Looking for your next great in Charlotte from a cuisine in Asia? Here are the newest places to check out, whether you're in the mood for cuisines from Southeast Asia to Japan.
Sushi Queen
11524 N. Tryon St., Suite 5, Northeast Charlotte
Sushi Queen is a fusion sushi bar with a sister location in Concord. Look for a wide variety of sushi from tempura shrimp and spicy yellowtail to specialty options like the Cherry Blossom roll (crab meat, cucumber, avocado and mayo topped with tuna, spicy sauce and masago). Don't see anything you like? The chef will make a custom roll just for you.
There's also an 18-piece sashimi deluxe platter and a 21-piece chirashi bowl, with fish hand-picked by the chef, that are only available at the new Charlotte spot. Other menu items include hibachi, teriyaki, noodle soups, yakisoba (noodle stir-fry dish), fresh spring rolls and panko-crusted chicken.
The new sushi bar has gotten off to a solid start thus far, with a 3.5-star rating out of 14 reviews on Yelp.
Asha B., who was among the first Yelpers to review the new spot on April 22, wrote, "Yummy sushi, sweet staff, cool decor. I stopped in to grab some sushi to go. The young lady at the hostess bar took some time and helped me decide what to order because they have so many yummy and unique options."
Taiye C. noted, "The decor is very nice. They played nice music and the atmosphere was inviting. The sushi was good. The prices are fair and I enjoyed the special."
Interested? Stop by to welcome the new business to the neighborhood. Sushi Queen is open from 11 a.m.–9 p.m. from Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday and 11 a.m.–10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. (It's closed on Monday.)
Crispy Banh Mi
2934 Shamrock Drive, Shamrock
Crispy Banh Mi is a family-owned Vietnamese restaurant that offers sandwiches (bánh mì) and desserts (che). In addition to this location, Crispy Banh Mi also has a shop in South Boulevard.
Bánh mì fillings include shredded pork, barbecue pork, meatballs, grilled pork, crispy beef and more. Vegetarian? Try the vegetarian rolls and vegetarian bánh mì.
For dessert, check out Crispy Banh Mi's Fruit Delight, made with coconut, lychee, longan, jackfruit, ruby pearls, coconut milk and pandan jelly.
Crispy Banh Mi's current Yelp rating of 4.5 stars out of 16 reviews indicates positive attention from users.
Yelper Donovan C. wrote, "Last time I got two bánh mì: Grilled pork and a classic cold cut. They were both excellent. This time I ordered a pork noodle bowl and the Crispy Special for dessert (coconut, longan, jackfruit, jelly, basil and lotus seeds). The service is excellent."
Michelle B. noted, "Settled on a chicken noodle bowl, which was ready in less than 10 minutes. The chicken was seasoned well. The fish sauce, used as a dressing, had a nice flavor to it. The restaurant also serves a variety of smoothies (diary-based) and slushies (juice-based), and a wide variety of desserts."
Crispy Banh Mi is open from 9 a.m.–8 p.m. from Tuesday-Saturday and noon–7 p.m. on Sunday. (It's closed on Monday.)
Let's Meat KBBQ
1400 S. Church St., Suite B, South End
Let's Meat KBBQ is bringing all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue to South End's Gold District. Here, diners cook their own meat and vegetable selections on a tabletop stove. Offerings range from fatty beef brisket and red pepper pork belly to king oyster mushrooms and corn cheese.
Let's Meat also has an extensive drinks list that includes soju, beer and Korean soft drinks.
The restaurant has a 4.5 ratings out of 68 reviews so far, indicating a positive reception.
Randolph J., who was the first Yelper to review the new spot on March 13th, said, "Outstanding food! Outstanding service! A new go-to place for all things Korean and yummy."
And Mandy S. wrote, "Our experience was great! For their second day being open, we are very impressed. We had no idea what we were doing and every single staff member came to help us. The fatty beef brisket, thinly sliced beef and corn cheese were our favorites."
Let's Meat is now open 4:30 p.m. - 11:30 on weekdays and 11:30 a.m. - 11:30 p.m. on weekends.
Aroy Thai Restaurant
5301 E. Independence Blvd., Suite F, Eastland
At Aroy Thai Restaurant, sip on Thai iced tea while choosing between an array of soups, including ground pork wrapped wontons with spinach and onions in a clear broth and coconut soup with chicken, lemongrass and more.
Entrees include the Ultimate Garlic, made with mushrooms, green onion and garlic sauce steamed atop broccoli and cabbage. Aroy Thai Restaurant also offers an assortment of fried rice and curries.
With a 4.5-star rating out of 36 reviews on Yelp, Aroy Thai Restaurant has been getting positive attention.
Yelper Nikki W. wrote, "You feel like you're eating at someone's house. Your food is served on disposable plates. There are lunch specials every day from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., $7.95-$9.95 depending on your protein. Each comes with two pieces of gyoza. The Totally Red Curry is their best seller."
Nancy L. noted, "Love the place. Curry puff — wonton skin filled with a yellow curry veggie — is fried and comes with a sweet/tangy dipping sauce. Very good. Very original. The pad thai was the right balance between salty, spicy, tangy and sweet. Noodle were cooked just right, al dente. Fried donuts come with a condensed milk sauce. I inhaled them in 5 minutes."
Aroy Thai Restaurant is open from noon–9 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday and noon–10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. (It's closed on Monday.)
Inchin's Bamboo Garden
9601 N. Tryon St., University City
Inchin's Bamboo Garden is a Chinese and Indian fusion spot with restaurants from coast to coast, including Texas, Georgia, Washington, Illinois, California and more.
Vegetarian options include chile honey eggplant and Shanghai potatoes. Feeling carnivorous? Check out the sweet and sour chicken, made with white chicken, vegetables and and pineapple. Or, sample the Szechwan beef and Hong Kong fish. (The full menu can be found here.)
Inchin's Bamboo Garden's current rating of 3.5 stars out of 30 reviews on Yelp indicates the newcomer is finding its way, but it's still early days.
Yelper Raghu M. wrote, "Both the vegetable tulips and lat mai paneer were excellent. Very fresh and made to perfection. We also loved our entrees. They were huge and we took over half home."
Ranit S. noted, "Authentic Indo-Chinese! Good quality ingredients and the food was well prepared. People with low spice threshold — be careful."
Inchin's Bamboo Garden is open from 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m. from Monday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.–10:30 p.m. on Friday, noon–10:30 p.m. on Saturday, and noon–9:30 p.m. on Sunday.
