Restaurant Review: La Diosa Taqueria

Business By Alexandra Herrera, Reporter Wednesday, March 15, 2023

     Despite my South Florida upbringing by Cuban grandparents, ropa vieja (pulled beef in sauce, translated as old clothing) was never a dish for me. 

     But La Diosa Taqueria’s version called Asere Que Bola ($11) changed my mind. A corn tortilla is topped with ropa vieja, a platanito (sweet plantain) and pork cracklings.  

      It’s less Mexican, but more Miami. With a name to match the region, it’s slang for “Hey man what’s up!” 

     It’s one of their most popular tacos, but there are plenty of Mexican staples -- ceviches in sauces (raw marinated white fish, shrimp or scallops), $18 - $19.87, and elotes (grilled corn on the cob with mayo, cheese and chili ashes) $8, on the menu, but sometimes are served with a twist. 

     They include Birria ($14) (Chili marinated beef and onion tacos with a dipping sauce made of the fat renderings); Chilaquiles (soft tortillas chips in a brothy chili sauce) and Al Pastor tacos ($10) (roasted pork, chile, pineapple, white onion and cilantro).

     The former Beverly Hills CafĂ© space is now blooming, with a gorgeous pink flower wall, fun neon signs and hot pink, crushed velvet booths.   

     Vines of fabric flowers hang beneath a grassy ceiling that is aglow at night with twinkly lights.

     The entire space brings the outdoors in and seems to elevate everyone’s mood. 

     A full bar and drinks menu offers plenty of options including margaritas and fresh juice mixers. 

     Deals include Taco Tuesday ($4 per taco); Ladies Night, Wednesday from 8 p.m. to close, Margaritas are $5.

     Happy Hour is Monday - Friday, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.

     Mariachis play on Thursday nights.

     Plates may seem small compared to the platters that Beverly Hills used to serve.    

    But sharing dishes that often come with multiple tacos, or a dish of fresh chips with gooey four-cheese dip ($12) is more the point here.

     The menu has large entrees too: A Mexican bowl ($16) with shrimp can be enjoyed by one for a hearty portion. A chicken, steak or shrimp burrito can be drowned in a zucchini sauce ($16).

     Red meat, salmon and branzino dishes are available, as is a vegetarian cauliflower taco. 

     You can end the meal on a sweet note. Freshly fried churros ($8) come with a big scoop of ice cream covered in chocolate. There is also a warm dark chocolate lava cake with ice cream ($12), passion fruit cheesecake ($12) or a Tres Leches (three milks) cake ($11). 

      La Diosa Taqueria is in the Cypress Village Shopping Center, 7321 Miami Lakes Drive, 305-381-5095. It is open daily for lunch and dinner. 

     Follow La Diosa on Instagram @ladiosataqueria.