Rada in Myers Park is one of Charlotte's buzziest restaurants
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Rada didn't chase hype; it built it. The Myers Park restaurant opened this year with little fanfare and has now garnered a nod from The New York Times and a recommendation from Michelin.
Why it matters: Rada's rise signals a shift in Charlotte's dining scene. It's proof that a locally rooted, family-run restaurant can earn national acclaim without relying on typical influencer promo or a PR machine.
Context: The small contemporary American restaurant opened in January.
- Nine months later, The New York Times named it one of the best in the country.
- This month, it landed on Michelin's inaugural American South "recommended" list, alongside a dozen of Charlotte's most established dining rooms — including Supperland, Kindred and Customshop.
The vibe: Inside Rada, the 46-seat restaurant feels more New York than North Carolina — dim light, low hum, and the clink of martinis that come with sidecars.
- Executive chef Callan Buckles calls it "effortlessly cool." Owner Eloy Roy says it's meant to feel like a neighborhood spot with fine-dining grace — elegant, but not showy.
What they're saying: Its "glow spills from the windows like a favorite spot on a West Village corner," a Times food critic wrote.
Dig in: Plates are intended to share. The menu changes almost monthly as Buckles follows curiosity and seasonality.
- Its mainstays are mostly in the "snack" section of the menu, including the Gilda, a meatball, and an eggplant escabeche inspired by Roy's mom. Plus, a cabbage entrée that regulars won't let them retire.
Between the lines: Buckles brings New York City credentials — his resume includes Claude, The Four Horsemen and Momofuku Nishi, where he trained under award-winning chefs before stints at Napa's North Block and The Charter Oak.
- Roy was raised in restaurants. His father opened Oggi in Miami Beach in 1989. Years later, the family relocated here and opened Oggi in south Charlotte. After years of helping rebuild his family's business post-2008, Roy decided to create something of his own. He opened The Lights Cafe in 2017 and later sold it.
- Rada is also a family affair. Roy's sister, Emily, is Buckles' partner; the two moved from New York to Charlotte last spring to raise their son. "We're all here, building something together," Roy said.
The team says they never chased the spotlight — they were racing the clock.
- That was partly a necessity. Roy and his father were still building the back bar days before opening. "Money was running out … we needed to begin generating income," Roy said.
- It was also philosophy. Buckles says he wants the food judged on its merits, not on quid pro quo freebies. "I don't want anybody to ever believe that I purchased my success."
The New York Times mention wasn't planned either.
- Atlanta-based food journalist Kim Severson stopped in while on assignment, boxed up her meal to catch a flight, and months later, Rada appeared in the paper.
If you go: Rada is at 2820 Selwyn Ave., in the former littleSpoon space next to The Chop Shop and the new People's Market.
- Expect to pay about $100 per person before tip.
- Reservations are recommended.
Go deeper: 30 best restaurants in Charlotte