A new fusion restaurant is looking to make its mark in Charlotte.

Amina, an African-Mediterranean restaurant and lounge, opened in early April along East 6th Street in uptown.

A bright yellow cocktail in a coupe glass is garnished with a lime twist and sits on a white marble bar top. In the background, a warm, glowing “AMINA” sign illuminates the bar area. Amina is a new Afro-Mediterranean restaurant opening soon in uptown Charlotte. 79th Parallel

Expect dishes that blend African and Mediterranean flavors, curated cocktails and “a space that transitions from lunch, dinner to nightlife seamlessly,” a restaurant spokesperson told CharlotteFive.

Charlotte native Chianti Peek will lead as Amina’s executive chef. A self-described “food surgeon,” Peek previously served as a private chef to elite professional athletes including former NBA player-turned coach Kemba Walker and former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton.

A chef wearing a denim jacket, black Nike cap, and glasses focused intently on preparing food in a professional kitchen. The background shows stainless steel kitchen equipment under bright industrial lighting. Chef Chianti Peek, executive chef at Amina in uptown Charlotte. 79th Parallel

At Amina, foodies can look forward to “elevated cuisine” with an emphasis on global flavors. Offerings include light bites and shareable plates. Think: crab toast, braised oxtail and charred Brussels sprouts with date glaze.

Charred flatbreads are also on the menu alongside heartier mains like pan-seared branzino and rib eye steak topped with golden butter.

Other standout dishes include:

Midnight Luxe Smashburger: Prime beef topped with aged white cheddar, carmelized onion jam and truffle garlic aioli on a brioche bun.Oxtail Ragu Asmara: Slow-braised oxtail in red wine tomato reduction with korarima and rosemary over pappardelle pasta.Fire & Nectar flabread: Crisp flatbread with spiced tomato sauce, honey-berbere chicken, mozzarella, provolone, red onions and herbs. A close-up shot of a rustic flatbread features vibrant red tomato sauce topped with melted white cheese and fresh green herbs. The crust is golden brown and crispy, served on a white rectangular plate. At Amina, customers will find African-Mediterranean inspired dishes and cocktails. 79th Parallel

The restaurant’s beverage program features seasonal cocktails, plus “a thoughtfully selected collection of wines and premium spirits,” its website says.

CharlotteFive has reached out to Amina for more information and was awaiting a response.

This close-up captures a refreshing pink cocktail over ice, garnished with a large blackberry and slices of lime and lemon. The drink is served in a clear glass, highlighting the condensation and vibrant fruit colors. Customers at Amina can look forward to a curated cocktails and “a space that transitions from lunch, dinner to nightlife seamlessly.” 79th Parallel

Location: 225 E 6th St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Menu

Cuisine: East African-Mediterranean fusion

Instagram: @theaminaclt

A cooked fish fillet with its tail intact is served in a shallow pool of creamy sauce and topped with a bright red tomato relish. The dish is presented on a light-colored, speckled ceramic plate. Close-up of a plated fish at Amina in Charlotte. 79th Parallel

This story was originally published March 24, 2026 at 11:40 AM.

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Tanasia Kenney

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Tanasia is a service journalism reporter at the Charlotte Observer | CharlotteFive, working remotely from Atlanta, Georgia. She covers restaurant openings/closings in Charlotte and statewide explainers for the NC Service Journalism team. She’s been with McClatchy since 2020.

Dining and Cooking