AKI-e Serves Up Modern Mediterranean Cuisine in Coral Gables

This week’s Mediterranean restaurant opening has debuted in Coral Gables. Called AKI-e it takes over the former Old San Juan space at 1200 SW 57th Avenue.

Leading the kitchen is chef William Hernandez, who has done stints at other Mediterranean eateries like the now defunct Zilo and Carmelo Restaurants, before heading to Gainesville to open Sabore Restaurant.

The name — which is a riff on the Spanish term “aqui” meaning “here” — features a rather eclectic menu with a bit of everything on it. Smaller dishes include crispy octopus, oxtail dumplings, salads like the traditional caprese and Caesars, to a large variety of pastas and entrees that veer heavily on the meat friendly side like rack of lamb and filet mignon.

The restaurant is now open from noon to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday and Saturdays and noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Call 786-717-7009 for more info.