Zamindar’s Bringing Indian Dining And Lounge Experience To Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, NC — Zamindar’s, a new Indian restaurant, bar, and music lounge from founder David Pandoria, is targeting an early 2026 debut at 155 New Bern St, Charlotte, NC 28203, Pandoria told Business Debut.

The project is being developed with Michelin Bib Gourmand-winning chef and partner Vamshi Adi and partner Nikhil M. The concept was first announced on local Instagram account Word on the Street CLT.

What to Expect

Pandoria said Zamindar’s will span roughly 6,500 square feet, including about 3,500 square feet of interior restaurant space plus a covered, climate-controlled patio. The layout will include three distinct areas: a full-service dining room, a more casual bar area, and a dedicated music and tapas lounge, which will feature a different menu.

The dining room is planned as a family-friendly space focused on a full meal experience. The lounge will operate as a 21-and-over environment with a stronger nightlife focus, while the bar will serve as a more casual, walk-in-friendly area for guests to gather without a full reservation.

Menu and Vision

Adi, who also runs ISHQ in New York City, brings a background that has earned Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition for two consecutive years. At Zamindar’s, he will oversee both the core menu and the separate offerings designed for the lounge.

The main dining room will focus on Indian cuisine with a more upscale feel than typical options in the area, while remaining price-conscious. “We’re trying to bring a big city environment and experience to Charlotte with great service, great food and a music atmosphere around it,” Pandoria told Business Debut.

The Cartel Lounge will feature its own cocktail-driven program and a separate tapas-style menu that will not be available in the main dining room.

Pandoria described the lounge concept as a response to trends in markets like London, Dubai, New York, and San Francisco, where guests can choose between a full meal and lighter small plates in an entertainment-focused setting.

Opening Timeline

Pandoria said the team is aiming for a soft opening in late February 2026, followed by a grand opening in the first week of March 2026. Plans call for Zamindar’s to open in phases, starting with dinner service in the dining room and late-night hours in the lounge.

A weekend brunch program featuring specialty Indian breakfast dishes from across India is also in development. Pandoria said brunch is expected to launch after the initial opening phase, targeting a rollout before summer 2026.

Hours

Specific days and hours of operation are still to be announced. Pandoria said Zamindar’s will open initially for dinner service, with the music lounge operating into late night and weekend brunch to follow in a later phase.

The dining room will be family friendly with no age restriction, while the cocktail-focused lounge will be limited to guests 21 and older. The bar will be primarily walk-in, and both the dining room and lounge are expected to accept reservations through a common entrance and host stand.

Follow for More

Visit the Zamindar’s website.

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