Full Circle Flavors: Acclaimed FreshCo. Fish Market & Grill Opens In Downtown Doral
A Taste of the Keys
On a typical afternoon in Downtown Doral, the aroma of fresh seafood drifted from the newest restaurant in town. Locals paused, drawn by the promise of Key West flavors and the buzz surrounding FreshCo. Fish Market & Grill—a name that, even before its doors opened, was whispered with anticipation. This was no ordinary addition to the Downtown Doral food scene. It’s a celebration of culinary excellence and somewhat of a homecoming for its founder, Mario Palazon.
The Making of a Legend
Mario Palazon grew up weaving memories of sun, salt, and ocean into dishes that captured the spirit of Key West. His journey began with a simple conch fritter recipe, crafted on the first floor of a building in the old Koger Center in Doral, which stood on the site of what is now Downtown Doral. Over the years, Mario’s passion for seafood led him to open the first FreshCo. Fish Market & Grill in Kendall, South Florida. The restaurant quickly became a sensation, earning the title of “Best Seafood Restaurant in Florida” and a coveted spot among America’s top seafood eateries. Yelp! Rated it #13 in the entire United States in 2023. Despite receiving over twenty offers to open a location in several different areas throughout South Florida, Mario’s heart remained focused on delivering quality over quantity. So he continued running a small operation…until Downtown Doral.
A New Chapter
Fate has a funny way of bringing us back to our roots. When approached about opening a FreshCo. location in Downtown Doral, something clicked for the Palazons, owners of the award-winning seafood restaurant. The vibrant energy, diversity, and family-friendly atmosphere of the 250-acre mixed-use community mirrored Mario’s vision for his restaurant. It wasn’t just about serving great seafood—it was about creating a neighborhood hub where families and friends could gather, share stories, and savor the taste of the ocean.
Having opened just before the holiday season, Downtown Doral was alive with excitement. The new FreshCo. location, twice the size of its Kendall counterpart, welcomed guests into a relaxed Key West-inspired space. Signature symbols and playful phrases adorned the walls, inviting everyone to escape into Mario’s incredible, Key West-style world—one where the sea and city meet in perfect harmony. The menu delighted with freshly caught seafood, prepared on-site, and an array of price-conscious options from both land and sea. Diners can even pick out their own fish from the market, taking a piece of FreshCo. home to prepare in their own kitchens. They offer options such as corvina, salmon, grouper, mahi, octopus and more—and some of these offerings are unique to the Doral location, and cater to the needs of the community.
View their menu here.
Community, Cuisine, and Connection
As the evening sun set over Doral, Mario watched families laughing, friends raising glasses, and newcomers discovering their new favorite dish. For him, the opening of FreshCo. Fish Market & Grill in Downtown Doral was more than a business milestone—it was a full-circle moment. The very place where he refined his legendary conch fritters was now home to his dream restaurant, surrounded by a vibrant community and a curated selection of international eateries.
Legacy of Flavor
FreshCo. joined a bustling culinary scene alongside Negroni Sushi Bar & Bistro, Bombay Darbar, Bulla Gastrobar, and many others—each adding their own flavor to Downtown Doral’s walkable, culturally rich destination. Yet, for those who stepped into FreshCo., the experience was uniquely Key West: authentic, welcoming, and always rooted in quality.
As Downtown Doral continues to grow, so does its reputation as a magnet for top-rated, experience-driven dining. And as for Mario Palazon, he’s right where he belongs—bringing the flavors of the sea to a city that’s ready to savor them, one meal and one memory at a time.
Check out FreshCo. Fish Market & Grill and plan your visit. Click here.
