Pembroke Pines might not shout its culinary treasures from the rooftops, but they’re nestled between stores and nearby gas stations, or occupying cozy strip malls. In a city where chain restaurants tend to dominate, a handful of smaller spots still thrive thanks to charm, creativity and word-of-mouth.
If you’re looking to explore beyond the usual, here are five local gems well worth the trek.
Sosta Caffe
10800 Pines Blvd.
Pembroke Pines, FL 33026
Sunday – Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Friday – Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
(954) 613 4021
Nestled in Boulevard Square, Sosta Caffe offers a perfect escape from the plaza’s buzz, offering a true family-style Italian experience. The atmosphere is cozy, with modern, rustic decor that makes you want to stay a while. With only one location in Florida, this restaurant offers an experience you won’t find anywhere else.
The menu features Italian favorites like pizzas, pastas and paninis. One popular choice is the Focaccia Diavolo Pizza, priced at $21.99. A specialty dish, the Seafood Ciambotta, combines seafood, white wine and pappardelle for $25.00. Guests can also enjoy a rotating selection of limited-time offers, including 50% off wine, bruschetta and cold-cuts. Right by the register is a glass case stocked with tempting desserts such as tiramisu, cannoli and cheesecake, each for $9.50. It’s perfect for enjoying on the spot or taking home for later.
MOD Pizza
11255 Pines Blvd. Suite 101
Pembroke Pines, FL 33026
Sunday – Wednesday 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Thursday – Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. (754) 465-5814
Located nearby Pembroke Lakes Mall, MOD Pizza has offered fast, fresh, and fully customizable pizzas since being founded in 2008 by Ally and Scott Svenson. The open layout lets you watch as your pizza is built right in front of you, then placed into a gas-fired oven for that crisp finish.With over 40 toppings, eight sauces, and eight dressings to choose from, MOD lets you create exactly what you’re craving for $13.29. It’s a great pick for anyone who wants their pizza their way.
MOD is committed to being a positive force in the lives of their employers and communities. They take pride in offering jobs to people to individuals who face significant barriers to employment, such as substance abuse, homelessness, or lacking a high school diploma or GED. To support their team during unexpected hardships, MOD established the Bridge Fund. A grant program that has distributed over $2 million to date. Additionally, MOD is a proud member of the Workforce & Justice Alliance, a coalition of businesses dedicated to removing workforce barriers for people with criminal records and those impacted by the justice system.
Auntie I’s Jamaican Restaurant
10111 Pines Blvd.
Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday – Saturday 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
(954) 433-0223
In the same plaza as Applebee’s lies a place full of flavor. Inez Grant, better known as “Aunt I,” was driven by a passion to share the food she loved cooking when she opened in Miami Gardens in 1987. It gained its popularity through word of mouth. A location in Fort Lauderdale followed in 1996 with Pembroke Pines being the last edition in 2003. The first two locations closed down due to tough times, but the Pembroke Pines spot remains strong.
In 2011, it appeared on the food network show called “Heat Seekers.” The episode took viewers into the kitchen to see how their signature jerk chicken is made. Winston Grant, the current manager and son of Aunt I’s, continues to use the original recipes in honor of his mother, who passed away in April of 2009. Aunt I’s serves up a variety of authentic Jamaican dishes, from tender oxtail for $23.99 to jerk chicken at $13.99. With amazing quality and large portions, you can expect a hearty meal for a decent price.
Keik Bakeshop
11033 Pines Blvd. Store 432
Pembroke Pines, FL 33026
Sunday – Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday – Saturday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. (786) 822-4090
Kendall Location 11735 SW 147th Ave. #1 Miami, FL 33196
Doral Location 1450 NW 87th Ave. Suite 100 Doral, FL 33172
The duo behind this dining scene are Venezuelan immigrants Alejandra Romero and Wilfredo Ulacio. Desserts had always been Wilfredo’s passion, and Alejanda dreamed of launching her own business. They turned their ambition into action in March 2020.Located in the same plaza as the Home Depot, this bakery is a pink paradise that features breakfast, lunch and dinner options. Step inside and you’ll be greeted by an assortment of flowers overhead and a cake display with slices priced at $10.99.Their menu is packed with eye-catching dishes, like the Smoked Salmon Avocado Toast for $17.99. If you’re into a colorful combination of ingredients, bowls like the Mediterranean Pink costs $19.99.
From pink plates to heart straws, every detail adds to the experience. If you love a creative dining presentation and have a soft spot for all things pink, this spot is definitely worth the visit.
14571 SW 5th St.
Pembroke Pines, FL 33027
Sunday – Thursday 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Friday – Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Just down the street from the Cheesecake Factory is a restaurant offering a vibrant twist on Cuban cuisine. Havana 1957 was created by Vida & Estilo Hospitality. A team dedicated to bringing varied cuisines, flavors and hospitality to Miami and Nevada. Designed to capture the glamour of Cuba during the 1950s, the space is colorful, lively and bright. Havana 1957 has another five locations. There are four scattered across Miami Beach and one in Las Vegas. Havana’s 1957 signature, the Pollo Havana 1957, costs $28. There’s also a Cuban Sampler that introduces Ropa Vieja, roasted pork and their signature chicken for $26.95.
A highlight of the restaurant is The Mojito Bar, which stocks over 120 varieties of rum from around the world. You can indulge in signature cocktails like Havana Cosmo and Spicy Guava Margarita for $17. Stopping by in the evening gives you a chance to catch the live music and late-night performances. Whether you’re planning a group outing or looking for a fun night out, this place delivers.
