Looking for your next great Latin American meal in Charlotte? These new spots will satisfy all your cravings. Here are the newest places to check out the next time you're in the mood for Latin American food.
Saltao Peruvian Fare
7741 Colony Road, South Charlotte
Saltao Peruvian Fare is named after the traditional dish lomo saltado. The restaurant seeks to reflect the mix of cultures that have arrived in Peru over the last 500 years, with influences from the indigenous peoples, Spanish, Africans, Chinese, Japanese and Italians, according to its website.
Appetizers include chicken causa: cold mashed potatoes seasoned with Peruvian yellow pepper, vegetable oil and a hint of lemon, then topped with a layer of chicken salad. Craving ceviche? Try the mix of Peruvian seafood and Swai fish marinated in lime juice, fresh cilantro and onions. The dish is served with sweet potatoes, Peruvian corn, potatoes and cancha.
Peruvian rotisserie chicken is also on offer with sides such as fried plantains, yucca and pinto beans.
Saltao Peruvian Fare currently holds three stars out of eight reviews on Yelp, indicating fair reviews.
Gianina H., who reviewed the new spot on July 17, wrote, "Excellent authentic Peruvian cuisine and the pisco sour was excellent too! We ordered tallarín verde, lomo saltado and Tamal appetizer. Everything tasted delicious and close to the flavors we experienced in Peru."
Yelper MickeyBlue I. added, “The restaurant was nice but a little warm and the two servers were friendly. The menu has a nice variety and a lot more authentic dishes than the usual Peruvian restaurants in Charlotte.”
Swing on by to take a peek for yourself: Saltao Peruvian Fare is open from 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m. daily.
La Preferida Mexican Restaurant
6625 South Blvd., Starmount
La Preferida Mexican Restaurant has opened its doors in the space formerly occupied by La Unica. The seafood menu includes grilled shrimp served with rice, beans and salad; shrimp wrapped in bacon and served with rice, beans and salad; and oven-baked boneless fish fillet with vegetables.
Fajitas, tacos and quesadillas with multiple fillings, including chicken, beef, sausage, beef tongue, grilled steak and more are available.
It's still early days for La Preferida, which has just three reviews on Yelp thus far.
Yelper Cindy S., who reviewed it on July 18, wrote, "The food is authentic, delicious, fast and inexpensive. The service is as fast and pleasant as ever. You still get three kinds of salsa and a bowl of lime wedges with the free tortilla chips."
La Preferida Mexican Restaurant is open from 10 a.m.–10 p.m. daily.
Chilaka TacoLab
6100 South Blvd., Starmount
Chilaka TacoLab is a food truck offering tacos and more. Visitors can expect an array of traditional Mexican staples, including quesadillas, tortas, burritos and churros. Other options include Philly cheesesteaks and Hawaiian burgers. Vegetarian options are also available.
Feeling carnivorous? The meat list includes marinated chicken, marinated pineapple pork, Mexican sausage, steak sausage, breaded chicken, fish tacos and more.
Chilaka TacoLab is off to a promising start with a current rating of 4.5 stars out of three reviews on Yelp.
Yelper Briel H., who visited the food truck on June 7, wrote, "Had chorizo tacos and steak tacos. Very quick and tastes authentic, very good! I will definitely go back."
Jocey R. noted, "My party ordered steak tacos, carnitas tacos, al pastor tacos , chorizo tacos and a gordita with asada. These were pretty authentic tacos on corn tortillas with just some onion, cilantro and a sprinkle of cheese. They were served with a lime wedge and pickled vegetables. Very good, very solid tacos."
Chilaka TacoLab is open from 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m. from Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.–5 p.m. on Saturday. (It's closed on Sunday.)
