We’ve often pondered whether Doral’s culinary excellence stems from some secret portal to global kitchens, or if there’s a master plan placing the perfect Cuban café beside the most authentic Italian trattoria.
El Arabito Grill
$$ | (786) 953-6112 | WEBSITE
With its loyal local following and quick service, grabbing a meal at this Lebanese spot gets you plenty of satisfaction. And the food and experience here is certainly deserving of it. El Arabito Grill is in a casual storefront in Doral. Once you arrive, you get the welcoming experience, where a clean dining area reveals a bright space that feels more like the setting of a family gathering than a typical restaurant. Service is friendly and fast.
And, sure, do a quick glance around the simple tables, but know that the real stars of this meal are the dishes: a mix of flavorful options like tender beef skewers artfully grilled and amazing hummus that tastes like it just came from the kitchen.
Tiagos Tacos
$ | (786) 751-4648 | WEBSITE
When you’re looking to switch up taco night, heading to this cozy Palmetto Bay eatery is a solid move. The popular Birria dish or the tasty chicken tacos offer some of the best Mexican-inspired options we’ve found in the area. Add this welcoming, family-friendly spot to your lunch or dinner rotation when you want a reasonably priced meal (most items are under $10) that delivers on flavor and friendly service.
Just swing by Tiagos Tacos before the hunger pangs really kick in because that outside courtyard tends to fill up fast with families enjoying the atmosphere.
Tap 42 Craft Kitchen & Bar – Kendall
$$ | (305) 279-1846 | WEBSITE
Use this waterfront bar (from the same owners of other Tap 42 locations) to reconnect with those friends you don’t get to see regularly. That’s because Tap 42’s lively but welcoming atmosphere sets the tone for a sit-down-and-stay-awhile gathering. Share discounted drinks and appetizers during happy hour, like the excellent lamb burger, and other dishes served with great service.
When the conversation rolls on, use it as an excuse to order another round of craft beers from their immense selection and enjoy another beautiful view of the lake.
Playland Doral
$$ | (305) 501-9261 | WEBSITE
The colorful balloons, streamers, and themed decorations at this family celebration spot are so vibrant, they might seem to be competing to steal your attention. But don’t be too distracted, or you’ll miss out on Playland’s delicious, kid-friendly pizza that pairs perfectly with crisp, fresh salads, or other items like the tender chicken tenders or juicy burgers. While the food is great and the place is pretty, the atmosphere here is joyful and welcoming, and it’s easy to feel at home.
Come with family to celebrate a birthday before heading to the play area or take your little ones to enjoy the activities with matching colorful, fruit-punch mocktails.
Subway
$ | (305) 513-3660 | WEBSITE
Doral is packed with solid fast-casual spots, and Subway is our choice for a quick, satisfying, and reasonably priced lunch break. Situated in a Miami strip mall, the place is compact, with about eight tables and a counter. But instead of feeling rushed, it feels efficient—since the space is so bright you can clearly see the freshly prepped ingredients behind the glass. And naturally, customers tend to lean in to watch as the staff attentively assemble their orders at the line.
Their protein bowl with steak and bacon is excellent, but we really appreciate the variety of meals, specifically the decently sized sandwiches and the great value for the price.
Starbucks
Our go-to spot for a reliable, no-fuss coffee break is this Starbucks location. Your yoga pants-wearing neighbor won’t feel out of place among the mix of regulars who frequent this warmly lit space. And the friendly chatter from the baristas also gives the place a little charm, so your work-from-home friend can swing by in their comfy hoodie and won’t feel awkward either. But all that fades into the background since there’s consistently good service to be enjoyed.
We appreciate everything from their attentive staff, including Sam who remade a drink and warmed a loaf with a thoughtful message. If we’re forced to pinpoint our favorite aspect (it’s tough, honestly), it’s the overall welcoming atmosphere that makes customers feel valued, though we do wish the strawberry acai always came with the strawberry pieces without having to ask.
Pollo Tropical
$ | (305) 622-6687 | WEBSITE
More than just a quick meal, a visit to this popular Latin-inspired spot will earn a regular slot in your weekly rotation. Pollo Tropical’s clean, organized space sets a welcoming tone, but the experience really comes into full flavor through the friendly staff’s efficient service and the delicious grilled avocado cilantro tropi-chop, which includes chicken, rice, black beans, and avocado slices.
And if you thought your chicken dinner would be identical to every other casual restaurant, Pollo Tropical stands out with their flavorful hot sauce packets, which still pack a punch despite the small portions.
Sproutz
$$ | (786) 536-2129 | WEBSITE
Sproutz has a clean-eating theme that feels refreshing: vibrant bowls displayed like works of art on the counter, fresh ingredients in every dish, and rarely seen takes on healthy Mediterranean cuisine. So this is a place for a mindful meal out. Indulge with a few standout dishes, like the juicy chicken breast bowl with tender, flavorful protein. Or pay homage to Doral’s wellness culture, with crisp, creamy avocado wraps (which are great), and leave with something to savor.
Giorgiomare Miami
$ | (305) 640-5982 | WEBSITE
Miami locals already know about this Italian restaurant that’s been a welcoming spot in the city for years. No Doral guide would be complete without Giorgiomare Miami, but it isn’t just an obligatory mention—its reputation as an inviting Italian establishment is well earned, especially if you like homemade pasta since they have excellent options.
The lively dining area is usually full of hotel guests walking over for dinner and groups looking for authentic flavors in a friendly atmosphere, so you might want to call ahead during peak times. Plus, the lasagna that tastes like fabulous home cooking is one of our neighborhood favorites.
Sushi Joe
$$ | (305) 591-4312 | WEBSITE
Sushi Joe is the sort of place where you instinctively smile and lean in as you’re guided to a sleek wooden table inside the bright, energetic space. The chef’s specials will give your wallet a reasonable workout, but Sushi Joe has solidified its status as South Florida’s premier sushi spot and is a great choice for lunch or for impressing out-of-towners. Nearly every dish here makes our list of local favorites, including the addictive gyoza soup teeming with lemongrass.
If you’ve been craving fresh fish since your last visit, satisfy your hunger with the popular, flavor-packed Volcano roll that’s been perfected on Sushi Joe’s menu.
Bodega Taqueria y Tequila Coral Gables
$$ | (786) 785-1501 | WEBSITE
This vibrant, casually upscale taqueria has been setting the standard in Coral Gables for years, all at a price that won’t empty your wallet. Everything impresses—from the food (the tacos are flavorful, fresh, and delightful) to their drinks (think tequila cocktails) and creative dishes (you must try the vibrant ceviche). However, the real highlight at Bodega has always been their lively atmosphere.
Head to the front area with the DJ and dance floor to share with your party, so everyone in your group can debate if anyone does warm hospitality, personalized service, and memorable experiences as well as Bodega (the answer remains “no”).
Sabor Express
$ | (786) 362-5723 | WEBSITE
Doral residents will argue over many things, but there’s one fact that remains undisputed: the sheer excellence of Sabor Express’s croquetas. They achieve that ideal balance—perfectly crispy on the outside yet wonderfully tender on the inside. Our go-to is the classic ham croquetas paired with the stretchy, warm pan de bono. We like complementing our meal with their tequeños, the golden fried cheese sticks served with a tangy dipping sauce.
It’s fried and presented with a creamy garlic aioli that’s just right for dipping. If you don’t devour it all at once, that’s okay because the flavors only get better the next day.
