New uptown Charlotte restaurant blends ‘bold, diverse cuisines of Latin America’
A mashup of Latin American cultures and cuisines are on the menu at one of Charlotte’s newest restaurants.
Sonrisa quietly opened at Brevard Court in uptown earlier this month, serving up authentic recipes borne from the “rich culinary traditions” of the region.
An official grand opening celebration in planned for June 12, a spokesperson told CharlotteFive.
“We draw from the bold, diverse culinary traditions across Latin America — from the smoky depth of South American grilling to the bright citrus of the Caribbean coast and the rich layered sauces of Mexico and Central America,” they said in a statement.
“As we like to say: we’re not one country, we’re a whole continent of flavor.”
Expect coastal ceviches from Ecuador, Cuban ropa vieja and Colombian arepas. The menu also includes a variety of tacos (think: fish, steak and pork belly) alongside signature mains like Peruvian chicken, shrimp colonche and vegan sofritas.
During lunch hours, customers can build their own bowls, burritos or tacos using a range of proteins, rice, beans and other toppings, Sonrisa’s website says. Other menu highlights include:
- Taco Fiesta shareable platter: four proteins with rice & beans, feeds 3–4 for $40.
- Starters (Platos Pequeños) starting at $7, including housemade empanadas, guacamole and plantain balls.
- Classic sides including yellow rice, maduros and tostones.
- Craft cocktails from $12–$15, plus wine by the glass from $9 and draft beer from $6.
There are even a few THC-infused drink options for customers 21 and older.
Sonrisa is the latest restaurant to open at Brevard Court, joining a mix of retail and dining options including Valhalla Pub & Eatery, French Quarter Restaurant, Pie in the Sky Pizza and Crisp, which took over the former Young and Tate restaurant space earlier this year, CharlotteFive previously reported.
Latin American cuisine in Charlotte
The Charlotte-area food scene has welcomed a handful of new Latin American eateries in recent months.
Sabores de Oaxaca, the latest concept from the family behind Tacos El Nevado, officially opened May 8 on Central Avenue, CharlotteFive reported.
Rio 150 Mexican Restaurant chain opened the doors on a new spot in Huntersville the following week, while the new El Tres Platos Restaurant and Grill in Gastonia blended Mexican, Honduran and Columbian cuisines.
Sonrisa is open Tuesday-Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturdays from noon until 10 p.m.
Sonrisa
Location: 137 Brevard Court, Charlotte, NC 28202
Cuisine: Latin American
Instagram: @sonrisacharlotte
This story was originally published May 26, 2026 at 12:36 PM.