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  • New Year’s Eve guides, restaurant closings and 2026 previews: 21 Charlotte food stories from this week

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    The stories from this past week all explore Charlotte’s bustling food scene, showcasing its vibrant culinary offerings. Common themes include new restaurant openings, locally-sourced ingredients, and community engagement through food.

    Highlights from the articles include the opening of an all-you-can-eat sushi spot in Pineville, where visitors can expect dim sum and barbecue skewers. A cozy wine bar in Dilworth will offer a wide selection of wines by the glass and shareable plates like carpaccio and shrimp cocktail.

    For New Year’s Eve, Charlotte venues like Nuvole Rooftop offer events with live entertainment and champagne toasts. A new farm-to-table restaurant in South End, Naked Farmer, plans to highlight locally sourced produce.

    Suffolk Punch Brewing expanded with a new location near Lake Norman, promising a rooftop bar overlooking the area. Sycamore Brewing faced backlash, resulting in its beers being pulled from various establishments, though some donate the remaining proceeds to charity.

    Restaurants like Rada, lauded for dishes like fava bean salads, have gained national attention. A new Irish-style pub named Ginny’s Whiskey Bar opening in South End will offer bourbons and Irish beers.

    The culinary scene celebrates innovation with chefs collaborating on unique dishes, while some longstanding favorites such as Lang Van continue to draw attention for their consistent quality.

    Charlotte’s ongoing food narrative is one of tradition meeting modern flair, with new ventures keeping diners engaged and excited.

    The dining room at Yiding Hot Pot. By Heidi Finley

    NO. 1: NEW ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT SUSHI SPOT OPENING SOON IN PINEVILLE. HERE’S WHAT TO EXPECT

    Hot pot and sushi lovers, rejoice. | Published October 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney



    A pizza goes into the oven at Finale Pizza. By Tristan Graziano

    NO. 2: THIS BALLANTYNE STRIP-MALL SPOT IS A SERIOUS CONTENDER FOR BEST PIZZA IN THE CITY

    Finale Pizza may be tucked into a quiet strip mall, but the moment you walk through the door, you realize you have found somewhere special. | Published December 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tristan Graziano and Jamie Graziano



    Among the places you can celebrate this New Year’s Eve is at The Ballantyne, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Charlotte. By Michael Freas Photography

    NO. 3: YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTIES, DINNERS AND MORE AROUND CHARLOTTE

    Charlotte is ready to ring in 2026 in style, and there’s a party for every vibe. | Published December 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by Evan Moore



    Chef Andres Kaifer and business partner Alex Bridges sit in the “best seat in the house” at Emmy Lou’s. By Heidi Finley

    NO. 4: A COZY NEW GATHERING SPOT BRINGS CURATED WINES, SEASONAL BITES TO DILWORTH

    A cozy new wine bar and bottle shop from a Michelin-recommended restaurant team is opening soon in Charlotte’s Dilworth neighborhood. | Published December 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley



    Our favorite restaurants of 2025 included, from top left: Kid Cashew, ESO Artisanal Pasta, Lempira Restaurant, Soma Bistro and Cafe, Hawkers and Sun’s Kitchen. By Collage by Melissa Oyler

    NO. 5: THESE ARE THE BEST MEALS WE ATE AT CHARLOTTE RESTAURANTS IN 2025

    All year long, the CharlotteFive team eats, sleeps and breathes food (yes, we even dream about it some most nights.)
    We write about restaurants opening; | Published December 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Melissa Oyler



    Hank’s Wing Company will join a handful of existing businesses at Tryon Plaza in Charlotte.

    NO. 6: A NEW WING SPOT IS SET TO OPEN IN CHARLOTTE. HERE’S WHEN + WHAT TO KNOW

    Those in search of crispy, fried chicken will find it a new wing spot coming soon to Charlotte. | Published December 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney



    Michelin Guides director Gwendal Poullennec, chef/owner Sam Hart of Counter-, executive beverage director Michael Myers of Counter- and Michelin Guide American South ceremony host Java Ingram gather on stage with Michelin Man mascot Bibendum on Monday, Nov. 3 as Counter- was awarded one Michelin Star in addition to a Michelin Green Star. By Heidi Finley

    NO. 7: 2025 HAS BEEN A YEAR WORTH CELEBRATING IN CHARLOTTE’S FOOD AND DRINK SCENE

    As we look back at 2025 in Charlotte, among the things that stand out most was the exceptional year it’s been for highlighting the city’s food and drink scene. | Published December 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley



    Chef Robert Nichols pulls fried chicken out of the fryer at Londa’s. By Alex Cason

    NO. 8: BELOVED CHARLOTTE SOUL FOOD RESTAURANT WILL CLOSE TO PURSUE ‘A NEW OPPORTUNITY’

    Londa’s To-Go is officially shutting its doors. | Published December 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney



    The building and “Coming Soon” signs are up for Charlotte based Suffolk Punch Brewing’s third location, in Huntersville’s Birkdale Village near Lake Norman.

    NO. 9: SUFFOLK PUNCH OPENS DOORS ON NEW TAPROOM NEAR LAKE NORMAN. ‘IT TOOK US A MINUTE’

    A Charlotte-based brewery has expanded its footprint beyond the Queen City. | Published December 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney



    Shyam Padamati and Chandu Gangidi own Desi District in Pineville. Shyam is holding the Bombay grilled sandwich, and Chandu is holding the juicy mutton mandi. By Alex Cason

    NO. 10: THE BEST OF THE BEST: CHECK OUT THE 2025 CHARLOTTEFIVE READERS’ CHOICE WINNERS

    All year long, our team dishes out behind-the-scenes scoops and the freshest updates on the Charlotte area’s food scene — sprinkled with moments where we get to hear more about your favorite spots. | Published December 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Melissa Oyler, Chyna Blackmon



    A new neighborhood Irish pub is moving into the former Broken Promises space in South End Charlotte.

    NO. 11: NEW IRISH PUB TO REPLACE SHUTTERED SOUTH END LOUNGE SEEN ON ‘THE ULTIMATUM’

    There’s a new neighborhood bar coming soon to South End in Charlotte. | Published December 16, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney



    CharlotteFive assistant editor Heidi Finley on the red carpet at the Michelin Guide American South Ceremony on Nov. 3 in Greenville, Sc. By Courtesy of Heidi Finley

    NO. 12: DREAMS CAME TRUE THIS YEAR — FOR CHARLOTTE’S CHEFS, AND FOR ME, TOO

    As Charlotte has had a particularly notable year in the food and drink world, so, too, have I while following around the city’s best chefs and mixologists. | Published December 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley



    A sparkling toast is offered at Haberdish in NoDa, one of the Michelin Guide’s recommended Charlotte restaurants hosting New Year’s Eve events. By Courtesy of Haberdish

    NO. 13: CELEBRATE NEW YEAR’S EVE AT A MICHELIN-RECOGNIZED CHARLOTTE RESTAURANT

    For a twist on a traditional New Year’s Eve celebration this year, why not celebrate in a way that’s oh-so-2025: | Published December 16, 2025 | Read Full Story by Melissa Oyler



    KPOT is an all-you-can-eat restaurant specializing hot pot and Korean barbecue. It’s opening its second Wichita location this weekend. By Courtesy

    NO. 14: THESE CHARLOTTE RESTAURANTS ARE SERVING DINNER ON CHRISTMAS, SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO

    Looking for somewhere to savor a meal in Charlotte on Christmas Day? | Published December 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Evan Moore



    The Spicy Salmon Ramen from Binki Cafe. By Courtesy of Binki Cafe

    NO. 15: CHARLOTTE RESTAURANT & TEA SHOP CLOSES ITS DOORS AFTER 6 YEARS IN BUSINESS

    After six years, Binki Cafe Charlotte has officially closed. | Published December 16, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney



    A red velvet waffle, cheese grits and Mark’s Womlette (waffle with egg and cheese in the middle) from The Wafflery in Charlotte. By Melissa Oyler

    NO. 16: BREAKFAST + LUNCH SPOT OPENS SECOND CHARLOTTE LOCATION. ‘CAN’T WAIT TO SERVE YOU’

    Fans of The Wafflery in Charlotte have a new spot to fill up on the restaurant’s famous waffles, biscuits and grits. | Published December 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney



    Assorted dishes from Lee Cafe. By Shindy Chen

    NO. 17: 12 CHINESE RESTAURANTS OPEN FOR CHRISTMAS EVE + CHRISTMAS DAY IN CHARLOTTE

    For many Charlotteans, Christmas traditions include more than just presents and pine needles — they also involve a plate of General Tso’s or a steaming bowl of noodles. | Published December 19, 2025 | Read Full Story by Evan Moore



    Naked Farmer, a Florida farm-to-table restaurant, is expanding to Charlotte in 2026.

    NO. 18: FLORIDA FARM-TO-TABLE RESTAURANT COMING SOON TO SOUTH END. HERE’S WHAT WE KNOW

    A Florida farm-to-table restaurant plans to put down roots in Charlotte soon. | Published December 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney



    Sycamore Brewing, around mid-day Friday, at its South End location. The brewery co- owner charged in the rape of a 13-year-old Stanly County girl met his victim online and knew she was underage, Stanly County Sheriff Jeff Crisco said. By Chase Jordan

    NO. 19: SYCAMORE BREWING UNDER FIRE FOR NSFW CAN DESIGNS AMID OWNER CONTROVERSY

    Sycamore Brewing’s now annual provocative holiday beer branding was absent from its social media channels following a wave of backlash after the brewery’s co-founder and former co-owner, Justin Brigham, was arrested on multiple felony charges, including statutory rape and burglary in a case involving a 13-year-old girl. | Published December 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Evan Moore



    The co-owner of Sycamore Brewing was arrested in Stanly County and accused of breaking into a home and raping a 13-year-old girl, according to court records. By TRACY KIMBALL

    NO. 20: MANY NC BARS & STORES HAVE PULLED SYCAMORE BEER. SOME STILL SELL, WITH A CATCH

    While many establishments have removed Sycamore Brewing’s beer from their taps in the wake of charges against the former owner, others are taking a different approach. | Published December 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Evan Moore



    The award-winning Mecktoberfest beer is now available at The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery and at bottle shops around Charlotte. By Courtesy of OMB

    NO. 21: OLDE MECKLENBURG BREWERY IS EXPANDING — AGAIN. HERE’S WHERE AND WHAT TO KNOW

    Charlotte’s largest local brewer has a new taproom in the works. | Published December 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney

    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.

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  • Osteria Ester, from Good Salt Restaurant Group, opens November in Thornton Park

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    When Soco, the contemporary Southern restaurant fronted by chef Greg Richie, closed last May after 11 years in Thornton Park, owner Craig Ustler promised to bring “something exciting to the space this fall.”

    That something is Osteria Ester, an Italian-American concept from Good Salt Restaurant Group founders, and 2025 James Beard Award finalists for Outstanding Restaurateur, Jason and Sue Chin. It’s not the first time that the Chins and Ustler have joined forces — the trio brought Reyes Mezcaleria to the North Quarter and The Monroe to Creative Village.

    Osteria Ester, interior rendering Credit: Good Salt Restaurant Group

    And like those two downtown Orlando stalwarts, Osteria Ester will be a true neighborhood gathering place taking on a casual and communal feel when it opens mid-November. Michael Cooper, executive chef-partner of The Osprey (another Good Salt operation) will oversee kitchen operations at this restaurant named after his grandmother, and he has a very specific vision in mind.

    “My grandmother adopted my mother, who was Italian, so I’ve always had an affection for Italian food,” Cooper says. “But throughout my career, I started out like other young chefs wanting to make lots of tweezered, Michelin-driven dishes. El Bulli was the thing when I was starting out, but now I appreciate a less-is-more, ingredient-driven approach, and Italian cooking speaks to me in that way. I want to do less to ingredients in order to make them shine.”

    Chef Michael Cooper, Jason Chin and Sue Chin inside Osteria Ester Credit: Sue Chin

    But Osteria Ester’s menu will be decidedly more Italian-American than Italian, as Cooper felt he wouldn’t give Italy’s highly regionalized cuisine the respect it deserves.

    “I feel doing pan-Italian is like doing pan-Asian — you’re not doing justice to it correctly. I’d rather take the dishes I know and grew up eating and perfect the wheel, not reinvent it.”

    “The current trend is all these omakase joints and high-end tasting places and Osteria Ester will be counter-culture to that. It’ll be a lot of bread, pasta, comfort and generosity.”

    Chef Michael Cooper

    So don’t expect a lot of super flashy dishes coming out of the kitchen but, rather, riffs on Italian-American comfort fare. Think spaghetti alla vongole, pappardelle bolognese, chicken parm meatballs and, yes, mozzarella sticks.

    Focaccia will also be heavily featured as Cooper plans to implement a pretty serious bread program.

    Chef Michael Cooper and Jason Chin in the kitchen of Osteria Ester Credit: Sue Chin

    On the libationary front, Good Salt’s beverage director, Lorena Castro, will curate a wine list exploring the incredible depth and range of Italian varietals, while the bar program will root itself in Italian cocktail culture. Aperol spritzes and and cicchetti, anyone?

    “I want Osteria Ester to be like Il Giardinello in Toms River, New Jersey,” Cooper says. “That’s where families took you for your birthday or graduation, and I haven’t found a restaurant like that in Orlando. The current trend is all these omakase joints and high-end tasting places and Osteria Ester will be counter-culture to that. It’ll be a lot of bread, pasta, comfort and generosity. I feel it’s a thing that people need.”

    Whatever you do, don’t fuhgeddabout the restaurant. Follow @osteria_ester for all the latest updates.

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