Charlotte’s Restaurant Industry Adds Over 100 New Openings in 2025 as City Gains National Recognition

Charlotte welcomed more than 100 new eateries in 2025. The Queen City snagged 11 spots in the Michelin Guide to the American South, with one earning a star. National critics started paying attention.

The Michelin Guide arrived late in 2025, marking a turning point for Charlotte's culinary reputation. But that wasn't all. The city became the backdrop for Season 23 of Top Chef, which premiered in March 2026. In two decades on air, this Emmy Award-winning cooking competition has made a name for itself by shining a light on cities with exceptional food.

Bruce Moffett launched Barrington's back in 1999 when steakhouses and cafeterias dominated the scene. "There were mostly steakhouses and cafeterias as dining options. I opened the restaurant to a skeptical crowd that didn't understand why I wasn't offering the same menu as the rest of the places in town," Moffett said, according to Southern Living. His restaurant group has since grown to include Stagioni, Sala, Good Food on Montford, and Bao and Broth.

Jamie Brown and Jeff Tonidandel opened their first location in 2009. Today, they operate Supperland, Haberdish, Ever Andalo, and Leluia Hall, which launched in April 2025. Their expansion shows how Charlotte's dining world has changed.

Chayil Johnson became a James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef Southeast in 2025. He works at Community Matters Cafe, part of a residential recovery program. Johnson was 23 when he took charge of the kitchen. "When I came here, I kind of gave that up," Johnson said about his fine-dining career ambitions. "I thought, 'There's no way I'm going to get a James Beard with the food that we're doing and the environment this is.' But I think the best part was seeing the excitement from students, because now everyone who works here gets to say they worked at a James Beard-recognized restaurant."

Robin Anthony earned a James Beard Award semifinalist nod this year. At Prime Fish, he prepares Edomae-style sushi with fish flown in from across the globe. Chef Sam Hart brought home the city's only Michelin star for his tasting menu experience at Counter, cementing Charlotte's place among serious food cities.

Manolo Betancur runs Manolo's Bakery, which began as Las Delicias in 1997. He opened The Changebaker Place in early 2026, bringing Colombian espresso and pastries to East Charlotte. His shops have become gathering spots for the community.

Qian Zhang operates three locations of The Dumpling Lady. It started as a pop-up at a karaoke night. "I wanted to break down people's stereotypes, because they think Chinese food is always [made with] cheap ingredients," Zhang said. "But we use good ingredients, source everything intentionally, and make all of the dumplings by hand." Every dumpling gets rolled and filled by hand, a labor of love that sets her apart.