Yarumba Restaurant & Lounge — Restaurant in Miami Gardens

(Pictures attached are from the previous visits)

I originally left Yarumba a 5-star review not too long ago because I truly enjoyed my experiences here. I’ve been to this restaurant more than six times, and until recently, it was one of my favorite places for Dominican food. The food was always flavorful, the atmosphere lively, and the service welcoming. Unfortunately, my most recent visit was extremely disappointing, and I feel it’s important to update my review to reflect that.

The issue this time was with our server. From the beginning, there was a noticeable lack of attention — no water was offered when we sat down, and the order was taken incorrectly. When the plates arrived, we politely mentioned the mistake, but instead of apologizing or attempting to fix it, the server immediately blamed us, saying we had “confused her.” It wasn’t just the words, but the dismissive attitude. What made it worse was that she was taking orders while on her phone, asking the caller to “hold on” so she could address customers. This struck me as very unprofessional, especially in a restaurant that usually prides itself on service.

When we tried to be understanding, she just looked at us and laughed. At that point, we asked to speak to the manager. The manager did apologize, but the matter ended there. We weren’t looking for anything free — we paid for everything — we simply asked to have the 20% service charge removed, because we felt disregarded and dismissed by the way we were treated. Even the food, which has always been the highlight here, did not taste as good as in previous visits, making the whole experience even more disappointing.

I don’t write this review to tear down the restaurant — I’ve had too many great nights here before to dismiss it entirely. But consistency matters, and service should never leave customers feeling disrespected or ignored. I truly hope management takes this feedback seriously, because this restaurant has always been one of the better Dominican dining spots in the area. I would love to see it return to the high standard that first made me...

Restaurant Review: Exceptional Service by Andres

From the moment we entered, it was clear that this restaurant was a step above the rest. The ambiance was warm and inviting, with soft lighting and a cozy, contemporary décor that made it feel both stylish and comfortable. But what truly elevated the experience was the exceptional service provided by our waiter, Andres.

Andres made our evening memorable with his attentive and thoughtful service. He greeted us with a genuine smile and immediately made us feel at home. Throughout the meal, he demonstrated a deep knowledge of the menu, offering insightful recommendations and expertly guiding us through the wine list. His suggestions were spot on, and his understanding of the dishes was impressive, helping us select the perfect pairings.

What stood out most was Andres's impeccable timing. He knew just when to check in without being intrusive, ensuring our drinks were always topped up and that we had everything we needed. His attentiveness was never overbearing, and he seemed to anticipate our needs before we even had to ask. Whether it was offering to refill water glasses or asking if we needed anything after every course, Andres’s service was seamless and effortless.

What truly made Andres exceptional, however, was his personal touch. He went above and beyond by engaging with us in a way that felt sincere, offering insights into the restaurant’s history and even sharing a few fun facts about the dishes we were enjoying. His enthusiasm for the food and the restaurant’s concept was contagious, and he made us feel like we were part of something special.

In short, Andres is the epitome of what great service should be. His warmth, attentiveness, and genuine care for his guests made our dining experience extraordinary. If you’re looking for more than just a meal, but an experience that’s elevated by excellent service, Andres is the waiter to seek out. I can't wait to return, knowing that the service will always be this...

A Delightful Dominican Dining Experience at Yarumba!

Today, my family and I ventured to Yarumba for a taste of the Dominican Republic right here at home. From the moment we arrived, the ease of parking and warm greeting from the host were the first hints of the pleasant experience that awaited us.

We had the luxury of choice with plentiful seating options, and with our baby stroller in tow, we comfortably nestled into a corner spot. True to a genuine Dominican restaurant, we initiated our culinary journey with two Presidente beers, smoothly served to our table.

Navigating the menu was a breeze through the accessible QR code in the center of the table, a modern touch that melded well with Yarumba's traditional essence. As starters, we indulged in the delightful mofonguitos topped with pork belly - a truly savory delight.

Our main courses, the personal Picadera for myself and the Bandera Dominicana for my wife, were exceptionally flavorful. Generous portions were a highlight, ensuring a delightful meal now and a tempting treat for later, thanks to the handy takeaway boxes.

In the midst of the laid-back ambiance, the friendliness of our waitress, who even interacted with our little one, added a personal touch to the dining experience. However, it's noteworthy to mention that Yarumba is a popular spot for takeout orders, which seemed to slightly slow down our meal's arrival. It seemed as though they were bustling with orders from Uber Eats and other delivery services.

When settling the bill, be aware that a tip is already included, with an additional optional field for extra gratuity. While I always appreciate good service with a tip, I prefer having the choice rather than it being pre-determined.

I'd rate Yarumba 4 stars. With some improvements in service speed, it could easily reach a perfect score. All in all, a visit to Yarumba promises a delightful Dominican culinary journey that leaves a lingering taste of...