In the dim-lit grandeur of the Four Seasons Resort in Orlando, where crystal chandeliers flickered above a crowd of culinary royalty, the 2025 Florida Michelin Guide ceremony unfolded like a slow-burning mystery. Tampa stepped into the spotlight once again—confident, steady, but not quite triumphant.
The night brought no new stars for Tampa, but it wasn’t a loss. No, it was a quiet victory. The city’s five already-decorated restaurants—Rocca, Kōsen, Koya, Ebbe, and Lilac—held onto their shining Michelin Star glory, proving that consistency is sometimes more powerful than novelty.
A Familiar Taste of Excellence
The Michelin star is no ordinary accolade. It is a symbol of top quality ingredients, distinct flavours, and unwavering consistency. That’s why seeing Tampa’s five-starred spots return unchanged speaks volumes. Rocca, a haven of contemporary Italian dishes. Kōsen and Koya, intimate omakase temples serving oceanic poetry one bite at a time. Ebbe, a minimalist Scandinavian tasting concept that chills you with elegance. And Lilac, nestled within the Tampa Edition, where refinement meets theatrical fine dining.
Each of these five has built its reputation not just on a plate, but on a story—and this year, the story stays golden.
Pinellas Steps In—but Not Quite Up
This was the first year Pinellas County was eligible for Michelin’s verdict. Cross the bridge, and expectations simmered with hope. But no stars or Bib Gourmands were granted to the coastal county. Still, the guide didn’t leave Pinellas empty-handed.
Spots like IL Ritorno, Sushi Sho Rexley, and the sleek Fortu were added to the “designated” list, acknowledging their rising brilliance. The Tides Market in Safety Harbor—beloved and Best of the Bay-winning—earned a recommended nod, praised for its bustling seafood energy and homegrown heart.
In Michelin speak, a “designation” means a restaurant has quality, but isn’t yet star-bound. For these Pinellas newcomers, it’s a subtle beginning—a whisper before the shout.
Tampa’s Bib Gourmands Stay Firm
While stars didn’t multiply, Tampa’s more approachable culinary champions also stood their ground. Four Tampa restaurants maintained their Bib Gourmand status—Gorkhali Kitchen, Streetlight Taco, Rooster & the Till, and Psomi. These spots strike a beautiful balance between affordable indulgence, flavor innovation, and community soul.
Two months prior, Tampa welcomed new names into the “recommended” club: Big Ray’s Fish Camp, Chef Ebbe Vollmer’s fresh Nordic offshoot Fisk, the Brit-inspired Mad Dogs & Englishmen, and cult-favorite Cousin Vinny’s Sandwich Co. They didn’t make the Bib cut this time—but they’re knocking on the door.
The Broader Culinary Picture
The Michelin Guide isn’t just about stars—it honors hospitality holistically. At this year’s ceremony, Tyler Wolfe of Tampa’s Ponte snagged the Exceptional Cocktail Program award, a toast-worthy recognition for liquid artistry.
Sustainability was spotlighted too. Miami’s Entrenos and Stubborn Seed won the coveted Green Star, for restaurants with a deep-rooted commitment to sustainable gastronomy.
Meanwhile, Orlando’s Sorekara and Miami’s L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon remain Florida’s only two-star havens. The Michelin dream may still be young in the Sunshine State, but it’s evolving fast.
Tourism and Taste: A Pricey Partnership
Florida’s Michelin story is just four years old. But behind every inspection lies a contract. The presence of Michelin in Tampa, Orlando, and now Pinellas County is bought—literally. As revealed by Visit St. Pete/Clearwater President Brian Lowack, Pinellas is paying roughly $90,000 per year for Michelin visibility.
It’s not cheap, but the return is tempting. A single star can draw food tourists like moths to flame. That, says Michelin’s international director Gwendal Poullennec, is reason enough to keep expanding across Florida.
A Comprehensive Look at Tampa Bay’s Michelin Scene
Here’s a list of Tampa Bay restaurants that appear in the 2025 Michelin Guide:
Michelin Star
- Ebbe — Scandinavian tasting menu in Tampa Heights
- Kōsen — Sleek, minimalist omakase experience
- Koya — Intimate Japanese fine dining with precise technique
- Lilac — High-end tasting menu at the Tampa Edition
- Rocca — Award-winning modern Italian cuisine
Bib Gourmand
- Gorkhali Kitchen — Nepalese flavors served with warmth
- Psomi — Greek-American fusion in a cozy setting
- Rooster & the Till — Eclectic small plates and bold ingredients
- Streetlight Taco — Elevated street tacos with flair
Recommended
- Bistro BT — Upscale Vietnamese cuisine
- Cousin Vinny’s Sandwich Co. — Iconic handhelds with a cult following
- Bern’s Steak House — Legendary fine dining institution
- Big Ray’s Fish Camp — Fresh Gulf seafood in a casual atmosphere
- Élevage SoHo Kitchen & Bar — Southern elegance redefined
- Fisk — Nordic seafood concept by Chef Ebbe Vollmer
- Flaming Mountain — Fiery Asian fusion
- Fortu — Pan-Asian steakhouse with stylish ambiance
- Haven — Cheese and charcuterie heaven
- IL Ritorno — Modern Italian with deep-rooted finesse
- Mad Dogs & Englishmen — British pub with gastro flair
- Mise en Place — Refined American classics with innovation
- Noble Rice — Japanese-inspired dishes in a chic setting
- Olivia — Contemporary Italian with bold touches
- The Pearl — Fresh oysters and upscale coastal fare
- Ponte — Modern American fine dining
- Predalina — Mediterranean dishes and chic design
- Restaurant BT — French-Vietnamese elegance
- Steelbach — Southern steaks in an industrial setting
- Supernatural Food & Wine — Whimsical sandwiches and wine pairings
- Sushi Sho Rexley — High-end omakase in St. Pete
- The Tides Market — Seafood-forward market and eatery
- Timpano — Italian chophouse with flair
- Yummy House — Unassuming, authentic Chinese food
Still Hungry for More
Tampa may not have added stars this year—but the foundation is firm, and the hunger is real. Chefs are sharpening their knives, restaurateurs are studying the stars, and diners? They’re ready.
This isn’t the end. It’s just the next course.
Come hungry—Tampa’s still cooking.
Are you on social media? Check out our profile for more local news! Follow @TampaLatest for up-to-the-minute updates in Tampa, Florida.
