Charlotte’s food scene in November revolved around exciting developments in the Michelin Guide American South and various local restaurant changes.
Several CharlotteFive articles highlight Charlotte’s anticipation for Michelin Star announcements. The city saw its first Michelin Star awarded to a restaurant, boosting its culinary reputation. Counter-, a tasting restaurant, earned both a Michelin Star and a Green Star, making waves in Charlotte’s dining scene.
Additionally, a new arcade bar with retro games and a retro theme opened in South End, adding to Charlotte’s nightlife options.
Meanwhile, the community rallied to support Latino-owned businesses facing challenges due to an increased presence of U.S. Border Patrol.
Entrepreneurial openings like a new immigrant-owned wellness restaurant aimed to offer healthy fare in Camp North End, showcasing the diversity and growth in the local food industry.
Overall, November was a dynamic month for Charlotte’s food and beverage sectors, marked by significant achievements and community efforts.
NO. 1: WILL A CHARLOTTE RESTAURANT EARN A MICHELIN STAR THIS YEAR? SIGNS POINTED TO YES
As Michelin prepared for the big reveal of its Michelin Guide American South on Monday, Nov. 3, at Greenville’s Peace Center, many in Charlotte’s restaurant industry were holding their breath. | Published October 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley
NO. 2: PERUVIAN NIKKEI RESTAURANT PANKO OPENED IN NODA CHARLOTTE. WHAT TO KNOW
Panko in NoDa is Charlotte’s newest Peruvian Nikkei eatery. | Published November 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney
NO. 3: CHARLOTTE RESTAURANTS WIN BIG, CELEBRATE MICHELIN GUIDE AMERICAN SOUTH HONORS
Michelin Guide officials announced selections for the new American South version of the little red book on Nov. 3, with several Charlotte eateries highlighted among the region’s best restaurants. | Published November 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley
NO. 4: ALL THE NC RESTAURANTS RECOGNIZED IN THE MICHELIN GUIDE AMERICAN SOUTH
Restaurants named in the Michelin Guide American South have been announced, and now is the perfect time to get a taste of what the food scene has been buzzing about all year. | Published November 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley
NO. 5: MY FAVORITE GAS STATION EATS IN CHARLOTTE INCLUDE A DELI THAT’S A HIDDEN GEM
I’ve eaten a lot of Charlotte gas station food in the last few weeks. | Published November 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Samantha Husted
NO. 6: I WENT TO CHARLOTTE’S HOTTEST NEW SUSHI RESTAURANT. WAS IT WORTH IT?
I walked into Yugenn expecting a flashy sushi-and-cocktail bar, and left with a meal that was perfectly fine, likely to hit the mark for anyone seeking a polished night out in South End. | Published November 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Evan Moore
NO. 7: SEE INSIDE: BAR WITH RETRO GAMES AND ‘NEON VIBES’ NOW OPEN IN CHARLOTTE
There’s a new arcade bar in South End Charlotte, and it promises to level up your next game night. | Published October 31, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney
NO. 8: BELMONT NATIVE AIMS TO TURN DOWNTOWN LOT INTO FAMILY-FRIENDLY FOOD TRUCK PARK
What was once a parking lot will soon be the Charlotte area’s newest outdoor dining destination. | Published November 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney
NO. 9: VETERAN-OWNED WELLNESS RESTAURANT TO OPEN AT CAMP NORTH END. WHAT TO EXPECT.
Eating well is at the heart of a new restaurant concept coming soon to Charlotte. | Published October 31, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney
NO. 10: 9 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE MICHELIN GUIDE IN THE SOUTHEAST
The Michelin Guide has arrived in the Southeast, and Charlotte’s food scene is abuzz. | Published November 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by CharlotteFive staff
NO. 11: OWNERS OF CHARLOTTE BARBECUE JOINT ‘CALL IT QUITS’ AFTER MORE THAN A DECADE
A neighborhood barbecue joint closed up shop in Charlotte after 15 years — well, sort of. | Published November 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney
NO. 12: MEET THE REAL MICHELIN MAN, THE FRENCH EXECUTIVE RUNNING THE MICHELIN GUIDES
With the announcement of the Michelin Guide American South, the Carolinas’ culinary scene is making its presence known. | Published November 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley
NO. 13: WHY IS THERE A DASH IN COUNTER-? THE STORY BEHIND CHARLOTTE’S MICHELIN STAR RESTAURANT
Charlotte’s dining scene reached a new milestone Monday, Nov. 3. | Published November 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by CharlotteFive staff
NO. 14: BIRYANIS, CURRIES + MORE: INDIAN RESTAURANT CHAIN EXPANDS WITH NEW CHARLOTTE SPOT
Charlotte is adding another authentic Indian restaurant to its dining scene. | Published November 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney
NO. 15: BEST CAROLINA-STYLE BARBECUE? THESE NC RESTAURANTS RANKED AMONG TOP 10 IN THE US
In the South, we all know there’s a soft spot in our hearts for barbecue. | Published November 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chyna Blackmon
NO. 16: CANNABIS BEVERAGES ARE HAVING A MOMENT IN CHARLOTTE. HERE’S WHERE TO FIND THEM.
Cannabis beverages — sparkling, citrusy, slightly herbaceous and increasingly easy to find on menus in Charlotte — are quietly changing the way people unwind. | Published November 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Timothy DePeugh
NO. 17: FOLD, DIP AND ENJOY: GRAVITY SOURDOUGH PIZZA OFFERS A PLAYFUL PIZZA EXPERIENCE
At Camp North End, Gravity Sourdough Pizza proves small spaces can serve big flavor and a whole lot of fun. | Published November 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tristan Graziano and Jamie Graziano
NO. 18: BEST RESTAURANTS IN CHARLOTTE? HERE ARE THE TOP 25 RIGHT NOW, YELP SAYS
There are no shortage of top-rated restaurants in the Charlotte metro, and locals aren’t shy about their favorites. | Published November 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney
NO. 19: THIS IMMIGRANT-POWERED, WOMAN-OWNED SPOT SHINES AS A GEM IN CHARLOTTE’S CROWN
Lang Van is not a restaurant that visiting outsiders or new Charlotteans might easily stumble upon. | Published November 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley
NO. 20: BOJANGLES DEBUTS NEW BISCUIT, BUT IT WON’T STICK AROUND.
Bojangles has added to its biscuit offerings, but the new item won’t stick around. | Published November 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney
NO. 21: TEAM BEHIND MICHELIN-RECOMMENDED SUSHI SPOTS OPENS WINE, SAKE BAR. WHAT TO KNOW
After months of renovations, a Charlotte sushi and wine bar is back open. | Published November 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney
NO. 22: CHARLOTTE-AREA BURGER JOINT PLANS NEW LOCATION AT CONCORD MARKETPLACE. WHAT TO KNOW
A Charlotte-area burger joint is bringing “the best smash in town” to a new city. | Published November 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney
NO. 23: A POPULAR CHARLOTTE MARKET AND EATERY WITH TWO LOCATIONS IS PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Both locations of a popular all-day restaurant and market in Charlotte have permanently closed, citing “financial stress” and other obstacles. | Published November 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley
NO. 24: CHARLOTTE PIZZERIA TO CLOSE DOORS ON LAST REMAINING LOCATION. ‘WE ARE GRATEFUL’
A beloved pizza place is closing its doors after more than 17 years. | Published November 10, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney
NO. 25: A WELL-KNOWN RESTAURANT TEAM IS BRINGING BARBECUE, UPSCALE BITES TO WAXHAW
A new restaurant from a Charlotte-area team known for delectable brunch, burgers and pasta is opening this week in Waxhaw. | Published November 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley
NO. 26: A LONGTIME DILWORTH RESTAURANT HAS OPENED A SECOND CHARLOTTE-AREA LOCATION
A longtime food and drink favorite in Charlotte’s Dilworth neighborhood has expanded with a new location — and the customers are pouring in. | Published November 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley
NO. 27: KRISPY KREME THANKS VETERANS WITH FREE DOUGHNUTS AND COFFEE. HERE’S WHAT TO KNOW
On Veterans Day, Krispy Kreme said “thank you” to those who’ve served our country with a sweet freebie. | Published November 10, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney
NO. 28: MEET THE NC FAMILY WHO’VE MADE MORAVIAN COOKIES BY HAND FOR MORE THAN A CENTURY
The holidays are crunch time at Mrs. | Published November 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Joe Marusak
NO. 29: STARBUCKS BARISTAS PLAN PROTEST ON RED CUP DAY. WILL CHARLOTTE STORES BE CLOSED?
Starbucks is ringing in the holidays with the return of Red Cup Day, but a planned strike by union baristas could bring the company’s biggest promotional day of the year to a grinding halt at some locations. | Published November 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney
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NO. 30: A MICHELIN-RECOMMENDED CHEF’S CHARLOTTE TAPAS SPOT CLOSED
A well-known spot for pan con tomate, croquetas and patatas bravas in Charlotte has closed up shop. Marina’s Tapas, inspired by the Spanish great-grandmother of Michelin-recommended Customshop’s chef and co-owner Andres Kaifer, closed at Optimist Hall. | Published November 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley
NO. 31: BEST NEW RESTAURANTS AROUND CHARLOTTE? TELL US YOUR FAVORITE ADDITION FROM 2025
You’ve probably lost count of all the new restaurants that have opened in Charlotte this year — more than 150 to be exact. | Published November 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chyna Blackmon
NO. 32: A MOVEMENT TRIED TO SAVE THE PEOPLE’S MARKET IN CHARLOTTE.
A group dedicated to supporting Black-owned businesses in Charlotte was working on an attempt to save The People’s Market after it announced its two locations were permanently closing. | Published November 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley
NO. 33: CHARLOTTE TACO JOINT WITH A SOUTHWESTERN SPIN IS TAKING THE MARINA’S TAPAS SPACE
A swap from tapas to tacos is underway at the former Marina’s Tapas space in Charlotte, which closed this month. | Published November 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley
NO. 34: BEST BBQ? THIS SPOT WAS VOTED NO. 1 IN CHARLOTTE — AGAIN. WHY FOLKS LOVE IT
Saucy ribs, tender brisket and your favorite fixings: | Published November 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney
NO. 35: ‘THEY’RE NOT CHASING CRIMINALS.’ MANOLO’S BAKERY OWNER CLOSES STORE TO PROTECT CUSTOMERS
Manuel “Manolo” Betancur closed his Charlotte bakery for the first time in 28 years at the city’s arrival of U.S. | Published November 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Joe Marusak
NO. 36: CHARLOTTE GROCERY STORE OFFERS FREE DELIVERY TO PROTECT IMMIGRANT COMMUNITY
In a step to protect the city’s immigrant community while U.S. Border Patrol is around Charlotte, Compare Foods offered free grocery delivery and pickup. | Published November 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Melissa Oyler
NO. 37: ‘CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE’: HOW CAN YOU HELP CHARLOTTE’S LATINO-OWNED RESTAURANTS AND BUSINESSES?
Charlotte’s restaurants and local businesses were affected by the presence of Border Patrol agents. Some restaurateurs closed entirely, others switched to takeout only, and some who remained open saw empty dining rooms. | Published November 16, 2025 | Read Full Story by Melissa Oyler
NO. 38: NEIGHBORHOOD TAPROOM PERMANENTLY CLOSES IN NODA CHARLOTTE. HERE’S WHAT WE KNOW
After Bulldog Taproom and Social, a bar known for its selection of craft beers, quietly closed in Charlotte’s NoDa neighborhood, news broke of another local restaurant planning to take taking its place. | Published November 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney
NO. 39: CHARLOTTE RESTAURANTS CLOSE OVER BORDER PATROL FEARS: ‘I CANNOT TAKE THE RISK’
Local restaurant closures continued in Charlotte during Border Patrol raids. | Published November 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Melissa Oyler, Heidi Finley
NO. 40: LOCAL FLAVORS WITH GLOBAL INFLUENCES ARRIVING SOON AT FORMER VILLAGE TAVERN RESTAURANT
Within a few weeks, SouthPark diners will be yet again lunching and brunching in a familiar Charlotte space, although the view will be brand new, and the food will be, too. | Published November 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley
NO. 41: ‘WE SHOULD HAVE BEEN BUSY … NOW WE’RE DEALING WITH OUR SHUTDOWN.’ CHARLOTTE SHOP CLOSES
Charlotte’s Latino-owned restaurants are among the businesses struggling as the U.S. Border Patrol remained. | Published November 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley
NO. 42: CAFÉ SERVING AUTHENTIC YEMENI COFFEE OPENS IN BALLANTYNE CHARLOTTE. WHAT TO KNOW
Haraz Coffee House is expanding in Charlotte with a new spot in Ballantyne. | Published November 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney
NO. 43: HUNDREDS PROTESTED BORDER PATROL AT MANOLO’S BAKERY IN CHARLOTTE: ‘STRONGER TOGETHER’
The protest began small. A handful of supporters gathered outside Manolo’s Bakery in Charlotte, two days after owner Manuel “Manolo” Betancur told CharlotteFive he would have to close the shop for the first time in 28 years. And then it grew.| Published November 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Melissa Oyler
NO. 44: CHARLOTTE’S LATIN RESTAURANTS FACED WORKER FEARS, FEWER CUSTOMERS AS RAIDS PERSISTED
Dalton Espaillat, who is among the area’s most successful restaurateurs, was among those watching the Border Patrol events taking place and sharing concern, even though his businesses weren’t among those hardest hit. | Published November 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley
NO. 45: TACOS EL NEVADO IN CHARLOTTE PLANNED ITS REOPENING WITH SECURITY MEASURES
Tacos El Nevado, a Mexican restaurant with three Charlotte locations, welcomed patrons back. | Published November 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley
NO. 46: A SECOND LOCATION OF THIS NEW ITALIAN RESTAURANT IS OPENING SOON IN LAKE NORMAN
A new Italian restaurant that’s been in the works for quite some time will open soon in Lake Norman, bringing fresh pasta, prime steaks and pizza-like pinsa flatbreads to the area’s dining scene. | Published November 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley
NO. 47: ‘THE COMMUNITY IS COMING IN.’ LOCAL SUPPORT HELPED LEMPIRA ON CENTRAL CARRY ON
On Friday, Nov. 14, Lempira Restaurant on Central Avenue sat empty. The restaurant was open, but news of U.S. Border Patrol coming to Charlotte to perform similar raids seen in Chicago, had shaken the Hispanic community and its corridors. | Published November 19, 2025 | Read Full Story by Desiree Mathurin
NO. 48: EMPTY AISLES: LATINO MARKETS + GROCERY STORES AROUND CHARLOTTE TO SUPPORT TODAY
Shelves are stocked but aisles have been empty this week at many of Charlotte’s Latino-owned grocery stores this week as shoppers avoid the markets due to heightened U.S. Border Patrol activity. | Published November 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Melissa Oyler
NO. 49: I TRIED A NEW COFFEE SHOP IN CHARLOTTE. YOU SHOULD, TOO — BUT NOT FOR THE DRINKS
I arrived at Haraz Coffee House precisely at noon on Friday, which was, in retrospect, poor planning. | Published November 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Evan Moore
NO. 50: ROCK HILL HAS A NEW DOWNTOWN SPOT FOR CRAFT BEER, WINE, EVENTS AND ARTISAN EATS
The Power House just added a new spot for craft beer, wine, charcuterie boards, sandwiches and quick meals in downtown Rock Hill. | Published November 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by John Marks
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NO. 51: MANOLO’S BAKERY REOPENS IN CHARLOTTE WITH A CALL FOR UNITY AMID CONTINUING UNEASE
Doughnuts, cakes and the Latin treats that Manolo’s Bakery has long been known for in Charlotte are back, although unease continues. | Published November 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley
NO. 52: A YET-UNNAMED RESTAURANT IS MOVING IN TO THE FORMER FUTO BUTA SPACE IN CHARLOTTE
Noodles are coming back to the South End Charlotte space where ramen shop Futo Buta once stood. | Published November 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley
NO. 53: WHAT’S THE BEST MEAL YOU ATE IN 2025 AT A CHARLOTTE-AREA RESTAURANT? LET US KNOW.
Ok foodies, we ride at dawn: this one has your name all over it. Every year, we ask you for the best meal you ate at a Charlotte-area restaurant. Published November 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Melissa Oyler
The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.