Aug 18, 2025 - Food and Drink

6 must-try Middle Eastern cafés in Charlotte

Alexis Clinton

Bright cafe interior with marble tables, beige and black chairs, green plants lining the seating area, a large gold chandelier, and the word "VAVELA" displayed in green on a wood-paneled wall. — Vavela Cafe offers traditionally brewed Turkish coffee. It also offers plenty of seating and late-night hours. Photo: Alexis Clinton/Axios

The Charlotte area is gaining a number of culturally rich coffee shops. From late-night cups of joe to traditional cuisine, here are six Middle Eastern spots worth visiting.

Qamaria

This new Yemeni coffee shop opens in University City on Aug. 22.

Stop by: 9325 JW Clay Blvd. next to Crazy Legs. Free parking is available in the parking deck of the JW Clay Station light rail stop.

It'll be open 7am to midnight on weekdays and 7am–1am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Go deeper: New Yemeni coffee shop opening soon in University City

Tray with Yemeni coffee set including a glass pot on a warmer, two glass cups, iced tea in a plastic cup, and a latte in a white cup on a table. Background features colorful mural of a woman in traditional attire. — Qamaria serves hand-harvested Yemeni coffee and hot tea — by the cup or kettle to share. Many of the drinks highlight different Yemeni cities and feature traditional flavors such as cardamom and spices. Photo: Alexis Clinton/Axios

Vavela Cafe

This locally owned Turkish coffee shop is open late in University City.

Stop by: 440 E. McCullough Drive, on the second floor of McCullough Commons, above Mike's Vegan Grill.

Open Sunday through Thursday 7am–1am and Friday and Saturday 7am–2am.

Go deeper: New late-night Turkish coffee shop opens in University City

The 4,500-square-foot space seats up to 220 people in its massive dining room and on its balcony. Photo: Alexis Clinton/Axios

Haraz

Charlotte's first Yemeni coffee shop now has multiple locations in the area.

Stop by: 1204 Central Ave. in Plaza Midwood and 3441 South Blvd. in Lower South End.

Open Monday through Friday 6am–11pm and Saturday and Sunday 7am–11pm.

Go deeper: Haraz to open more Charlotte locations as Yemeni coffee craze continues

Qahwah House

This Yemeni coffee shop chain is in Plaza Midwood where Stroke used to be.

Stop by: 1318 Pecan Ave. Open Sunday through Thursday 7am–11pm and Friday and Saturday 7am to midnight.

Bright modern cafe with wooden tables and chairs, marble floors, intricate circular metal decor above the counter, and a large welcome sign with photos and Arabic script on the wall. — The coffee shop seats about 90 people inside and about 30 on its outdoor patio. Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios

Anatolia

This locally owned Turkish cafe in north Charlotte focuses on traditional pastries and dishes.

Stop by: 1520 Overland Park Lane, in the former Jazzy Cheesecakes spot.

Open Monday 8am–9pm, closed Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 8am–9pm, Friday 8am–10pm, Saturday 9am–10pm and Sunday 9am–9pm.

Go deeper: New Turkish cafe brings Mediterranean flavors to north Charlotte

Table with Turkish breakfast including flaky pastry, sesame bagels, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese in Anatolia Cafe & Cuisine with blue seating and framed wall photos. — The menu includes traditional Turkish dishes like börek, a flaky pastry stuffed with meat and vegetables, and bagel-like simit. It also has Turkish-style pizza (lahmacun) and pide, which is similar to a flatbread. Photo: Alexis Clinton/Axios

Retaj Restaurant and Cafe

This Yemeni restaurant and cafe in east Charlotte stays open until 1am.

Stop by: 3145 N. Sharon Amity Road. Open daily 9am–1am.

What's next: The Middle Eastern coffee shop scene is expected to continue growing.

Haraz will open its third location at Verde at McCullough Station in University City, and a Michigan-based Yemeni coffee shop called Bayt Al Mocha is expected to open in NoDa.

Exterior of Retaj restaurant and cafe with black and white signs, red patio chairs, and a green artificial grass seating area under a blue sky with clouds. — Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios

Go deeper: Want to keep track of all the businesses that have recently opened in Charlotte? Check out 56 restaurants and businesses in Charlotte that opened in 2025 so far.

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