The best Colombian food in Charlotte NC might be at Muraya, the love child of Carolina Maury and Emmanuel Perez.
Carolina Maury knew her husband would fall in love. When she brought him to Colombia and shared the rich culture and breathtaking landscapes of her home country, Maury was confident that Emmanuel Perez would be no match for her land’s allure. Sure enough, he became enamored with everything about the country. Cartagena, a port city perched on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, particularly captured his heart. With its walled old town, colorful colonial buildings, and roots dating back to the 16th century – who could resist?
Maury and Perez returned from their time abroad together, heady from the pull of another place. They decided to bring the cultural and culinary vibrancy of that place, the warm hospitality of its people and the delicious flavors of its cuisine, to a corner of Charlotte by opening one of South End’s most distinct restaurants: Muraya.
Colombian Flavors Find South End Success
Located behind Amos’ Southend, Muraya serves the best Colombian food in Charlotte NC out of a cozy brick building. Dangling chandeliers and plush couches and chairs elevate the interior, evoking somewhere palatial and swanky. Yet Muraya remains approachable. Colorful serveware, pergola-style ceilings, plus a resident DJ and live musicians on select days of the week keep the ambiance festive, fun, friendly. In short, good vibes and good times come second only to good food here.
Colombian flavors form the backbone of Executive Chef Juan Read’s menu. Yet many of these flavors are achieved or complimented by using locally sourced ingredients. The result is a menu that is an inspiring intertwining of global and local, Cartagena and the Queen City.
The dinner menu has four primary sections: tapas, salads, entrees, and sushi. The tapas section includes an array of croquetas, plus arepas, ceviche, and more. Entrees include fish-forward dishes like pan seared halibut served with purple potatoes, beurre blanc, papitas, and grilled carrots; as well as salmon risotto dressed with cilantro, black pepper butter, and citrus aioli. Red meat entrees are menu standouts, like the picancha sirloin steak served alongside cayeye (mashed green guineos) and grilled heirloom carrots and the paisa bowl with chicharrón, achiote red bean purée, sweet plantain risotto, tangerine aioli, fresh avocado, and quail egg.
Guests can pair their brunch or dinner fare with any number of cocktails on Muraya’s delectable and diverse beverage menu. From classics to unique signatures, the tastes and products of Colombia are foregrounded here as well. Take for example the Lulada Mule. This is a spin on the traditional Colombian Lulada drink which is made from lulo, a fruit grown in northwestern South America. An assortment of wines and beers are also available, as well as nonalcoholic beverages.
Muraya’s Magic: Best Colombian Food in Charlotte NC
Muraya’s core menu will remain constant. However, seasonal rotations and monthly innovations will help the menu stay fresh and innovative, which in turn may help Muraya stay successful in a neighborhood already brimming with restaurants.
Regardless of Muraya’s long-term prospects, the restaurant’s immediate success is apparent in the way that it has so fully brought the magic of Cartagena and Colombia to the city of Charlotte. Visit Monday through Thursday 5 – 10pm, Friday through Saturday 11am – 12pm, or Sunday 11am – 10pm.
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murayarestaurant.com
