The inaugural edition of the Michelin Guide Miami, Orlando and Tampa has been revealed, with inspectors finding 14 One-Michelin-Star restaurants and a Two-Michelin-Star restaurant.
“The launch of the Michelin Guide in Florida is fantastic news for our state,” said Dana Young, Visit Florida president and CEO. “Our cuisine is a huge part of who we are and what we offer to visitors. We know that Michelin’s presence here will take the Florida vacation experience to new heights and have an incredible impact on our tourism brand.”
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Miami (French cuisine), led by Director of Culinary Operations Alain Verzeroli, received two Michelin Stars. Here’s what the inspectors had to say about it: “The menu offers both tasting portions and large plates; but go with the seasonal prix fixe. The bread basket is a lovely opener, arriving in advance of such thrilling bites as a seared sea scallop with toasted spices. The Design District setting bears all the beloved hallmarks with its counter and open kitchen.”
Here are the One-Michelin-Star restaurants, with inspector notes from each:
Ariete (Miami, Contemporary cuisine): “Chef Michael Beltran’s Coconut Grove mainstay is immediately welcoming with a menu that weaves together Cuban and French influences to dazzling effect.”
Boia De (Miami, Contemporary cuisine): “A neon-pink exclamation mark that glows above the front door is impossible to miss. Surprising is certainly an apt descriptor for Chefs Luciana Giangrandi and Alex Meyer’s distinctive and impressive menu.”
Cote Miami (Miami, Korean cuisine/steakhouse): “Owner Simon Kim and his team know what they’re doing in this highly stylized Korean steakhouse, which almost feels like a temple to beautifully marbled and aged beef, much of it on display in a nearby room.”
The Den at Sushi Azabu Miami (Miami Beach, Japanese cuisine/sushi): “Tucked away in the Stanton South Beach hotel through Sushi Azabu’s dining room and behind a sliding door is this intimate temple to sushi. Fish flown in a few times a week is treated and dressed minimally, often with just a single brush of nikiri.”
Elcielo Miami (Miami, Colombian cuisine): “The menu offers diners a taste of traditional Colombian cuisine presented in a modern and dramatic manner. Colombian-born Chef Juan Manuel Barrientos' culinary artistry has garnered international fame, with various locations, including Washington, D.C.”
Hiden (Miami, Japanese cuisine): “This spot is indeed hidden in the thick of bustling Wynwood. Chef Shingo Akikuni sticks to tradition, sourcing most of his product from Japan — beautiful slabs of tuna, sweet botan ebi and generous portions of uni are highlights in a tasting menu that never feels stuffy or overly reverent.”
Le Jardinier Miami (French cuisine): “Stylish from head to toe, this dining room is a celebration of the seasons. The menu is a study of vibrant tastes and smart compositions that pack big flavor minus the heaviness.”
Los Félix (Miami, Mexican cuisine): “This is cooking that sends guests on a gustatory trip—at the hands of servers who are armed with ample information about the provenance of each ingredient. Recent highlights have included hearty pork cheek carnitas with myriad salsas and snapper crudo topped with shavings of jicama and avocado aïoli.”
Stubborn Seed (Miami Beach, Contemporary cuisine): “Stubborn Seed is sexy and sleek with its industrial chic décor and glass-fronted display kitchen. Chef Jeremy Ford brings the heat, and his ambitious and brashly creative cooking is best enjoyed by way of the tasting menu.”
The Surf Club Restaurant (Surfside, American cuisine): “Located within the elegantly restored landmark, now in league with the Four Seasons, The Surf Club is a prime location for Thomas Keller's first Florida venture. Sauces are what this team does best, starting with the scallop crudo with buttermilk-basil dressing; followed by the brilliantly reimagined Maine lobster thermidor with sauce Américaine.”
Capa (Orlando, Steakhouse): “At the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World; this steakhouse also flaunts a decidedly Spanish accent. Kick things off with ace tapas before indulging in a main dish, like flame-kissed ribeye with tamarind-ancho sauce.”
Soseki (Orlando, Fusion/sushi): “This tiny operation with Chef Mike Collantes at the helm is an ideal illustration of a contemporary meal expressed by way of an omakase. A laser-like focus on local Florida produce results in a menu that changes monthly.”
Kadence (Orlando, Japanese cuisine/sushi): “The omakase opens with hot dishes and cool sashimi. This is food that's free-spirited, yet manages to honor the classic methods. Pacing is on point in sashimi like hamachi and hirame. Nigiri, like snapper with lemon and sea salt, will have you yearning for more.”
Knife & Spoon (Orlando, Steakhouse): “This iteration from Chef John Tesar inside the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, is the picture of plush. Care and skill are the hallmarks of this team, as they turn out contemporary steakhouse fare woven with seafood.”
The Michelin Guide inspectors found 29 restaurants worthy of the Bib Gourmand designation, which recognizes great food at a great value. These are restaurants where one can have two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for under $49. There were 19 in the Miami area, seven in the Orlando area and three in the Tampa area.
Miami: Bachour, Chug's Diner, DOYA, El Turco, Ghee Indian Kitchen, Hometown Barbecue Miami, Itamai, Krüs Kitchen, La Natural, Lucali, Lung Yai Thai Tapas, Mandolin Aegean Bistro, Michael's Genuine, Phuc Yea, Red Rooster Overtown, Sanguich De Miami, Tinta y Cade, Zak the Baker, Zitz Sum
Orando: Bombay Street Kitchen, Domu, Papa Llama, The Ravenous Pig, Strand, Swine & Sons, Z Asian
Tampa: Ichicoro Ramen, Rocca, Rooser and the Till
Besides the Bib Gourmand and Star awards, the Guide announced two special awards. Sommelier of the Year, presented by Wine Access, was awarded to Victoria James and her team at Cote Miami. The Exceptional Cocktails Award was awarded to Ruben Rolon and his teams at L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Miami and Le Jardinier Miami.
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