It’s become one of the biggest events in the culinary calendar: the annual bestowing of Michelin stars. And, after announcing its winners in Great Britain and France earlier this year, the coveted restaurant guide has – for the first time ever – given its verdict on the hottest eateries in Florida.
As you would expect, the ceremony was strictly invite-only, taking place on June 9 at the super-exclusive Ritz Carlton Orlando, Grand Lakes. Fifteen fine-dining restaurants scooped Michelin stars, with another 29 receiving the Bib Gourmand distinction (another category that recognizes eateries offering quality three-course menus without the hefty price tag).
“This very first selection of the Michelin Guide highlights glittery Miami, storied Orlando and breathtaking Tampa, offering a unique blend of international cuisine and Florida flavors,” said Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guides.
“Local foodies, as well as travelers, will enjoy exploring these mesmerizing and rich Florida culinary traditions.”
[See more: How the Prestigious Michelin Star System Really Works]
The Florida Michelin Guide 2022 includes four one-star restaurants in Orlando and ten one-tar establishments in Miami. L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon is the only restaurant to be awarded two Michelin Stars. Situated in Miami’s uber-cool Design District, the gourmet eatery opened its doors in 2019, joining the brand’s world-renowned outposts in New York, Paris and Tokyo.
Diners can expect chef Rubochon’s much-loved signature dishes as well as innovative new creations. Highlights include the tuna sashimi served with a warm vinaigrette of brown butter, mustard and fresh lime, and the succulent Key West Pink Shrimp drizzled with a habanero and shishito dressing, and served with potatoes and sugar-snap peas.
Chef Thomas Keller’s The Surf Club Restaurant in Miami was among the eateries to be awarded one star. It was the restaurant’s sauces that really caught the Michelin inspectors’ attention, with the seriously indulgent Maine lobster thermidor with sauce Americaine, and the scallop crudo with a buttermilk-basil dressing pointed out as must-try dishes on the menu.
“It is an honor to be recognized by Michelin in my home state, where I first became interested in cooking,” said Chef Keller, following the ceremony. “This recognition would not be possible without the dedication and hard work of our restaurant team in Surfside and our committed partners and loyal guests. I am proud to see the Guide expanding its reach to acknowledge Florida’s growing culinary talent.”
For a full list of the 15 restaurants to be awarded stars in the Florida Michelin Guide 2022, see below.
[See more: A Guide to All Three-Michelin-Star Restaurants in the USA]
Two-Michelin-star restaurants Miami
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Miami – Alain Verzeroli
One-Michelin-star restaurants Miami
Ariete – Michael Beltran
Boia De – Alex Meyer
Cote – Simon Kim
The Den at Sushi Ababu – Yasu Tanaka
Elcielo – Juan Manuel Barrientos
Hiden – Shingo Akikuni
Le Jardinier – Alain Verzeroli
Los Felix – Sebastian Vargas
Stubborn Seed – Jeremy Ford
The Surf Club Restaurant – Thomas Keller
guide.michelin.com
One-Michelin-star restaurants Orlando
Capa – Gabriel Massip
Soseki – Mike Collantes
Kadence – Mark and Jennifer Berdin
Knife & Spoon – John Tesar
[See more: The Chefs with the Most Michelin Starred Restaurants]