Just Opened in Charlotte – June 2026

Eat & Drink

Ardente Kitchen

Neighborhood: Dilworth

The owners of Mano Bella have opened an Italian restaurant and market, offering pastas, pizza, sandwiches, and a select of homemade and packaged goods. Lunch service is counter style, but you can expect table service during dinner. 

Dank Bowls

Neighborhood: Uptown

This meal prep business offers takeout bowls made with simple, whole ingredients so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying good food. Hot and ready bowls are available for pickup, or you can craft a meal plan and pick up frozen items in bulk. Favorites include the Cajun Chronic with smoked sausage and ham and the Rotisserie OG with shredded chicken. 

LILA Restaurant

Neighborhood: Uptown

A fusion restaurant with Japanese, Latin and Mediterranean influence is open in Uptown, offering dishes like scallop fried rice, lomo saltado, miso trout and a sushi menu. The two-story space can seat about 170 people, and the restaurant will host rotating DJs on the weekends. 

Maman

Neighborhood: South End

This popular French-inspired bakery from New York has already seen success in Plaza Midwood. Now, visit the South End location for gourmet pastries, sandwiches, salads and coffee drinks. Fun fact: Oprah loves the nutty chocolate chip cookie!

No Proof

Neighborhood: South End

This new cocktail lounge has two sections to match your vibe of choice: one area brings high energy, while the other promotes a more intimate, relaxed setting. Take your pick and enjoy craft cocktails and music from rotating DJs. 

Pollyanna

Neighborhood: Optimist Park

Optimist Hall’s newest tenant is a cocktail lounge inspired by 1920s charm, offering classic cocktails and drinks with a twist in a moody, elevated setting. Guests are welcome to bring food in from the stalls upstairs to enjoy here while they sip.

Zamindar’s Clubhouse

Neighborhood: South End

Vamshi Krishna Adi, a MICHELIN  Bib Gourmand chef, has opened an upscale Indian restaurant featuring “contemporary takes on Indian classics.” Guests can enjoy an array of dishes, from small plates to family-style offerings, in the redesigned space with various seating options. A London-style cocktail lounge is expected to open inside soon.

Things to Do

Heron House Mahjong

Neighborhood: Dilworth

Play this popular game away from home at the new studio that features four themed rooms (with another on the way) with specific color schemes and names. You can also shop for materials, like tile sets and racks, or sign up for lessons if you’re new to the game.