Just Opened in Charlotte – March 2025
Happy spring, Charlotte! Fight through the allergies and step into one of these newly opened businesses.
by Allie Papajohn Mar 27, 2025
Eat & Drink
Blinders
Neighborhood: South End
Catch all your favorite sports action, on what may be the largest TV screen on the East Coast, at this new sports lounge in South End. Sip on a drink from the extensive bar menu and order a few shareable dishes for the table. Seating is first come, first served, but “box seats” are available for reservation for groups of 5-30 people.
Curry Gate
Area: Matthews
This beloved local Indian and Nepalese restaurant now has a fourth home – this time, right down the road in Matthews. Stop by to peruse the menu of samosas, curries, biryani and more, or order online for takeout.
Hilltop Coffee
Neighborhood: University City
Howard University alums Joy Shiver and Rashad Hart have opened a coffee shop paying homage to “Hilltop,” the school’s newspaper. The cute space is home to seasonal lattes, tea, and a variety of pastries and breakfast sandwiches. The menu and hours of operation will expand in the coming months.
Kaya Gastrolounge
Area: Belmont
The Bottle Tree has closed, but the same owners have opened this restaurant in its place. After a bit of remodeling, the team is offering a tapas-style menu plus handhelds, flatbreads and salads. Be sure to check Instagram for rotating live musicians on the patio.
La Lima Sangucheria
Neighborhood: South End
A Peruvian sandwich shop owned by the same team as Yunta Nikkei and Viva Chicken is now open, serving "sánguches" of many varieties. Guests can also order desserts, salads, bowls and empanadas.
Legends Ice Cream & Churros
Area: East Charlotte
Charlotte is now home to this Instagrammable ice cream shop with its giant milkshakes, cups of esquites (Mexican street corn), chamoy- and Tajin-seasoned mango and various frozen treats. Get ready to go over the top in the tastiest way possible.
Mazi
Neighborhood: South End
Built On Hospitality has partnered with two local business owners to open Mazi, a Mediterranean concept with focuses on fare from Morocco, Croatia, Greece and Spain. Shareable dishes include whipped feta, lion’s mane mushroom shawarma, braised lamb shank and a gorgeous baklava sundae.
Nazo’s Mediterranean Bowls & Salads
Area: Pineville
Enjoy Turkish bowls of flavorful rice, proteins, veggies and sauces at this fast-casual spot from the same owners of Nazo’s Wrapway in University City. Perfect as takeaway dishes, but guests are welcome to stay and dine-in, too.
Teranga City Charlotte
Neighborhood: Uptown
This hookah lounge and bistro has made its way to Uptown. The food menu features dishes with West African inspiration plus a lineup of classic cocktails. On Sundays, you can experience the RnB vs Afrobeats Brunch featuring nonstop music, plus food and drink specials.
Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar
Neighborhood: SouthPark
North Carolina’s first of this concept officially calls SouthPark Mall home. Visitors can shop around through sportswear, swimwear and accessories and dine at the restaurant, all within steps of each other. The food menu features tropical and classic bites like ahi tuna tacos, burger sliders, a chopped salad and crinkle fries.
Yassou Greek
Neighborhood: Myers Park
A locally owned Greek restaurant has made its place in Myers Park. The menu features family recipes for dishes such as stuffed grape leaves, souvlaki, grilled salmon and lamb chops. Don’t skip the dessert menu!
Things to Do
Carolina Theatre
Neighborhood: Uptown
This historic theatre closed its doors in 1978. Now, after a $90 million renovation, the space is back in action and ready to host musicians, comedians, speakers and more. Keep an eye on the website for all upcoming events.
Trope Bookshop
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
Once a bookstore on wheels, Trope now has a brick-and-mortar home just off Central Avenue. The inventory only includes romance novels, but that doesn’t mean a lack of books; the shop has over 900 titles. The mobile store will still occasionally pop up around town.
