New Place to Be

CityPlace Doral brings a central entertainment district to Miami-Dade

A large, neon-lit fountain sparkles near the center of CityPlace Doral, delighting crowds with its programmed water shows. Everything about CityPlace Doral, from its sleek and modern design to its assortment of retail, dining and entertainment spaces, is striking. The highly anticipated mixed-use complex, created by the Related Group and designed by Arquitectonica, transforms Doral into a vibrant community hub that attracts locals and tourists to see more than 235,000 square feet stocked with dozens of places to eat and things to do.

The sprawling urban center (8300 NW 36th St.) adds luxury homes and offices atop main-street shops, giving Doral a downtown-style neighborhood, something it’s lacked since its founding in 2003. Five years in the making, the $800 million live-work-play destination is redefining the notion of “mixed-use” properties.

Retail
Within a pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare, fashion-forward shops feature clothing, furniture, accessories and eyewear. Spruce up your wardrobe with a find from Tarbay or Seta Apparel, which offer one-of-a-kind clothing and accessories. Then, snag a manicure or a pedicure at Venetian Nail Spa. Before you leave, bring home fresh fruits and vegetables from the Fresh Market and see the 75-pound wheel of Parmigiano-Reggiano—the proclaimed “King of Italian Cheeses.”

Casual Dining
With more than 20 bars and restaurants, CityPlace offers internationally inspired eats in a casual atmosphere—Japanese at Sushi Siam, Mexican at Salsa Fiesta, Argentine at Baires Grill. Some of CityPlace’s restaurants have multiple outposts across South Florida—the Cheese Course, known for meat-and-cheese sandwiches; burger-and-fries joint BurgerFi; and Juan Valdez, a Colombian coffee shop. For those on-the-go, Vapiano is an Italian do-it-yourself restaurant where diners collaborate with chefs to create their own pizza or pasta dish. Customers order at a counter and plates are made in less than 10 minutes.

Fine Dining
Some restaurants are more upscale than others. For wine lovers, consider Cooper’s Hawk, which is inspired by Napa Valley’s wine country. Craft beer enthusiasts have City Works Eatery and Pour House, stocked with more than 90 craft brews. Those looking for slow food opt for Miami Beach’s Icebox Café, known for serving Mediterranean- and Middle-Eastern-inspired plates inside a bright and modern space. The two-story restaurant, which includes a café-style area with an indoor-outdoor bar and a sophisticated main dining room on the second level, is Icebox’s biggest outpost yet. It offers catch-of-the-day dishes, with fish glazed in pomegranate and served with roasted root vegetables and walnut-tahini tartar sauce.

Sweet Additions
Lined with dozens of clear cases stuffed with brightly colored, sugary confections, Sloan’s whips up ice cream without artificial flavors and colors, as well as fresh-baked brownies and cookies, and dipped apples. Snag a variety of pink, yellow and purple macarons at Le Macaron, where many of the store’s offerings are gluten-free and less than 80 calories. For gelato, the indulgent flavors at 4D Gelateria are infused with whipped chocolates and fruits.

Entertainment for All
CityPlace is home to the Miami area’s first King’s Bowl, an all-in-one dining, cocktail and bowling venue. The 20,000-square-foot complex features 14, 10-pin bowling lanes, four private bowling lanes, a full-service lounge (the Rum Room) and private dining and karaoke space (the Flamingo Room). Meantime, CineBistro is an upscale movie theater equipped with cozy seats and a gastropub menu. For interactive entertainment, there are laughs at the Improv Comedy Club, live music at Copper Blues Rock Pub and Kitchen, and a DJ at the Martini Bar.

Live Music on the Plaza
Fridays and Saturdays bring live music to CityPlace’s expansive plaza. Genres rotate nightly, including R&B, Latin fusion and variety dance bands. Before performances, check out the $4 million fountain, where visitors can watch choreographed music displays using water and neon lights, a la Bellagio in Las Vegas.

What’s to Come
As the city of Doral looks to become a hub for South Florida’s western business district, CityPlace will continue making enhancements. With space for more retailers and food vendors, visitors can expect new additions within the coming months as residents continue to move into the complex’s luxury apartment buildings and single-family houses. Expect additional programming as well.