Bonita Latin Fusion: A Celebration of Culture and Cuisine

The vision behind Pier 33’s newest restaurant celebrates not only Latin flavors but also the beauty of life and culture, embodied in the restaurant’s motto “La vida es bonita” or “Life is beautiful.”

Bonita’s creation is rooted in friendship and a desire for a new approach to familiar Latin dishes. Co-owner Jennifer Rigard, who is originally from Colombia, founded Freshco Marketing, a boutique agency that specializes in restaurant marketing.

It was through her work with restaurateur Antonio Ayala, that Rigard found inspiration and the desire to take on restaurant ownership.  Ayala established numerous successful Mexican restaurants in Charleston, South Carolina, including traditional Mexican restaurants and several upscale concepts focused on fresh, modern dishes and lively ambiance.

Rigard was inspired by Ayala’s willingness to take risks and push the boundaries of traditional Mexican dining. When she discovered the space at Pier 33, she was eager to show it to Ayala. She felt that with his support, they could transform the space into a beautiful restaurant celebrating Latin fusion cuisine.

As Rigard expected, Ayala was on board right away. Along with his wife Yesenia Leon, they began building the new concept, which would take over two years to come to fruition. Tragically, Ayala passed away shortly before the restaurant was completed yet it carries forward the shared dream that he, Rigard and Leon envisioned.

“We wanted to create a space that celebrates the vibrancy of Latin culture,” Rigard said, explaining the colorful and lush design elements she selected.

The interior features a blend of greenery, colorful murals and golden accents, paying homage to Latin America’s rich history where gold played a central role. It’s a reflection of the region’s natural beauty and indigenous heritage.

The murals by Mexican artist Senkoe are a centerpiece with vivid interpretations of Colombian author Gabriel García Márquez’s “100 Years of Solitude,” including depictions of golden butterflies, hummingbirds and orchids, which each hold meaning in Colombian culture.

“We picked the name Bonita because it’s feminine, which is a departure from the traditionally masculine-centered names of many Mexican restaurants,” Rigard said. “We wanted something that reflected both the beauty of life and the strength of women.”

The restaurant’s menu is a celebration of flavors from across Latin America and many of the dishes offer a fresh new take on traditional preparations. From Colombian arepas and tostones to Peruvian ceviche and even sushi — a nod to the influence of Japanese immigrants on Peruvian cuisine — Bonita offers a mix of familiar and adventurous dishes.

“We wanted to blend the traditional with the modern,” Rigard explained. “There’s a new wave of fusion concepts emerging, and we wanted to bring that trend here. Our food is creative but still approachable — everyone will find something they love.”

Cocktail lovers will also have plenty to explore. Bonita’s drink menu is packed with flavors from throughout Latin America, including a wide range of tequilas, rum from Cuba and Venezuela, Columbia’s national spirit Aguardiente and Pisco from Peru, which is used to make Pisco sour, a popular Peruvian cocktail. There are several varieties of frozen margaritas and mimosas, both of which can be sampled in flights, as well as several Latin beers on the menu.

The green-tiled, double-sided bar is a focal point of the restaurant which looks out over the marina and offers both indoor and outdoor seating with large garage doors that can be open during nice weather.

It’s the hope of Rigard and Leon that Bonita will be a space where guests can celebrate life, culture and good times with loved ones – a restaurant that guests long to return to, not only for the food and drinks but for the uplifting experience of celebrating the good things in life.

Bonita, located at 5 Brunswick St., is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.