Hassan J.
Yelp
Great appetizers, good mains, but service and charges could be clearer.
We recently dined at Marabu in Brickell and overall had a good experience, though there were a couple of hiccups.
The appetizers really stole the show--everything we tried was excellent. The empanadas were crispy and flavorful, the ceviche was super fresh, and the truffle Yukon potatoes were a hit with everyone at the table. I highly recommend starting your meal with any (or all!) of these.
For mains, we ordered a variety--an off-menu stew, the ribeye, and the grouper. All were good, but honestly, the apps set such a high bar that the entrees, while solid, didn't quite measure up to the starters.
One issue that stood out: the ribeye was ordered medium and confirmed to be pink inside, but it arrived well done. I sent it back, and the hostess agreed with me right away, which I appreciated. They brought out a new steak about 15 minutes later, but by then, the timing of our meal felt off. It would have been nice to see a manager come by or get a small gesture--like a complimentary coffee or dessert--to acknowledge the inconvenience, but nothing was offered. The kitchen staff seemed indifferent, which took away from the hospitality.
Another point to note: Maradu adds a mandatory 18% service charge to the bill, which I expected in Miami. However, the bill also recommended an additional 3-7% tip (5% was highlighted). This turns a regular tip into more than 25% once you do the math, which felt excessive. When I asked about it, our server said the service charge "isn't for me," which made things feel a little uncomfortable and left me confused about who's actually getting what. Transparency on this would really help.
All in all, the food is definitely worth trying, especially the appetizers. I'd still recommend Maradu for a night out, but just be aware of the service charge and double-check your bill before tipping extra.