Casa Mariano made a very big impression on Mr W and me at its media preview over two month ago.In fact, Mr W and I agreed we needed to return to do a meal on our own and see if it was as wonderful as in the first visit, giving it time to settle in. Settling in can either mean getting even better or, sometimes, going downhill (yes, it happens too often here in Miami). We returned, and sure enough, had a five star experience. In fact, it will be one of our ‘go to” places for dinners with friends and just the two of us. No surprise that it has a 60% repeat diner rate.

Why the five stars?  A lot has to do with the top team, chef partner Mariano Araya, ex Costa Med,  and general manager  & sommelier Victor Tapia, who are very hands on in all respects. Plus, it’s a total of 70 seats indoors and outdoors, the staff has worked together for ten years, so it’s a very personal operation.

Casa Mariano in Doral has such an exciting menu that’s a combo of South American and Mediterranean influences, it’s tough to choose what to eat. The décor is casually elegant and attractive . Service is warm and professional – you can tell the staff enjoy working there. And it offers excellent quality and value. Comparable restaurants in other parts of Miami would easily cost 30 to 50% more.

In our two visits, we liked everything we had, which is unusual. The menu is divided into hot appetizers, cold appetizers, salads, entrees, steaks, sides and desserts.  For starters do not miss the goat cheese stuffed dates made with chorizo, bacon, and truffle aioli. They were plump, moist, sweet and savory ($12). A fave which I really hope they’ll add in the next menu, was the toasted brioche with crème fraiche, jamon serrano and caviar.  Another winner is the marinated pork belly ($12) that had a soft texture inside and a crunchy skin. Mr. W labeled it “phenomenal”.

The steak tartare is also a very good choice ($20). Fish lovers shouldn’t miss the salmon coconesa ($14), carpaccio with fennel radish salad and pineapple vinaigrette. It was delicate and flavorful.

It was good to see a culinary classic back on a menu – lobster thermidor. Here a Maine lobster is served on a parmesan risotto. The lobster was very fresh and sweet, and paired well with the risotto. Another favorite entrée was a seasonal selection, ravioli de ossobuco with madeira sauce, oyster mushrooms and green peas. The amazing sauce was rich, with a deep mushroom taste, heavenly. Another good choice are the short ribs, cooked sous vide for 48 hours and served with mashed potatoes.

Next time I’d like to try the mussels as well as the  chicken roulade with smoked gouda, cotto ham, roasted bell peppers and asparagus ($20), and casserole de fruits de mer with garden herb sauce and coconut milk.  Entrees with the exception of steaks, veal chop and lobster are mostly in the twenties in price.  For those who want  a steak, there’s a well priced 14 ounce rib eye for $38 or a filet mignon ($40).

Dessert selections include a donut torrija with mango anglaise, hazelnut tiramisu, tocinillo del cielo and more ($8-12).

We opted for the crepe suzette, a version that could be from the French Caribbean. Made with pineapple and coconut ice cream, it was delicious.

There’s also a dining room that’s in a wine library for up to eight guests.

Wines are also reasonably priced and offer an exciting selection. Besides the usual players, there are offerings from everywhere from Cyprus to Lebanon .A glass starts at $8 (6 ounce pour) and bottles at $39.  Also offered are wine based craft cocktail with a nod to the classics.

Casa Mariano, 8200 NW 27th St. in Doral. Lunch and dinner are served 7 days a week. There’s plenty of free parking in the adjacent lot.

And while you’re in Doral, you may want to check out the outdoor art exhibit LUX Doral. For more about this, click here.