Calle Sol Latin Café & Cevicheria

"Calle Sol is as dependable as a 1998 Toyota Camry—it’s the restaurant we turn to whenever we want a guaranteed excellent lunch or dinner. Start things off with any ceviche, then go for the vaca frita that’s fried on a griddle with garlic, onions, and lime juice (the braised beef paired with the crisp created by the griddle is a texture and flavor combo we can’t get out of our brains). For lunch, go with a Tampa- or Miami-style Cuban sandwich with a side of fried sweet plantains. And even though you might have other responsibilities, you should still pair it with an off-menu spicy margarita that uses muddled rocoto chili peppers. This spot sits on a corner in one of Charlotte’s most walkable neighborhoods, which means it’s always buzzing, and you should definitely make a reservation." - tess allen

"Calle Sol is as dependable as a 1998 Toyota Camry—it’s the restaurant we turn to whenever we want a guaranteed excellent lunch or dinner. Start things off with any ceviche, then go for the vaca frita that’s fried on a griddle with garlic, onions, and lime juice (the braised beef paired with the crisp created by the griddle is a texture and flavor combo we can’t get out of our brains). For lunch, go with a Tampa- or Cuban sandwich with a side of fried sweet plantains. And even though you might have other responsibilities, you should still pair it with an off-menu spicy margarita that uses muddled rocoto chili peppers. This spot sits on a corner in one of Charlotte’s most walkable neighborhoods, which means it’s always buzzing, and you should definitely make a reservation. " - Tess Allen

"The menu at Calle Sol bounces all over Florida’s Cuban influences (even Chinese-Cuban dishes) with a sharp turn into Peru’s ceviches. There’s only one version at lunch (but it’s a generous one, with lots of sweet potato, planks of fried plantain, and crunchy cancha). Dinner brings four kinds, including one with the fruity Peruvian pepper aji amarillo. For those wanting mixto — shrimp and fish together — add $6. And more is on the way: Calle Sol just announced plans to open a second location in SouthPark in 2023." - Kathleen Purvis