PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — It's been a few years since the spotlight was shone on Tampa after it was added to the esteemed Florida Michelin Guide. But the city may have to share that spotlight very soon.
The Michelin Guide announced that its 2025 selection of Sunshine State eateries would include restaurants in St. Pete-Clearwater, Greater Fort Lauderdale, and the Palm Beaches.
“This inclusion now gives us the chance to show off our award-winning beaches and award-worthy culinary experiences as we set out to change the perception of what beach cuisine can be," said Brian Lowack, President and CEO of Visit St. Pete-Clearwater.
Restaurateurs would be wise to stay on their toes. According to the release, anonymous inspectors are already scouring the newly added areas to find the next culinary gem.
“When we opened this restaurant 11 years ago, we never ever dreamed that Michelin would be coming to St. Pete or Pinellas, and now it’s here. It’s almost like the dream is reality," said David Benstock.
Benstock is the Chef-Owner of Il Ritorno in downtown St. Pete. It's not only an honor for the industry but a way to bring in visitors near and far.
"It kinda puts us on the map, where before I don’t know that most people ever thought of St. Pete as a food city, so it helps us come a long way," said Benstock.
So what makes a Michelin-star restaurant?
Inspectors base their methodology on five universal criteria: quality products, the harmony of flavors, the mastery of cooking techniques, the voice and personality of the chef as reflected in the cuisine, and consistency between each visit and throughout the menu.
“Florida continues to raise the bar with its emerging culinary talent, international influences, and the palpable passion of its local restaurant communities,” said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guides. “Over the past three years, we’ve seen the Florida selection grow and strengthen as our Inspectors shined a spotlight on their discoveries."
The full selection for this year will be revealed during the annual Michelin Guide ceremony for Florida. In 2024, nearly 20 restaurants were selected.
Last year, Streetlight Taco in Tampa was awarded a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide. The distinction recognizes great food at a great value.
ABC Action News caught up with Chef-Partner Michael Brannock to see how the recognition has impacted the business.
“I think it’s exciting because sometimes there’s visual signs, and we literally see people come here from the airport or going to the airport with suitcases that have checked out the guide when they’re visiting Tampa. They come here first to grab a bite for lunch or dinner," said Brannock. "Of course, speaking with our guests as well. They'll tell us sometimes that they used the guide, and it's great just to meet people from all over the country and sometimes outside the United States that come here just by finding us on the guide."
And they're not stopping there—in 2026, the guide will expand to cover the entire state, giving foodie destinations all over Florida a chance to earn coveted Michelin stars.
The Michelin Guide was first published in France in 1900 to encourage tire sales. The guide then expanded to North America by adding New York in 2005, while Florida was added almost 20 years later in 2022.
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