A Short Guide To Charlotte’s Best Peruvian Food
Charlotte’s food scene offers a unique blend of international, classic American, Southern and New American cuisines. One of our favorites to find is Peruvian cuisine. Peruvian dishes have deep roots in the indigenous traditions of Peru and has influences that include European, African and Asian flavors.
So, whether you’re already a dedicated foodie or you’re not well acquainted with this delightful cuisine, head to one of the following top Peruvian restaurants in Charlotte to have a taste.
Sabor Latin Street Grill
Sabor Latin Street Grill is an independent Latin-style eatery. Spot the restaurant close to Charlotte’s Midtown, opposite Independence Park. The extensive menu includes an assortment of tacos, burritos, Salvador fries, nachos, quesadillas, and Dominican-style empanadas.
For those with a sweet tooth, we also recommend their sweet churros coated with cinnamon sugar and ice cream!
Las Delicias Bakery & Restaurant
Located in Charlotte’s east end, the Las Delicias Bakery & Restaurant (also known as Manolo’s Bakery) is a casual restaurant and bakery serving a mix of international cuisines and house-made treats.
Expect tarts, chocolate-covered fruits, pastries, and tres leches cake. Plus, there are classic Brazilian desserts such as the manjar branco, a coconut pudding and passion fruit cake. The best part about the bakery is certainly its affordable pricing.
Machu Picchu Peruvian Cuisine
One of the top Peruvian restaurants, Machu Picchu has been serving authentic Peruvian fare for over three years. This eatery was built with the vision to introduce Peruvian cuisine to the residents of Charlotte and pay respect to the culinary heritage it carries.
Expect a mix of fresh ingredients, imported authentic Peruvian spices and a carefully crafted menu with over 50 dishes. There is classic Peruvian ceviche, Peruvian seafood, rice and pasta, plus sandwiches, meat and even a kid’s menu. The most popular is their delicious charcoal-roasted Rotisserie chicken.
All dishes on the menu either follow the traditional Peruvian style or have their own modern twist to elevate your experience.
Que Onda Tacos + Tequila
Que Onda is a popular restaurant in Uptown Charlotte, known for its mouthwatering street tacos and 100% Blue Agave Tequila. The eatery has four locations in and around Charlotte, including Plaza Midwood, Matthews, Highland Creek and University City.
Head to the one closest to you and enjoy Peruvian and Mexican comfort foods rich in flavors. The menu includes a mix of Mexican dips served with house-fried chips, empanadas, nachos, tacos, and salads. Plus, order fajitas, burritos and classic desserts including tres leches cake and churros. All items on the menu are also served alongside a mix of local beer, tequila and margaritas. Plus, there are extensive cocktail and wine options.
Pio Pio Latin Cuisine
Pio Pio is a small, cozy eatery serving classic Peruvian dishes, including their best-selling signature Rotisserie chicken with a Latin twist. Find Pio Pio in two locations across the city: Dilworth and Ballantyne.
Pio Pio dishes up refreshing ceviche, classic comfort foods like the warm fava beans, and seafood, beef and vegetables. Each dish is also infused with classic Peruvian flavors and techniques. Or, choose from an assortment of vegan varieties.
El Pulgarcito De America
Located at Central Avenue, this Latin American restaurant serves Peruvian and Mexican cuisine in a laid-back, casual setting.
Once you step in, you’ll instantly fall in love with the tasteful art, warm lighting and inviting atmosphere. You’ll also enjoy good music while being served piping hot plates of grilled meat, beef soup, or tacos. The menu goes on from there with chicken skewers, fajitas, beans, enchiladas, tamales, and more classics.
Tres Pesos Bar & Grill
The Tres Pesos Bar & Grill is a popular Mexican restaurant serving authentic Peruvian and Mexican-inspired dishes near Southeast Charlotte. The moment you step in, you will be greeted with a complimentary bowl of warm, freshly made chips plus flavorful salsa dip on the house.
As for the menu, you will spot several Mexican and Peruvian foods, including Ceviche, flautas, enchiladas, chimichanga, taco salads, seafood snacks and even vegetarian varieties of their fajitas and burritos. They also offer a limited kids’ menu, so bring your kids along!
Yunta
Yunta, which translates to “friend,” is located in South End Charlotte. This is one of the most frequented Peruvian restaurants in the region, serving a unique fusion of Peruvian foods with classic Japanese cooking techniques. So, if you want an upscale dining experience, this is certainly the place to go. The modern decor, lush tropical terrace, wood panel walls and friendly ambiance all combine for a great experience.
To top it off, the extensive menu features ramen, Peruvian ceviche, and casitas. There’s also sushi and sashimi, grilled meats and seafood, wok-fried rice and more. Every option is served alongside a selection of fine wines, cocktails, beer and sake. The menu also offers specialty vegetarian and gluten-free dishes. Yunta is certainly one of the top picks for Peruvian restaurants in Charlotte.
Los Paisas Mexican Grill
Los Paisas Mexican Grill is an authentic Colombian eatery in South Charlotte close to Pineville. Step in and enjoy authentic traditional and modern Colombian dishes with Peruvian inspiration in a relaxed, laid-back environment. All items on the menu contain the flavors and smells of Colombian, Spanish and South American cooking.
Moving on to the menu, Los Paisas serves classic Empanadas, plantains with a side of guac, typical Colombian beef and bean sausage. Or, try the pork platter, pork loin served with rice and beans, and chicken and beef mains. Los Paisas Mexican Grill also offers specialty catering services with healthy and modern food choices, including authentic Colombian fare fused with Latin flair.
Taqueria La Unica
Taqueria La Unica is located about 30 minutes south of Charlotte. Enjoy the irresistible taste of Mexican and Peruvian delights in an easygoing environment.
Listed on the menu are an assortment of salads, filled tortas, tacos, and burritos. Further, the restaurant also offers a dedicated vegetarian menu. Finally, don’t forget to try a slice of their tres leches cake or “Flan con Rompope,” a Mexican-style flan. Kids will also love their dedicated kids menu.
Peruvian Restaurants Charlotte NC: Final Thoughts
Charlotte, North Carolina, is one of the top tourist destinations in the state, best known for the assortment of eateries lining its streets. So, no matter what district you head to, there are good sources serving authentic Peruvian fare. Looking to indulge? Visit any of the eateries we have listed above to enjoy the best of Peruvian food in Charlotte!
