08-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
This Doral mall is growing along with the city. Here's what you'll find there in 2025
Miami International Mall opened in a sedate unincorporated western Miami-Dade neighborhood in August 1982.
And it's still around nearly 43 years later. But 'sedate' doesn't describe the area now.
In 2003, the neighborhood incorporated as the city of Doral. In its first decade, Doral grew to just under 46,000 people by 2010. The census puts Doral's population at 81,500 in 2025 — and it's projected to grow by another 5,000 people into 2029.
The mall that lingered in the shadow of Kendall's Dadeland Mall 10 miles away is now owned by the same management company, Simon. And like its older and better-known sister, Miami International Mall is growing to satisfy a thriving base.
More than 10 new dining, retail and service businesses, including an Elev8 Fun indoor amusement center with its own food court, have opened or are set to open in 2025 on the grounds at 1455 NW 107th Ave.
Elev8 Fun owner David Goldfarb, who also owns Xtreme Action Park in Fort Lauderdale, told the Miami Herald last year he chose the mall for its high-traffic location, tenant mix and familiar face in the neighborhood.
'The Miami International Mall has been a legacy shopping mall destination for decades in the western Miami community and continues to serve as a major shopping hub for the growing trade area,' he said. 'The consumer spending trends and demographics are conducive to a family entertainment center.'
READ MORE: This old Miami mall is getting a modern mega entertainment center
Here's what Simon says has recently arrived and what you'll soon see at Miami International Mall:
Concept
▪ Clawz Plushies Playground: A Tim Burton and Kawaii-inspired destination where plushie lovers and gaming enthusiasts can win, trade and collect plushies in an interactive 'Clawcade' experience — that means arcade games with claws, for those who aren't in the know. Spring 2025.
▪ Elev8 Fun: A 110,000-square-foot entertainment complex featuring more than 100 arcade games, a go-kart track, 12 bowling lanes, mini golf and a fitness center. Goldfarb, the owner, says the venue will feature its own food court with restaurants and eateries including California Pizza Kitchen, Mr. Beast Burger, Great American Cookies, Buddy V.'s Cake Slice, Man vs. Fries and Ballpark Bites. Summer 2025.
Dining
▪ Buns & Bites: An Italian-inspired eatery serving paninis, salads and homemade pasta. Located near Pei Wei Asian Express. Open.
▪ Moka Café: Sandwiches, pastries, dessert, quiche, avocado toast and coffee. Also, empanadas from Venezuela, Colombia and Argentina. Found in the mall's center court. Open.
▪ Cake Joy: A bakeshop offering Brazilian pastries and Bundt cakes. Spring 2025.
▪ Freddo: Premium gelato. Fall 2025.
Retail
▪ Attractions by Brazil in Miami: Boutique apparel for men and women, along with shoes, purses, jewelry and accessories. Near Victoria's Secret. Open.
▪ Rio By Design Beachwear: Brazilian swimwear and beachwear, accessories and Panama hats. Near Macy's. Open.
▪ Metropolis International: Pop-culture merchandise including manga, comics, anime, Funko and Pokémon. Established in 2020, Metropolis also sells Marvel, DC, 'Star Wars' and Disney collectibles. Near the recently opened International Nails II. Open.
