Lake Norman has a lot to look forward to in 2026, with new restaurants, shops, and gathering spots popping up across the area. From longtime favorites expanding into town to exciting first-time openings, here’s a look at what’s already open, and what’s coming next.
Now Open
North Italia
Opened February 26, 2025
9711 Lindholm Drive, Huntersville
North Italia wasted no time becoming a Birkdale Village favorite. Known for its handcrafted pizzas, fresh pastas, and well-rounded wine and cocktail list, it’s an easy pick for everything from a casual dinner to a celebratory night out.
Seaboy
Opened March 26, 2025
20822 N Main Street, Cornelius
Seaboy brings a cozy, chef-driven dining experience that feels part beach house retreat, part intimate dinner party. With heartfelt hospitality and a focus on thoughtfully crafted food, it delivers a warm, welcoming atmosphere with no frills — just great flavors and genuine passion.
Corner Crust Pizza & Brew
Opened March 29, 2025
21726 Catawba Avenue, Suite B-3, Cornelius
Corner Crust Pizza & Brew brought its made-from-scratch pies and neighborhood feel to Cornelius earlier this year. With oversized slices, wings, salads, and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s quickly become a reliable go-to for dine-in, takeout, or catering.
Burtons Grill & Bar
Opened April 22, 2025
8908 Lindholm Drive, Huntersville
Located in Birkdale Village, Burtons Bar & Grill blends comfort and quality with a menu full of classic American dishes and thoughtfully crafted cocktails. It’s the kind of place that works just as well for a weeknight dinner as it does for gathering with friends.
Pulp Juice and Smoothie Bar
Opened April 22, 2025
9623 Bailey Rd, Suite 101, Cornelius
Pulp Juice and Smoothie Bar has arrived to the Lake Norman area, offering a fresh new option for smoothies, fresh-squeezed juices, wraps, and blended bowls made with no added sugar. Focused on clean ingredients and flavorful combinations, this up-and-coming spot is one to try out if you're in the area.
Torrence & Knox
Opened April 26, 2025
20936 Torrence Chapel Road, Cornelius
Torrence & Knox adds a polished yet approachable option to the Cornelius dining scene. With a menu centered on well-executed comfort food and a solid cocktail lineup, it’s a great choice for both everyday meals and special occasions.
sweetgreen
Opened June 12, 2025
16844 Birkdale Commons Parkway, Huntersville
Sweetgreen brings a fresh, fast-casual option to Birkdale Village with salads and warm bowls served with a focus on quality and convenience. It’s a great stop for a quick lunch, a lighter dinner, or an easy grab-and-go meal while exploring the village.
City Boy Pizza
Opened September 22, 2025
9000 Hambright Road, Huntersville
City Boy Pizza focuses on quality from the ground up, using slow-risen dough for 36 hours, sauce made from vine-ripened California tomatoes, and premium Grande Mozzarella freshly grated daily. With all-natural ingredients and a welcoming, family feel, it’s all about great pizza done right.
The Serve Pickleball + Kitchen
Opened October 15, 2025
20220 Chartown Drive, Cornelius
The Serve Pickleball + Kitchen brings something totally new to Lake Norman. This all-in-one destination combines pickleball courts, food and drinks, and Topgolf-style game suites, making it a fun spot for competitive play, group outings, or a unique date night.
Catawba River Outfitters
Opened October 25, 2025
227 Griffith Street, Davidson
Now open at Sadler Square, Catawba River Outfitters is a new hub for outdoor lovers. The shop offers gear, apparel, and lifestyle essentials for paddling, hiking, and everyday adventure, with convenient hours Monday through Saturday.
Fat Guy & A Pie of New York
November 16, 2025
610 Jetton Street, Davidson
Fat Guy and A Pie of New York brings a fun, laid-back take on classic, comforting pizza. Known for big flavor, generous slices, and a friendly neighborhood vibe, it’s a great casual stop whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or picking up pizza for the family.
Fontana di Vino
Opened December 8, 2025
416 S. Main Street, Davidson
Fontana di Vino brings a “modern pasta chophouse” to Davidson, opened by restaurateur Robert Maynard and Chef Scott Leibfried, known for his work on Hell’s Kitchen and projects like Fleetwood’s in Hawaiʻi. Located in the former ice house on South Main Street, the restaurant features Italian specialties, steaks, and a full bar with cocktails like a Paloma, Aperol Spritz, Limoncello drop, and martinis. It’s a sister restaurant to Fontana di Vino in Charlotte’s SouthPark area and adds a stylish new dining option to Davidson.
Suffolk Punch Brewing
Opened December 16, 2025
16912 Birkdale Commons Parkway, Huntersville
Suffolk Punch Brewing brings a neighborhood brewery vibe to Lake Norman, complete with a scratch kitchen and full-service coffee bar. From morning coffee to evening craft beer, cocktails, and seasonal dishes made with local ingredients, it’s designed to be an all-day hangout. The lower level is officially open, but keep an eye out for the rooftop to open in the spring.
Coming Soon
Chili Willi’s
9615 Bailey Road, Cornelius
Chili Willi’s is set to bring revived Tex-Mex flavors to the former Waterman's space in 2026. Led by Duckworth’s Grill & Taphouse owner Rob Duckworth alongside original founder Ron Smith, the restaurant will feature classic dishes like enchiladas, burritos, and flautas in a colorful, refreshed space.
Little Mama’s
9623 Bailey Road, Suite 100, Cornelius
Little Mama’s, a new Italian concept from Mama Ricotta’s founder Frank Scibelli, is headed to Cornelius. The menu will focus on scratch-made pastas, fresh mozzarella, brick oven pizzas, and fan-favorite dishes, with many options available in two sizes.
Rooster’s Wood-Fired Kitchen
201 Griffith Street, Davidson
Rooster’s Wood-Fired Kitchen is expanding to Sadler Square with its fifth location, expected to open in 2026. Known for its seasonally driven menu, the new Davidson restaurant will bring familiar favorites to a larger, thoughtfully designed space.
Copain Bakery & Provisions
201 Griffith Street, Davidson
Copain is also joining Sadler Square, opening a new location in June 2026. In addition to artisan breads and pastries, this spot will include a full-service French-style brasserie offering coffee, wine, and sit-down dining.
Cocotte
245 Beacon Town Dr, Huntersville
Cocotte bakery is bringing French-inspired baking to Huntersville with a warm, neighborhood feel. Guests can expect handcrafted pastries, croissants and sandwiches, coffee and other baked goods. It will be their second location in the Lake Norman area, so you can visit the Cornelius location if you just can't wait for Cocotte in Huntersville to open its doors.
With so many new places opening and more on the way, Lake Norman is starting the new year with plenty of buzz. If you’re planning a visit or checking out these new spots close to home, don’t forget to tag your adventures on social media at @visitlakenorman.
