Fonda Sabaneta west Flagler — Restaurant in Doral

⭐ Review ⭐

Caution/Heads Up: Before visiting, be aware that this restaurant automatically applies an 18% service charge to all checks, regardless of party size. Also, since this is Miami-Dade, expect that most of the staff primarily speak Spanish. If you’re not fluent, bring a friend who is or be ready to use Google Translate.

Parking: The restaurant is located in a shopping plaza with plenty of free parking available, which makes things very convenient.

Wait Time: I visited on a Sunday evening. Despite the restaurant being near full capacity, there was no wait to be seated. Food service took about 20–25 minutes, which felt reasonable considering the quality and freshness of the dishes.

Service: Although there’s a language barrier for non-Spanish speakers, the service was still excellent. My waiter, Héctor, was extremely friendly and attentive. One unique touch: they serve a small complimentary soup as a starter—it’s light, flavorful, and sets the tone nicely. From being seated to receiving the check, the service was smooth and enjoyable.

Food Ordered:

Mango Juice (5/5): Absolutely fantastic. Thick, cold, and smoothie-like. I loved it so much I ordered two—and would’ve gone for a third if I had the room!

Yuca Fries (4/5): Good, but different from the Cuban-style yuca fries I’m used to in Miami. I missed the cilantro-garlic-lime dipping sauce you’d typically find at places like Versailles or Havana Harry’s. Still enjoyable, but not my favorite of the night.

Tostones con Aguacate y Crema (6/5 🤩): My surprise favorite. Perfectly crispy tostones topped with creamy avocado and meat (seafood is also available). Adding a squeeze of lime elevated it to a whole new level. I only got three, but could’ve easily eaten nine.

Bandeja Paisa (4/5): A hearty Colombian classic for $22. It came with steak, avocado, refried beans, rice topped with an egg, and chicharrón. Flavor was excellent, but the dish leaned a bit oily for my taste. Still delicious and worth ordering—just a little heavy if you plan to finish in one sitting.

Presentation: All entrées are served on what appears to be a banana leaf. It’s a small detail, but it really enhances the overall presentation and dining experience.

Final Thoughts: Between the friendly service, hearty dishes, and flavorful juices, this place delivers a memorable experience. Come prepared for the automatic service charge and potential language barrier, but don’t let that stop you. The food and hospitality are well worth it.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.8/5 stars rounded up to...

What a delightful accident it was when we stumbled upon Fonda Sabaneta, a charming Colombian restaurant that turned out to be the highlight of our culinary adventure. Initially, we were on a quest for Nicaraguan food, but upon discovering it was closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, we decided to explore this vibrant spot instead.

From the moment we stepped inside, Fonda Sabaneta enveloped us with its warm and welcoming atmosphere. The decor is a beautiful homage to Colombian culture, filled with colorful art and rustic touches that create an inviting ambiance. It felt like a home away from home.

Our experience was further elevated by our server, Hector, whose passion for the menu was evident from the start. His enthusiastic recommendations made it easy to navigate the offerings, and his genuine hospitality made us feel like honored guests. Hector's attention to detail and commitment to providing exceptional service truly set the tone for our meal.

Now, let’s talk about the food. We kicked off our dining experience with the freshly made empanadas, and I can confidently say they were out of this world! Crispy on the outside and bursting with flavor on the inside, each bite was a perfect balance of textures. The dipping sauce was the cherry on top, complementing the empanadas in a way that made us want to order seconds—and we almost did!

As we continued to explore the menu, we were impressed by the variety of traditional Colombian dishes available. It was clear that each plate was crafted with care and attention to detail. We left feeling satisfied and excited to return to try more of what Fonda Sabaneta has to offer.

In short, our unexpected detour to Fonda Sabaneta was a delightful experience filled with incredible food and exceptional service. Hector made our visit truly memorable, and we can't wait to return for another round of those amazing empanadas and more delicious Colombian cuisine. Whether you’re a fan of Latin American food or just looking for a new favorite spot, Fonda Sabaneta is...

If you’re ever in the mood for a taste of Colombia that feels just like a warm hug from an old friend, you’ve got to check out Fonda Sabaneta. This place isn’t just about eating; it’s about experiencing the heart and soul of Colombian hospitality. The vibe here? Super welcoming. It’s like walking into a family gathering where everyone’s happy to see you.

The team at Fonda Sabaneta knows how to make you feel special. They’re all about the little things – those warm smiles, checking in to see how you’re enjoying the food, and just making the whole meal an experience you’ll want to relive.

And oh, the food – it’s like a love letter to Colombian cuisine. First off, the sancocho will warm you from the inside out – it’s like a cozy blanket in a bowl. Then, the tostones rellenos are just a joy, crispy on the outside with a surprise filling that’s all kinds of yum. But let’s talk about the bandeja paisa – it’s a feast that’ll make you feel like Colombian royalty, with flavors so rich and comforting, you’ll be planning your next visit before you even leave.

Don’t even get me started on the margaritas – they’re the cherry on top. Perfectly mixed, these drinks are a refreshing cap to a delightful meal.

So, if you’re looking to sprinkle a little joy into your day, Fonda Sabaneta is your spot. Trust me, you’ll walk in hungry and leave with a full belly and an even fuller heart. Can’t recommend this...