Miami Spice at Francesco
Francesco, the beloved destination for Peruvian cuisine in Coral Gables, will be participating in Miami Spice, offering a great way to experience its fine dining fare at great value. 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 Gloria 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).
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 as the “Best Latin American Restaurant“ by Miami New Times in 2004. The restaurant was also awarded the “Best Restaurant in South Florida” award in 2006 and 2007 by the Zagat Restaurant Guide.
The restaurant is featuring Miami Spice lunch and dinner menus from Monday through Friday, priced at $35 and $60 per person, respectively. Guests have the choice of one appetizer, from options such as Tuna Tartar, a combination of fresh tuna over avocado cream, finished with a light crunch and sesame oil; Causa de Cangrejo, a dish of Peruvian yellow potato with ají amarillo, crab meat, lime, and watercress sauce; or Scallop Tiradito in Francesco sauce, served with sweet potato and Peruvian corn. The main course choices are Crab Ravioli, a squid ink ravioli filled with delicate crab meat, bathed in a vibrant Peruvian ají amarillo sauce, and finished with grilled crab claws; an option of Seafood Rice, flambéed seafood in white wine, folded into rice infused with rich squid ink; or Catch of the day, fish fillet with grilled shrimp over a creamy walnut sauce.
For desserts, Francesco is featuring Cheesecake de Lucuma, a creamy cheesecake infused with Peruvian lucuma, or Tocino del Cielo, a delicate traditional Spanish flan made with egg yolks.
Francesco is located at 278 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables; 305-797-4039; francesco-restaurant.com; @francescorestaurant. The restaurant is open Tuesdays through Thursdays from noon to 10 p.m., Fridays from noon to 11 p.m., Saturdays from 3 to 11 p.m., and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.
