Expect the unexpected at Coral Gables’ newest go-to dining spot, Arcano. For foodies on the hunt for their next great meal or local diners interested in checking out the latest culinary sensation, Arcano is the destination. This warm, welcoming, affordable, and alluring restaurant puts a creative twist on Hispanic cuisine, marrying tradition and innovation in every dish.
Arcano, referring to the “thrill of the unexpected’’ in Spanish, is on a mission to make dining exciting and unpredictable.
“Hispanic cuisine has an abundance of flavors and influences that offer constant discovery,” said Juan Diego Canahuati, who co-owns and operates the restaurant with his wife, Nicole. “We named the restaurant Arcano to imply that surprises are in store, keep our clients intrigued, and to make sure the experience is accessible and unintimidating for our guests. Arcano is the type of place that embraces nostalgia while looking ahead.”
The Arcano menu does just that, offering new guests a true culinary journey, while ensuring repeat customers always find something new.
“The sharing of food with friends and family is at the heart of a great meal,” said Nicole Canahuati. “The menu was designed to encourage sharing and exploration, with each dish inspired by a different country or region. Guests can order as they want or have a meal curated by us.”
A selection of Hot and Cold Starters kicks off the menu, featuring dishes such as Guacamole Ahumado, a beautifully smoked avocado cream topped with roasted pumpkin seeds, tomato, relish, and radish, drizzled with house-made charcoaled jalapeno oil, and served with crispy taro. Crudo de lomito (beef carpaccio) contains three types of coffee: a tender cut of filet mignon marinated in Costa Rican coffee, topped with a house-made coffee oil extract and emulsion, and then ancestral seeds, watercress leaves, and a crumble of Honduran cheese.
Juan Diego and Nicole Canahuat (Arcano)
Like several of Arcano’s more eclectic creations, the dish sounds a bit madcap, but the culinary team’s obvious technique and dedication to balance delivers. Another standout starter is the trio of Spanish-style Croquetas, including crab, calamari infused with squid ink, and shrimp.
Next up, nine large-format Plates offer an enticing selection of main course options. Indulge in Pato con mole atop corn puree or Jarrete de Cordero – a lamb shank braised in pomegranate juice and red wine reduction, with fresh citrus zest and hibiscus powder; served with pickled onions, shredded Oaxaca cheese, and fresh purple corn tortillas.
Also on offer, a quartet of Street Food handhelds that hold their own against the main plates’ big flavors. Perhaps one of Miami’s most curious burgers can be found here, and it’s as delicious as it is unorthodox. The Hamburguesa Arcano is an 8 oz. wagyu beef brisket patty served on a house-made roll infused with blackberries, then topped with hibiscus-kissed caramelized onions, shredded Oaxaca cheese, queso fresco, fresh watercress, and a house-made garlic aioli. Wild? Yes. Does it work? Absolutely.
Another great item, perfect for lunch, is the Reina Pepiada, a yellow and purple corn marbled Venezuelan-style arepa filled with shredded chicken breast, which has been poached in herbs and spices, served with an avocado and cilantro lime sauce and a salad of spinach and watercress.
Desserts are ready to impress and include the wildly creative Tarta de Remolacha (“beet tart”). A thin ribbon of beet root is poached in a beet juice reduction, twisted into a delicate flower, served atop an almond tart with a citrus and beet reduction and a scoop of passionfruit and hibiscus gelato.
Another signature dessert is the Flan De Maiz, a silky twist on tradition – a
creamy corn flan that blends sweet corn and vanilla for a delicate, custardy delight, topped with a perfect golden caramel. Those looking for something simpler can enjoy an array of homemade gelatos, a fresh cup of Arcano single-origin coffee from Brazil and Colombia, or espresso to end the evening.
Arcano’s beverage program spearheaded by Lucas Warren is rooted in culture but elevated by innovation. To bring their vision to life, the Canahuatis partnered with Warren of Culinary Journey, a Miami-based hospitality group renowned for creating dining and cocktail experiences.
The 2,050 square foot space seats 120 total, including a PDR for 30. Diners can enjoy the indoor dining room or lounge. Arcano also has a bar and outdoor patios with 80-inch TVs for watching sports.
Feature Photos: Sopa Marinera (Arcano)