SORA — Restaurant in Charlotte

Sora is nothing short of extraordinary. My wife and I didn’t leave so much as a crumb behind. Every one of the 11 courses was executed with precision, creativity, and flawless balance. From the opening Egg & Caviar, Snow Crab, and Eel Brioche Bite, to the indulgent A5 Dumpling with consommé and truffles, the pacing and progression of flavors felt masterfully orchestrated. Highlights like the Scallop & Pearls with ossetra caviar and champagne cream sauce, the Honey Glazed Duck with foie gras and curry, and the decadent A5 Miyazaki with pomme purée and mushroom demi showcased the kind of thought and refinement you would expect at the very top tier of dining. The desserts were just as elegant and memorable as the savory courses.

The wine pairings were exceptional with each pour not only complementing the dishes but amplifying them, creating seamless harmony between kitchen and cellar.

What makes Sora truly remarkable, though, is the people. Chef Dorji is an artist. His menu feels both innovative and timeless. Tallah, our waiter, delivered impeccable service with warmth and attentiveness. Sara at the front of house elevated the night even further. Our conversations with her through the evening about food, wine, and restaurants reminded us why hospitality is as important as cuisine.

It’s astonishing to think Sora has only been open for four months. The experience already rivals Michelin-starred restaurants I’ve visited elsewhere, and it’s clear this will become one of Charlotte’s defining dining destinations.

I will return to Charlotte...

4.5 stars - we did the full 10 course tasting menu, but i like how you can opt for the pared down 5 course if you aren’t feeling as indulgent. good service throughout, but a bit lengthy spacing between some of the main courses, and a few proteins came out lukewarm. all dishes were delicious though - some quite creative (unagi on brioche w/ shaved parm), but others very straightforward (wagyu w/ pomme puree - it needed some pop, maybe a bit of wasabi or even horseradish).

we also booked the “chef’s counter” reservation thinking we would see some action in front of us, but he was nowhere to be seen. server said they recently lost a sous chef and he needed to be in back of house all night. he came out at the end to see how everything was and chat for a moment, but still a bit disappointing to not get the full experience we were expecting. also, i was hoping for a printed menu to take home listing everything we enjoyed - which is usually customary for this caliber of establishment. however, the polaroid photo with a hand written note was a really nice substitute.

they weren’t eligible yet for the michelin guide that was just recently released for the south - they haven’t been open 1 yr - but i think with some tightening up they could easily be deserving of a star when they come around again next season. definitely give them a look if you want to experience a solid tasting menu in the area and are into french/asian fusion. nice...

This was my first time dining here, and it truly exceeded all expectations! The service was exceptional—Talla and Aamon were not only incredibly friendly but also knowledgeable about each course, making the experience feel both welcoming and refined. The food was phenomenal, with each course complementing the next beautifully. Chef Dorji is truly talented; he even took the time to check in with us personally, which made the evening feel extra special. Sara was also warm and attentive, ensuring everything ran smoothly from start to finish. Whether it’s for a birthday, anniversary, or a casual night out, I’ll definitely be...