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 officially opened at Brevard Court in uptown earlier this month, serving up authentic recipes borne from the “rich culinary traditions” of the region.

“Our kitchen draws from the bold, diverse cuisines of Latin America,” the restaurant’s website says. “The smoky depth of South American grilling, the bright citrus of the Caribbean coast, and the rich layered sauces of Mexico and Central America.”

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.

Plus, pair your entrées with classic sides like yellow rice, maduros and tostones.

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.

CharlotteFive reached out to Sonrisa for more information and was awaiting a response.

Sonrisa is open Tuesday-Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturdays from noon until 10 p.m.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Sonrisa

Location: 137 Brevard Court, Charlotte, NC 28202

Menu

Cuisine: Latin American

Instagram: @sonrisacharlotte

Tanasia Kenney

Sun Herald

Tanasia is a service journalism reporter at the Charlotte Observer | CharlotteFive, working remotely from Atlanta, Georgia. She covers restaurant openings/closings in Charlotte and statewide explainers for the NC Service Journalism team. She’s been with McClatchy since 2020.