Marabu Restaurant
Cuban · Miami
Indulge in Havana's flavors in Miami's heart
About Marabu Restaurant
Nestled in the heart of Miami at 701 S Miami Ave Fl 4, Marabu Restaurant is more than just a dining establishment; it's a vibrant celebration of authentic Cuban cuisine and culture. Our journey began with a passion to share the rich flavors and warm hospitality that define our heritage. We offer an...
Nestled in the heart of Miami at 701 S Miami Ave Fl 4, Marabu Restaurant is more than just a dining establishment; it's a vibrant celebration of authentic Cuban cuisine and culture. Our journey began with a passion to share the rich flavors and warm hospitality that define our heritage. We offer an array of dining experiences, from intimate dinners to lively gatherings, all underpinned by our commitment to quality and tradition. Each dish at Marabu is crafted with care using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, reflecting the diverse influences that have shaped Cuban culinary art. Our menu offers a delightful mix of classic favorites and innovative interpretations, ensuring there's something for every palate. With a rating of 4.9/5 based on 15 reviews, we are proud to serve our community and beyond with dishes that transport diners back to the vibrant streets of Havana. Join us at Marabu Restaurant to experience an unforgettable culinary journey through Cuba.
What Customers Say About Marabu Restaurant
Marabu Restaurant is highly praised for its exceptional service and delicious food, particularly the Cuban cuisine. Mari, José, and Carla are frequently mentioned for their outstanding attentiveness. The restaurant is great for celebrations, making guests feel special.
Popular Dishes
Best For
Tip: Customers highlight the attentive and respectful service, with staff recommending incredible dishes.
What to see nearby
Data from Wikidata
Explore the area around Marabu Restaurant
Marabu Restaurant is located in Miami, surrounded by cultural and historical points of interest. Here are some of the most notable places nearby.
Historical Heritage
- Miami Circle (A 577m) — archaeological site in Miami, United States of America Hito histórico nacional
Religious Buildings
- First Presbyterian Church (A 445m) — church in Miami, Florida
Parks & Gardens
- Brickell Plaza Mini Park (A 291m) — park in the United States of America
- Brickell Park (A 488m) — park in the United States of America
- Southside Park (A 515m) — park in Miami-Dade County, Florida, United States of America
- Jose Marti Riverfront Park (A 695m) — park in Miami-Dade County, Florida, United States of America
Other Points of Interest
- Solitair Brickell (A 101m) — high-rise condominium
- SLS Lux (A 119m) — residential in Florida, United States
- 1221 Brickell Building (A 670m) — building in Miami, Florida, United States
- Metropolitan Miami (A 732m) — architectural structure
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Frequently asked questions about Marabu Restaurant
Marabu Restaurant Miami Reviews
We had a wonderful lunch at Marabu. The food was absolutely delicious, and the cocktails were excellent. What really made the experience stand out was the service — especially the manager, Ayeli. She personally took care of us and was incredibly warm, attentive, and professional. You can really tell she cares about her guests and the atmosphere of the restaurant. Alfonso, the bartender, makes fantastic cocktails, and the entire team was friendly and welcoming. Everything from the food to the service was top-notch. We truly enjoyed our time and will definitely be back. Highly recommended!
Wonderful Cuban restaurant with really good Josper oven cooked dishes. Truffle Yuca fries were tender and crispy. Ceviche was very fresh. Grandma’s seafood stew and Camarones ajillo were both super tasty. And the Quattro Leches was a sweet finish to such a grand meal. Marcia was a wonderful server that had great suggestions for our lunch. And it was a nice touch for the manager to come over and check how our meal was. Great food and service. And a good location in Brickell City Centre mall which is directly connected to the East Miami hotel where we were staying. Decor inside and outside is fun. The bar is fully stocked and makes a great Havana Mary and mojito. Thank you for a fun and filling lunch
This place wasn't a traditional romantic choice for Valentine's Day, but for us, it was perfect. The atmosphere was relaxed and we felt absolutely comfortable. Our server, Ayeli, made us feel welcomed; she was knowledgeable about the dishes and stayed attentive throughout the dinner without being overwhelming. We chose the Valentine’s menu for two and added the fried yuca. Everything was amazing! The yuca was soft and very flavorful, and the dipping sauce was to die for. We started the Valentine’s menu with the salmon croquettes—OMG! If this isn't a regular part of the menu, dear Marabú chef, IT SHOULD BE! The entrée was a seafood risotto, paella-style. It was incredible—looser than a risotto but drier than a paella. Although I know it’s not part of the regular menu, I will definitely ask for it the next time I visit Miami. Dessert was a Nutella brownie garnished with fresh fruits, hazelnuts, and caramel popcorn; it was unique and very delicious. Based on my experience today, I don't think you can go wrong with anything on their menu. It was a dinner to remember. Thank you to the Marabú chef and Ayeli.
This place was amazing the food was excellent, our server was very knowledgeable . I have celiac disease and she went over the menu with me to lay me know what was safe and what wasn't. They take thier time with you and are very attentive. The food was nothing like I have ever had we all had different dishes and not one of us can complain about our meal it was all very good. The mojitos were very good and my husband had a beer the waiter reccomened and he stated it was very good. I highly reccomend this place but make a reservation early in the day as they fill up fast which is to be expected with how good this place truly is.
My hubby and I were looking to celebrate over some Cuban delicacies. Little did we know what treats we were in for. The manager, Michael was a true topnotch class act. He made our dining experience Awesome with the right touch. I won't forget you and the warm, friendly and cozy atmosphere. Our server Ayeli was kind, professional and attentive to our dining needs. Thank you!!! Thank you!!! Thank you!!! L&D
10/10 ⭐️One of the best meals I have ever had! The Key West Local Fish was incredible over charred squash with a watercress fennel salad. It comes with 3 sides, so you will enjoy lots of flavor and variety! We started with the Maduro Tentacion, which vanished in about 60 seconds… so good! I wish I was in Miami longer so that I could eat here again.
Went there based on reviews, a little tricky to find (4th floor of a shopping mall) Food is good and well presented Took 2 appetizers and a salad for 2 (see pics) for a light dinner, wine selection is ok (by the glass or bottle) The food was good, the service great, the atmosphere is eclectic because of decor, lights etc, reservations easy on OpenTable The only thing that I didn’t like is the tip: Website says they will charge 18% for group of 4, they did and we were two 🙃 and our waitress when presents us the bill has a three way choices for additional tip. Maybe it’s me, but usually I don’t need to be told to tip over 20% when it’s good and well served, I tip more but this time that’s all I did. Don’t restrain yourself to go, just be aware.
We decided to give it a try and celebrate my birthday at Marabu restaurant in the Brickell Center location. I’m very glad we did! Lots of great options included in the special menu. Jose’s service was amazing! Everyone there was very friendly and really made my day special. Thank you so much Jose for your time and outstanding service❤️
Vicky was amazing waitress ! Very attentive ! She took our order and it came so fast ! She was always very aware of our needs , is we needed extra water to drink or anything in general ! We definitely need more people like Vicky !!! Also the place was very clean and the food was amazing ! Is a must restaurant to visit if you are around the Brickell area in Miami Florida !
Just look at this. This is the creative, delicious, perfectly cooked, flavor filled experience you can expect here. Not to mention 5 star service and attentiveness from Marcia. She was great, very charismatic, charming and full of great recommendations, especially if you are not familiar with the cuisine. This is well worth this visit, nothing our table had was 4 stars or below, ALL 5 STARS!
Marcia was our server. She was AMAZING! Marcia explained every thing on the menu! Marabu restaurant decor is stunning! Kitchen is viewable and all work like a well oiled machine. Food presentation top tier and taste is 5 star!!! A must restaurant to visit and eat at whether you live in Miami or just visiting. 5 ⭐️ Viva Cuba 🇨🇺!
This Cuban restaurant was an absolute gem! The food was bursting with flavor. Every bite tasted like it was made with love and tradition. From the tender pernil to the perfectly seasoned black beans and rice, everything was spot on. The ambience added so much to the experience….warm, vibrant, and full of energy, just like Cuba itself. But what really made the night unforgettable was our server. Attentive, friendly, and genuinely passionate about the menu, they went above and beyond to make sure we had a great time. Highly recommend if you’re looking for delicious Cuban cuisine in a place that feels both lively and welcoming. Will definitely be back!
Great food, Cindy recommended us awesome food and deserts. Great atmosphere, bar/grill setting with tvs outside patio. Found this place day before going on a cruise, Cindy’s service and friendliness made us come back after the cruise before heading home. Highly recommended.
When in Miami....Cuban! We had the ropa vieja empanadas and ham croquetas followed by Cuban fried rice (incredible) and masas de puerco (excellent). I had a really hard time deciding what I liked best. Cindy was great, water and drinks were always full and service was great.
Had a lovely dinner with my family here at my favorite Cuban restaurant. Nothing but great things to say about this place. Food is always delicious fresh and amazing. The service here is top-notch I highly recommend this restaurant. The Cuban food here so delicious. Yummy 😋
Excellent experience at this restaurant. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was very pleasant, but what truly made the difference was the service from our server, Raymond. He is very kind, patient, and calm, always attentive to every detail with a very professional attitude. He made us feel comfortable from the beginning and stayed attentive without being intrusive. His service definitely made our visit even better. Highly recommended!
I felt so welcomed here! The staff was amazing and super kind. my server was litteraly sent from server heaven. she was able to explain everything on the menu and answer all my questions. the drinks and food were amazing! next time im in town im so coming back
Out of my multiple trips to Miami, this food is hands down the best I have found. Half chicken was SO juicy I couldn’t believe it. The bartenders were also such a good time! Tony and Robert were moving 24/7 and managed to make us feel like we were their sole focus. Watching them make all these crazy cocktails, use the espresso machine, was practically them putting on a show haha. Don’t let it lose focus of the food though! Also best black beans I have had in my entire LIFE! What a great meal. Thank you! Open one in Pittsburgh next please!!
Fantastic dinner. Had the Cuban fried rice and the steak salad. Both had wonderful wood-fired meat that really out them over the top delicious. And the server Marcia really made the night special. She was fun and had great recommendations like the fruit mojitos (mango) which were fantastic. Will absolutely be back.
We’ve eaten at Marabu several times, and the food is always top-notch. On our most recent visit, I had the surf and turf special while my wife ordered the Cuban sandwich. Both were outstanding! My wife commented that the French fries were perfect and that the sandwich had excellent flavor. My steak was cooked perfectly, and the chimichurri really elevated the dish and tied everything together beautifully. On top of the amazing food, our server Jose provided excellent service. He was attentive, friendly, and professional. Consistently great food and service every time we come here. Highly recommend!
Excellent experience at Marabu! The food was absolutely delicious — everything was flavorful and perfectly cooked. The atmosphere is elegant yet comfortable, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family. Special thanks to José, our server, who made the experience even better. He was attentive, friendly, and very professional, always making sure we were well taken care of. His service truly stood out and made our visit memorable. Highly recommended — and definitely ask for José if you visit!
8/16 - I was back! We asked for Jose and we had the same consistent experience. So grateful to have a spot to eat at Miami with delicious food and great service you only get from Jose when we visit! March 2025 Jose was our amazing server with great service and suggestions. So pleasant. He understood us. :). Great ambiance, music and food. The food was delicious and flavorful. The chicken had a burst in flavor, juicy, well cooked, the skin melted and the glaze was delicious. The plantains did not leave an after taste. Loved the music. We had the mojitos and mango margarita.
The food was amazing and so was Jorge. We asked for recommendations and he delivered! We basically ordered everything he recommended and it did not disappoint. We had the charred Plantain appetizer and the short ribs, arroz moro, yuca fries- tostones, arroz blanco-everything was so good. Easily the best meal we’ve had this trip. Thank you Jorge for your insight and conversation.
Our waiter, Coco, was very friendly and helpful. He suggested the steak and my wife and I both got. I am not exaggerating when I say it was one of the best steak dinners either one of has ever had. And ordinarily rice & beans are nothing special. Not so, here. I would go back solely for a plate of rice & beans, it was unlike any I’ve had anywhere. Coco’s service was excellent and he made you feel like a long-lost friend he hadn’t seen in years. He has a lot of pride in, and enthusiasm for, the restaurant itself, and praised the chef effusively — for good reason. Did I mention the dessert? Wow. Some kind of Cuban version of French toast soaked in something heavenly, with apple slices and vanilla ice cream. I told him if I’m ever in Miami again, I’m coming back—and I meant it. Just superb. If you have a hankering for a Cuban meal, this is the place.
Melissa was great. Top notch service. We had to order the Marabu ceviche twice it was so good. They had a plantain with some cheese and rum mix. Huge fan of that. The cheese was better than some pizzas have. The drinks were great. Great vibes too. One of the best Cuban spots we have been to yet.
Went for happy hour to try a few options. The empanadas, yuca fries and croquets were amazing. Vicky, our server was quite attentive and offered great recommendations for food. Overall a great experience!
We had the most wonderful meal, and Marcia made our night so special! The food was all delicious and Marcia was so helpful with guiding us and helping us pick out our food. Everything came quickly and was all perfectly done and full of flavor. They made my girlfriends birthday feel so special and I cannot recommend Marabu enough!
Decided to try Marabu after walking by and seeing the large crowd already enjoying dinner. I was by myself and opted for a seat at the bar. Everyone was very nice. Tony was the bartender that helped me…very kind and he provided a great explanation of the menu. I’ll definitely be back next time I’m in town.
My family and I had an absolutely amazing experience at this restaurant! The food was incredibly delicious, and every dish was a delight. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, making the evening even more enjoyable. A special shout out to our host, Jessica Logiste- she was fantastic, extremely attentive, and so friendly. We truly loved our dinner and can't wait to come back!
Cindy was the absolute best server. She was very nice and accommodating! She so sweet & friendly & if i come back i hope she’s there!! Food was good & when my first meal was a little salty cindy was sweet & helpful!
Marabu Restaurant in Miami’s Brickell City Centre is a stylish spot known for its modern take on traditional Cuban cuisine. The restaurant combines classic Cuban flavors with contemporary cooking techniques, especially its signature charcoal-grilled dishes prepared in a Josper oven, which give the food a rich smoky flavor. The menu includes popular Cuban favorites like ropa vieja, lechón asado, vaca frita, empanadas, and tostones, along with grilled meats, seafood, and creative sides such as truffle yuca fries. The cocktails are also a highlight, with drinks like mojitos and rum-based specialties that match the Cuban theme. The atmosphere is vibrant and elegant, inspired by old-Havana style décor with a lively bar and both indoor and outdoor seating. With a rating of about 4.8 stars from more than 10,000 reviews, it’s one of the most popular Cuban dining spots in the Brickell area. Overall, Marabu Restaurant is a great place to enjoy flavorful Cuban food, creative cocktails, and a lively Miami dining experience.
This place was so Amazing! Starting from the greetings of the hostess, entering to the dining area was magical, the decoration involved you in a Cuban environment, full of luxury without forgetting about the details of the Latin culture. José was our server and he made sure that the experience was unforgettable. The food was Absolutely Delicious…10/10 100% RECOMMENDED. Thank you so much José.
Javiera at Marabú in Brickell made our experience exceptional. The service was attentive, friendly, and professional from start to finish. She made great recommendations and ensured everything was perfect throughout the meal. The food was absolutely delicious — flavorful, fresh, and beautifully presented. Highly recommend asking for Javiera if you visit!
We brought our mother to Miami for her birthday, and this was the first stop on our list. The food was amazing and flavorful, and our server, Jorge, was the absolute best!! He made sure we had everything needed and was so kind. Certainly a place that I would come back to, no doubt about it.
Loved the atmosphere! Such a great place to sit have some little bites or a full meal. We had Vicky as our server and she’s the absolute BEST!! Highly recommend coming here if you are looking for somewhere to eat!
One of the best dining experiences I’ve had! The service was quick and smooth, and our waiter Coco made the whole evening so much fun with his energy and personality. The food was absolutely delicious - especially the MADURO TENTACION, which literally melted in your mouth. Highly recommend this spot for both the great food and the amazing service!
We had such an incredible time here! Marcia was our server and she was so nice, attentive, and helpful! She found out it was my birthday and brought out the quattro leches and a sangria and there was a great birthday song to celebrate! I got the Lechón Asado for dinner and it was so delicious as well. I will highly recommend Marabú to anyone who’s in Miami!
The restaurant and the food were really good and the service from Coco was exceptional. He did answer all of our questions, gave us great recommendations and was always there with whatever we needed. We had the steak, the ribs and the salmon. All came with the nice charcoal flavour. And the sides (plantan + rice with black beans) were also very good. Very nice cuban food. Highly recommended
I really loved the relaxed atmosphere paired with the amazing food! Our server Cindi was the best! She made sure we were taken care of and enjoyed our time in the restaurant. Definitely will come back.
Had an amazing experience at Marabú in Miami. The food was absolutely delicious, every dish was flavorful and beautifully prepared, and the service was truly top notch. Camilo took great care of us all night. He was attentive without hovering, made excellent recommendations, and honestly nailed exactly what we were in the mood for. Definitely a spot I’d recommend if you’re in Miami and want great food with even better service.
Fun restaurant in Brickell Center with a great happy hour deal! The mojitos were great, and so were the croquetas and yuca fries. The only reason we didn’t order more is because we were bar hopping around for HH. My gf is Cuban and she approves! The service was good and friendly, and music fun and lively.
Ok, I'm shocked. I've eaten ar Cuban spots all over the Miami area, and I cannot tell you how disappointed I've been. Not that they're bad, but none of them have compelled me to write a review...until now. Marabu delivers a powerful punch. Everything was on point: the mojito was made perfectly, the vaca frita was crispy and tasty, the black beans and rice were perfect, and the maduros were fresh and deliciously sweet. Tony, my server at the bar, was excellent and made the evening even better. The ambience of the spot, albeit on the 4th floor of City Center mall, was fun, vibrant and memorable. I will be back, and can't wait to try more!
We our here in our honeymoon from Minnesota. We randomly came across this restaurant in a mall and said “lets give them a try”! The food here is so good that its all we’ve been talking about since. We even had to call our family back in MN to tell them about it. I had the Ropa Vieja empanadas and the ropa vieja. My husband had the Snapper!
Food Excellence! One of the best meals I've ever eaten. I was beyond happy after I chose this restaurant after reading the rave reviews. The reviews are true! So much flavor! Meat so tender it just melts like butter. The sauces are outstanding. Don't miss the empanadas! The ambience was excellent, too. Lots of visuals. Our server was great as well. Every employee was working hard. There is no slacking at this restaurant. High praise to management for the exceptional service. From a 60 year old who has eaten all around the world, Marabu is in my top 5 meals ever!!!
Don't miss it if you're in Miami! Everything in this restaurant is extraordinary: the food, the service, the portions, the atmosphere. All dishes were incredibly good: perfect portions, fresh ingredients, and amazing presentation. The roasted half-chicken was juicy and flavorful. The moro rice and the plantain were crazy good.
Era la primera vez que probábamos comida cubana y quedamos encantados. La sazón es simplemente espectacular —cada plato lleno de sabor y muy bien presentado. Pedimos una entrada de empanadas de ropa vieja que estaban deliciosas, y de plato fuerte un ribeye con tres acompañamientos: arroz con moros (mi favorito, definitivamente quiero intentar prepararlo en casa), puré con trufa y un choclo estilo puré con tocino. La carne estaba en su punto. La atención fue excelente, el ambiente muy agradable y la decoración muy caribeña. Sin duda volvería, una experiencia que vale totalmente la pena.
Excelenteee ambiente y la comida 20/10. La chica que nos atendió súper atenta y respetuosa! Nos recomendó platos increíbles que volvería a probar sin duda. Un servicio de calidad
Carla H. Nos dio un servicio de primera con muchas atenciones, la comida excelentemente sabrosa todo llegó perfecto. Vine por mi cumpleaños, me cantaron happy birthday haciéndome sentir feliz y especial.
Ayer tuve una experiencia excelente en este restaurante. Desde que llegamos, el servicio fue de primera, pero quiero destacar especialmente a José que nos atendió. Fue súper atento, amable y servicial en todo momento. Nos explicó el menú con paciencia, nos recomendó platos riquísimos y siempre estuvo pendiente sin ser invasivo. Se nota cuando alguien disfruta su trabajo y él definitivamente hizo nuestra visita especial. ¡Gracias por un servicio tan profesional y tan humano! Definitivamente regresaré
Cuando quieras ver como el servicio sobrepasa la excelencia hay que venir a este lugar. Me quito el sombrero antes tan maravillosa experiencia de la mano de Mari quien nos dio una atención extraordinaria. Cabe destacar el buen liderazgo de Maicol y las personas atenciones, siempre pendiente a cada detalle. Julio también muy buen trabajo. Lugar 100% recomendado.
Reception My visit to Marabú in Miami in September 2025 began beautifully. The hostess was exceptionally courteous and empathetic, welcoming us with genuine warmth and making us feel comfortable from the very first moment. The atmosphere of the restaurant is cosy and inviting, setting the tone for an excellent dining experience. Starters, Main Course and Dessert The flavours and textures of the dishes we ordered were truly impressive. Every plate showcased great balance, freshness and attention to detail. The starter already hinted at the kitchen’s high standards, and the main course confirmed the restaurant’s remarkable quality, with well‑executed combinations and delicious seasoning. The dessert was the perfect finale, delicious, well presented and full of flavour, leaving a memorable impression. Conclusion Marabú offers a complete and delightful experience: a comfortable and welcoming environment, wonderful service, and dishes that stand out for their flavour and texture. It is certainly a place worth visiting and one that stays with you long after the meal ends.
We visited on a Friday evening with a pre-made reservation and were seated right away, which set a great tone for the night. Our waitress was friendly, knowledgeable, and very helpful with menu recommendations, making the experience feel welcoming and easy. The decor and ambiance were spot on — stylish, lively, and perfect for a dinner out in Brickell. We started with the ropa vieja empanada. The ratio of meat to filling felt slightly off, but it was still very tasty with a nicely crispy exterior and flavorful meat. For mains, we ordered the Marabú charcoal tasajo, which was recommended to us and absolutely delivered — tender, juicy, and served over a creamy corn purée that paired beautifully with the meat. We also had the grilled Florida grouper with yuca fries, maduros, and arroz moro. The grouper was slightly overcooked but still very delicious, and the sides were all satisfying and well prepared. Overall, a great dining experience with excellent service, strong flavors, and a beautiful atmosphere. Would definitely return.
4 stars for 4 reasons 1. The ROPA VIEJA $ 26 dollars Flank steak slow-braised in Marabú criolla sauce with sweet peppers & onions, served with rice & black beans This dish was really good! Soft tender and can be hard to chew if you grab a lot with fork. Make sure to eat it in small bites. Savory and slightly sweet. The waitress suggested this because it’s an authentic Cuban dish. 2. The yuca truffle fries were delicious and fresh! You can really smell the truffle! 3. The price is average and you get a lot. 4. Nice area, cute place and warm ambiance. Minus 1 stars for 2 reasons 1. The service was a bit slow. The lychee martini took a long time to come out and waitress did come back to my table to inform me it would take some time. 2. Javiera was my waitress and I think she could be more personable like smile once in a while. Robot like personality.
Food: I got mixed feelings as some of our orders were perfect (my son’s churrasco of flank steak with tasty black beans, the octopus, and tomatoes salad which was very creative, the combination with strawberries and basil was wonderful). Disappointing dishes: smoked salmon croquettes was toooo creamy, yuks, the tuna as side for my salad was toooo sweet, hard and dry. Service was friendly and professional. And there’s great decor and atmosphere. I guess just pick your food items carefully.
Food was good but “whole” red snapper just ended up being nuggets of fried fish. It was ok, but not what I expected to receive and rather disappointing. I know a lot of people are turned off by having an entire fish, but when something is billed as whole, I expect to receive it as that. We enjoyed the empanadas, croquettes and plantains, as well as cocktails. Overall, it was good and I would go back, but would just clarify with the server how something is served rather than going purely off the menu description.
This place is so cute. Interior is done so well. Restaurant is very clean given how busy this place was. We walked in without reservations and were seated immediately. Jorge was our server and he was just the best. Patient with our nut allergies, he took time out to go over the ingredients of the yummy Cuban sandwhich we ordered. The sandwhich was huge, perfect to share. Extremely juicy and flavorful. It comes with fries but we opted for salad as the fry oil had peanuts due to cross contamination. We also had the side of yuca fries and were not disappointed. Price point based on the location was on the higher end. Great beverage list with alot of options. Overall great experience and we would revisit for sure.
Came here for my girlfriends birthday and it was actually a great time. The food was really tasty. I would definitely recommend the empanadas, super flavorful and the meat filled the pocket completely. One thing that makes an empanada bad is an near empty empanada; this wasn't the case here. I got the full rack of ribs, which definitely came home with me, it was a lot. My girlfriend got the lechon. Both were really good. I gave it 3 stars for service because I did call ahead and let them know it was for a birthday. That wasn't acknowledged, I was a little disappointed in that. The service was a tad slow, but we did have a helpful waitress who recommended what we ended up eating.
Food was genuinely good it was fresh, well-prepared, no complaints there. But the service left a lot to be desired. We were a family of four with a reservation and got seated in the back corner by the water machine. The busboy hovered at our table every few minutes, and when I asked about the happy hour menu I was basically told she’d get to it. The 18% gratuity is automatic, which is fine , we tipped on top of it . But when the service feels like it’s assumed rather than earned, it stings. Also hablo español. Just so we’re clear.
I was expecting such big things with this restaurant with such a high rating. However, I have to say I was a bit underwhelmed for the price. The hostess sat 4 adults at a table that is meant for 2 people which made no sense since there were many much bigger tables all around that no one sat in the entire time we ate there. This meant we spent all evening trying to rearrange the table to fit 2 apps, 4 entrees and 4 drinks on this tiny table. We didn’t order dessert or more drinks because we were sick of moving things, trying to cut food on plates barely on the table and tired of the absurdity of it all. All the food could be summed up as good, but not great! We all left thinking the food was good, but for what we paid, we wouldn’t eat here again.
We had lunch at Marabú and the food was absolutely amazing — fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Unfortunately, the experience was dampened when we asked for regular water but were instead brought bottled water, and then charged for three bottles. It felt misleading and left us disappointed after such a great meal. The food is worth coming back for, but I hope the restaurant is more transparent with guests moving forward.
This was my first time in and while not bad by any means, it was a bit underwhelming. The good part is that the service was very good. She was very attentive, albeit, the late lunch time was very slow. My food was okay. Not stellar-not bad. The one dish listed under Salads, was kind of a hodgepodge, and had very little taste or presentation to it. I will point out that the cocktail was excellent. As far as price, it is Miami, and yes gratuity is included.
Unfortunately the food is good but the portions are comically small on apps, entrees are better. We reserved for a 12 top and have been placed outside in 41 degree weather on the outside of the pergola. With the wind chill this totally affects the experience to the highest degree. We have asked for accommodations and are getting a sorry, there’s nothing we can do. Additionally the woman’s bathroom is dirty and the light is broken. I am pissed, this is crazy. What are we paying for? The restaurants convenience or ours?
The food was not tasty. We ordered one of the short rib plates (the one with tamale puree). The meat cut was all the fat. The churrasco was ok for what they price out for the plate ($39). The dessert (Abuela’s French toast) lacked cinnamon and vanilla. It was ok. I’d say for the price, this place is overrated.
This restaurant has received many awards, and while the food itself tastes good, the overall experience was extremely disappointing and stressful. We had a reservation. When we arrived, about 50% of the restaurant was empty. Because it was very windy near the entrance and we had been out since the morning without warm clothes, I politely asked the host if we could sit just two tables further inside. She said no, claiming that since we “just made the reservation & people usually do it a month in advance, but its Jan 18th we could not move. This made no sense, especially since those tables stayed empty the entire time we were there. Communication with the host was very difficult. It sounded like she did not fully understand English. I was clearly showing that I was cold, yet three different servers had to be brought over just to explain this simple request. During this time, the host was also telling other guests there were no more reservations available, while many tables were visibly empty. Her attitude was rude, dismissive, and unprofessional. Eventually, one server stepped in and seated us exactly where we had originally asked to sit. After sitting down, it took almost 10 minutes for anyone to greet us or bring menus, and even then the host hesitated to give us the menu. We ordered three soups, which took 15 minutes to arrive. One soup came with almost nothing in it, basically just broth. You can see this clearly in the attached video, the first soup shown is the empty one. It was tasty and felt healthy, but the stress of having to question and return it ruined the experience. We were told they “didn’t pay attention” when preparing it, which is unacceptable. It then took another 15–20 minutes to bring the soup back. We placed our full order around 6:00–6:20 PM, including an appetizer and one main course to share. The gap between the appetizer and main course was one full hour, and in total we waited about 1 hour and 30 minutes for the main dish. Once it arrived, it took us only 9 minutes to eat, and we left immediately out of frustration. When we asked about the delay, the server admitted she did not place the main course order until almost 45 minutes later because we were “working on the soup.” Instead of being honest earlier, we were given misleading explanations. The tip was automatically included. If it had not been, I would not have tipped given the service and attitude. Finally, the ladies’ restroom was unacceptable: only one restroom for a large restaurant, very dirty, and no baby-changing accommodations. Summary: Good food and nice decor are not enough. Poor hospitality, rude host behavior, lack of honesty, long delays, and basic facility issues completely ruined what should have been a great experience. Management seriously needs to address front-of-house training and accountability.
I don’t know why this place has 4.9 stars. It’s genuinely a very bad restaurant, but I should have expected that since it’s in the middle of a mall. I ordered the octopus appetizer and maduro temptacion. The octopus was fine and came with a cold eggplant salad. The portion of the octopus was kind of small. The maduro tempatcion was anything but tempting. It was a half cooked whole plantain with rubbery mozzarella cheese drowning in an overly sweet sauce. I sent it back immediately (which is why I don’t have a photo). They replaced it with a side of their maduros which actually tasted good. Then the Cuban sandwich…. Dry, lacking flavor, and it came out cold. I had to take a sip of water after every bite. I do not recommend this restaurant at all. Also, it took 45 minutes for my sandwich to come out.
I really wanted to like this place, but the experience was disappointing from start to finish. It began at the door— the host looked visibly annoyed, didn’t welcome us, didn’t greet us, and barely spoke. No “follow me,” no “here’s your table,” nothing. Right away I had a bad feeling about the service. Unfortunately, it only got worse. The wait times were unreal: it took over an hour for our food to arrive, and the drinks were taking around 30 minutes each time. We even asked for bread and it took close to an hour to get to our table. The worst part is that the food didn’t make up for it. The bread was the only thing that tasted good. The rice was the hardest rice I’ve ever had, the meat was bland and lacked flavor, and the beans tasted overly seasoned. The moro wasn’t terrible, but nothing stood out in a good way. Even the tostones were strange and off. Overall, I wouldn’t recommend coming here. Between the unwelcoming attitude, extremely slow service, and poor food quality, it just wasn’t worth it.
What a horrible experience. Food and service are both the worst we've had in our trip. We planned to have a proper dinner with some drinks but changed our plan, checked, and left after appetizers. First of all, our waiter Melissa looks like they are always in rush, dismissive, completely ruined the vibe. Not even left time for us to ask questions, left so quickly each time when serving or completing our order. Soup served spilling all over the plate, see picture. Secondly, food is mediocre at best. It's hilarious that the best thing we had is a 8 dollar chicken soup. Octopus and slides are either of a weird texture or no flavor. Plus, they have a 18% service fee so make sure you noticed that.
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701 S Miami Ave Fl 4, Miami, FL 33131, EE. UU.
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701 S Miami Ave Fl 4, Miami, FL 33131, EE. UU.
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