurant opening dates are notorious for being pushed back, especially because of permit approval delays and supply chain issues that slow down build-outs and renovations. Many of the timelines are owners' estimates.

• This list includes only new restaurants, bars and other establishments in the Charlotte area. It doesn't feature expansions like Suffolk Punch in Birkdale Village.

Editor's note: This guide is updated monthly, with the latest update on May 1.

Sabores de Oaxaca

A new restaurant from the family behind Tacos El Nevado.

Opening: May 8

The vibe: The owners of one of Charlotte's most popular Mexican restaurants are creating this spot to have a menu devoted to traditional dishes from Oaxaca, Mexico. The menu will feature traditional guisados (stewed dishes), sopes and torta de pierna (a pork leg sandwich). It'll also serve Oaxacan hot chocolate and other regional specialties rarely found outside southern Mexico.

Go deeper: Tacos el Nevado family opening authentic Oaxacan restaurant

Olivelli Deli

A walk-up deli window in NoDa.

Opening: May

The vibe: The 82-square-foot walk-up window at 35th Street and N. Davidson will soon reopen in the former Reigning Doughnuts space by the same owners. It will serve deli sandwiches, chips, small bites and soft serve.

Market on Morehead

A spacious restaurant with an expansive dog-friendly patio and a 25-foot TV overlooking South End's Rail Trail.

Opening: May

The vibe: Josh Willoughby, co-founder of Market on Main in Columbia, South Carolina, describes his vision for Market on Morehead as a complete destination for eating, drinking and entertainment.

Go deeper: South End restaurant to open with massive patio, dog park and huge TV over Rail Trail

Brunches

A popular brunch spot from the Wilmington area is expanding to east Charlotte.

Opening: Early to mid-May

The vibe: Brunches, with a tagline of "Mimosas Made Me Do It," sells mimosa flights, a mimosa tower, Girl Scout Cookie-inspired brunch shots and adult Capri Suns.

Go deeper: Oakhurst welcomes brunch spot Brunches

Packard Tavern

A contemporary American restaurant in the former Bar One space.

Opening: Mid-May

The vibe: The space is getting several layout changes, but no major overhaul. For example, a 14-seat chef's table and wine room is being built where the burlesque stage was. Also new: a 35-person private dining room with its own bar and full AV setup.

Go deeper: New Packard Tavern to offer comfort food and cocktails in Uptown

Zamindar's

A new Indian restaurant and cocktail lounge in the former Link & Pin spot in South End.

Opening: Late May

The vibe: Expect two experiences under one roof — a fine-dining Indian restaurant and a British-influenced cocktail lounge.

Go deeper: New fine-dining Indian restaurant and cocktail lounge coming to South End

Songbirds

A wine bar catering to independent artists and music lovers in University City.

Opening: End of May/beginning of June

The vibe: A former "American Idol" contestant is opening this spot to offer a space for artists to perform and have resources to help launch their musical careers. Expect DJs, live music and a selection of wines from Black-owned brands in the evening. By day, you'll find coffee and pastries.

Go deeper: Former "American Idol" contestant opening Charlotte wine bar to support other artists

Lady Funari

An Italian pasta bar in South End in the former Futo Buta space.

Opening: Spring 2026

The vibe: Expect a warm, moody interior with a chef's window and chef's table open to the dining room. Its patio will face the Rail Trail. The menu will feature seasonal pasta dishes plus Negroni- and amaro-forward cocktails.

• Now that its owners have opened Mi Cariño, they're shifting their focus to this venture and hope to share more details, including a name, soon.

Go deeper: Fresh renderings: New Italian pasta bar Lady Funari coming to South End

Café Audire

A vinyl listening room at The Pass.

Opening: Q2 of 2026

The vibe: Expect teas and locally sourced coffee during the day and custom cocktails in the evening, in addition to baked goods and finger foods. The 1,107-square-foot space will have vinyl record players to rent; guests are welcome to bring their own, too.

Fare

A healthy fast-casual restaurant in South End.

Opening: Third quarter of 2026

The vibe: Fare will serve breakfast all day, lunch and dinner at the Queensbridge Collective. Its menu features smoothies, bowls and salads, avocado toast, overnight oats and egg wraps.

Go deeper: Healthy eatery Fare opening in South End this year

Guard and Grace

A Denver-based steakhouse in South End with a rooftop.

Opening: Fall 2026

The vibe: It'll have indoor and outdoor seating, a full bar, private dining rooms and a 2,000-square-foot deck with panoramic skyline views.

• The menu will include beef, seafood, charcuterie, seasonal vegetarian options, wine and cocktails.

Go deeper: Popular Denver steakhouse Guard and Grace coming to new development in South End

CRÚ Wine Bar & Bistro

A Dallas-based wine bar in South End.

Opening: Fall 2026

The vibe: The 2,389-square-foot space will serve brunch, seasonal lunches, drink specials and dinner. The menu will also have wine flights, pinsa pizzas and rotating specials.

Go deeper: New Dallas-based wine bar coming to Charlotte's South End

The Iberian Pig

A Spanish-inspired tapas restaurant from Atlanta in South End.

Opening: Late 2026

The vibe: Expect a menu featuring traditional charcuterie and tapas. Standouts are the bacon-wrapped dates and pork cheek tacos, with new creations planned for the Charlotte location.

Go deeper: Atlanta Spanish tapas restaurant to open in South End

Bourbon Steak

A steakhouse from chef Michael Mina and his restaurant group in Uptown.

Opening: Late 2026

The vibe: They aim to offer luxury with modern and steakhouse vibes. Expect a menu focused on beef, seafood and seasonal produce. The restaurant will serve wine and cocktails.

Go deeper: James Beard Award-winning chef to open a steakhouse at The Ritz-Carlton in Charlotte

Wyatt's Superfine

A four-story dining concept from local restaurateurs Jeff Tonidandel and Jamie Brown.

Opening: 2027

The vibe: The 1903 Charlotte building is getting a second life as a four-story restaurant with floors including a parlor-style space, a fine dining experience on the second level and a solarium.

Go deeper: Historic Leeper-Wyatt building to reopen as 4-story eatery

Mariah's Taco Spot

The popular taco truck is opening its first brick-and-mortar spot near NoDa.

Opening: TBD

The vibe: Expect crowd favorites like tacos and wings, plus new dishes like strawberry crunch churros and cookies.

Go deeper: Mariah's Taco Spot food truck to open a brick-and-mortar near NoDa

Chili Willi's

A West Virginia-based Tex-Mex restaurant from the owner of Duckworth's in the former The Waterman spot in Lake Norman.

Opening: TBD

The vibe: Expect a menu with enchiladas, flautas, chimichangas, and huevos rancheros. Other dishes include pork carnitas tacos, coffee-rubbed hanger steak and grilled salmon.

Go deeper: Owner of Duckworth's bringing a taste of West Virginia to Charlotte with Chili Willi's partnership

La La Land Kind Café

A TikTok-famous cafe taking over the former Bitty & Beau's Coffee space in South End.

Opening: TBD

The vibe: Expect dessert-leaning coffee, matchas and toasts. Signature drinks include the La La Latte (espresso or matcha, vanilla, milk) and colorful creations like lavender, strawberry and French toast lattes. Toasts are mostly avocado-based, including a truffle burrata and cream cheese avocado toast, plus fruit-topped options.

Go deeper: TikTok-famous La La Land Kind Café is coming to Charlotte