Uptown just scored a fresh hit of Latin flavor. Sonrisa, a Latin American restaurant and bar, quietly opened earlier this month in Brevard Court in Uptown Charlotte, bringing birria, arepas, Ecuadorian ceviches and Peruvian chicken to the pedestrian courtyard. The space blends quick lunch offerings like build-your-own bowls and tacos with shareable plates and a compact cocktail program. Diners can expect sides such as yellow rice, maduros and tostones, along with both vegan and seafood options.
As reported by the Charlotte Observer, Sonrisa officially opened at Brevard Court earlier this month, and the restaurant's website says its kitchen "draws from the bold, diverse cuisines of Latin America." The Observer notes that Sonrisa joined a mix of retail and dining in the Latta Arcade-style courtyard and that the publication reached out to the restaurant for comment. Management has positioned the spot to serve both the daytime office crowd and evening traffic.
What's on the menu
Sonrisa's menu covers build-your-own bowls, tacos, Colombian arepas and coastal ceviches, with proteins such as beef birria, shrimp birria, Peruvian chicken and vegan sofritas, as listed on the restaurant's menu. Shareable starters and sides lean heavily on plantains and include yuca frita, while sauces range from pineapple habanero to chimichurri. Behind the bar, the focus is on pisco, mezcal and rum cocktails, supported by a modest wine and beer selection.
Where it sits in Brevard Court
Sonrisa took over the former Mucha Mucha footprint at 137 Brevard Court and joins new and relaunched neighbors like Crisp and Valhalla Pub & Eatery in the historic Uptown courtyard. Axios Charlotte reported on the wave of openings at Brevard Court ahead of the busy spring season, calling the courtyard a mix of lunch-forward restaurants and nightlife spots. The location's patio and exposed brick interior are set up to give Sonrisa flexibility for quick midday service as well as casual weekend evenings.
What it means for Charlotte's dining scene
The opening comes amid a small boom of Latin American concepts across the region, with other recent launches such as Sabores de Oaxaca and Rio 150 mentioned in local coverage, according to the Charlotte Observer. That broader trend is giving Uptown diners more regionally specific options and reflects growing appetite for menus that span Mexico, the Caribbean and South America. For now, Sonrisa is positioning itself as a casual, all-day option that can handle both office lunches and evening gatherings.
Sonrisa lists its hours as Tue–Fri 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m. and Sat noon–10 p.m. Reservations are available through OpenTable, and the restaurant posts updates at @sonrisacharlotte. For the full menu and contact details, see the restaurant's website.
