Residents of Key Biscayne may recall the renowned Francesco, which served as a beloved Peruvian destination in the Towers of Key Biscayne until its closure in 2020.
The excitement in the air is palpable as brothers Franco and Aldo Danovaro, who already boast a successful Francesco location in Lima, Peru, have reopened a new establishment in Coral Gables, an area close to their hearts after running a restaurant there for 18 years.
Walking into the new Francesco, one immediately feels the unique ambiance that strikes a balance between an upscale dining experience and an effortlessly casual atmosphere.
The circular bar at the entrance sets a welcoming tone, while the attentive staff ensures that every guest feels catered to right from the moment they step inside.
The menu at Francesco is deeply rooted in four decades of culinary traditions, showcasing classic Peruvian dishes that resonate with the Danovaro brothers’ Lima roots, beautifully complemented by Italian influences that reflect their familial heritage.
During a recent visit, we were fortunate to indulge in some of the innovative offerings from the new Francesco and engage in a conversation with the operators about their inception and ambitions moving forward.
When asked about the motivation behind reopening Francesco after a hiatus, the brothers noted that heartfelt conversations with loyal customers and friends ignited the inspiration to relaunch.
“This flame — now lit on Miracle Mile — we hope will grow strong once again,” they shared, conveying a sense of hope and community imbued in their venture.
Amidst the nostalgia, they recounted special memories from their previous endeavors that further inspired their return.
“Every reunion with our clients is important. When they come to the new Francesco, memories of their visits are reactivated, reminding us that we have not just clientele but friends who continue to dine with us,” they expressed.
Despite the change in location and time since their initial venture, the essence of Francesco remains unwavering.
Core dishes that built their reputation are still featured on the menu, alongside new items that allow for continuous evolution.
“We want to continuously rotate the menu so that there’s always something new in the experience,” they emphasized, hinting at their commitment to culinary innovation.
The brothers recognized that a restaurant’s success relies not solely on recipes, but on cultivating relationships, underscoring the importance of consistency, attention to detail, and love in their craft.
“Francesco was born as a tribute to our Peruvian roots, with a nod to the Italian cuisine we love so much. Today, that identity remains alive: an elegant yet warm cuisine, with fresh ingredients and authentic flavors that surprise and comfort,” they stated.
Exploring the design elements of the new location reveals an artistic homage to Peru’s maritime tradition and the fishing boats from Callao, the principal port in Peru.
This influence is seamlessly integrated into the restaurant’s decor and ambiance, inviting guests on a journey through both culinary and cultural history.
“The atmosphere aims to be elegant yet welcoming, like a haven where every detail invites you to stay and share,” the brothers explained.
Particularly noteworthy is the circular bar, designed not just for traditional service, but as a communal space fostering conversation and connection.
“It’s a point of connection where people can share anything from cocktails to heartfelt conversations, which represents Francesco’s philosophy of closeness and community,” they added.
Regarding the menu, a deliberate balance has been crafted between traditional dishes and modern interpretations.
Francesco adheres to the belief that cuisine evolves while paying homage to the past, creating a harmonious blend of nostalgia and contemporary culinary art.
“This balance honors our history and thanks those who have supported us, while updating some presentations to enhance visual appeal,” they detailed.
Among the newly introduced dishes, the Scallop Tartare and Scallops à la Meunière are standout selections, while the Andean Trout and Nonno’s Lasagna are recommended main courses that reflect the restaurant’s rich culinary heritage.
To the loyal customers from Key Biscayne who fondly remember the original Francesco, the brothers extended a warm invitation:
“We commit to honest, soulful cuisine that stirs emotions and evokes memories, welcoming our clients from the island to our Coral Gables location.
We will do everything we can to make you feel at home.”
During our visit, we sampled various dishes from Francesco’s new menu, beginning with the cherished Tiradito Bar.
This vibrant dish featuring Peruvian yellow chili sauce, red rocoto sauce, and house-made Leche de Tigre has been a staple of Francesco’s menu for over 35 years and did not disappoint.
The classic Squid Ink Risotto with calamari was equally impressive, bursting with flavor and executed to perfection.
We found that the sampler platter was an excellent way to experience a variety of offerings, highlighting the freshness of the ceviches and tiraditos, which were generously served and tailored to individual preferences for heat.
To conclude our culinary journey, we savored a decadent Lucuma brownie dessert, rich with sweet and tangy notes that provided a pleasing finale to our meal.
Francesco’s reopening marks not just a return, but an enhancement; it encapsulates the essence of its predecessors while ushering in a new chapter brimming with promise.
For fans of the original establishment and newcomers alike, Francesco in Coral Gables invites all to experience an unforgettable journey through authentic Peruvian cuisine.
image source from：https://www.islandernews.com/food/taste/a-taste-of-key-biscayne-returns-with-peruvian-classics-in-coral-gables/article_764d51ea-ff80-4cbf-945b-262e0788492d.html
