Hidden gem in Charlotte’s Oakhurst neighborhood where the menu is as creative as the food
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May 11, 2026
Where the Industry Eats: Seaboy’s Winter Voss
Restaurant GM looks for comfort and flavor when dining out
by TM Petaccia
Folks in the restaurant industry know good food, so we want to know where they eat when they’re not on the job. In this series, we ask a local chef, bartender, restaurateur, or food artisan to share their favorite restaurants in town and what they order there.
This week, we interview Winter Voss, general manager of Seaboy in Cornelius. One of Charlotte’s most touted mixologists, she earned her respected reputation at places like Dogwood and Supperland, before taking her talents up I-77 to work at chef Jonny Cox’s now-popular restautant. The same talents that made her a great bartender, precision, awareness, achieving balance, and the ability to read guests in real time became easily transferable to her new duties in anchoring a dining room. When she’s not on the clock, she looks for the same precision and balance when dining out, opting mostly for more casual settings.
Anju, Montford Park
Korean and Korean-influenced food off Park Road with an extensive soju bar
Voss’ order: Bulgogi, side of rice, side of kimchi
Voss’ take: “This meal would be my death row meal, no questions asked. Also I love the restaurant as a whole, each one of my 20+ visits has been been nothing short of amazing! I also love that they are open late.”
The Degenerate, NoDa
A modern-day version of the corner pub with a new take on bar fare
Voss’ order: Hummus, extra pita; chicken gnocchi
Voss’ take: “Another awesome late night option. They opened in the thick of the pandemic and have been a late night staple for me ever since. Kitchen is open until 1 a.m. on the weekends and midnight on the weekdays. They also have great bartenders.”
Ositio’s Tacos & Tortas, Cornelius
A mashup taqueria incorporating Southern ingredients into Mexican fare
Voss’ order: A-Shorty taco with steak, pickled red onions, and cotija cheese on flour tortillas
Voss’ take: “It’s a super fast detour on my way to work and a huge staple in my diet. I think I go there a minimum of three times per week and am always super impressed by the quality and consistency.
Yamazaru, South End
High-energy sushi bar with a flare for fusion-focused rolls
Voss’ order: Ten-piece salmon belly nigiri, agedashi tofu
Voss’ take: “There are many sushi restaurants that I’m a huge fan of, but the salmon belly nigiri from Yamazaru is constantly on my mind. So good. Obviously the salmon belly itself is incredible, but their sushi rice is always perfect. The fried tofu is so comforting and delicious.”
Landmark Diner, Windsor Park
Longtime Charlotte staple for all-day breakfast, plus Greek, Italian, and Southern food with a classic diner dessert case
Voss’ order: Challah French toast, three scrambled eggs, black coffee
Voss’ take: “I’m a huge breakfast for dinner fan. The challah French toast is amazing; I usually decline the offer for cinnamon sugar added, it doesn’t need it. I get the eggs for a little protein in the mix.”
Yafo Kitchen, multiple locations
Fast-casual Middle Eastern restaurant with many vegetarian and vegan-friendly menu options
Voss’ order: Family-sized cauliflower side with extra lemon-tahini, baklava
Voss’ take: “I leaned upon them heavily during my nine-month attempt at veganism. Now, their cauliflower is one of my favorite dishes in general. I also have a hard time passing on the baklava when I’m checking out at the counter.”
See where other Charlotte chefs and industry pros eat.
