Scoop: Amina brings East African fusion to Uptown
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AMINA will open in Uptown this spring. Photo: Alexis Clinton/Axios
Amina will soft open on April 3 in Uptown Charlotte's First Ward.
Why it matters: Inspired by one of its owners' Eritrean heritage, Amina aims to bring East African flavors to Charlotte, with a Mediterranean twist.
What to expect: The 5,350-square-foot restaurant will transition to a lounge after 10pm on weekends, featuring occasional live music and DJs.
- It seats about 170 people across its dining room and 40-foot-long bar.
Zoom in: The menu is led by Charlotte native chef Chianti Peek, who has cooked for high-profile clients including former Panthers player Cam Newton and former Hornets player Kemba Walker.
Dig in: Expect seasonal menus infused with Ethiopian and Eritrean spices like berbere and korarima — some locally sourced, others sourced internationally.
- The menu will feature shareable dishes like oxtail sliders and flatbreads, and plant-based options, along with playful touches such as an "adult Happy Meal."
- Dessert options include additional spices like their Black flame cheesecake and a tiramisu with East African coffee-soaked Biscoff cookies.
Sip on this: The rotating cocktail menu features about 12 drinks inspired by the menu's spices — including a black lemon drop — plus five mocktails, two dessert cocktails, and an extensive, seasonally changing wine list.
Stop by: Amina will open for dinner to start at 225 E. 6th St.
- Open 5pm-2am Friday and 5pm-11pm Saturday and Sunday.
- Their lunch menu will be available on April 13.
Go deeper: The 23 most anticipated new restaurants and bars in Charlotte