The Michelin Guide has added new recommended restaurants in Miami and Orlando, leaving Tampa out of the mix this year.
They highlighted six spots in Miami and four in Orlando as “recommended” restaurants. This is all ahead of their big star reveal coming up in April.
Now, these recommendations aren’t the same as getting a star or a Bib Gourmand. They’re just a way to showcase new places in the dining scene. But hey, being in the guide can boost a restaurant’s chances of snagging a star later.
So, what’s the deal for Tampa? It’s not looking great. Last year, they added six new spots in Tampa, and some of them even got stars. But this year, it feels a bit like a snub.
Michelin first came to Florida in 2022, and since then, they’ve released three guides. They got a big financial push from tourism boards in Orlando, Miami, and Tampa, totaling around $1.5 million.
There’s been some chatter about Michelin favoring high-end restaurants over more casual spots. They usually go for places with fancy tasting menus or upscale dining experiences.
Despite the mixed feelings, many chefs and food lovers are excited about Michelin’s presence in Florida. They believe it’s helping to put Tampa’s food scene on the map.
Wednesday’s news suggests Michelin plans to stick around in Florida, but they haven’t shared any details about contracts or timelines yet. A spokesperson hinted that once they’re in a city, they usually stay.
Visit Tampa Bay’s CEO, Santiago Corrada, mentioned that their contract is still in the works, but everyone is pumped about it. They want to keep the momentum going!
Visit Florida’s president also confirmed that Michelin is still sorting out contracts with different cities. So, it looks like there’s more to come!
