Meatflame introduces Mexican, Honduran, and Mediterranean Fusion to Downtown Dover

Dover’s newest restaurant brings multicultural flavors—and local artistry—to Bassett Highway. A new wave of fusion dining has arrived on Bassett Highway with the soft opening of Meatflame, a fast-casual restaurant created by local owner Alex Grau at 24A Bassett Highway. The restaurant opened its doors this week, welcoming walk-in diners, as Grau and his team refine operations ahead of a planned grand opening in about three weeks.

Grau, who moved from Los Angeles to Dover in 2021, said he wanted to introduce something unique to the community — a blend he rarely saw elsewhere. "I wanted to do something different — a mix of Honduran, Mexican, and Mediterranean," he said.

The fusion comes from a combination of dishes and seasonings that draw from all three culinary traditions.

With nearly a decade of experience in the restaurant business, Grau said Dover offered the opportunity he struggled to find back west. "L.A. was kind of hard for me to get a business," he explained. "I moved here for the opportunities."

Meatflame is a family operation, with Grau handling all the cooking and recipe development. He’s joined by his uncle Leonal Palaseos, sister-in-law Nury Mejia, and his partner, Carminda Nicolette, who help run the day-to-day operations. The restaurant is not currently hiring, though Grau said that could change if business goes well. 

Early favorites on the menu include Fish on Fire, ribs, and Churrasco. "People love it. It's simple, but it's really good," he said.

Inside Meatflame, the walls showcase Grau's personal artistic touch — a hobby he's pursued since he was 10 years old. On one wall, a large scenic landscape stretches across the right side of the restaurant. On the left, in the dining area, the walls are painted black and adorned with neon, hand-painted animals, creating a vibrant, energetic atmosphere.

After months of steady work, Grau says he's proud to have opened the doors.

"I'm going to put my love into this project."

Visit Meatflame’s Facebook page for information and updates.