The European Riviera has made its way to the Miami area with the July 2 grand opening of M House, Downtown Coral Gables’ most coveted new culinary addition.
Patrons will experience a palate of bold flavors inspired by the rich coastlines of Italy, Spain, Portugal, Turkey, and Greece. The restaurant’s contemporary menu presents seasonal fare, with an exclusive collection of dishes boasting a smoky flavor from the kitchen’s unique Josper Charcoal Oven. Transforming traditional dining into an immersive affair, hand-crafted cocktails will further stimulate the senses and compliment the diverse cuisine.
M House focuses on delivering the highest quality food preparation and service within a relaxed, yet sophisticated ambiance. With prominent restauranteurs and culinary masterminds behind the brand, the destination is curated for those who seek an epicurean environment ideal for recurring dining. Executive chef Abraham Silva cultivated a distinct, fresh menu from global travels that included cooking alongside visionary chefs and visiting Spain to learn first-hand the authentic cooking techniques of a Josper Oven. With a notable résumé of positions at the East, Miami in Brickell City Centre, as well as Seasalt and Pepper (now Seaspice), the experienced chef brings his exceptional skill set and creativity to M House.
“It is with great excitement that we introduce M House to Downtown Coral Gables,” said Francisco Arocha, partner of Metropolis Group, the restaurant’s ownership. “Each member of our team brings invaluable industry insight that has been honed over decades, setting the table with the best and brightest of hospitality innovations. We know that M House’s combination of European influence, cuisine, and commitment to creating a memorable experience will be enjoyed by many.”
Local hospitality consultant Werner Piccolino was tapped to contribute to the development of M House’s culinary concept, utilizing his more than two decades of expertise in the Coral Gables market. He also serves as the restaurant’s director of operations.
To savor the most optimal of flavors, the menu boasts delectable appetizers; oven-grilled entrees from land and sea; and an eclectic selection of pastas and risottos.
A selection of coastal, raw or cooked, seafood-centric appetizers are a perfect start to the M House experience. Highlights include Smoked Shrimp Cocktail — fresh Key West Pink Shrimp with tomato water and lemon; and Mediterranean Octopus — Spanish octopus, roasted zucchini, tomato salmoriglio, and tahini. Additional appetizers include the signature M House Salad — house greens, haricot verts, fennel, Parmesan, and champagne vinaigrette.
Ideal for dining with company, the charcuterie board introduces an arrangement of fine, hand-sliced meats imported from Spain, France, and Italy, paired with artisan cheeses.
Main courses are offered through an array of dishes from both ocean and earth that are simply grilled or baked in the Josper Oven, adding unique depths of flavor not typical of a regular, open grill. Must-try items include the Whole Catch of the Day served with salsa verde and lemon, and Josper Baked Poulet Rouge, Josper Oven baked Joyce Farms chicken with Bandido Pale Ale Beer sauce and Taggiasca olives.
Each entrée can be paired with a side dish such as Parmesan risotto, baked potato with labneh and paprika aioli, or grilled asparagus with lemon oil and smoked salt.
Ending on a sweet note, the culinary journey concludes with an assortment of indulgent classics with an imaginative twist, like the Chocolate Tree — a flourless cake, topped with Grand Marnier and blonde chocolate, and Lemon and Sicilian Pistachio Cake — Limoncello sponge cake, with pistachio and sumac cream.
M House’s lounge area is an intimate setting, serving as a retreat for guests to sip a cocktail before they are seated, gather with friends during happy hour, or enjoy bites at the bar. All hand-crafted cocktails are made using specialty, in-house infused syrups and liqueurs, fresh-pressed juices, and more. A seamless connection between the kitchen and bar is formed by the integration of food menu ingredients in signature cocktails, creating the perfect pairing. The use of fresh ingredients and distinct techniques, such as smoking, torching, and dehydrating, will be implemented to inventively alter original flavors.
A captivating element of M House is its L-shaped interior space exquisitely designed by Sanchez + Coleman Studio, a Miami-based firm helmed by recognized fashion designer Angel Sanchez and interior designer Christopher Coleman. As the duo’s first commercial interior design endeavor, the restaurant serves as the backdrop for a variety of occasions, from an intimate date-night for two, to a commemorative private party.
M House is well-appointed with aspirational design, where the whimsical nature of the outdoors incorporates itself in an indoor setting.
This memorable detailing is prominent throughout, as a grand olive tree anchors the spacious rotunda seating area ― an ode to the lush European coastal landscape. A stately seafood bar frames the open kitchen, displaying a combination of wild, local and flown-in Mediterranean catch. The restaurant flows outside, where guests can dine in an outdoor patio space, an oasis-like escape in the bustling city center.
No design detail was overlooked at M House. Each upward glance is met with floating greenery and Japanese-inspired lighting, while a bold geometric pattern in the flooring leads guests into the dining room, capturing both the eye and camera lens. Larger-than-life, black-and-white art pieces by visionary photographer Fran Beaufrand captivate, adding a thought-provoking element to every meal.
Marble-top tables and gold accents tie in retro glamour, contrasted with organic, natural elements like rattan chairs, resulting in a complementary mix of urban and tropical design. In addition to conceiving the interior design, Angel Sanchez brings his runway expertise to the restaurant with the creation of custom hostess and server uniforms worthy of display in any luxury showroom.
“We are excited for M House to join the latest class of culinary arrivals to Coral Gables,” said Pedro Villar, partner of Metropolis Group.
“The concept will invite locals and visitors alike to take part in the area’s latest gastronomic experience.”
M House is open for lunch and dinner daily, Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to midnight, and on Sunday from noon to 10 p.m. Happy Hour is available in the lounge Monday-Friday from 5 to 7 p.m.
M House is led by Metropolis Group — a partnership between Francisco Arocha of HES Group, Pedro F. Villar of Sunview Companies, and Carlos Mendez — as its first U.S. restaurant venture.
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Editor’s Note: Photography credit is Maria Gabriela Ferrer
