Catrina Querida in Doral is a vibrant, Jalisco-inspired Mexican restaurant that wraps authentic flavors inside one of the most visually striking dining rooms in Miami. Located at 7902 NW 36th St, this Day of the Dead-themed spot delivers massive loaded nachos, crispy Ensenada-style fried octopus tacos, dripping quesabirria, and some of the best churros con cajeta I have had in South Florida. The decor alone is worth the visit: neon-lit Catrina murals, hanging floral installations in every color, and Coco-inspired backdrops that turn every table into a photo opportunity. For Doral, where chain restaurants dominate the landscape, Catrina Querida is a welcome jolt of personality and genuine Mexican cooking. I am giving it an 8 out of 10.
Catrina Querida
The Vibe at Catrina Querida
Day of the Dead Meets Doral
Catrina Querida commits fully to its Dia de los Muertos theme, and the result is one of the most photogenic restaurants in the Doral area. Every wall features vibrant murals of La Catrina, the iconic skeleton figure, surrounded by marigolds and sugar skull motifs. Hanging floral installations in pinks, oranges, and blues cascade from the ceiling. Neon purple accents frame arched alcoves, and the color palette shifts between warm saffron walls and moody, candlelit corners.
The vibe is festive without being loud. Families, couples, and groups of friends were all eating comfortably during my visit. Furthermore, the decor extends to the exterior, where a Coco-inspired mural and marigold field backdrop make for an ideal photo wall. Service was friendly and attentive throughout the meal. The menu is printed on quality booklet-style cards with full-color photos, which helps when navigating a menu this large. Free parking is available in the plaza lot, which is a significant advantage over restaurants in more congested parts of Miami.
What to Order at Catrina Querida Doral
I went deep on this menu. Here is every dish I tried, rated honestly.
Loaded Nachos
This was the first thing to hit the table, and it set the tone for the entire meal. A towering platter of crispy tortilla chips layered with pulled chicken, braised beef, melted nacho cheese, sour cream, cotija, cilantro, pico de gallo, guacamole, and pomegranate seeds. The platter was genuinely massive. Two people could share this comfortably as a full meal, and a table of four could split it as a starter.
The pomegranate seeds were an unexpected touch that added pops of tartness between bites of rich, cheesy chips. Additionally, the ratio of toppings to chips stayed consistent throughout the platter, which is a common failure point at other restaurants where the bottom layer ends up bare. Strong start.
Foody Fetish Pick — The nachos are a table centerpiece. Order them for the group.
Ensenada-Style Fried Octopus Tacos
Three corn tortillas loaded with battered, fried octopus pieces, topped with shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, avocado-based green salsa, chipotle crema, sour cream, and cotija cheese. The octopus was tender inside the batter, not chewy, and the exterior had a light crunch that held up under the weight of the toppings. The green salsa added a bright, herbaceous kick, and the chipotle crema provided low, warm heat that built gradually.
📸 IMAGE: catrina-querida-octopus-tacos-closeup.webp Alt: Close-up of fried octopus tacos with avocado salsa, cotija, and cilantro
📸 IMAGE: catrina-querida-octopus-tacos-interior.webp Alt: Yanni holding fried octopus tacos in floral-decorated dining hallway
These tacos are not on every Mexican restaurant menu in Miami. Consequently, they are a genuine differentiator for Catrina Querida. If you like seafood tacos, order these over the fish option.
Foody Fetish Pick — The fried octopus tacos are the standout dish at this restaurant.
Quesabirria Tacos
Crispy-edged corn tortillas dipped in birria consomme, filled with slow-cooked beef and melted cheese, then griddled until the exterior develops a deep red, lacquered crust. Topped with diced onion, cilantro, cotija cheese, chipotle drizzle, and sour cream. Served with a side of consomme for dipping.
The birria beef was tender and well-seasoned, and the consomme had a rich, chile-forward flavor that tasted like it had been simmering for hours. The cheese crust on the tortilla edges was shatteringly crispy, which is the make-or-break detail on any quesabirria. Catrina Querida nails it. On the other hand, the tacos were heavy. After the nachos and octopus tacos, these were filling. Plan your ordering accordingly.
Garlic Shrimp Quesadilla
A large flour tortilla stuffed with garlic-seasoned shrimp and melted cheese, griddled until the exterior was golden and crisp. The shrimp were plump, well-seasoned, and cooked through without being rubbery. Specifically, the garlic flavor came through cleanly rather than being masked by the cheese. This was a solid, straightforward dish without any surprises, and it delivered exactly what it promised.
Steak Burrito
A flour tortilla filled with grilled steak, pinto beans, lettuce, sour cream, melted cheese, and pico de gallo, then griddled on a flat top until the tortilla developed leopard-spotted char marks. Served halved on an oval plate with lime wedges and a ramekin of salsa roja.
The burrito was tightly wrapped and held together well. The steak pieces were tender, and the beans added creaminess throughout. Moreover, the griddled tortilla gave the whole thing a toasted, slightly smoky quality that separated it from a standard burrito. The salsa roja on the side had good heat without overwhelming the other flavors.
Drinks at Catrina Querida
Passion Fruit Margarita
Served in a green cactus-shaped glass with a Tajin chili rim and a purple orchid garnish. The margarita was bright, sweet-tart, and very drinkable. The passion fruit flavor was genuine, not artificial, and the Tajin rim added a spicy-salty edge with every sip. This is one of the more photogenic cocktails I have had in Doral.
📸 IMAGE: catrina-querida-passion-fruit-margarita-closeup.webp Alt: Close-up of yellow passion fruit margarita with Tajin rim and flower
Strawberry Mojito
A tall glass of muddled strawberries, fresh mint, lime, rum, and soda water, glowing pink against the neon Catrina mural behind the bar. Refreshing, not overly sweet, and well-balanced between the fruit, mint, and lime. The bar clearly uses fresh fruit rather than syrup, which makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
Desserts at Catrina Querida
Churros with Cajeta, Whipped Cream, and Ice Cream
Four cinnamon-sugar coated churros arranged in a square on a plate, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in the center, whipped cream rosettes on the side, cajeta (Mexican goat milk caramel) drizzled over everything, and a purple orchid garnish. The churros were crisp on the outside, soft and doughy on the inside, and coated with a thick layer of cinnamon sugar. The cajeta was warm, glossy, and had that signature goat milk tang that separates it from regular caramel.
This is the dessert to order. The combination of hot churros, cold ice cream, and warm cajeta creates three temperature layers in one bite. Share it or do not. Either way, finish with this.
Foody Fetish Pick — Churros with cajeta. End every meal here with these.
Price Check: Is Catrina Querida Worth It?
Value Assessment
Catrina Querida falls squarely in the $$ range. Tacos run $15 to $18 per plate, the loaded nachos are around $15 to $17, burritos sit near $16, and cocktails are in the $12 to $15 range. For two people ordering appetizers, mains, dessert, and drinks, expect to spend around $80 to $100 before tip. That is extremely reasonable for the quality of food, the portion sizes (genuinely large), and the overall experience.
How It Compares
In the Doral dining scene, where chains and generic Latin restaurants dominate, Catrina Querida stands out for its commitment to both atmosphere and authenticity. Jalisco-style Mexican cooking with this level of care is not common in this part of Miami. Therefore, for the price, the quality, and the experience, this is strong value.
The Verdict on Catrina Querida Doral
Catrina Querida delivers on three fronts: the food is genuinely good, the atmosphere is one of the most visually immersive in Doral, and the prices are fair for the portion sizes. The fried octopus tacos are the clear standout, followed closely by the quesabirria and the churros con cajeta. The loaded nachos are a spectacle worth ordering for any group. The cocktails are well-made with fresh fruit, and the decor makes every corner of the restaurant feel like an event.
Who should go: families looking for a fun, colorful dinner out, groups who want shareable plates and cocktails, couples on a casual date night, and anyone in Doral who is tired of the same chains. Who might want to skip it: anyone looking for a quiet, understated dining experience. This restaurant is bold, colorful, and unapologetically festive.
Foody Fetish Rating: 8/10
Catrina Querida Doral — FAQ
Your Questions About Catrina Querida
Catrina Querida is walk-in friendly for most visits. Reservations are recommended for large groups of 6 or more, especially on weekends when the restaurant tends to fill up. Call ahead at (786) 773-5038 to secure a table for bigger parties.
The Ensenada-style fried octopus tacos are the standout. Tender battered octopus on corn tortillas with avocado salsa, chipotle crema, and cotija. The quesabirria tacos and churros con cajeta are close behind. For groups, the loaded nachos are a showstopper.
Yes. The restaurant is family friendly with a spacious layout, colorful decor that kids enjoy, and a menu with options for all ages. The portion sizes are generous, so sharing plates works well. Weekend visits include live music, which adds to the festive atmosphere.
Yes. Free parking is available in the plaza lot directly in front of the restaurant. The lot is spacious and easy to navigate, which is a major advantage compared to restaurants in more congested areas of Miami.
More About the Experience
The menu is Jalisco-inspired Mexican cuisine. Jalisco is the state in western Mexico known for tequila, birria, and street tacos. Expect dishes like quesabirria, Ensenada-style seafood tacos, loaded nachos, burritos, and traditional desserts like churros with cajeta (Mexican goat milk caramel).
Yes. Catrina Querida features live music on weekends, including mariachi performances. This adds to the festive, celebratory atmosphere that the restaurant cultivates through its Day of the Dead-inspired decor and colorful interior.
Yes. Delivery is available through Uber Eats and directly through the restaurant’s Toast ordering page. Orders through Toast are commission-free and go directly to the restaurant. You can also call (786) 773-5038 for takeout.