Longtime Peruvian Restaurant Francesco Has Reopened In The Heart of Coral Gables
+2 Longtime Peruvian Restaurant Francesco Has Reopened In The Heart of Coral Gables
Francesco, the beloved destination for Peruvian cuisine in Coral Gables, has reopened its doors with a new location on Miracle Mile. The multi-awarded restaurant, which closed in 2018 after 18 years in business, was known for its culinary excellence, elegant and welcoming ambiance, and strong regular customer base, which included celebrities such as Glorian Stefan, Pitbull, and Juan Luis Guerra. It is now operated by one of the original owners, Franco Danovaro, in partnership with Fusion Agency and V&V Grupo Inmobiliario (Vertical Developments).
“Reopening Francesco allows us to reconnect with the community while introducing its unique flavors to a new generation of diners,” says Danovaro, who also operates Francesco’s original location in Lima, Peru. “We decided to reopen because many clients reached out and made us feel that we had a real opportunity to revive a legacy of exceptional dining while incorporating fresh ideas to keep the experience relevant.”
Renowned as one of Lima’s top seafood spots, Francesco’s fine-dining approach and Italian influences distinguish it from other Peruvian eateries. In Miami, the restaurant was recognized “Best Latin American Restaurant“ by Miami New Times in 2004. The restaurant was also awarded “Best Restaurant in South Florida” award in 2006 and 2007 by the Zagat Restaurant Guide.
Executive chef Sergio Riglos now leads Francesco’s local culinary program, along with two other Peruvian chefs, Pedro Monteza and Jorge Quispe, who helmed the kitchen at Francesco’s previous iteration in Miami. Original signature dishes have been kept on the menu, including Squid Ink Risotto served with grilled calamari on aji amarillo sauce; Tiradito Francesco made with fish marinated in lime juice topped with leche de tigre; and the Catch of the Day, a dish of sweet and sour white fish rolls sauteed with onions and mushrooms, flambéed in cognac with potato and Peruvian asparagus.
Francesco’s list of appetizers also includes Grilled Scallops served with parsnip purée with crispy pancetta and meunière sauce; Rocoto Relleno de Camarón, a starter of Peruvian red pepper filled with shrimp and finished au gratin; and an array of ceviche options. For main courses, options range from Cannelloni filled with classic Peruvian chicken creamy stew to Seared Sea Scallops, placed over a creamy walnut sauce spaghetti and Double Cut Pork Chop Carapulcra, accompanied by a satisfying Southern Peruvian potato stew. Dessert highlights are Suspiro Limeňo, a sweet ending of Peruvian dulce de leche topped with Italian merengue; and Oreo Freddo Cheesecake, topped with white delight.
“Our offerings have evolved by incorporating new techniques and modern twists on classic Peruvian flavors while staying true to the essence of traditional cuisine,” says Danovaro. “The focus has expanded to include more innovative creations, elevating the seafood-centric offerings with fresh, seasonal ingredients, and a touch of Italian gastronomy. This balance of creativity and respect for Peruvian culinary heritage allows Francesco’s dishes to remain both familiar and exciting, offering something for everyone.”
Lunch and dinner are served in a sleek 150-seating indoor dining room that conveys the essence of Francesco’s Peruvian roots. Inspired by the traditional wooden plank construction of seafaring vessels and vibrant colors of fisherman boats in Callo, Peru – the birthplace of the Francesco concept – the restaurant’s design evokes the feeling of being aboard on a ship. Crafted by Peruvian architects Luis Marcial and Alexia Leon of Leon Marcial Architecture Studio, the project’s design also draws inspiration from the shape and curve of the next-door Miracle Theatre marquee, and it includes plate glass entrance doors, hallway mirrors, and Peruvian hand-crafted dark natural wood millwork and furniture, with touches of reflective stainless steel and living plants. Guests can also enjoy a circular nautical bar, a private dining room, and an outdoor dining area on Miracle Mile.
Donavaro explains that despite the new location and some changes, the restaurant’s spirit has remained intact.
“To us, Francesco represents tradition, legacy, family,” says Danovaro. “Our comeback is a celebration of tradition, innovation, and the warm embrace of this beloved community. Miami has grown, evolved, and become an even more vibrant city, and we’re proud to be part of that growth. It’s about honoring what made Francesco special in the past, while embracing the future. This is not just about serving great food, it’s about being a place where memories are made, where every guest feels like part of the family, and where our legacy continues to grow, with the community right by our side.”
Francesco hosts a “Happy Bites” happy hour from Tuesday through Friday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Lunch specials are offered on weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. On Wednesdays, the restaurant features live music sets starting at 7 p.m.
