14 best new restaurants in Charlotte of 2024
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Albertine is a fine-dining restaurant with tall ceilings, moody lighting and elegant interior design in Uptown. Photo: Emma Way/Axios
2024 was the year international cuisine reigned in the Queen City.
Why it matters: Whether you're craving food from Mexico, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, or anywhere in between, local restaurateurs delivered this year.
The big picture: Historically in Charlotte, food from around the world has dominated the outskirts. But, especially recently, with the influx of transplants, international gastronomy has been seeping into some of the city's most popular neighborhoods.
- This year we also doubled down on locally owned favorites. Of the 88+ new restaurants and bars we reported about this year, many were expansions of popular hot spots — including DTR Plaza Midwood, Cheat's in South End, and Rooster's Wood-Fired Kitchen at The Bowl.
Our methodology: We dined at every restaurant on this list more than once, and we always paid for our meals. All of these restaurants deliver what they say they'll deliver — in service, ambiance and quality food.
- We began our deliberation in late October, so restaurants that opened toward the end of the year were not considered.
- Although many popular national brands expanded to Charlotte this year — Kitchen + Cocktails, Sweetgreen, Postino WineCafe and Matador, to name a few — we didn't include national chains in this year's list.
What's next: Keep reading about Axios Charlotte's most anticipated restaurants, bars and breweries still to come.
Here are our picks for the 14 best new restaurants in Charlotte, listed in alphabetical order; this is not a ranking.
Albertine
The vibe: At Albertine, the dining experience is somehow both intimate and cosmopolitan. The expansive Mediterranean-inspired menu, a sharp deviation from other Kindred mainstays Hello, Sailor and Kindred, makes for a delightful sharing experience, Axios' Katie Peralta writes.
Dig in: The seasonal menu is a blend of Mediterranean and Southern flavors, evidenced by dishes like the tender crispy-brined hot quail ($26) and the wood-grilled lamb kofta ($19). The expertly crafted cocktails are not to be overlooked.
Our thought bubble: "Bring someone here if you want to impress them, but wallet beware. Once you go, you won't want to eat anywhere else," Axios' Emma Way writes.
Pro tip: If you're there for a meal, reserve a spot in the swanky dining room. The lounge is better for drinks and apps, but depending on how close you sit to the door, it's a little less vibey.
Stop by: 525 S Tryon St., in the new 40-story Duke Energy Plaza.
Go deeper: New restaurant by Kindred team Albertine opens soon in Uptown
Bird Pizzeria
The vibe: Dining at Bird Pizzeria feels like you're eating at a restaurant in Atlanta or Brooklyn.
Dig in: Its menu has salads, five signature pizzas, plus a regular whole pie that you can customize with up to four additional toppings.
Our thought bubble: Sure, Bird technically opened in Optimist Park in December 2021, but its new dining room has given the former takeout-only spot a whole new vibe. It even got the attention of the New York Times, which named it one of the best pizza places in the country.
- "The experience inside is so different from what I expected and what Bird used to be," says Axios' Michael Graff.
If you go: Reservations are highly recommended at 510 E. 15th St. You can also still pick up your order from the takeout window.
Go deeper: Bird Pizzeria in Optimist Park opens its indoor dining room with a bigger menu
Zoom out: 2024 was also the year of pizza in Charlotte. The city welcomed a handful of new pizza restaurants this year, including PIE.ZAA, Pizza Baby East, Zepeddie's, King of Fire and Gravity Pizza.
Catalú
The vibe: Bring your appetite and a handful of friends who like to share. This Spanish tapas restaurant is where you bring people to catch up, whether it's over brunch or dinner.
Dig in: Catalú serves contemporary takes on cuisine from the Catalonia region of Spain, which includes the bustling city of Barcelona. The menu is divided into four main sections: cold tapas, hot tapas, paellas and charcuterie.
Our thought bubble: "The quality of food for the price is what makes Catalú stand out to me," says Axios' Laura Barrero.
Stop by: 135 New Bern St.
Go deeper: New tapas restaurant opens in former Eight+Sand spot
DŌZO
The vibe: Owner Perry Saito compares DŌZO to a Japanese izakaya bar, a casual neighborhood dive filled with regulars. The 600-ish-square-foot food stall has 12 seats — six at the counter and three two-tops.
Dig in: Expect a blend of Japanese-American flavors. The okonomiyaki, for example, is a sort of Japanese pancake that Saito makes with shrimp, pork belly, Japanese BBQ and kewpie.
Our thought bubble: "DŌZO has some of the best fried rice (if not the best) in Charlotte, bar none," Axios' Laura Barrero writes.
Stop by: 2200 Thrift Road, inside City Kitch.
Go deeper: Owner of popular food truck Katsu Kart opening first brick-and-mortar in Wesley Heights
El Malo
The vibe: El Malo takes inspiration from traditional Tijuana-style taco shops like the ones you see in San Diego and other parts of Southern California. Toward the back, you'll find Hermanita, a speakeasy inside the restaurant that feels like a Latin nightclub on the weekends.
Dig in: El Malo's menu consists of tacos like al pastor and Tijuana-style birria tacos, plus quesadillas, burritos, nachos and California fries.
Our thought bubble: "The gigantic, overflowing, melty cheesy burrito is one of the best in Charlotte, in my opinion," says Axios' Alexandria Sands.
Stop by: 1308 The Plaza.
Go deeper: Mexican restaurant El Malo opens in Plaza Midwood with speakeasy-style bar
Flight
The vibe: Upscale, yet chill — you can sip on a nice glass of wine without it feeling too stuffy or pretentious. Exactly how a European-inspired restaurant should be.
Dig in: The menu includes wine, of course, cocktails, mocktails, beer and non-alcoholic beer, plus apps, salads, pizza and entrees.
Pro tip: There is parking at the Shops on 7th, but it's often packed. Other parking options include the deck across 7th Street where Rosemont and Catalina are, or nearby street parking.
Our thought bubble: "It feels like you've been transported to Paris in the 1920s. Grab your friends for wine and yap," says Axios' Ashley Mahoney.
Stop by: 1949-3 E. 7th St.
Go deeper: Flight, a European-inspired restaurant and bar, opens in Elizabeth
MaBi Cocina Tropical
The vibe: This Caribbean restaurant serves tasty tropical dishes and strong (emphasis on strong) cocktails. There's also a live DJ on the weekends which makes this the type of place you go to start the night.
Dig in: Expect popular Dominican dishes like pastelitos, mofongo, empanadas, spiced chicken, coconut rice and beans.
Our thought bubble: "The list of Caribbean restaurants in the area with dine-in options is small so this new addition has helped diversify our local restaurant scene. The island flavors make you feel like you've traveled to another country," Axios' Alexis Clinton writes.
Stop by: 416 E 36th St.
Go deeper: Dominican restaurant MaBí opens in NoDa
Maiz, Agua, Sal (MAS)
The vibe: Expect a chill vibe with good food and service, ample parking, plus a skyline view if you sit out on the patio (there's a fire pit for crisp weather).
Dig in: Its menu features tacos made with house-made tortillas, salads, standalone dishes and entrees, plus desserts and cocktails. It also serves brunch.
Pro tip: Expect rotating specials. The December food feature, for instance, is birria for $18, plus Mexican hot chocolate for $4 (you can add Mezcal).
Our thought bubble: "You have to try their house-made chips with guac," Axios' Ashley Mahoney writes.
Stop by: 1018 Jay St., near Not Just Coffee.
Go deeper: Tortilleria and agave bar with skyline views opening in west Charlotte
Mike's Vegan Grill
The vibe: Mike's Vegan Grill is where those with plant-based diets can indulge in late-night guilty pleasures like burgers and milkshakes.
Dig in: We recommend the Colombiana Burger, which comes on a Hawaiian bun, topped with pineapple, crushed potato chips, pepper jack cheese and a special sauce. Pair that with the Fiesta Fries, which are slathered in chili and nacho cheese.
Our thought bubble: "It's like a vegan version of Cook Out — but much, much better," Axios' Alex Sands writes.
Stop by: 440 E McCullough Dr., behind Chex's Grill & Wings in University City.
Go deeper: Mike's Vegan Grill will offer late-night plant-based dishes in University City
Noche Bruta
The vibe: Coffee shop by day and Mexican restaurant by night; find Noche Bruta inside HEX at Camp North End on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings from 5-10pm.
Dig in: Its menu features modern takes on traditional Mexican fare like guacamole, salsa, and chips, churros with dulce de leche, and ribeye tacos.
Our thought bubble: "Noche Bruta has the best tacos in Charlotte. Thank me later," Axios' Laura Barrero says.
Stop by: 201 Camp Road
Go deeper: El Toro Bruto owner launches dinner service at HEX in Camp North End
Sea Grill Restaurant and Bar
The vibe: Sea Grill is an upscale white tablecloth restaurant from the group behind Deluxe Fun Dining. Needless to say, they know a thing or two about presentation. Similar to Albertine, this is where you take someone whom you want to impress.
Dig in: Expect a large menu with global influences, but the stars of the show are Tomahawk Surf and Turf — which comes with a 30oz Tomahawk steak and lobster tail plus some sides— and the Pasta Alla Routa — where a server will make the pasta tableside on a wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.
Our thought bubble: "If you want to turn heads (and leftovers), order the Pasta Alla Routa," says Axios' Laura Barrero.
Stop by: 210 E Trade St.
Go deeper: New Uptown seafood restaurant will import fish weekly from Greece
Spice
The vibe: Spice has a sexy vibe that feels unique to Charlotte and a diverse menu of small plates that don't make you feel like you're getting ripped off.
Dig in: Expect small plates at affordable prices and dishes like sushi, Korean chicken wings, spicy chicken satay and sliced ribeye.
Our thought bubble: "You can't go wrong when ordering off this menu, but our favorites are the bang bang shrimp, Korean chicken wings and cassava fries," Axios' Alex Sands writes.
Stop by: 515 N Ellis Lane.
Go deeper: New Uptown restaurant Spice offers international cuisine and late-night bites
Sun's Kitchen
The vibe: A locally owned restaurant specializing in traditional Chinese cuisine, Sun's Kitchen built its following and paved its way from a ghost kitchen to a dine-in restaurant at one of the city's most up-and-coming spots: The Platform at LoSo.
Dig in: Menu standouts include a colorful dumpling flight ($13.50), Dan Dan noodles ($12.95) and Ma-La Dried Peppers Chicken ($13.95).
Our thought bubble: "It's one of the rare places you'll find good, classic Chinese food in Charlotte," Axios' Alex Sands writes.
Stop by: 3216 South Blvd.
Go deeper: Chinese street food restaurant Sun's Kitchen opens in Lower South End
3rd and Fernwood
The vibe: By the owners of Leah and Louise and Uptown Yolk, this new restaurant by the Colliers offers a familiar Southern seasonal fare. When we visited, there were few patrons inside, which was surprising.
Dig in: The menu features sandwiches, salads and plenty of sides. We recommend the shaved greens salad and the fried chicken sandwich.
Our thought bubble: "With a menu designed by a James Beard-nominated chef, superb service and a gorgeous dining room, this place should have more buzz. I'm hoping more people will flock to it in the new year. Maybe after its speakeasy opens? I'm told it'll be in the next month or so," Axios' Laura Barrero writes.
Stop by: 1100 Metropolitan Ave.
Go deeper: The Colliers' newest restaurant 3rd & Fernwood now open at the Metropolitan
Go deeper: Check out our past best new restaurant lists here: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016.