Charlotte has turned into quite the foodie town, with restaurants opening by the dozens at a time - all with different flavors, flairs, ambiances and menus. This year will be no different with a slew of new spots popping up all the way from SouthPark to smack dab in the middle of Uptown Charlotte.
Here are just a few spots you should check out.
Barcelona Wine Bar
Location: Design Center of the Carolinas
Why You Need to Check it Out: The cuisine is clean and rustic, with tapas shaped by Mediterranean, Spanish, and South American influences. Nearly 400 wines are featured on the wine list. It's a chain with locations in Atlanta and Boston. More Info.
CAVA
Locations: Three locations - University City, Park Road Shopping Center and Huntersville
Why You Need to Check it Out: CAVA will take the place of Fuel Pizza's old location at Park Road Shopping Center and will feature casual Mediterranean dining. The University City location is already open and features menu items of grain bowls, salads, pitas, soups and fresh made juices. Many of their homemade dips are sold in Whole Foods Markets as well. More info.
Eddie V's
Location: 101 S. Tryon St, Charlotte
Why You Need to Check it Out: Because who could say no to crab legs, shrimp and an array of high quality seafood? The seafood spot will open up another location in Bank of America Plaza, which makes for a great date night spot in the heart of Uptown. More info.
Haymaker
Location: 225 S. Poplar Street, Charlotte
Why You Need to Check it Out: This farm-to-table restaurant is the brainchild of Chef William Dissen, who is known for The Market Place in Asheville. They will specialize in small plates like beef tartare and crispy pork belly, large plates like roasted sheepshead and pan roasted quail, and of course southern favorites like mac & cheese, sweetbreads, hushpuppies and desserts. More info.
Maple Street Biscuit Company
Location: 721 Governor Morrison Street, Charlotte
Why You Need to Check it Out: Let's just say they have biscuits stuffed with all the things you could ever dream of for breakfast and lunch: eggs, fried chicken, bacon, gravy... they have biscuits like chicken clubs, some dripping in syrup and yes, even vegetarian options. More info.
Nuvole Rooftop TwentyTwo
Location: 220 E. Trade Street, 22nd Floor
Why You Need to Check it Out: There's nothing better than another rooftop destination for your nights out that don't include club lifers. The bar will open on the 22nd floor of the AC Hotel Charlotte City Center and will serve food and handcrafted cocktails. But this isn't the kind of bar that's looking to get you in and get you out - one of their values is a "sit-and-stay-a-while atmosphere" where you can enjoy the skyline and great conversations. There is also a Penthouse suite available for rent for private events adjacent to the bar. More info.
Sukoshi
Location: 101 S. Tryon St, Charlotte
Why You Need to Check it Out: If you love O-Ku in SouthEnd, you'll love Sukoshi. It's a new fast-dining sushi concept opening in Bank of America Plaza. The menu features sashimi, nigiri, dumplings, speciality rolls and more. More info.
Superica
Location: 101 W. Worthington Ave, Charlotte
Why You Need to Check it Out: Tex-Mex... but upscale? Superica will offer cocktails and brunch on the weekends in its new Design Center location opening this spring/summer. With two locations already in Atlanta, Superica will boast a brunch menu of hot cakes, brisket, huevos rancheros, chorizo and more. More info.
Tandur
Location: 721 Governor Morrison Street, Charlotte
Why You Need to Check it Out: If you love Indian food, you'll have to give Tandur a go. It'll open in the old TrySports location in SouthPark and features fast-casual Indian food. Get your Biryani bowl on! More info.
The Waterman
Location: 2729 South Blvd, Charlotte
Why You Need to Check it Out: Curious what's coming to the new strip of shops by Harris Teeter on South Blvd? The Waterman will take over the two-story corner unit with a rooftop oyster bar. It's the brainchild of the team at Sea Level in Uptown Charlotte. It still has awhile before the doors will open, but it's worth keeping an eye on. More info.
Editor's note: we are getting no compensation for this list, it is just informational for Charlotte foodies.