Amina, a new East African and Mediterranean restaurant, is set to open in Uptown Charlotte in early April 2026, promising sharable plates, wood-fired flatbreads and a late-night lounge vibe. Executive chef Chianti Peek, who built a reputation locally as a private chef before stepping into full-service kitchens, will lead the menu. The plan: an upscale dining room that shifts into a late-night lounge on weekends.
The restaurant's online menu lists crab toast, Asmara sambusa, charred Brussels with a date glaze, Fire & Nectar flatbread, pan-seared branzino and an Oxtail Ragu Du Asmara, plus a "Midnight Luxe" smashburger and berbere-salt fries. It also promotes a cocktail program alongside wine and beer, and shows the Uptown address with an "OPENING EARLY 2026" notice. For the full menu and hours, see Amina.
Local reporting by the Charlotte Observer notes that an Instagram post from Amina teased an early-April opening and that the outlet had reached out to the team for comment. The Observer frames Amina as an African-Mediterranean restaurant and lounge aimed at Uptown diners.
Meet the chef
Executive chef Chianti Peek has worked as a private chef for professional athletes and been profiled in local press for her cross-cultural cooking. The Charlotte Post reports Peek cooked for players such as Kemba Walker and has parlayed that experience into dining projects across the city.
The space and late-night plans
Axios Charlotte described the venue as roughly 5,350 square feet with a 40-foot bar and seating for about 170 people, and reported the restaurant will shift into a lounge after 10pm on weekends with DJs and occasional live music. Renderings shared with media show a polished interior with booth seating and a large central dining room designed for groups. Owners say the mix is meant to serve Uptown date nights, larger dinners and nightlife crowds.
What to know before you go
Reservations appear through the restaurant's booking link, and the site lists a phone number for inquiries, while the drinks page teases seasonal cocktails meant to pair with sharable plates. For reservations and the most up-to-date opening notice, check Amina. We will update this space as the team confirms a firm opening date and first-service details.
