Longtime Peruvian Restaurant Francesco Has Reopened in Coral Gables
Serving a Unique Menu of Italian-influenced specialties, the Concept Has a New Location on Miracle Mile Designed to Celebrate its Heritage and Connect the Community
Miami, FL – 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 as “Best Latin American Restaurant“ by Miami New Times in 2004. The Zagat Restaurant Guide also awarded the restaurant the “Best Restaurant in South Florida” award in 2006 and 2007.
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.
Donavaro explains that despite the new location and some changes, the restaurant’s spirit has remained intact.
“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; 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, every guest feels like part of the family, and 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.

Francesco is located at 278 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, reopened in 2024 with a new, 3,000-square-foot location. The restaurant offers a unique fine-dining experience that blends Peruvian cuisine with Italian influences. Led by Franco Danovaro, one of the original owners, Francesco serves signature dishes such as Tiradito Francesco, Squid Ink Risottoو Catch of the Day VSOP. Executive Chef Sergio Riglos, with his talented team, ensures the menu evolves with fresh seasonal ingredients. The restaurant features a 150-seat capacity and offers an array of signature cocktails, including Peruvian Spritz و فرانشيسكو أولد فاشوند.
For reservations, Francesco’s lunch service runs Tuesday through Thursday from noon to 3 p.m.و dinner service is available Tuesday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., with later hours on weekends. Happy hour is offered weekdays from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. To reserve a table, visit SevenRooms أو OpenTable.
You can reach Francesco by email at [email protected]. For the latest updates, follow them on Instagram @francescorestaurant. For more information, visit their website at francesco-restaurant.com.
About Francesco
Founded by the Danovaro family in Peru in 1984, Francesco’s North American outpost first debuted in Coral Gables in 2018 and operated for 18 years. The new, 3000-square-foot indoor/outdoor Miami iteration of the four-decade concept serves a unique fine-dining menu in the heart of Miracle Mile. Traditional Peruvian fare influenced by Italian cuisine is the pillar of the restaurant’s gastronomical experience, offered in a nautical-inspired dining room anchored by a circular bar and a lively outdoor terrace. Francesco is located at 278 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables. The restaurant is open Tuesdays through Thursdays from noon to 10 p.m., Fridays from noon to 11 p.m., and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.


