11 South FL Restaurants Receive Michelin Stars In Inaugural FL Guide

SOUTH FLORIDA — In the inaugural edition of the Michelin Guide Miami, Orlando and Tampa, 10 South Florida restaurants received one Michelin star and one restaurant was awarded two stars.

“As you can see, Miami, Orlando and Tampa have very much to offer to international food and wine enthusiasts,” Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guides, said in a news release. “These talented chefs and their committed teams create culinary experiences matched only by the amazing attractions of each city. This very first selection of the Michelin Guide Miami, Orlando and Tampa highlights glittery Miami, storied Orlando and breathtaking Tampa, offering a unique blend of international cuisine and Florida flavors. Local foodies as well as travelers will enjoy exploring these mesmerizing and rich Florida culinary destinations.”

The French restaurant L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Miami, led by Alain Verzeroli, director of culinary operations, received two Michelin stars.

“The menu offers both tasting portions and large plates; but go with the seasonal prix fixe,” Michelin inspectors said. “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.”

The restaurant shared on its Facebook page, “We are so honored to be recognized as the only (two-star) restaurant in Florida by Michelin Guide. This is a testament to the level of excellence we strive to achieve every day at our restaurants. Heartfelt congratulations to our team.”

The following Miami area restaurants received one Michelin star each:

• Arieta (Miami, contemporary cuisine)
• Boia De (Miami, contemporary cuisine)
• Cote Miami (Miami, Korean cuisine/steakhouse)
• The Den at Sushi Azabu Miami (Miami Beach, Japanese cuisine/sushi)
• Elcielo Miami (Miami, Colombian cuisine)
• Hidden (Miami, Japanese cuisine)
• Le Jardinier Miami (Miami, French cuisine)
• Los Félix (Miami, Mexican cuisine)
• Stubborn Seed (Miami Beach, contemporary cuisine)
• The Surf Club Restaurant (Surfside, American cuisine)

The Michelin Guide inspectors also awarded 19 South Florida restaurants with the Bib Gourmand designation, which recognizes great food at a great value:

• Bachour (Coral Gables)
• Chug’s Diner (Miami)
• DOYA (Miami)
• El Turco (Miami)
• Ghee Indian Kitchen (Kendall)
• Hometown Barbecue Miami (Miami)
• Itamae (Miami)
• Krüs Kitchen (Miami)
• La Natural (Miami)
• Lucali (Miami Beach)
• Lung Yai Thai Tapas (Miami)
• Mandolin Aegean Bistro (Miami)
• Michael’s Genuine (Miami)
• Phuc Yea (Miami)
• Red Rooster Overtown (Miami)
• Sanguich De Miami (Miami)
• Tinta y Café (Coral Gables)
• Zak The Baker (Miami)
• Zitz Sum (Coral Gables)

The Sommelier of the Year award was also given to Victoria James with Cote Miami and the Exceptional Cocktails Award was given to Ruben Rolon of Jardinier and L’Atelier in Miami.

“In recent years, we’ve seen an influx of quality culinary concepts coming to Greater Miami and Miami Beach, further positioning us as a leading, world-renowned dining destination,” David Whitaker, president and CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, said in a news release. “We’re delighted to partner with VISIT Florida and our colleagues in Orlando and Tampa to introduce Florida’s first-ever Michelin Guide. This prestigious honor serves to solidify Miami and Miami Beach as one of the most sought-after business and leisure travel destinations in the world.”