September 2025

34 The Charlotte Foodie’s Guide to 2025 Charlotte’s food scene is bursting with energy this year—from nostalgic reopenings to inventive newcomers, trendsetting fla - vors to hidden gems. Whether you’re looking for a refined tasting menu, a casual late-night bite, or an immersivemarket experience, this guide helps you savor the authentic pulse of the Queen City. Anticipated Restaurant Openings to Watch Charlotte’s culinary map is expanding this year with restaurants offering bold concepts: Uchi arrives this winter in Plaza Midwood, delivering elevated Japanese fare and an inventive cocktail lineup housed in a revi- talized century-old building. Market on Morehead opens in December along the Rail Trail— designed for dining, gathering, and dog-friendly vibes complete with a colossal patio and 25-foot TV screen. Maneki, in the Alley Arcade downtown, offers Hokkaido-style robatayaki dishes featuring local meats and seafood—from chef Sam Hart. Fare, a fast-casual concept coming to South End’s Queensbridge Collective by year’s end, focuses on wholesome all-day eats like