I had heard glowing praise about Recoveco, a restaurant that opened in October 2024, and was particularly intrigued by its much-talked-about Pennsylvania Golden Chicken, served dramatically with its foot and claw intact. I’m happy to report that the hype is well-deserved—this place is a culinary gem.
Located in South Coral Gables on a quiet street at 6000 SW 74th Street, Recoveco is an intimate, 1,300-square-foot restaurant that exudes charm and warmth. Its minimalist decor features blond wood furniture, terrazzo tile floors, and personal touches like a wall of artwork by the chef’s sister and shelves of cookbooks above the small open kitchen. The raw ceiling with black pendant and spotlight lighting creates a contemporary vibe, softened by touches of greenery. Even the earth-toned silverware and plates complement the understated aesthetic.
The restaurant is helmed by life partners and chefs Nico Martinez and Maria Teresa Gallina, alumni of Brad Kilgore’s Alter, who offer a rotating seasonal menu of four appetizers, four mains, and two desserts. They also occasionally feature nightly specials, ensuring an ever-evolving experience rooted in seasonal availability.
On our visit, we started with the shrimp aguachile, a dish bursting with bold, fresh flavors. The chicken liver mousse with guava jam, piped onto a handmade speculaas cracker, was a perfect harmony of creamy and crunchy, sweet and savory. The radicchio salad, layered with fontina cheese, pear, and pickled Marcona almonds, was light and refreshing.
For mains, we couldn’t pass up the famous flattened chicken, with its exquisitely crispy skin and juicy meat—a dish so satisfying, I could eat that skin daily. The black grouper was a masterclass in balance, a tender piece of steamed fish complemented by buttery chanterelles and a delicate sherry sabayon. I also couldn’t help admiring the pork tomahawk and wagyu ribeye being enjoyed at the neighboring table—both looked spectacular.
Recoveco’s wine program, curated by sommelier Shannon Gable, offers an impressive selection of ciders, sparkling wines, and thoughtfully sourced bottles from Italy, France, Germany, and the U.S, alongside two aperitifs. I sipped on a red vermouth, Muz, with orange, which paired beautifully with the meal.
Dessert was the perfect finale. The fig leaf and starfruit with juniper berry meringue were light and refreshing, while the Venezuelan chocolate and sweet potato creation, accented with finger lime and hazelnut, was rich and decadent—a delightful contrast.
The service was excellent, knowledgeable, attentive, and friendly. Dishes were served one at a time, plates were changed upon request, and the table was kept pristine throughout the meal.
Recoveco’s name translates to ‘nook or cranny‘ in Spanish, and this restaurant is a hidden, tiny treasure, a haven for food enthusiasts who appreciate inventive cuisine without unnecessary pretension. Despite its unassuming setting, the food here is Michelin-worthy, blending creativity and skill in every dish. Open Wednesday through Saturday (with plans for a potential Sunday brunch), it’s a destination worth the journey—even if it’s over an hour from Bal Harbour. Street and rear parking are available.
Recommended enthusiastically.
Happy dining!
Shanea
01/18/2025
