Walrus Rodeo Finds Its Rhythm
Lasagna, cabbage, and one oversized pork chop make the case for a table here
It had been a while since I’d eaten at Walrus Rodeo, the not-so-quiet sister restaurant of Boia De. My first visit left me a little confused, the food was good, but I wasn’t sure what the restaurant was trying to be. Coming back this time, the difference was obvious. The server explained the whole philosophy in one line: every dish touches the wood-fired oven in some way. Suddenly it clicked. The place makes sense now, and more importantly, it’s delicious.
Is it still worth the hype?: Absolutely. The menu has found its stride, the room is buzzing, and the kitchen is putting out some of the most satisfying, fun plates in town.
The Space: Sharing a strip mall with Boia De, Walrus Rodeo feels like the louder sibling who wants all the attention. The room is bright and playful, filled with families, groups of friends, and date nights. On a Friday, it was packed from the second we walked in. The chef’s counter is the best seat if you can snag it, watching the oven and kitchen team in constant motion is half the fun.
What to Eat & Drink: The bone marrow was a massive serving, coming as two full halves, loaded with smoked shallot soubise and parsley salsa verde. The roasted oysters with brioche and prosecco were rich, maybe a little heavy on the bread, but worth the order. Charred cabbage with ranch hollandaise is shockingly good with a smoky, hearty, and almost meaty flavor. Pizzas still have their following. The Roni Za with ricotta and salsa negra hit the table hot and made great leftovers. The Rodeo Za is move for anchovy diehards, while the Morty McFly with mortadella and stracciatella leans playful. The newly debuted mushroom dish, layered with truffle flavor, were one of my favorites of the night. And yes, the mustard green lasagna continues to live up to the hype. I’m not usually a lasagna person, but the lamb ragu and stracchino béchamel had me scraping the plate. The sleeper hit, though, was the bone-in pork chop with romesco, basically a giant, smoky slab of bacon masquerading as dinner.
Perfect For: A date that doesn’t need candlelight to feel special, or grabbing a counter seat solo just to watch the kitchen run the show.
Pro Tips: It’s way easier to snag a reservation here than at Boia De and the same caliber of team creating your meal.
Expect to Pay: Around $70 to $90 per person with drinks. The pork chop is market price and easily feeds two.
How's the parking? There’s a decent-size lot out front since it shares the strip mall with Boia De. The area can feel a little rough around the edges, but you’ll usually find a spot without too much circling.
@walrusrodeo // 5143 NE Second Ave., Miami