Charlotte just had its biggest Michelin showing yet, and SouthPark is on the list. Little Mama's, the Italian-American restaurant at 4521 Sharon Road, is back among the area's Michelin Recommended restaurants in the 2026 Michelin Guide, according to Charlotte Stories. The awards were announced this week at the Michelin Guide American South ceremony in Nashville.

What Michelin says about Little Mama's

The guide's Little Mama's listing highlights:

  • Mozzarella made in-house, plus house-made stracciatella
  • Homemade pasta and pizza, along with entrees
  • A lasagna filled with ground beef, veal and pork and layered with ricotta
  • Weekend brunch, counter seating and booths, at a "$$" price point

Charlotte's full 2026 list

  • One Michelin Star: Counter in Wesley Heights, still the only Michelin-starred restaurant in North Carolina
  • Bib Gourmand: Lang Van in East Charlotte and The Story of Mi Cariño in South End, which is new to the category this year
  • New Recommended: Albertine, L'Ostrica, Pump Social in Concord and Spaghett
  • Returning Recommended: Customshop, Ever Andalo, Haberdish, Hello Sailor in Cornelius, Kindred in Davidson, Little Mama's, Omakase Experience by PrimeFish, Prime Fish, Rada, Restaurant Constance and Supperland

Two Charlotte chefs honored

  • Héctor González-Mora of The Story of Mi Cariño won Michelin's Young Chef Award.
  • Sam Diminich of Restaurant Constance received Michelin's Mindful Voices recognition.

Looking for more places to eat near home? Browse our Food & Dining section or the South Charlotte things-to-do guide.

Sources: Charlotte Stories, Oct. 22, 2026, Michelin Guide