Address: | 5241 NW 87th Ave, Doral, FL 33178, USA |
Phone: | +1 305-222-7447 |
Site: | dragonflyrestaurants.com |
Rating: | 4.4 |
Working: | 11:30AM–10PM 11:30AM–10PM 11:30AM–3PM 11:30AM–10PM 11:30AM–11:30PM 5–11:30PM 11:30AM–10PM |
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Chat Chow
Earlier this month, Dragonfly Izakaya & Fish Market opened its third location in Florida in the newly established complex of Downtown Doral. The restaurant has outposts in Gainesville and Orlando, with each emphasizing a different component (Gainesville focuses on sushi, while the Orlando location concentrates on the robatayaki) with this location shining a unique spotlight on its artisan fish market, which is a nod to the famous Tsukiji Fish Market in Japan. The stunning 6,000 square foot space is heavily inspired by owner Hirofumi P. Leung, dedication to preserving the memories of visiting the fish market and street vendors back home with his father before preparing family meals. We got a chance to taste our way through the menu – which some of us were already quite familiar with during our time in Gainesville – and it certainly didn’t disappoint. The meal began with a variety of starters including Cauliflower Goma Miso made with roasted tri-cauliflower, golden raisins, pine nuts; Maitake Mushroom Fritters topped with truffle salt and tentsuyu; and a variety of beautifully presented oysters with various sauces. Robata still makes its way to the menu and we tried the wagyu short rib, beef tounge, bacon wrapped mushrooms and chicken thighs. Not surprisingly, plenty of fish make its way onto the menu like the Hokkaido Scallops made with daikon, carrots, jalapeno garlic dressing and wasabi greens along with a tasting platter of Omakase Nigiri. And of course you can’t have a proper tasting without some sushi rolls and we tried a variety including the Ryū made with salmon, snow crab delight, red onion, cucumber, tempura flakes— topped with avocado, torched tuna, togarashi, eel sauce, kobachi sauce and the Sea Kai made with snow crab delight, tomato, lemon, red onion, tempura flakes— topped with salmon, garlic shiso chimichurri, balsamic. Drinks and dessert are certainly not an after thought featuring a progressive beverage program with a dedicated Japanese ice program, a rare and award-winning Japanese whiskey list, a seasonal Omakase cocktail list and a unique sake and shōchū list. Drinks are available for all different tastes with the Emperor’s Concubine and the Sumo Smash being favorites. Plenty of overflowing sake is also on hand, if that’s more your style. And don’t miss dessert, with a four leches, green tea cake standing out from the pack. While it isn’t open quite yet, when the restaurant’s adjoining fish market does open it will feature everything from house-made rubs to seafood sourced from local and exotic waters across the globe. The market will also feature a variety of house-made and unique or hard-to-find boutique items such as, Japanese White Shoyu and Kentucky Bluegrass Soy Sauces, and artisanal Kika Treats. In addition, it will offer kits to recreate Dragonfly-inspired meals at home, bento boxes to-go, salads, rice bowls and educational seafood workshops.
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Lewis Nestram
I wish I could give it 0 stars. My girlfriend and I visited for the FIRST TIME last night; only to be surprised by the horrendous "service" we were provided with. First off, we walked in and absolutely no one greeted us (extremely unprofessional), I guess it has something to do with their employees all being 17 or 18 years old (at least thats what they look like). We then asked the hostess (which looked at least 17 years old as well) to see if we could get service at the tables outside by the bar (this person did not even know if the tables belonged to the restaurant, LOL). We then sat for 5 minutes at the outside table by the bar and got no service. So we then went to the bar and asked directly for our drinks to the bartender (a bald, rude individual) who said that my girlfriends ID was fake (Funny coming from a place where all employees look 16-18 years old). Florida License for almost 4 years (she is 22 years old). We had to show him several credit-cards in order for him to believe that the girl in the picture was actually her, he then finally decided to serve us, but of course, after all this messy experience, we decided to leave. By the way: Expensive prices, unknown drinks, bad menu descriptions, small place, and HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE.
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Ivan Jimenez
Had a lunch meeting here. Def recommend for that since it wasnt too loud so we can hear each other speaking and not so packed so we were able to spend a little extra time at the table talking business after we ate. Service was very attentive and our server seemed to know the menu very well which is always a plus though food was good but not particularly memorable. Theres a mini pepper appetizer that was a little too salty and I also didnt care that they mixed sweet and spicy peppers that looked identical (so you never know what youre getting until its in your mouth). Im not big on those kinds of surprises so Id have liked it better if you could choose one, the other, or mixed. I did enjoy the bento-type vegetable tempura. Very simple but well done. This was a big meal by the way which pleasantly surprised me. Id get it again. There was a small but good selection of Japanese, local, and generic beer. Id have loved to see more selection of Japanese or even Asian beers since I can find local and craft pretty much anywhere else. Hopefully theyll work on this. Bottom line, Id go again because Im interested in trying a few other plates on the menu and its great for small groups and meet-ups.
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Lissette Martinez
Never thought Id do this but our experience was so bad, I have to. Gave us a table outside despite our reservations and despite all the empty tables inside and despite our efforts, so we ate outside ...no problem, they have fans -except that they wont turn them on!!!! Guy smoking all night at table right next to us...no problem, they have no smoking signs- except that they just changed their policy -as per manager!!! So we ate outside in the heat and inhaling cigarettes while we ate. One star is for the server who legitimately took pity on us after management offered no accommodation or sympathy. As for the food 3 of the 11 dishes we ordered were good. As for the drinks, weak and tasteless. Needless to say we cut it short and ran next door to Bulla - what a difference!
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Marvin Rodriguez
Place is pretty cool with a Japanese setting however if your thinking of great food I would say its good but not that impressive. Food presentation is awesome but you will leave hungry as hell portions are small and overprice for what your getting. Menu is confusing as hell no photos nothing to give you an idea of what your ordering. Now also when I was there we were disappointed that a family with children were screaming and yelling at one point the little girl did a handstand by the entrance and the staff did nothing at all at one point the kids grab the chopsticks broke em in half and toss it under the table. My experience wasnt pleasant at all. Also I left so hungry half of my family went and ate at a near by fritanga and I had some awesome wings from wingstop.
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Yoanys Perez
Muy mala primero llegamos a festejar un cumple y fuimos más de los reservados y no había una silla para sentar una persona que ha llegado, apuran mucjo a las personas cuando se está acercando la hora de cerrar y existiendo más mesas vacías no me dejaron tomar una silla para sentar otro amigo...muy lindo el lugar la atención terrible .....
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Miya Perez
We had a great experience!! Thank you for Masa and chef David. He explained about their menu and his knowledges about Jpananese cuisine. I am from Japan and i was VERY satisfied their service and attentions. Some of things are I never seen any other restaurant in Miami. The quality and variety of fishes are the authentic!!! It is not that many places in South Florida like this type of restaurant. I will highly recommended If you are looking for the authentic Japanese cuisine restaurant. We will Definitely going back to see Chef David and Chef de Cuisine Masa. Thank you for the great night.