Now, you can sip, nosh and dance like you’re in Spain in South End Charlotte

Heidi Finley
·3 min read

Step into a world of Spanish wines and sangrias, tapas and paella at Catalú, which is soft opening the space once home to Eight + Sand Kitchen on April 12, with a grand opening April 23.

The Catalonian restaurant is the newest concept from Manny and Paola Flores’ Que Hospitality group, which also operates CharlotteFive Readers’ Choice best taco runner-up and winner Que Onda and Que Fresa.

Executive chef Juan Romero is leading the kitchen, which will put out small plates of charcuterie and cheeses, plus cold and hot tapas. You can pair the dishes with one of the restaurant’s signature “Gintonics” cocktails or even a Spanish beer.

The food: The menu was crafted out of Manny Flores’ years of experience working with Spanish-American chef and restaurateur José Andrés and his travel to the Catalonian region of Spain, which includes Barcelona.

“A lot of the dishes you’ll experience are ones we tasted in Spain and put a Catalú twist on,” Flores said. “We’ll always make it our version.”

Catalú’s Croquetas are made with Serrano ham, chicken, egg, bechamel and parsley aioli.
Catalú’s Croquetas are made with Serrano ham, chicken, egg, bechamel and parsley aioli.

Look for signature dishes such as:

  • Croquetas ($9.50), made with Serrano ham, chicken, egg, bechamel and parsley aioli

  • Ensaladilla rusa y tuna ($11), a cold tapas made with potato, carrot, spicy mayo, olive relish and tuna

  • Arroz con setas ($10), a hot tapas similar to risotto with creamy rice, wild mushrooms and Manchego cheese

  • Enspinaca Catalu ($9), a sauteed spinach dish with sweet notes from pine nuts, golden raisins, apple and shallots

  • Arroz negro del mar ($29), a paella meant for two people with head-on shrimp, octopus, Spanish chorizo and aioli.

Catalú’s arroz negro del mar.
Catalú’s arroz negro del mar.

Dessert offerings are in the mix, too. You can choose from:

  • Crema Catalana ($7), a cream foam with graham cracker crumble and caramelized sugar

  • Roger’s Flan ($8) with caramel and orange

  • Chocolate cake ($7), an olive oil cake with a cream cheese frosting base, olive caramel and pistachio dust.

Catalú’s chocolate cake.
Catalú’s chocolate cake.

The beverages: Beverage director Alex Canas has crafted a menu focused on cocktails, Spanish wines and beers, and sangria on tap, along with several non-alcoholic options.

Drinks to try include:

  • La Rosalia ($14), a sweet and floral cocktail made with Tanquerray Sevilla Orange, Rose Strawberry Combier, Mediterranean Fever Tree and lime

  • Espresso 43 ($15), a Spanish take on an espresso martini with Grey Goose vodka, Kahlua espresso and Licor Cuarenta y Tres

  • The Red sangria ($9 glass, $34 pitcher), made with a dry red wine base and orange liqueur, orange juice and a house-made cinnamon syrup that’s also featured in drinks at Que Onda.

  • The Bubbly sangria ($10 glass, $36 pitcher), crafted with Brut Cava, white wine and Licor Cuarenta y Tres.

The Bubbly, La Rosalia and the Red from Catalú.
The Bubbly, La Rosalia and the Red from Catalú.

The space: Touches of Spain dot the space everywhere you turn, from the map of Barcelona in the waiting area to the Picasso-inspired art hanging on the walls.

Ceiling-high bookshelves are stacked with Spanish cookbooks, glassware and other home goods. There are also decorative rabbits peeking out here and there — they’re a prominent symbol of good luck in Barcelona, Flores said.

The dining room at Catalú.
The dining room at Catalú.

The atmosphere: You’ll be able to put in an order at the counter while you wait for a table, just as you would in Spain, where everyone stands to eat their tapas.

There’s also a small spot near the bar where you’ll see flamenco dancers monthly at first, then weekly. You can join in to dance nearby with your drink, immersing yourself in the Spanish experience.

A small stage at Catalú near the bar will feature flamenco dancing monthly, growing eventually to a weekly feature.
A small stage at Catalú near the bar will feature flamenco dancing monthly, growing eventually to a weekly feature.

Look for brunch offerings to begin after Mother’s Day, and lunch service to start in June.

Plans to expand Catalú to other cities in the Carolinas are also in the works, with an eye on cities including Raleigh, Asheville, Charleston and Greenville.

Catalú is located at 135 New Bern St., Retail A., in South End.
Catalú is located at 135 New Bern St., Retail A., in South End.

Catalú

Location: 135 New Bern Street Retail A, Charlotte, NC 28209

Cuisine: Catalonian, Spanish

Instagram: @eatcatalu



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