Marfil Bistro
8347 NW 36th St, Doral
(305) 960-7054
Recent Reviews
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I made a Valentine’s Day reservation for my family of four through OpenTable after reviewing the restaurant’s regular menu online, which showed a variety of pastas, steak, and seafood. There was no mention of a prix-fixe menu when booking, so we were surprised to learn upon arrival that only a set menu was being offered. At 9 PM on Valentine’s night, we had no real option but to stay.
The prix-fixe included an appetizer, entrée, and dessert (the price was not listed on the menu we were given). The food came out extremely fast, making it obvious it had been pre-prepared. The lobster bisque was cold, the crab-stuffed calamari was fishy and inedible, and the tomato carpaccio was plain, unseasoned slices of tomato with basic store bought stale toast. Before we could finish our appetizers, the main courses arrived and we had to clear space on the table.
The braised short rib was a very small, mediocre portion (comparable to catered banquet hall food). The lobster ravioli was served at room temperature and overloaded with sauce. Desserts were equally disappointing. We left still hungry (my husband actually stopped for a cheeseburger on the way home!)
The biggest issue was the price: $90 per person, which was never disclosed during booking and is far above the $21–$48 entrée range shown online. For a family of four, the bill was $360 (not including drinks) before tax and tip. By far the most we’ve ever paid for a meal, and easily the worst dining experience we’ve had.
To make matters worse, the restaurant later marked our reservation as a “no show” on OpenTable, even though we dined there and paid. I’ve contacted OpenTable to correct it, but that added to an already disappointing experience.
Food: 1
Service: 1
If I could give zero stars, I absolutely would. I understand that on Valentine’s Day restaurants may shorten the menu to handle the rush that’s completely reasonable but what I didn’t expect was for the portions to shrink to almost nothing while the prices doubled. It honestly felt like we were paying holiday pricing for tasting menu bites without the quality to justify it.
We started with the lamb croquettes. Flavor wise, they were actually good, which makes it even more disappointing because they were literally the size of ping pong balls and there were only two. Two tiny bites for an “appetizer” is wild.
My girlfriend ordered the tomato carpaccio (or whatever they called it), and I wouldn’t even consider it an appetizer it was basically a snack. It came with two pieces of bread that were closer to crackers than actual bread, two paper thin tomato slices, and a small portion of burrata with a tiny drop of pesto. That was it. Calling that a starter feels generous.
For my entrée, I ordered the short rib, and I’m not exaggerating when I say it was about four bites of very mediocre meat sitting on a small scoop of mashed potatoes. Nothing about it justified the price or the hype.
She also ordered the lobster ravioli. The flavor was actually good, which almost made it more frustrating because the “lobster” inside was about the size of a shrimp, and the entire dish was gone in just a few bites. It could’ve been a great meal if there had simply been an actual portion to enjoy.
In the end, we paid around $300 for laughably small plates and underwhelming quality. Valentine’s Day is supposed to feel special, not like you’re being upsold on tiny portions and inflated prices. We left still hungry and honestly feeling taken advantage of.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 2
Everything was extremely overpriced for the poor service and the small portions. I ended up paying $250 for two people for basically mashed potatoes and chicken. I made a reservation one week in advance, and when I arrived, they offered to seat me at the BAR!! I understand it was a Valentine’s Day special, but for the price, the amount of food, and the service, it was absolutely not worth it at all.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
We tried Marfil Bistro for the first time and had a really great experience.
The atmosphere is beautiful but comfortable — nice lighting, stylish space, and a relaxed upscale vibe that makes it good for either a date night or just a nice dinner out.
Our waiter, Victor, was excellent. Super attentive, friendly, and professional without being over the top. He checked on us at just the right times and gave great recommendations.
I had the filet mignon and it was honestly one of the most tender steaks I’ve had in a long time. Cooked perfectly and full of flavor — it really did melt in your mouth.
My wife Alejandra ordered the seafood casserole and absolutely loved it. Lots of fresh seafood, rich flavor, and very satisfying without being too heavy.
Victor suggested a Pinot Grigio to go with our meals and it was a perfect match — smooth, crisp, and easy to drink.
Great food, great service, and a really nice setting. We’ll definitely be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
steak tough lots of fat. shrimp good.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
This place is a hidden Gem, In the center of Doral. The food is a 10 out of 10. We had our server Oriana and her staff were superb. You guys have to try this place . There was not one thing we didn’t like about our food or service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We enjoyed eating on the patio. The presentation on the Chianti infused Porcini duck was wonderful, as was the taste. The flambeed La Bola dessert was also fun in presentation and delicious.
Marfil Bistro offers an exceptional dining experience. I have enjoyed multiple dishes, all of which were consistently outstanding and thoughtfully prepared. My favorites include the Salmon with its passion fruit sauce, the Chicken Madeira, and the Gnocchi Asiago. The servers are all courteous, attentive, and professional, contributing to a seamless and welcoming experience. The owners demonstrate exceptional attention to detail, evident in everything from the thoughtfully crafted menu to the carefully curated ambiance and consistently high standard of service. Marfil Bistro demonstrates a strong commitment to quality, service, and overall guest satisfaction. I highly recommend it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Marfil Bistro is an absolute gem and easily one of the best dining experiences around. The atmosphere is warm, stylish, and inviting, making it perfect for anything from a casual night out to a special occasion. The food is exceptional—beautifully presented, full of flavor, and clearly made with high-quality ingredients and great attention to detail. Every dish feels thoughtfully crafted and consistently delicious. On top of that, the service is outstanding: friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming without being overbearing. Marfil Bistro truly delivers on all fronts, and I’ll absolutely be back and recommending it to anyone looking for an excellent meal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The Duck is excellent!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Always great to love the osos bucolic raviolis but my favorite is the short rib over risotto.
Excellent food, outstanding service, superb atmosphere…Thank you, Juan!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This restaurant is an amazing experience with the food, looks, and the service was amazing. I felt very welcome coming to this restaurant. The food I ordered was a Filet Minon, the steak was fresh and juicy medium rare. I very much enjoyed this restaurant and will surely come here again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We enjoyed our meal very much. The service was excellent and we loved the decor. The only negative was my fish that had a huge section of bones. However, the pluses far outweighed the one minus
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Came for my company,s Christmas Marty, not sure if maybe we were a lot of people but the food wasn’t amazing! Not bad but I would not come back
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 2
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