Leafy — Restaurant in Pembroke Pines

I've been eyeing this spot for some time now. Finally decided to stop in after work to grab a quick bite. First off, the plain exterior does absolutely no justice to the super cute interior. You'll see for yourself when you visit.

When you step inside Leafy, it's like a magical haven. Full of real plants and flowers and just a cool vibe. It's a very cute space with old school cameras, typewriters, cool seating areas and Japanese anime decor. Totoro rules!!! And there is a totally "Instagrammable" spot by the front with the chair swing and neon sign that reads "This must be the place". Seriously cute!!!

The menu looked amazing and honestly, I wanted to try EVERYTHING!!! This time I ordered the crab meatballs udon soup. I wanted comfort food. But I also wanted the Vietnamese chicken wings, garlic butter squid, stir fry pho, pork belly sandwich. Haha. Next time. I also got the Vietnamese coffee with espresso boba and I saw the ube custard cake so had to try that...because UBE!!!

Marlene was my lovely staff member behind the register. She was very friendly and so helpful with my questions about the menu. I loved her positive energy and fun vibe.

My Vietnamese coffee came out first. It was interesting with the espresso boba. Different. Not super chewy like the tapioca boba. It was good. Then my udon soup came out and it looked amazing!!! My soup was piping hot and just the way I like it. I took one bite and it tasted like heaven. Reminded me of my parent's home cooking. The flavors were so tasty. I did notice my udon noodles were broken up and not nice long noodle strands. Not sure if it was suppose to be this way or if was suppose to be full strands of noodles. I prefer long strands as it makes it more fun to eat. My soup was abaisluteky DELISH!!!

Marlene delivered my ube custard cake in a to go container, as I knew I was going to be full. Of course I had to take one bite. The flan was good but the ube cake part was dry to me. What about an ube flan?!? Yessss! That would be so good. Ha.

All in all, this has got to be my new favorite place. The menu prices were totally reasonable and fair. I will definitely be back to try all the other menu items. We saw the teddy bear ice on Instagram and was stoked to find Leafy offers these super cute bears. So I definitely have to bring my kids here for that! On my way out, I got to meet the owner and had to tell her how much I loved Leafy and definitely...

In the age of Instagram and aesthetic dining, I came across a trendy spot that seemed to have it all—vibrant decor, artsy vibes, and a promise of affordable eats. Drawn in by the photos and prices on Google Maps, I decided to give it a shot. But on arrival, I was met with a surprising price increase, about $5-7 more per dish than listed online though Google. Already a cautious skeptic of style-over-substance establishments, I hoped the food would redeem the initial disappointment.

For my meal, I chose the “broken rice,” a dish typically known for its hearty comfort. What I received, however, was far from it. Served in a cardboard container with plastic utensils, the presentation was lackluster. Cutting with a plastic knife and fork was far from ideal. The pork chop was mostly bone, leaving me with little to savor, and the rice was unremarkable—a truly underwhelming experience considering the inflated price.

My partner opted for the “crab meatballs udon soup,” which fell short of expectations as well. The broth looked and tasted suspiciously like instant ramen seasoning—hardly the rich, complex base one anticipates in a quality broth. With just two shrimps and a pair of bland, non-crab-tasting “crab” meatballs, it was a pale imitation of what could’ve been a memorable bowl.

Then came the “teddy bear” Thai tea, a concoction that held so much promise visually but was, sadly, flavorless. The cute bear-shaped ice, which I imagined would dissolve into a sweet, unique twist, turned out to be tasteless and rock-hard, contributing nothing to the drink. Bland, underwhelming, and seemingly all style, no substance.

In the end, the restaurant’s appeal lies in its decor and atmosphere, but with disappointing dishes that don’t live up to their visual allure, I won’t be revisiting. Dining here feels like paying a premium for a photo op rather than a satisfying meal. If you’re in it for the vibe, it’s worth a peek. For food? You might want to...

wow absolutely wow. I just never expected to open the door to what looked like a hole in the wall from outside and enter a little oriental paradise that looked like something cut straight out of Japan. I was skittish at first because there weren't many menu items......... im glad I didn't this place was absolute hidden gem in Pembroke Pines.

lets start with the food: I ordered Raman with chicken and shrimp. I wasn't too sure about the plate when I saw it but once I got the first taste in it was absolute heaven. I will say the only reason it wasn't perfect is because it was a little light.mabey for my gf. but besides that amazing. (5-10% more portion would make it absolutely perfect, yes I know tough times but I gotta be fair). ordered a milk tea at the end for my gf and myself. ordered the teddy bear for my gf and OMG that thing was gorgeous and tasty. event felt bad when she ate the bear.

The atmosphere: if you have ever gone to a little Japanese cafe in Osaka or Kyoto this is a good reminder of how creative decorations can be (yes I know they are Vietnamese but their restaurant reminds me of Japanese cafes). The animae collections are gorgeous, decorations are impeccable and the karaoke rooms are special. u simply must try them. the vibe is super sweet with oriental music playing in the background.

the service: the boys and girls were quiet but super respectful and even with the language barrier they communicated well and as best they could. they looked clean and well groomed. wonderful people

the prices: fair considering other restaurant prices. id much rather pay a little more for this gorgeous spot than go to McDonalds.

good job lads, this place...