Tria Terra

From tapas to Italian to Low Country, then back to tapas, and, yes, even a steak house, these are the top new places to eat

Written by Jon Luther and Richard Thurmond
Photographs by Chris Edwards

 
Tria Terra
7707 Pineville-Matthews Road,
704-541-2924

The tapas att tiny Tria Terra are outstanding. (Chris Edwards)

Owners Patricio Campoverde and Esteban Vintimilla have transformed this former Moe's burrito joint into a sixty-seater that swings and surprises. Ecuadoran by birth and New York City-bred, Campoverde's stint in Spain shows that he was indeed a good pupil, as the tapas is superb. Try the classic patatas bravas, waxy yellow potatoes with garlic and paprika. Or the sublime pimentos rellenos con queso de cabra, a ripe roasted whole red pepper stuffed with goat cheese. Also fantastic is the selection of paella, perfect for two or more (and Tria Terra is most fun with a group). Pair it with a wineskin-worthy Rioja, and you are Hemingway, about to be gored by bulls.

All in the Family
Campoverde and Vintimilla are brothers-in-law.

Cross-Town Ties
Sister restaurant is Fiamma, in Dilworth.

Get This
Gambas al ajillo—wild shrimp with white wine and garlic.

Tough to Shake
It's next to a Chuck E. Cheese.