Charlotte boasts an awesome food scene that continues to grow – and after a wild year, you may have some eating to catch up on! Check out this list of six hot new restaurants in Charlotte that you’ll want to hit soon. Good luck deciding which one to try first!
Alchemy
Want an art show with your meal? You can have it at Alchemy, a sweet new spot located in the C3 Lab creative space in the South End. While the visual art creates an awesome ambiance, this restaurant is not just about the looks. A creative and consistently tasty menu will satisfy vegetarians and meat lovers alike. If you’re looking for a brunch spot, give Alchemy a shot for the Steak & Eggs, Avocado Toast Bowl, and a full suite of mimosa options, like the Earthchild (with elderflower liqueur) and the Creamsicle (with Licor 43).
Leah & Louise
It’s never too late to hop on a bandwagon when the bandwagon is this delicious. Ranked second on Esquire’s list of best new restaurants for 2020 nationally, Leah & Louise is the talk of the town for good reason. James Beard-nominated chef Greg Collier and his wife Subrina deliver modern interpretations of classic southern dishes, with world-class artistry in their plates. Who doesn’t want to sample an elite chef’s take on comfort food? Dig into the Oxtail and Dumplings and Leah’s Cabbage, featuring slow-roasted cabbage, pepper honey, and smoked sausage in a pork neck bisque. Dining in this trendy spot with a pallet wall and a hip farmhouse aesthetic feels right in every way.
Botiwalla
Charlotte has landed a Botiwalla in Optimist Hall, the second location for this celebrated restaurant after the original opened in Atlanta’s Ponce City Market. James Beard Award semifinalist Chef Meherwan Irani has Indian street food on lock. The Botiwalla Lamb Burgers – savory lamb sliders seasoned with cumin, ginger, chilies, mint, and cilantro – and the Chicken Tikka Roll – yogurt-marinated chicken with a variety of spices, wrapped in hot-buttered naan – make the perfect lunch bite. Eat the Gulab Jamun for dessert. Just do it.
Babe & Butcher
For something a little different, why not impress the guests at your next hangout with a showstopper charcuterie board from Babe & Butcher? One of their full-sized boards feeds five to eight for a meal or makes for high-quality grazing for 10 to 15 people. As a bonus, keep the monogrammed cutting board, or return it to the restaurant for 10% off your next order (and they’ll donate the box to a veteran in need or recycle it). You can grab one of their individual boxes too, whether you feel like a Veggie Box, a Vino Box, a Pimento Box, or the delectable Char-Sweeterie box, with strawberries, chocolates, cheeses, and prosciutto.
The Goodyear House
Maybe the best meal atmosphere in Charlotte at the moment, The Goodyear House in NoDa features a chic interior as well as tons of comfortable outdoor seating options. Dine in style while you dig into the Smoked Cashew Mac, a vegan iteration with chile breadcrumbs, and Red Devil Chicken, featuring spicy battered chicken and creamy slaw on a benne seed bun.
Red Sake
That new spot serving up some of the best sushi in Charlotte? It’s Red Sake, located in the Village at Robinson Farm. The freshness of the fish, the professionalism of the presentation, and the top-notch service draw rave reviews. Stop in on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Sunday for $10 special rolls. If sushi isn’t your thing, check out their nice selection of Asian fusion entrees, like the Shaking Beef and the Red Sea Treasure, with jumbo shrimp, scallops, mussels, and veggies in a delicious coconut curry sauce.
Wherever you’re dining next, enjoy Charlotte’s fine foodie culture! For more restaurant recommendations and tips on local events, make sure to follow The Palmer blog.