Bravo’s Top Chef Premieres as Savor Charlotte Kicks Off
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 9, 2026) – Charlotte’s biggest month for food lovers arrives as Bravo premieres the highly anticipated season 23, “Top Chef: Carolinas,” March 9, just days before Savor Charlotte returns March 11–28, 2026, celebrating the city’s growing national culinary recognition.
The Queen City’s culinary scene continues to gain momentum with new MICHELIN Guide recognition and growing James Beard nominations. Dining is Charlotte’s second-largest driver of visitation, reflecting the culinary community’s important role in the region’s tourism economy. Food and beverage represent 24% of the $9.1 billion visitors spend annually, and with more than half of Charlotte’s 33 million visitors traveling to see friends and family, dining remains a central way to experience the city’s evolving food culture.
"Dining is one of the top reasons people travel, and once they’re here, it’s at the heart of their experience," said Steve Bagwell, Chief Executive Officer of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA). “Charlotte’s food scene continues to push boundaries, blending innovation with authenticity.”
Top Chef Season 23 Premieres with Charlotte in the Spotlight
Pack your knives and clear your plates, because Top Chef is back for Season 23 with bold flavors and a heaping portion of Carolina charm. Bravo’s Emmy, James Beard and Critics’ Choice Award-winning series returns with host Kristen Kish, head judge Tom Colicchio and perennial judge Gail Simmons. Fifteen cheftestants, including Charlotte’s Brittany Cochran, executive chef at Stagioni, take on challenges that celebrate the Charlotte region’s rich history and flavors. Tune in Monday, March 9 from 9 p.m. to Bravo.
“Top Chef’s selection as the Season 23 host city will showcase Charlotte on an international stage,” said CRVA Chief Brand & Strategy Officer Laura White. “The series gives millions of viewers the opportunity to see the creativity, diversity and depth of our culinary scene, helping shift perceptions and position Charlotte as a dynamic food destination.”
What to Expect: Savor Charlotte’s Must-Try Culinary Experiences
Now in its fourth year, Savor Charlotte showcases the Queen City’s culinary talent through interactive classes, curated tastings and special menus highlighting Charlotte’s diverse and evolving food scene. Here’s a preview of some of 2026’s most anticipated Savor Charlotte experiences:
Top Chef Cheftestants
Enjoy a five-course, chef-driven Top Chef Alumni Dinner at Church & Union (March 11) hosted by Chef Jamie Lynch (season 14; All-Stars season 17) and Chef Shuai Wang (season 22 runner-up).
Exclusive Events to Savor
Highlights range from chef-driven collaborations like the Backyard Cookout at The Goodyear House (March 16) and the Brisket + Biscuits BBQ Brunch at Town Brewing (March 28) to immersive experiences such as Discovery Place Science’s hands-on food science event (March 20), Serving The Culture’s New Jack Swing dinner at Lenny Boy Brewing (March 22) and Taste of the Mint, pairing fine dining with fine art at The Mint Museum and Mariposa (March 12 and 19).
Classes for the Culinary Curious
Guests can learn from the pros through hands-on classes and tastings, including cocktail-making at Dilworth Tasting Room (March 26) and El Puro Cuban Restaurant (March 18), pasta-making with Chef Eric Ferguson at L’Ostrica (March 16), pickling with Chef Alexandre Falardeau at Haberdish (March 15), Asian sauce techniques with Chef Michael Le at Free Range Brewing (March 17), wine education with Peppervine’s Tommy Trull (March 18) and a chocolate, wine and cheese tasting at The Bar at Supperland (March 18).
Can’t Miss Collaborations
Collaborations also take center stage, including Global Table, Local Brew at Artisan’s Palate (March 18), a chef dinner at Customshop with Chef Andres Kaifer and guest Chef Troy Guard (March 25), a burger-and-beer pairing from Fonta Flora and Harriet’s Hamburgers (March 11-28) and a beer-paired dinner at Pilot Brewing with Edwin’s Organix (March 21).
Brewing Up Coffee Orders
Coffee-inspired offerings include a specialty drink collaboration between Calle Sol and CHNO Coffee Co. (March 11-28), a roastery tour and workshop led by Enderly Coffee’s Tony Santoro (March 22) and a limited-edition Banana Pudding Tres Leches–inspired coffee from Paco’s Tacos and Tequila and Humble Cup Coffee Co (March 11-28).
Limited-Time Featured Flavors
Limited-time menus and tastings include a farmers market-inspired vegetable-forward menu at Dogwood Southern Table and Bar (March 11-28), a Croatian wine dinner at Dilworth Tasting Room – SouthPark (March 25), Emmy Lou’s Pino’s Passport tasting series (March 11 and 18), a St. Patrick’s Day corned beef special at Midwood Smokehouse (March 17), O-Ku’s Sashimi & Sparkles pairing (March 11-28) and a five-course oyster tasting at Sea Level NC (March 16).
Explore the full list of participating restaurants and exclusive experiences at charlottesgotalot.com/savor.
About the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority
The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) works to deliver experiences that uniquely enrich the lives of our visitors and residents. Through leadership in destination development, marketing and venue management expertise, the CRVA leads efforts to maximize the region’s economic potential through visitor spending, creating jobs and opportunities for the community. Brands supported by the CRVA include the Charlotte Convention Center, Spectrum Center, Bojangles Entertainment Complex, NASCAR Hall of Fame, Charlotte Regional Film Commission and Visit Charlotte in conjunction with the region’s destination marketing brand. For more information, visit charlottesgotalot.com.