Floridita Kendall Seafood Restaurant — Restaurant in Florida

WOW… what happened to El Floridita? As a UM student living on campus years ago, this was my favorite restaurant to take my out-of-town friends to. Any time anyone was in the mood for seafood, I encouraged them try this restaurant. The food was always so fresh, flavorful, and the portions were more than worth the prices. My favorite was the appetizer sampler, El Combo Floridita. It had the perfect mix of seafood and Cuban-style sides. It was enough for 3 people to share before their meals, and also good enough to BE the meal.

I went back today with a coworker who had never been there and ordered to-go. I hadn’t been there in about 2 years and was excited to return - oh man, was I embarrassed that I even chose this restaurant. The sampler is now completely different which wasn’t really the issue, although I do feel the original combination of items was WAY better. First of all, the portion sizes are RIDICULOUS for the price. I swear it had like 6 small calamari rings, a couple of shrimp, and 3 small chunks of fish. This photo was taken without taking anything out. This was all that was given. The fish and shrimp were tasteless, like they fried some frozen fish from Walmart. The fish croquetas, which I used to say were the best fish croquetas in Miami, were extremely BLAND. The ONLY thing that made the food taste better was the dipping sauce they gave with the food, but unfortunately they only give you one small container. I kept saying “sorry, this wasn’t like this before!” to my coworker who was also disappointed by the food after I raved about this restaurant.

I don’t mind paying high prices for good food, but this was such a disappointment that it felt like a complete rip off, like paying $10 for a McDonald’s burger.

Needless to say, this is my last time going here. This is just yet another restaurant that used to be amazing that has now sacrificed taste, quality, and decent...

Being a long haul truck driver, I don’t often get the luxury of dining out. My company has a regular drop in this area. It’s been awhile since I’ve been there. I was looking for something to eat, and I walked a short walk past 4 different food trucks, but really wanted something new. Even though they have two other locations around Miami.

Walked up to the carry out, and was greeted with a huge smile, and a friendly lady working the area. I noticed that the menu was not quite the same, as the one from the menu photo, so that means they do things seasonal. The whole area from the large patio, to the sidewalk area and the parking lot was immaculate. All of the staffers that I talked to, were friendly and smiling. The inside was warm airy and inviting. The bathroom was sparkling.

I ordered lobster bisque, mind you I only order seafood when I’m in an area that is near the ocean. The soup was fantastic, it was perfectly seasoned, the right amount of thickness, the base obviously had been made from lobster shells, with small bits of lobster, just the way it’s supposed to be made( sorry lobster bisque is not made with chunks of lobster), with a touch of sweetness. There was no grittiness at all. I had taken a large bite and absolutely loved it, after that every bite I took was a small one, so as to savior every bite. The blackened mahi-mahi tacos were excellent, perfectly seasoned, the fish was moist, and the sauce was just enough. Served in flour tortillas, it was not short on ingredients and flavor. The potato chips were cooked perfectly, no greasy spots or flavor at all.

I can’t express my delight with the whole experience. I wished that I was eating there tonight, but life on the road...

Fresh seafood Cuban style dinner! Located in Kendall with two other restaurants in Miami are, El Floridita has an extensive menu of seafood and non seafood items also offering a reasonable number of vegetarian options. We arrived a little before 7 pm and the place was mostly empty and were immediately assisted by the establishment very efficient and polite staff. Patrons can look and pick the seafood of their preference which is displayed with plenty of ice. Our server also brought me the red snapper I chose so I could check the freshness prior to frying. We ordered a Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc for our wine of the night and mussels seasoned with garlic for our appetizer. It was good. Our dishes came just a few minutes after that: a whole fried red snapper, largo filet and penne pasta with lobster. The fish dishes had Cuban black beans and yellow rice as sides. The rice was ok and the beans were delicious. My red snapper was excellent and as I’ve also tasted the other dishes I can say it was a standout of the dinner. Flaky but with a touch of firmness and seasoned to perfection. Pasta lobster was very good as far as the seafood component and its sauce. The pasta itself (penne) was al dente but not memorable. We had cream brûlée and a bread pudding as desserts. Good closing items for our meal. The atmosphere of the establishment is simple but inviting. Place look spotless clean to my eyes and kid/family friendly. Near our both a table with a family was celebrating one of their children birthday. The staff made sure to bring her cake and sang happy birthday. I give El Floridita 4.5 stars and recommend the establishment for offering fresh high quality seafood and for the efficiency of...