Brand New Peruvian Sandwich Shop Coming To Charlotte’s South End This Fall

Charlotte's South End is ever-changing with new restaurants and breweries opening every week it seems. And now, we learn about a brand new Peruvian sandwich shop in South End that plans to open before the year's end.

So, where is it, what will it be, and who's behind the concept? Well, this location is very familiar to me since it's right underneath my office space. This Peruvian sandwich shop in South End will take over the space at the corner of South Blvd. and Park Ave. You might remember this as the former Carrabba's, which shut down a few years ago.

But, soon this empty space will be home to La Lima, a Peruvian sandwich shop in South End that will serve up artisanal sandwiches and pastries. According to What Now Charlotte, the fast-casual restaurant is a project from local restauranteurs Alvaro Carrillo and Bruno Macchiavello.

And, although you may not recognize Macchiavello's name right away, you undoubtedly know his food. He is the chef associated with other popular food concepts Yunta and Viva Chicken. We are huge fans of Viva Chicken, which has locations all over North and South Carolina. So, we know his food is delicious, and we can't wait for this new Peruvian sandwich shop in South End.

Carillo indicates the menu will be on the smaller side to ensure the sandwiches served will be of the best quality. The 1800 square foot space will have seating for about 40 people with an open kitchen concept.

As we've been going to work every day in our space on the third floor of the building where La Lima is going in, we've been noticing all the construction taking shape on the restaurant. But, that's not all.

Some social media reports I stumbled across hint that The Peach Cobbler Factory also has plans to put a location in a neighboring spot. Oh, my! That's all I need. LOL. A yummy sandwich shop and a mouth-watering dessert spot a few steps from my office. I'm in trouble. I already can't resist Rai Lay, which is also in the same building.

So, we'll keep you updated when we get more info on opening dates for the new Peruvian sandwich shop in South End and perhaps The Peach Cobbler Factory as well.

If you've been in Charlotte over the past few years, it is no surprise that the Queen City has a lot to offer for 'foodies.' There are literally hundreds of restaurants with a variety of cuisines. And according to Southern Living magazine, Charlotte has some of the best eating spots.

The magazine put together a list of the 22 best restaurants in Charlotte. It doesn't matter what you crave -- Southern traditional, Italian, Asian, or seafood -- Charlotte's culinary landscape has something for you. I have lived in Charlotte for more than two decades and I still have not experienced even half of the restaurants on their list.

In the article, Southern Living boasts of many of the successes made on Charlotte's food scene. It states "For years, the Queen City has steadily marched toward becoming a top food city in the South—with recent nods from the James Beard Foundation validating its expertise and growth."

And growth indeed. There are new restaurants popping up regularly. From fresh seafood, street tacos to rolled sushi, the sky is the limit. Charlotte's international flare (Vietnamese, Ethiopian) on food makes it even more difficult to decide just where to go.

Which is why I listed a few of the restaurants I've already visited. (In no particular order) And if you're open to trying something new AND  good, then check these out. Check out a full list of Southern Living's restaurant recommendations.

If seafood is your thing like it is mine, than you're in or a treat! What I loved most about Fin & Fino is they get fresh fish and shellfish delivered EVERY DAY. And the raw bar is everything! The "Penthouse" is a seafood lovers dream. It's a tower of  oysters, shrimp, lobster tails, crab and more.  And to top it all off, the ambiance is made for a nice date or a girls night out.

35 Levine Avenue of the Arts #100, Charlotte, NC 28202

It's been called a 'juke joint', but the best kind with food made with love and a Southern Mississippi flare. Owned by a husband and wife team, Leah & Louise describe what they've created as a space that provides 'Southern comfort food and cocktails and retro digs.' It's quaint, so not a lot of seating. I'd recommend reservations.

301 Camp Road, Charlotte, NC 28206

I got my first taste of Vietnamese food a few years ago at this spot and it's still banging! Lang Van’s owner Dan Nguyen is well-known and is the soul of the restaurant. That's because she brings passion to the dishes like the noodle dish I tried with fresh vegetables, pho and the spring rolls are to die for.

3019 Shamrock Dr, Charlotte, NC 28215

I've been loving this spot since I moved to Charlotte. And it's been around since the late 80's. It's a refurbished Victorian house that sits in the quaint and posh neighborhood of Dilworth. One of my favorites is its famous French Onion soup, and any one of the salads. It also a great go-to spot for brunch and you'll have to try the Wong drink - a single drink served in a pitcher. And you are only allowed to order ONE!

300 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203

This sandwich shop proves some of the  'best restaurants' may not have all the esthetics, but the proof is in the puddin', so to speak. Brooks’ Sandwich House doesn't have high prices or even a classy view, but it DOES have some of the best burgers ($8) and hot dogs ($4) in the city. And did I mention their homemade beef chili? The shop has been around almost 50 years and is family-run. Here, they keep is simple. Only cash is accepted.

2710 N. Brevard St, Charlotte, NC 28205