Francesco — Restaurant in Coral Gables

A Culinary Odyssey at Francesco’s in Coral Gables

Nestled in the heart of Coral Gables, Francesco’s Restaurant is more than a place to dine—it’s an invitation to embark on a journey through the rich traditions of Italy and the vibrant soul of Peru. From the moment we entered, Eric, the manager, welcomed us with warmth and enthusiasm, weaving the tale of Franco, the visionary whose culinary roots run deep through two continents. His narrative transported us to Italy’s sun-kissed countryside, then across the ocean to the colorful markets of Peru, culminating in the seamless fusion of flavors that define Francesco’s menu.

The evening began with a revelation—a bowl of Chilcano, a fish soup that was, quite frankly, transcendent. This experimental dish, not yet on the menu, teased the palate with a delicate interplay of fresh seafood and bold spices. Here’s the best part for those wary of overzealous heat: nothing at Francesco’s is spicy in that “too much chile” kind of way. Every flavor was impeccably balanced, allowing the ingredients to shine in perfect harmony. Naturally, we urged Eric to make this soup a permanent menu item.

Our appetizer, the Tiradito Francesco, arrived like a work of art. Slender, translucent slices of fish reclined atop a pool of leche de tigre, a sauce so electrifying it seemed to dance on the tongue. The vibrant citrus tang, the subtle heat (again, nothing overwhelming), and the impossibly fresh fish created a harmony that was nothing short of poetic.

For the main course, we ventured in different directions, each equally enchanting. The Angus short ribs, slow-cooked to perfection, arrived nestled in a verdant cilantro broth. The meat, so tender it surrendered effortlessly to the fork, was paired with a side of rice studded with white corn and beans—a dish that elevated comfort food to an art form.

Meanwhile, my own selection—a baked salmon atop mushroom risotto—was a testament to the precision and artistry of the kitchen. The salmon, with its crisp, golden crust and moist interior, was a triumph. The risotto, creamy yet al dente, infused with the earthy essence of mushrooms, was the perfect partner. Together, they created a dish that was both elegant and deeply satisfying.

Though dessert beckoned, we found ourselves utterly content. We opted for coffee, a decision that proved inspired. Now, let me just say, one of us is as picky about cafecito as others are with vintage champagne. The coffee passed this rigorous test with flying colors—rich, robust, and impeccably brewed, it was a fitting finale to a meal that had already reached the stratosphere.

As we lingered, basking in the glow of this extraordinary experience, Eric’s personal touch stood out as the crowning jewel of the evening. His attention to detail, his genuine passion for the cuisine, and his promise to personally attend to anyone asking about the Chilcano soup is a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to excellence.

Francesco’s isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a celebration of culture, creativity, and community. Every dish tells a story, every flavor evokes a memory, and every moment feels like a gift. Whether you’re a seasoned gastronome or simply someone in search of an unforgettable meal, Francesco’s is a destination that will leave you dreaming long after the plates have been cleared.

Run, don’t walk, to this culinary gem—and prepare to...

All I can say is what a huge disappointment. My best friend and I have been planning our first Miami spice of the year for quite some time and we had soooooo many options. I never imagined that our choice would leave us feeling so unimpressed, bamboozled and STARVED.

Let's start off with the fact that we have to ASK for the Miami Spice because they will not offer it if you don't request it. I asked and it was presented. Next, the options. As appetizers we chose the Causa of Crab and the Scallop Tiradito with Francesco Sauce or should I say Francesco Sauce with paper thin slices Scallop Tiradito which were perfectly camouflaged in their special sauce. We almost mistook the bigger pieces of Choclo for the actual scallops thinking oh how cute mini scallops! But no, digging in a little deeper we discovered 4 micro slices of scallops. The sauce was great but excessive. Maybe it was a game of find the scallop? For the main course we had Crab Ravioli and Catch of the Day in "Walnut Sauce" that tasted more like a McCormick powder mix makeshift gravy. The catch of the day was Mahi Mahi which was drier than the Sahara Sahara. Not only was the mahi-mahi overcooked, but it was bland and tasteless. Although I hate to do this, I sent it back. They were very apologetic and promised to make it up to me which they did with a better less overcooked mahi-mahi but sadly still tasteless. The icing on the cake was the dessert. I was so looking forward to the lucuma cheesecake! I could not believe what they served us. Not only was it itty-bitty, but it tasted more like caramel than this delicious beloved Peruvian delicacy: Lucuma. We did not eat them, and our server was more than gracious, and I can honestly say that she was embarrassed. She insisted on bringing out a lucuma moose, which was delicious albeit tiny.

But my question is why would they serve us a mediocre subpar miniature meal as an enticement to their restauran? I wish I would’ve had a measuring tape with me because I don’t think the photos do it justice. The manager came over apologetically and swore that Marc Anthony was a regular at their establishment.

My friend asked what Mark Anthony ate when he came and he was unable to give us a straight answer. All in all I feel that I have not only wasted my money and my time, but also one of the few moments I get to spend with my best friend which I cherish. The only reason I gave this establishment one star was for Ofi, our phenomenal server. She was gracious apologetic, friendly, and a fantastic host. Also the wine took the edge off our anger.

Two hours and almost $200 later, we had...

Attention, food enthusiasts and nostalgia seekers! Hold onto your taste buds because Francesco restaurant is back in Coral Gables, and it's time to rejoice like it's a culinary miracle on Miracle Mile! After suffering from abandonment issues since 2015 when they vanished from our lives like a disappearing act in a magic show, Francesco has finally returned, setting up shop next to the theater. Cue the happy tears and rumbling tummies! We couldn't resist diving into the "Taste of the Gables" lunch experience priced at $35. The ceviche Tostones were like a symphony in crispy harmony, topped with savory ceviche that danced on our tongues. The choice between spicy tuna or salmon tartar on crispy rice? Let's just say the tuna and crispy rice combo was like a match made in flavor heaven! For the main course, behold the Gallina cannelloni filled with a creamy chicken stew that's so brilliant, it deserves an encore on our next visit. The shrimp risotto, though tasty, had us dreaming of a creamier destiny—less tomato, more cream, please! Dessert stole the show with "Suspiro Limeno," a Peruvian Dulce de Leche crowned with Italian meringue. It's so decadent, I might have started with dessert and taken extras home if my diet allowed. And I'm not even a dessert person—this one's just that good! Even the " MERENGADO DE FRUTOS ROJOS,” a mix of berries with delicate manjar Blanco sauce, was a delightful treat, though it couldn't quite top the magnificence of "Suspiro Limeno.” I am beyond thrilled that Francesco is back after nearly nine years of wondering where they went and why they left us hanging. My advice? Stop reading this and make a reservation pronto! And if you happen to snag the last seat, watch out—I might just go nuclear because I did not get a seat. Check out the pictures of the menu for...