Dragonfly Izakaya & Fish Market

If you attended the University of Florida in Gainesville, or know someone who did, Dragonfly Izakaya & Fish Market likely holds a special place in your heart. Its predecessor, Dragonfly Sushi, remains one of the college town’s most beloved and talked-about restaurants—the go-to place for dates, celebrations and satisfying a sushi craving. Similarly this izakaya and fish market offshoot is significant to Doral’s growing community, as the first restaurant to officially open in the new downtown Doral neighborhood. The space is grand, with a commanding indoor/outdoor bar and very tall ceilings, giving the impression one is dining in a large, Japanese temple. And while not exactly a sacred space, Dragonfly does honor traditional Japanese cuisine with a menu of delicate sashimi, sushi and nigiri. The list of maki rolls is extensive and inspired, ranging from a typical tempura shrimp roll to a decadent (and pricey!) snow crab and lobster salad creation. Save room for dessert. The Latin-inspired cuatro leches with green tea matcha is just the right blend of Miami and Japan rolled into one perfectly (not too) sweet ending.