Rendering courtesy of Spice
Spice will bring international cuisine to First Ward this fall. The new restaurant will offer a “seasoned mix of cultures,” according to co-owner Baffour Atakora.
Context: Atakora and his brother Nana, who are originally from Ghana but have traveled the world, say there’s a lack of international cuisine in Charlotte compared to other major cities like New York, Miami or London. Spice’s menu will have food from places like Asia, Latin America and Africa.
- “As far as the food, design and atmosphere are concerned, this place will be spicy,” said Baffour.
Why it matters: Charlotte is giving big city vibes (we have the rats to prove it) but newcomers like the Atakoras still think there are a few details that separate us from other larger cities. Like, late-night food options, which Spice will have since it’ll close at midnight on weeknights and 2am on the weekends.
Afro-House beats and low lighting will set the mood for an intimate vibe. Rendering courtesy of Spice
The menu: Expect small plates at affordable prices and items like sushi, Korean chicken wings, spicy chicken satay and sliced ribeye.
- To drink, Spice will have at least 13 signature cocktails with fresh locally sourced ingredients, mocktails, beer and more than 20 wines including some from South Africa and Greece.
- “After trying our items, we want people to walk away knowledgeable and cultured in a way that makes them feel like they traveled,” said Nana.
Details: The 3,000-square-foot restaurant will have an indoor bar and lounge seating. Eventually, it will have outdoor patio seating.
- It’s located on the lower level of The Ellis apartment building at 515 N Ellis Lane and will open Tuesday through Thursday from 5pm-12am, Friday and Saturday 5pm-2am and Sunday from 5pm-12am.
What’s next: Spice is set to open by the end of October.
- Shortly after they open the restaurant the Atakoras will introduce a brunch menu and extend their hours to start at noon.
Rendering courtesy of Spice
