12 Hottest Restaurants in Charlotte, November 2024

"Calle Sol has been a cornerstone of Commonwealth in Plaza Midwood where it has fit like a glove for a few years now, but its recent expansion into SouthPark has brought new, colorful life into an otherwise professional, pragmatic area of Charlotte. Plainly put, dining at this Calle Sol — with its blend of Peruvian and Cuban dishes — is fun. The Inca cola, the robust rum bar with punchy, crushable beverages, and the swirly orange and turquoise design touches turn uninspired minimalism on its head. These details are a lovely backdrop to the Peruvian ceviche and the Chino Latino chaufas, which leave diners with leftovers in tow. And then there is the banana tres leches, which has no business being so good except that combining cake, cream, and rum caramel has a certain je ne sais quoi. Calle Sol is by far the most interesting lunch option in the area — time to impress the people, people." - Kayleigh Ruller