Miami’s highly regarded culinary scene is one of the nation’s most dynamic and impressive. And while the suburb of Doral is not at the center of Miami’s gastronomic buzz, it is home to a couple of South Florida’s hottest restaurants. Here is a list of some of Doral’s most celebrated restaurants, old and new.
Amaize
This Venezuelan restaurant is fast, friendly, and affordable. Amaize’s menu is dominated by open-face arepas and cachapas, known for their crispy corn bread bases. Choose from several tried-and-true combinations, or create your own based on your tastes.
Dragonfly Izakaya & Fish Market
A Florida sensation, Dragonfly Izakaya opened its first South Florida location in Doral nearly two years ago. The extensive menu features several noodle dishes, a la carte sushi, and other fresh seafood offerings. The space also houses a fish market selling whole steamed lobster, Alaskan king crab, and grab-and-go dishes you can enjoy anywhere. Prices are on the steep side, but Dragonfly’s food quality and presentation are superb.
Divino Ceviche
This popular Doral restaurant is the place to go for ceviche and Peruvian tapas. Run by brothers Christian and Frank Encalada, Divino Ceviche also serves soups, flavorful quinoa salads, and chaufa (Chinese-Peruvian) dishes. On the beverage front, bartenders shake up Lima-inspired cocktails and dole out chilled Peruvian beers.
La Coriana
Another popular Venezuelan joint, La Coriana serves mouthwatering arepas and capachas. But patacon, a crispy fried plantain stuffed with beef, cabbage, melted cheese, and a garlicky sauce, is the true specialty item here. The dish originates from northwest Venezuela.
Los Bobos Cafeteria
This family-run Cuban joint’s satiating sandwiches have satisfied stomachs in Doral for decades. Medianoches and pan con tortilla are especially hot items. Los Bobos is a breakfast and-lunch eatery that closes at 3pm on weekdays and 2pm on Saturdays, and is closed on Sundays.
Maido Japanese
Hiroshi Horai of Coral Gables’ Su-Shin Izakaya fame is the mastermind behind this Doral restaurant. You can drop in any time for a range of internationally-popular cuisine, including dumplings, ramen, and sushi. But to enjoy the sought-after experience this place was designed to deliver, make a reservation a few days in advance. Tell the host you’d like the kaiseki menu, a seasonal multi-course meal you cannot find just anywhere.
MIA Brewing
MIA Brewing does not have much competition in Doral. But even if it did, it would probably be doing just fine. MIA brews more than 20 craft beers to accommodate a range of palates. They’ve got a bock, a German wheat, and a few IPAs. The brew house also has a diverse food menu featuring dozens of small bites and dishes, including conch fritters and short rib mac ‘n’ cheese.
Patagonia Nahuen
This Doral restaurant serves Argentine sandwiches, sausages, empanadas, and pastries. Nahuen doubles as a specialty foods market where you can find chimichurri seasoning, dulce de leche, and other South American staples.
Pepito’s Plaza
Bolstered by an approving visit from Anthony Bourdain in 2015, Pepito’s Plaza is known throughout Florida and beyond. The predominantly Venezuelan menu includes dishes representing a variety of Latin flavors. The tri-meat Doralzeula burger is its most talked-about item. If you haven’t been to Pepito’s before, don’t let the Exxon Mobile gas station that houses it fool you into assuming the food can’t be that good.
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View All Posts by Jason Ernst