Customshop
So happy we learned about Customshop while in Charlotte. From the moment we walked in, there was just something about the restaurant that felt like community. Lively, welcoming and the kind of neighborhood place you immediately understand why people keep coming back to.
The Hamachi was the standout for us. Pairing raw fish with parmesan sounds like it could go very wrong, but here it really worked. The parmesan leche de tigre brought the brightness and acidity you expect with this unexpected savory richness from the parmesan. It was creative, surprising and easily one of the most memorable dishes of the night.
Za’atar is a key ingredient in our home, so whenever we see it on a menu, we are intrigued but also a little skeptical. So many restaurants play it up as an ingredient, but it rarely works for us. Customshop absolutely got it right. The summer squash with sweet potato, za’atar and chermoula used it perfectly. It complemented the dish without overpowering everything else.
The pastas were also delicious. The Canestri with Wagyu bolognese, sofrito and gremolata was particularly impressive, but honestly, every pasta we tried was excellent.
Agnolotti Ravioli Canestri
If you are familiar with the Detroit dining scene, Customshop reminded us a lot of Grey Ghost. Not because the food is the same, but because of the overall feel: a neighborhood restaurant with great energy, genuinely creative dishes and a kitchen that isn't afraid to play with flavors and combinations you might not expect.
The cocktails were just as creative as the food, the wine list was thoughtful, and the service was incredibly friendly and helpful.
The main reason Emma wanted to go was for the flan, so of course she was a little biased. But what was really special for us was the mamey pie, a first for all of us. We had never tried mamey before, so it was fun to discover a new fruit and learn a little more about it along the way.
Customshop was such a fun Charlotte find and exactly the kind of restaurant we love discovering when we travel.
Trout Scallops Arroz Meloso Mushroom Skewer
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