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Six Miami Restaurants Earn Coveted Spot on Michelin's Esteemed List

Monday, January 20, 2025 by Oscar Fernandez

Six Miami Restaurants Earn Coveted Spot on Michelin's Esteemed List
- Image of © Collage Instagram/Cotoa - Instagram/Itamae Ao

The renowned Michelin Guide has added ten new eateries from Florida to its recommended roster, with six located in Miami and four in Orlando. These additions are part of their yearly tradition of highlighting exceptional establishments prior to the announcement of their prestigious stars, which will be awarded later in 2025. This year, the Michelin Guide evaluated restaurants in Miami, Orlando, and Tampa, although no new Tampa venues were included.

Highlighted Restaurants in Miami

Cotoa

Chef: Alejandra Espinoza

Location: Downtown Miami, within B100M

Specialties: Mahi mahi ceviche, chicken stew with sweet plantain dough, and local fish wrapped in banana leaves

Description: Known for the acclaimed Somos in Quito, this Ecuadorian chef introduces her first U.S. venture with a menu that elevates Ecuadorian cuisine.

Itamae Ao

Chef: Nando Chang

Location: Midtown, behind Maty's

Specialties: Peruvian-Japanese cuisine in a 10-seat omakase format

Description: Celebrated for its bold tasting menu, this spot emphasizes fresh ingredients like whole fish flown in from Japan.

Grand Central

Chef: Nuno Grullon

Location: Biscayne Boulevard

Specialties: Heritage chicken pie and a diverse bistro menu

Description: An intimate dining experience where attention to detail and ingredient quality are paramount.

Palma

Chef: Juan Camilo Liscano

Location: Near Little Havana

Specialties: Tasting menu featuring standout banana brioche with caramelized coconut butter

Description: A small yet mighty venue, this restaurant showcases a team dedicated to creativity and precision.

Sereia

Chef: Henrique Sá Pessoa

Location: Coconut Grove

Specialties: Cod with crispy potatoes and desserts like sweet rice custard

Description: This Portuguese restaurant focuses on highlighting the best of its native cuisine in an elegant setting.

Torno Subito

Chef: Massimo Bottura

Location: Rooftop of Julia & Henry's food hall in downtown Miami

Specialties: Saffron risotto with prawns and tortellini inspired by the chef's childhood

Description: A playful design meets a serious approach to Italian cuisine in this unique dining experience.

Growing Recognition

The selected restaurants from Orlando include Coro (contemporary cuisine), Sorekara (Japanese food), Unigirl (Japanese cuisine), and Ômo by Jônt (contemporary cuisine). While being on the recommended list doesn't guarantee a Michelin star, it's a significant step toward this honor. In 2024, three Miami restaurants that were featured on the list earned stars: EntreNos in Miami Shores, Ogawa in Little River, and Shingo in Coral Gables.

Currently, Miami boasts 14 restaurants with Michelin stars, including Florida's only two-star venue, L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon in the Design District. Florida continues to establish itself as a global culinary destination, offering a blend of tradition and innovation. The Michelin Guide highlights that the recommended list in Florida, now exceeding 140 restaurants, reflects a unique cultural and gastronomic diversity, bolstered by the creativity of local and international chefs. The star recipients will be announced in the spring of 2025, although the exact date has yet to be confirmed.

Michelin Guide's Influence on Miami's Culinary Scene

What is the significance of being included in the Michelin Guide's recommended list?

Being included in the Michelin Guide's recommended list is an important recognition for restaurants, indicating high quality and excellence. Although it doesn't guarantee a Michelin star, it is a noteworthy step towards achieving one.

Which Miami restaurants gained Michelin stars in 2024?

In 2024, the Miami restaurants EntreNos in Miami Shores, Ogawa in Little River, and Shingo in Coral Gables were awarded Michelin stars after being featured on the recommended list.

How is Florida positioning itself in the global culinary scene?

Florida is solidifying its status as a global culinary destination by offering a mix of traditional and cutting-edge cuisine, supported by the innovative approaches of both local and international chefs.

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