The Best New Restaurants in Charlotte

This year has been a busy one for Charlotte ’s culinary scene . Longtime chef have switched eating house , while others have make for new discernment to the Queen City and thrive the local palate . eating house are opening and shuttering at a more speedy charge per unit , which may be a sign that Charlotteans have developed gamey anticipation when dining out . Many new concepts have open since January , so we ’ve highlight the better of the best thus far .

All of the restaurants on this lean are part of our ongoing pursuance to find this year ’s best Modern restaurants in America , and we ’re comb through every opening in every Thrillist metropolis . Get require on Instagram –#BestRest2016 - - to let us know your filling and your favorite dish at each of these new spots .

Stoke

Located in thenewly renovatedCharlotte Marriott City Center , Stoke feels more like a assemblage in someone ’s ( very large ) kitchen then it does a hotel eatery . Chef Chris Coleman developed a fare of approachable , seasonal American cuisine with locally sourced ingredients . Pull up a seat and view as Chef Chris and his team prepare meal in their big Grant Wood - fire oven . Start off with a ham and tall mallow board , then order the sticky pork shank and be prepared to make an uneasy moaning sound as you guttle this tender meat . Do n’t forget to get a cocktail from the streak – the Bartender ’s Handshake is not to be leave out .

Nellie’s Southern Kitchen

Just outside Charlotte ’s metropolis limits is the town of Belmont . While it ’s deserving a sojourn for the cunning shop and places to eat , the opening of Nellie ’s Southern Kitchen took the town to the next level . Named in honor of Nellie Jonas and unfold by her grandchildren , including Kevin Jonas , Sr . ( yep , he ’s the daddy of the Jonas Brothers ) , the menu is based on good ol’ Southern dishes , just like Nellie made for her class . Her namesake Nellie ’s Chicken N Dumplins and four - cheese macintosh with Francis Bacon and Allium cepa will make you want to slap someone – but do n’t , Nellie would n’t like that – and be sure you do n’t leave without assay the banana pudding .

@Dawn Cafe

know for their Rock Hill restaurant The Yolk , chef Gregory Collier and his married woman Subrina have finally brought their breakfast delicacies to Charlotte . There is something for everyone at @Dawn – from vegan sweetheart such as crispy tempeh to the BEG ( bacon , egg , and Gouda cheese ) cooky . Breakfast is the most crucial repast of the day , so coddle and then go home and take a catnap .

WP Kitchen + Bar

Originally a Wolfgang Puck Pizza Bar concept , WP Kitchen + Bar was taken back to the drawing board to answer the challenge of Charlotte ’s evolving and enceinte palate . The result is a menu of craft cocktails and standout items like the hand-crafted meatballs and grill prime costa - center with house sauce that will make you want to work out your home plate . While the menu focuses more on ingredients than pizza , the pie are still good – especially the grilled volaille option with barbecue sauce .

Sea Level

The folks behind Charlotte perennial favorite Crepe Cellar and Growlers Pourhouse lastly brought seafood back to Uptown . The sore - bar menu commute daily , so call ahead if you want to have it away what options will be , or wing it by ordering order a few oysters and “ fun food ” to get to experience Sea Level ’s style . The huitre skidder and the shrimp & grits are stellar , and the truly brave will order an huitre shooter ( your selection of vodka , snare , or tequila ) .

Kid Cashew

It ’s unconvincing that a eating house in Charlotte has welcome so much acclaim before it actually open , but Kid Cashew did and it delivered . The Mediterranean fusion carte du jour includes not - to - miss dish such as the chargrilled octopus with lemon vinaigrette , forbidden Sir Tim Rice & mushroom paella , and the lemon tree - marjoram chicken . Although the inside is homey , grab a place on the terrace during a squeamish night for surplus atmosphere .

Inizio Pizza Napoletana

Using a Natalie Wood - go off oven shipped from Italy that cooks a pizza within 90 seconds , Inizio is as close to veritable Neapolitan - style pizza as Charlotteans will get without hopping on a planing machine . Grab a feeding bottle of wine and order a large of one of its signature pizzas ( because you cognise you ’ll want leftovers ) . You ca n’t go wrong with any of the pizzas here , but do it that you will be coming back . startle with Inizio ’s top vender , the pistachio pizza pie , made with rosemary , sea saltiness , ricotta , buffalo mozzarella , and a house - made pistachio nut - pesto sauce .

Essex Bar & Bistro

locate on the first floor of the Omni Hotel , Essex Bar & Bistro is another dining and cocktail alternative in Uptown – and an excellent place for people watch on Trade and Tryon Sts . The gastropub features a menu with strong Mediterranean influences , and the falafel , lamb kefta slider , and veal meatballs will have you thinking about another reservation before you ’ve paid the bill . Do n’t forget to try one of the cocktail ; the Rob Collins No . 2 with Hendrick ’s Gin , pot , and prosecco is a great elbow room to start or end your dining experience .

Babalu Tapas & Tacos

Tacos , and tortas , and tappa … oh my ! Although Babalu is a chain , Charlotte ai n’t sick , which is apparent when you see the figure of people hold back to be sit down . Babalu may have some of the best tableside guacamole in Charlotte right now ( get it with bacon and jalapeños ) . Other not - to - miss dishes let in the kick empanada with cumin crema sauce , and the redfish taco with jalapeno - poblano vinaigrette . Babalu also pop the question weekend brunch , and the tortilla Española omelet – made with potato , chorizo , 1st Baron Verulam , and egg layer in a cast - Fe skillet top with Sriracha crema , fresh tomatoes , and scallions – is worth arouse up early .

Moo & Brew

What started as an yearly solid food festival to fete hamburger and beer is now on-going at a brick - and - trench mortar restaurant . You will fantasize about the tall mallow curds and the rosemary , truffle , and ocean salt minor . There are great salad option , but it ’s all about the meat here : the brew - braise mushroom-shaped cloud and Swiss cheeseburger is just as mouthwatering as it sounds , and the backyard classic Warren Earl Burger will have you think of summer cookouts even in the wintertime .

Poplar Street Tapas Café & Bar

Nestled on a quiet street in a historic home , the delicious Poplar Street Tapas Café & Bar is good for particular date night , dinner party with friends , or a night when you ’re flying solo . The fare is inspired by Peruvian cuisine and also have a wide-eyed but well - curated wine leaning and homemade sweet . Poplar ’s arugula , avocado , and Orange River salad with olive oil color honey lime salad dressing will change the agency you view salads , and the ceviche is wise , with the perfect amount of lime and Chinese parsley flavors . Order the signature cocktail , Lucia ’s Pisco Sour , and enjoy the ambiance .

Stoke