Nuvole Rooftop Twenty Two’s namesake comes from the Italian word for clouds, and it doesn’t take a lot to figure out why. At twenty-two stories up, with a full view of the Charlotte skyline, your head truly does feel like it’s in the clouds at the Queen City’s newest after-work hot spot.
Nuvole opened its doors in September 2018 after a summer of high anticipation. The lounge is serving up premier cocktails, like the subtly citrus Overcast, and what they call “upscale comfort food.” The menu is full of favorites, like sliders and cheese plates, but also incorporates a sophisticated twist by adding in luxuries like tartare, prime rib, and lobster.
This dining experience, the latest project the McKibbon Hospitality Group has produced, was created with the goal of becoming the premier gathering place for visitors and locals alike to mix and mingle. It was created by John McKibbon himself and Paul Picarazzi of Vision Ventures. McKibbon and Picarazzi have also consulted with Asheville-based restaurateur Peter Pollay, of Mandara Hospitality Group, on the menu. Pollay is an acclaimed chef and restaurateur who owns Posana in downtown Asheville. With a prime location, stunning views, and a gallery of impressive local artist adorning the restaurant’s walls, they are confident this up-and-coming rooftop bar will quickly find its niche in Charlotte’s nightlife scene.
To add to this already elite team, the kitchen staff behind their exquisite menu is headed by Executive Chef Roy Darling. Darling is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America with a Certificate of Accomplishment in Asian Cuisine. He attributes his style and flair to his Jamaican heritage, as well as spending time living on Martha’s Vineyard. These influences are particularly evident in the menu’s savory crab cakes and lobster club slider entrees.
The kitchen plans on changing the menu slightly to go with the changing of the seasons, but the ultimate goal is to keep shared plates their signature. “By focusing on shareable plates, we hope to provide an atmosphere that allows guests to really stay and enjoy each other’s company,” McKibbon explains.
Adding to Nuvole’s chic uniqueness is their next door penthouse suite available for rent as part of the AC Hotel. This 1,350 square foot space boasts two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living space, and the same breathtaking view of Charlotte’s skyline as its restaurant counterpart. Nuvole envisioned this space as the go-to venue for entertaining groups of people for one-of-a-kind party experiences.
Whether you’re entering the city for a night on the town, or on your way out after a long day at the office, make sure you linger in Uptown to check out Nuvole Rooftop Twenty Two—bonus points if you make it in time for the sunset.
