Sonrisa burst onto the Leicester food scene in 2021, bringing a touch of Argentina to the city centre.
A popular spot in town, Sonrisa offers a small plates menu throughout the daytime an evening, as well as a lovely cocktail menu and carefully put together wine list.
We caught up with the General Manager, Tom, for our latest BID Spotlight feature.
How would you describe Sonrisa to someone who hasn’t visited yet?
Sonrisa brings the soul of Buenos Aires to the heart of Leicester. We aim to give an outstanding experience to every guest that walks through our doors, ensuring they leave with a Sonrisa (smile) on their faces. We have sensational food, beautiful surroundings and service that is second to none.
Steaks, wine and small plate (platitos) offer something for everyone. The atmosphere is electric during the weekends, while intimate and cosy during the week. Insta-gramable presented food and drinks which are as good as they look.
If someone was visiting for the first time what should they order from the menu?
We have something for everyone and help each guest have a unique and taylored experience. Our open kitchen and charcoal oven enables our highly skilled kitchen team make the best of our first class produce. The steaks are phenomenal.
As GM my personal favourite small plate is our empanadas, there is so much flavour from every mouthful. I cannot get enough of them. We have an amazing cocktail selection, where guests can also choose from the classic cocktails they know and love.
What is the inspiration behind Sonrisa?
Buenos Aires is alive with a passion for food, wine and company. We bring this to Leicester with our love for every dish or drink that we serve and every guest that we welcome to us. The Lasan Group has a 20-year-history of bringing outstanding experiences to its guests. Through Sonrisa we bring this first class quality to Leicester with happiness, energy and all day grazing.
You have a great cocktail menu, which are some of your favourites?
Our Mendoza Surprise smokes away in a mix of amaretto, pineapple, lime and passionfruit liqueur. While our White Chocolate Espresso Martini combines vodka, Baileys and freshly ground espresso to create the sweetest end to an evening in Argentina.
For those who are wine drinkers, which wines pair best with your Argentian steak?
We recommend our Argentinean Malbecs. These vary from our Wine Makers Reserve, which is medium bodied with fruity flavours and hints coffee and chocolate. This compliments our charcoal cooked steaks magnificently.
If guests want a more full bodied wine our Finca La Colonia Malbec has ripe red fruits, black pepper and cassis.
Our exquisite blended Malbec from Lote Negro is my personal favourite. It offers multiple layers of flavour, a great structure and a touch of finesse.
What sets Sonrisa apart from other restaurants in the city?
We offer a gift to the senses. Our restaurant is beautifully designed complimenting the original shapes of the building.Our service is attentive and yet not intrusive, ensuring guests feel relaxed and looked after. But it’s in our food and drink that we take most pride. We take guests across the ocean with warm flavours and deep aromas that Buenos Aires has in its soul. Nowhere comes close.
Where can people find out more and book?
Bookings can be made online at Sonrisa.uk (this is strongly advised, especially at weekends) but we can be contacted by phone as well, where one of our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Alternitavely, pop in for a quick drink or bite to eat at lunchtime to try for yourself. Be a part of the outstanding reviews and see why we are well on our way to becoming the hottest spot to eat and drink in Leicester.
Sonrisa is located at 4 St Martin’s.
Our BID Spotlight features are brought to you in collaboration with BID Leicester.
