I went with a group of 4 others for brunch on Sunday to take advantage of the dollar mimosas. It was busy, and we got lucky we were seated without a reservation, so keep that in mind. I can't speak to the quality of the main drinks, since we stuck to the mimosas. They were alright, but anything that's actually a buck nowadays is getting 5 stars from me unless it's downright bad. These weren't bad, and they offered multiple juice options to mix it up. The food is fantastic. Between the flavor and presentation, you can tell they take pride in what they're serving. The server was very friendly and the place is nice and clean. We'll be back. read more

Catalú - The Rabo Hash - Spanish Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Two visits in, and Catalú has definitely earned a spot in my South End rotation. My first time was for a full dinner spread across the tapas menu, kicking off with the Chef's Board. The Serrano, chorizo, and Manchego paired with tart green apple and membrillo was an easy favorite. Most recently, I stopped in on a Wednesday night just to grab a drink and a bite at the bar. For a random weeknight, the vibe was surprisingly lively--packed room, energetic buzz through the open garage doors, and the bartender never missed a beat. A few standouts: - Espresso 43 ($15): Genuinely one of my favorite espresso martinis in Charlotte. The Licor 43 gives it a velvety, subtly sweet finish that plays off the roasted coffee without tasting like straight syrup. The star anise garnish on top was a nice touch. - Red Sangria ($9): Dangerously drinkable, well-spiced, and not overloaded with sugar. - Ceviche ($16): Super bright and refreshing leche de tigre, balanced out with those crispy, delicate sweet potato chips. Whether you're settling in for a long tapas dinner or just dropping by for a mid-week nightcap, it hits every time! read more

See all

I highly recommend!! I can't wait to return with the girls!!! $1 mimosas on Sunday?! Yes, please! O'neil was my server and he was attentive and gave great suggestions for the menu, provided excellent service!! The ambiance was clean and great for photo opps. I can't wait to return to try some more menu items. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did. read more

See all

I went a couple of Sundays ago for the $1 mimosas and was really excited about that, but overall, the experience wasn't the best. I should've gotten the waitress's name, but the service just wasn't great. I'm not sure if she was having an off day or if that's just her personality, so I don't want to judge her too harshly. However, she seemed uninterested and had very little energy or personality when interacting with us. She was also very monotone. Again, these are minor observations, but they did affect the overall experience. The biggest issue was how slow the drink service was. I understand that the mimosas are only $1, but I was there for about two hours and only had three. At one point, I had to flag down what I believe was a manager because we had been waiting so long for another mimosa. The food was okay. One thing to note is that they do brunch all day on Sunday so you're aware. The other issue was the parking. I was told they validate parking but what wasn't communicated is that if you stay past a certain amount of time, I believe around two hours or more? You have to pay an additional fee. That's something that should be communicated upfront. I actually had to walk up and ask the waitress if they validated parking (because she was no where to be found). If I had already been there long enough to potentially be charged, that would've been helpful information to know before getting to the parking gate and having the parking attendant tell me. Overall, I'm not sure if I'll be back. The $1 mimosas were a great deal, but the service and lack of communication took away from the experience. read more

Catalú - Spanish Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

My wife picked this restaurant for her birthday dinner this year and it didn't disappoint. The drinks and food were amazing. The waitress was strange but other than that it was a perfect night. We don't know what was going on with her but we witnessed the whole spectrum of emotions she was happy sad annoyed angry laughing. It was wild but the food kept us happy and something to talk about. The open kitchen and atmosphere was amazing. read more

See all

Haven't had a good brunch in a while! I love their decor it's giving greenery in a book store! Very aesthetically pleasing! Our service was pretty good and the food was delicious! I ordered the shrimp and grits. It was a small portion but it was good. Their Brussel sprouts are good too just small sizes. read more

See all

5/5 meal no complaints! The food was absolutely delicious and I will 100% be returning! The brunch paella was so DELICIOUS! just bursting with flavors. The avocado toast from here may be the first avocado toast i've ever liked in my life! read more

See all

Haven't been here in a while, but it seems it's still hoping our server Kelsey super pleasant, efficient and on her game! For starters ordered the gambas and pulpo, they didn't last long...they were amazingly tasty and delicious the vibe is great the food is still amazing! read more

See all

We visited during Restaurant Week, where the special was three tapas plates for $35, with everyone at the table required to participate. We were excited to try a new spot, but unfortunately left disappointed. The biggest issue was the service. Our waitress explained that everyone would have at least one dish in front of them at all times, but that's not how the meal played out. The tapas came out very sporadically--one person would receive a plate, then another wouldn't get theirs until 15 minutes later. We weren't in a rush, so it wasn't a huge deal at first, but the final dish didn't arrive until long after everyone else had finished eating because it had been forgotten and never put into the order. As for the food, it was okay but nothing memorable. We didn't have anything that made us want to come back. One positive is that they validate parking in the nearby garage (second level), and there is street parking available if you're lucky enough to find a spot. Overall, we were excited to give this restaurant a try, but between the inconsistent service and average food, it wasn't an experience we'd return for. read more

Here is the updated review draft tailored for your takeout experience: ------------------------------ 5/5 Stars We did takeout from here and the food was absolutely spectacular! Even as a carry-out order, the quality was phenomenal. You cannot leave without ordering the octopus, the empanadas, and the ceviche--everything was perfectly prepared, packed with fresh flavor, and traveled incredibly well. The packaging was neat, the order was ready on time, and it brought the amazing flavors of the restaurant right to our table at home. Highly recommend! ------------------------------ Would you like to add any details about the ordering process or how long it took to pick up before you post this to Google Maps or Yelp? read more

Five star service at the bar with Mia. Great light airy ambiance with lots of natural light. Now for the best part of our first experience at Catalu. Tapas arrive quickly and they passed the test with flavorful calamar, charred broccolini, and paella for two! Pro-Tip Arrive between 4-6pm to experience half off tapas! One request from owners...larger portions on the calamari read more

See all

(From November 2025) In the mood for spanish/tapas-style eats, OpenTable brought us here. My Dad never had tapas-style dishes so this was a first for him. We got a table here on a Saturday evening in early November and had high expectations based on the ratings. The experience was fine but there was more to be desired. Our server Joseph was very attentive and made sure our waters were filled and gave excellent descriptions of the dishes along with a nice wine pairing for me. Starting with the marinara charcuterie, the spread looked appetizing although we were surprised the spanish tuna was served in a canister. Upon eating it, it wasn't anything to write home about although we liked the mushrooms that came with it. We also had the pan con tomate which is basically rustic bread with a tomato spread and olive oil and we added the ham (jamon) to it. Taste wise, it was alright; we felt it lacked some seasoning and the presentation was kind of plain. Other dishes we ordered were the broccolini, the beef empanadas, and the grilled steak. Those dishes were excellent and we should've ordered more of those. The broccolini had a nice char, the empanadas were flaky, and the steak was tender. The food menu is more condensed compared to other Tapas places I've been to. You'll get your traditional spanish eats such as the patatas bravas, abondigas, the pulpo a la gallega (octopus) and of course the paella. The menus have more focus on alcoholic beverages with a lot of wine options, cocktails, and sangrias. The sangria flight seems popular here and I probably should've gone with that instead of my glass of Bodgeas Rivera Tempranillo. But I enjoyed the wine as it paired well with most of the dishes. While there are plenty of other options in Charlotte, this spot is a favorite amongst Charlatans for Spanish/European eats. I wouldn't mind coming back next time I'm in Charlotte to try other dishes here and that Sangria flight. read more

See all

I've been wanting to check out Catalu for a while! I love Que Hospitality so much and this new concept did NOT disappoint. A fellow Yelp Elite went with me to indulge in a Saturday brunch!! We had a great time, helpful staff and fast service!! We made a reservation for 12pm and shockingly it wasn't busy at all. We started our meal with a sangria flight and the build your own mimosa with passionfruit juice. DELISH!!! We also loved that they didn't change the space too much. This is the same space as Eight and Sand, which we also really enjoyed. So, it was nice to see it looked pretty similar with the same kind of vibes, plants and all!! We order a few tapas: brussels, shrimp & grits, ceviche and empanadas. Wow, ALL of these were sooooo soooooo good!!!!! It was hard to save room for the main entree which was also incredible! We both ordered the braised beef cheeks and really enjoyed it. I literally didn't eat again that day, I was full all day lol. This was such a great brunch for me!!! I will be back again and again!! They also validate parking in the garage attached so parking was a breeze. Definitely recommend this spot!! read more

See all

Love this spot for brunch. The shrimp & grits are the bomb! Perfectly cooked grits & deliciously seasoned shrimp and gravy. The empanadas & meatballs are pretty good as well. Been here a couple times for brunch & each time the service as well as food was on point. The live plants decor is a dope touch & the bathrooms are kept clean which is a major plus for me. read more

See all

We came as a group of 9. Most of the menu is tapas. There are maybe 5 other full entrees to select from so not a large choice if you want your own meal. We ordered brussel sprouts as an appetizer and it came with the entrees we ordered. They were good. The charcuterie was also good. 2 of us ordered the paella for 2, and the waiter warned us it would take 1/2 hr to cook it so we needed to order right away, so we did. The paella was not edible. The rice was not cooked all the way and even the shrimp was raw in the middle. Both of us that ordered the paella for 2 asked for a box immediately so that we could take it home and cook it the rest of the way. We did mention it to the manager and he gave us some BS about it's supposed to be that way. The other person had been to Spain and I've had decent paella elsewhere and we both told him that's not true. He did take it off our bills. We then ordered the cheesecake. It was good. However, in addition to the raw and inedible food, the most disappointing thing we discovered is that they did not have a women's restroom. There were 2 nasty mixed use restrooms as if we were at a gas station in the middle of nowhere instead of a restaurant. Women deserve their own space and this lack of accommodation will prevent us from returning. Finally, they validate parking for 2 hours. They took so long to serve us, we ended up having to pay $10 in the attached parking garage. This was a horrible experience. We absolutely will not return. read more

See all

TLDR- would happily return with friends for the variety of dishes and the ability to split the cost (so it feels more worth it) but I would consider other restaurants before choosing this place first. Ambiance- upscale rustic yet modern style restaurant with dim lighting to create a relaxed and cozy dinner vibe. Perfect place for a big group of friends to share a bunch of plates. And bonus points for having plenty of explicitly marked gluten free items, particularly as someone with multiple friends with celiac. Service- server was attentive, timely, and very kind. Food- I went with a large group and we ordered many plates to share. But here's a quick rundown on the dishes I order again and what I'd pass. With 8 people, we all paid about $40 per person in total. Also note that not everything we ordered is discussed or photographed in my review. Order again- the paella, we ordered the Catalu with sirloin and the arroz negro with the squid ink rice and both were very delicious and they come with a generous portion. The proteins were cooked very well within both. The rice on the bottom has a nice crisp and it's clear by the flavor within that it took a long time to make (order this first upon arrival, it will take a long time to prepare!). Would consider ordering again- The spiced meatballs, patatas bravas, calamari, and grilled octopus were all good but nothing super memorable. All of these tasted great- don't get me wrong. but none of these dishes feel unique or special. For this price point and location, that is an important factor to consider. I think Yunta had better versions of the ceviche and the patatas bravas, and the grilled octopus. Pass on the grilled olives- small portion, nothing special, not worth it for the price in my opinion. read more

Great Spanish tapas restaurant in South End. The place is really pretty. I love all the decorations and Spanish art. Service was great! Our server was very helpful and friendly. My family ordered tapas to share and then we all shared a paella after. The tapas were all very tasty. The croquetas were creamy and flavorful. The beef empanadas were also good. They had a lot of shredded beef! We also tried patatas bravas, which had a nice spice to them. And the albondigas were also tasty, but not my favorite. We then had the catalu paella which had steak and chorizo in it. The steak was perfectly cooked with a nice char flavor. The paella itself was fine but I did love the chorizo. Overall, I had a nice experience at this restauant! read more

See all

I booked a table for 6 during their New Years Eve dinner special, which included welcome drinks, a midway champagne toast, and unlimited tapas for 2 hours. I thought this was a good deal considering all the various dishes we got to try while we were there! For drinks, I ordered the Devils Playground (spiced pear gin & tonic) it was light & refreshing. The espresso martini was a popular choice at our table as well. My favorites tapas included the braised beef empanadas and oxtail with mashed potatoes. Both were so tender and well seasoned. The paella was amazing, each couple split a plate. Though it's not my favorite, our table raved about the beet salad with goat cheese & pistachios. We also tried the spiced meat balls, brussel sprouts, and the fried calamari. Nothing stayed on the plate long enough for a picture. For dessert, we split the churros with chocolate sauce and the banana split with pistachio ice cream - the latter being the winner with its unique flavor profile. We would definitely try Catalú again! read more

See all

We usually have our son choose restaurants and he chose this outstanding restaurant. We made reservations just in case it was busy. We able to be seated earlier than requested once we arrived. The atmosphere and ambiance is great for intimate settings or groups. They have a rather large drink menu compared to the food. This is a tapas style restaurant. We ordered several items from the menu. See the pics please. The main reason our son chose this restaurant was the paella. Our server was very good and not overly attentive. It was a great balance. He ensured our food was delivered promptly and he always kept our waters full. Every dish was prepared and presented well. The flavors of every plate were complex and robust. Not over powering, but balanced. The price was fine for the dining experience, the vibe, service, quality, and quantity. We would definitely dine here again. Highly recommend giving Catalú a try. read more

See all

Went here for the first time during Charlotte restaurant week. Waitress was super nice and majority of the tapas were great. Not sure if o would come back for the restaurant week special specifically - it isn't much savings unless you get all the more expensive protein tapas for the 3 for $35 deal. I would just get whatever tapas I wanted and shared! Also the grilled steak tapa was really really bad and the reason for my 4 stars - the meat was grey, really chewy and tasted like it was bad. Really disappointed because we actually got two of them since it was more expensive for the 3 for $35 deal and we couldn't even eat it. Other than that I would go back and try other items! The empanadas, sliders and patatas bravas were excellent read more

Me and a friend dined here during a locally sponsored event and it did not disappoint. Upon walking in, the decor is eye catching, feeling both luxurious and quaint. You could tell they were very busy, so it took a while for a host to come and seat us. Once seated, it then took a while for a server to come to the table. Natalee eventually dropped by with some water, and admittedly let us know they were short staffed for the night. However, after she greeted us, her service remained attentive throughout the course of our meal. Now for the food, everything came out quickly, but one by one as it was ready. The roasted beets came first, which I expected because it was the only item we ordered that didn't need to be cooked. The pistachio butter and goat cheese really complemented each other well. Then came the empanadas and croquetas. Both came out piping hot, so we had to let them sit before trying. The stuffing inside of the empanada was very flavorful, and the croquetas are some of the best I've had in the city. Lastly, the calamari, shrimp, and mussels came in succession. The aioli served with the calamari was delicious and the breading was perfect. My friend ordered the shrimp and mussels, which I didn't try, but both were sizzling upon arrival and she thought they tasted great. Our drinks came in between the food items and while they were good, my friend had to send hers back due to the lack of juniper berry. When Natalee returned with the corrected drink, my friend was able to taste the difference immediately and finally enjoy it. As for my drink, I'm not big on dry red wine, but with the added components, I could barely taste it. We both thoroughly enjoyed everything we ordered and we will be back! Additionally, this restaurant does validate parking if you park in the attached garage on the side with the ticketed entry. If you use the QR code to prepay, they will not be able to refund what you spent, so be wary. read more

See all

Catalú is a true Charlotte gem! We started with the beet salad and piquillos peppers--both fresh, flavorful, and beautifully done. Then came the stars of the night: the Valenciana paella with tender chicken and rabbit, and the Arroz Negro del Mar loaded with fresh seafood and that rich, savory squid ink flavor. Both were absolutely outstanding! The oxtail was another highlight--melt-in-your-mouth tender with incredible depth of flavor. And for dessert? The Basque cheesecake was creamy and perfectly caramelized, while the churros were crisp, warm, and impossible to stop eating. Great service, cozy atmosphere, and dishes that transport you straight to Spain--Catalú is a must-try for any foodie in Charlotte! read more

See all

Menu...check. Food...check. Experience...check. We came on a Sat night around 6:30 and were seated immediately. They have a large outdoor patio, hightops, bar seating and traditional table. Lots of seating options. The atmosphere is very attractive or upscale, yet still casual and inviting. Beer menu was lacking local IPA's. This was a little disappointing. We spent some time looking over the menu as there were lots of attractive options. We started with the Beet Salad ($10) and it was really good! My bride ordered the Ceviche ($15) and Canelones ($12) and she cleaned her plates :) I went with the Gambas Al Ajillo ($13) and Piquillo Peppers ($11) and enjoyed them both....would order them again! Service from Alejo was great. I don't find many places like this in South End or Charlotte really....we will certainly come back again! read more

See all

Catalú has taken several pages from the modern "let's meat and maybe eat just a little" social scene. Modern high ceilings keep the sound level high and white/black modernist decor gives the impression that patrons are more intent on talking than taking the time for serious eats. That said, the bar side seating is less noisy so pull up a table. The menu is smallish for tapas but that doesn't mean the kitchen is trying too hard. We had empanadas; good flavor but there was little sauce for the beef filling and the pastry was grey instead of golden. Shrimp are served in a red hot earthenware bowl with 6 simmering in an hot oil-heavy broth. The oil was spicy and surprisingly better with the big crusty bread hunk served alongside. Shrimp were a bit mealy and were likely thawed. Stuffed red peppers were very good with plenty of cheese filling and a tangy balsamic glaze. Drinks are fast from the nearby bar and there are occasional $1 mojitos that bring in nearby Southenders. Service is pleasant and fast; parking is in the adjacent deck across from the bank. We'll return to try some different things next time to see if the kitchen is upping their game and to try the paella, which takes time to make right and the menu reflects that 30-45 minute wait for that signature dish. read more

This summer was the first time I had Paella. This summer Spain won the World Cup. Just saying. This place is amazing. Great staff! Great atmosphere! Great place to meet friends over dinner and the patella was top knotch read more

See all

We decided to try Catalu based on the great reviews but the experience was overall underwhelming. Nothing was terrible but nothing was amazing. We had reservations for 4 for 5:30. The restaurant was basically empty when we arrived and they said they had us at a high top if that was OK. As the restaurant was basically empty I said we preferred not. The manager at the front then took several minutes not saying anything to find us a table. It was long enough that other people came in and then went up and around us to be seated because nothing was happening. Finally we were seated. Service started out good, sangria samples were not great so we didn't order. We started with empanadas and brussel sprouts. The brussel sprouts were warmish but not hot but otherwise good. Empanadas were okay but not a lot of flavor. Meatballs were also warm but not hot. The restaurant got busy and service slowed down considerably. I wouldn't recommend or go back. It's okay but not great. read more

See all

Great happy hour, go on Tuesdays for half off cocktails too! The atmosphere here is one of my favorite. Decorated so clean and new. Our server was very attentive and pleasant. We will definitely be back! read more

See all

Charlotte's most slept on...by a mile. I don't know how to feel. On one hand I was absolutely thrilled to have experienced this place for the first time. On the other hand, how did I not know this place existed. I'm looking at you Axios/Charlotte foodie influencers (also side eyeing Yelp top restaurant list). Okay about Catalú Exceptional customer service. The food is delectable, but I was thoroughly impressed by the staff. Olivia and Joseph made my visit so comfortable. Olivia was incredibly attentive, and knowledgeable. And Joseph would appear, addressing any issue I had. But also immediately applying some sort of solution/remedy. The mimosa wasn't hiting that day. Joseph immediately was aware of the issue, and swept the drinks away. He inquired about anything else we were interested in, and insisted he'd make it right. Easily a 10/10 customer service experience. Now the food I decided on the Torrija French Toast, and Rabo de Toro hash. Both were delicious, and were a perfect salty/sweet combo. The oxtail were plentiful and tender. The eggs were cooked perfectly on top of these savory chunks of potato. The french toast was different from any I've had. It was "Spanish style" so the toast was baked in, with a guava filling. The cream cheese melting in your mouth, with the crunch of the pistachio dust layer on top is next level. Pro tip: Park on the street if you don't live in South End and can't walk over. The deck closes to the the restaurant charges 11.00 an hour. read more

See all

I've been to Catalú a few times in the past, but only for dinner. I love the red sangria there! This time was different in a few ways. I went on a walk with my partner on Sunday morning to grab brunch. It was sunny and beautiful outside, but our hearts were heavy with the loss of our sweet Shih Tzu, Harpo, the night before. I couldn't keep the tears away no matter how hard I tried, and entered the restaurant with Kim Kardashian-level cry face. The hostess and the restaurant director, Alex, immediately empathized with us and shared stories of their own furry friends. I was definitely interested in the $1 mimosas they have on Sundays and Alex made sure we had one in our hands before we had the chance to review the menu. As a starter, we ordered las croquetas-- great flavor and creamy on the inside. We ordered the steak & eggs and the Spanish omelette. Both were delicious! I can always count on Catalú to serve some delicious potatoes. The sauce had a little bit of spice, but nothing too crazy for me. The team went out of their way with their generosity and gifted us the French toast, banana split, and a celebration toast for our sweet boy. The banana split was my favorite! I loved the ice cream and the crispy, brûléed bananas were amazing. Everyone showed us so much kindness and warmth during such a sad day. I really felt like our decision to stop in that morning was the universe reminding us that there is so much compassion and love in the world to go around-- even without our sweet boy beside us. Thank you so much to the entire Catalú team for making us feel loved and seen. I really cannot thank you all enough. read more

See all

It's been a while since I've been to Catalu but when they announced a new brunch menu with $1 mimosas to kick it off we had to go. Still delicious and the vibes are still high. The DJ could've been a little less loud but it was still fun. We had the chicken and waffles and breakfast club. The waffle was perfectly done and chicken crispy. The bread on the club was like something I've never had. So impressed with the new menu. read more

See all

Visited for brunch at 12. Make reservations as they kept tables full during our time. They also had a dj bringing a great vibe. They had a $1 mimosa special and they were legit regular $3. We tried the hash 4.3/5, bravas potatoes 5/5, chicken and waffles 4.3/5. EVERYTHING has flavor! The hash I wish had more potatoes. The chicken was so juicy and crunchy and the waffle was sweet but more dense than I would prefer but still very solid. The service was great thanks to Mario! Also had a classic mojito which very good ! Def recommend. read more

See all

Visiting Charlotte and stopped in this place. Great flavorful food and super friendly and attentive staff. It's a great space and decor. Had the pulpo, broccolini and albondigas and all 3 were tasty. read more

Catalú - Spanish Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Yeah sorry. Not really buying it. It has the look of a really great place, I'll give it that. Nice vibe. And our server was perfect. And everything we got had the LOOK of tasting great, and I'd agree plating is a big deal, but they went to all this trouble to make everything look great, but the taste is unfortunately so very ordinary. In the shrimp dish someone had gone to trouble to slice garlic beautifully thin in the oil (almost see through) like in the movie Goodfellas. And there was a chili in it and all this lovely stuff, but none of that works if it all tastes like a handful of salt. Also the grilled bread wasn't really grilled - it was still cold - it was just rubbed on the grill so it had some of the dirt marks to make it look like "grilled bread". Not a big deal, I guess. Patatas Bravas was a mix of some potatoes fried heavily about 2 hours ago and left under lights, and some fresher potatoes barely cooked, but all combined together and smothered in salt again. There was a ceviche dish, but it was literally one part fish to 6 parts sweet potato. With sweet potato crisps too - they were beautiful to look at, but enough with the sweet potato already. I get it - it looks generous because sweet potato is cheap. But the whole taste profile - well, it's not ceviche, it's sweet potato. If I want a sweet potato appetiser I wouldn't order ceviche, you know? And I'd expect the fish to be the star of a "ceviche" show, not a root veg. Pan con tomate was made well in advance and sat - the bottom crisp on the toast was great, but the top was super soggy from an hour or two of tomato on it. Yeah I'm sorry, this is just not thought out. Cafeteria style with a bit of strategic fancy-looking plating. And at this price tag - nah. There's so much better food in Charlotte. I'll give you two for the server - he was lovely. read more

We got on late Friday night after 10 pm and thankfully they were able to still serve food We the bravas , gambas among other items . And glad to have my Estrella damn the one I miss from Barcelona . The servers were super nice and even gave us some tips on falls to Visit on our trip thru the Smokey mountains read more

Catalú - Spanish Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

It was okay. This is the old Eight & Sand space. They didn't do much to change the space. So if you think that is what it is that's what it is. Garlic shrimp not as garlicky as we'd have liked. There wasn't that much flavor for having f garlic and a dusting of chili powder. The shrimp were tasty on their own. Also had the seafood paella - absolutely no flavor and the rice was crunchy. Not sure where the aioli was but it certainly did not add any flavor. Once the mussels and shrimp were tackled, it was difficult to find those calamari. Olive oil cake may be traditional but it's olive oil. If you love olive oil, you'll enjoy this cake. If you don't and are expecting chocolate- don't do it. The service was okay. Not outstanding, not bad just meh. We'd try again different dishes. read more

See all

I've been wanting to try this spot out since it opened. My boyfriend and I went this past weekend for his birthday. The service was great. Our server was very attentive, recommended great items, and was very friendly. He event surprised us with free dessert for his birthday. I love tapas - style restaurants, because it gives you a chance to try a variety of different items. I highly recommend the piquillo peppers, the potatoes bravas, and the oxtail. It was all SO delicious. The bread with the manchego and tomate at the beginning was also a good place to start. The espresso martini was also a hit! We went with the steak paella for our main dish that we ordered right when we sat down since it can take up to 45 min to make. Ours came out pretty quick though, probably only 20 min or so. I did not like the smokiness flavor of this dish, however, I think I'm just not used to paella style cooking. Everything else was great. Will definitely be back to try other dishes soon! read more

See all

I had a wonderful experience eating here with friends. I went on a Sunday for the $1 mimosas. The service was amazing. The ambiance was so refreshing. The food was good, I would have wanted a bit more flavor. The vibe was there so I will definitely be back. read more

Solid restaurant. We ate too much. I love the price compared to the value. All the dishes were the right size and flavorful. While it's not a buffet, I love buffets bc you can try a lot of different foods in case something isn't good. Well i bought like 9 different things and not a single one missed. Service was prompt and upscale so overall great vibe. read more

Dishes we got that we loved: beef cheek, calamari and Brussels sprouts were excellent! What we did not love was the Negro (squid ink) Paella for two. It was supposed to come with head on shrimp and octopus. It had only 4-5 regular small shrimp and about 4 tiny tentacles, with some small chopped octopus in the center. Which was a let down for $32 price point. It was also almost too salty to eat. Our server was GREAT, and multiple people were running plates out to our table. Service was spot on. Will we be back? Absolutely. But won't order the Paellas again. That's sad, because it's hard to find good Spanish food in Charlotte. FYI they have 1/2 off tapas during happy hour, think it was 4-6pm. And the have a nice outdoor seating area that is covered. read more

The BEST tapas!! While I enjoy the location/atmosphere of a nearby tapas spot slightly more, I found the menu options at Catalú superior. There were so many vegetarian options and each one I tried was fabulous (no misses!). The presentation of my cocktail was beautiful (frozen ice in the rose) and the flavors were great. The restaurant is eclectic and a bit moody at nighttime which I enjoy. Service was average/satisfactory. Normally they validate parking at the nearby garage, but it happened to be out of service this night which was a bummer. Planning to come back soon though, especially for the stuffed peppers! read more

See all