This hidden Myers Park gem serves a luxe, global tasting experience
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SORA's counter seats about 10 people. The rest of the dining room seats about 18-20 people. Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios
SORA is Charlotte's newest tasting-menu restaurant, serving French–Asian fusion in Myers Park.
Why it matters: It's the latest venture by local restaurateur Birdie Yang, known for some of the best sushi restaurants in Charlotte — Baku and Yama Asian Fusion.
Context: SORA opened in Myers Park off Selwyn Avenue this past summer, but for Yang and his team, it was a project eight years in the making, the Observer reported. Yang says Charlotte's expanding flavor palate finally made the timing right, pointing to the rise of tasting-menu restaurants like L'Ostrica and Counter—.
Between the lines: Charlotte is in the middle of a culinary shift. A swelling population and more adventurous diners are pulling global cuisine into the city's most popular neighborhoods. National spotlights — from "Top Chef" to the city's first Michelin Star — are only speeding that evolution.
How it works: At SORA, guests choose from a few tasting menus or rotating special-event menus. Seatings are at 6pm and 8pm, and each course is presented with a detailed explanation by your server.
- The "signature" tasting menu is an 8–10 course experience built around sustainable, peak-season ingredients ($225 per person, prepaid).
- The "short season" menu offers 4–5 courses at a quicker pace — a condensed version of the signature menu ($125 per person, prepaid).
- Wine and sake pairings (3 for $100), cocktails (~$25), teas and spirit-free options are available; corkage is $75.
The vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked entrance off Selwyn, SORA is easy to miss. Inside, a glowing chef's counter anchors the room, and it's the best seat in the house.
My thought bubble: I was disappointed to see how empty the restaurant was on a Saturday evening. It was one of the better meals I've had in Charlotte this year. It's funky, as a tasting menu should be, but most of the dishes are approachable enough for even a picky eater. If you get one drink, go for the lychee martini.
If you go: Reservations are required at 2907 Selwyn Ave.
- Below is a list of everything I tried.
Course 1
Egg and caviar — Egg custard, Tokujo Uni, soy dashi, potato espuma, Ossetra caviar, dill oil.
Eel & Bao — BBQ fresh water eel, milk bao bun, sweet soy, pickled cucumber, grated Parmesan.
Saba & Brioche — In-house toasted brioche, marinated Saba, fresh grated ginger, crème fraiche.
Course 2
Bluefin tuna and caviar — Bluefin tuna, tomato water extract, Serrano pepper, Ossetra caviar.
Rainbow trout — NC rainbow trout, baby bok choy, garlic cream sauce, oyster mushroom, capers, trout roe, madras curry.
A5 Miyazaki — Miyazaki A5 Wagyu, pomme purée, king mushroom, truffle demi sauce, fresh shaved truffles.
Course 3
Black forest cherry bon bon & Brûléed milk bread
Mont blanc
