Tampa Bay's culinary scene is on fire as after two years of reviewing the destination's shiniest restaurants, anonymous inspectors recently awarded Koya, Lilac and Rocca their first-ever MICHELIN star distinction. Additionally, the destination received new Bib Gourmand awards that now add up to 24 restaurants included in the prestigious MICHELIN Guide to Florida.
Koya, Lilac (at EDITION Tampa hotel) and 2022 Bib Gourmand winner Rocca have officially joined the exclusive group of MICHELIN-starred restaurants in Florida and around the world. To earn a MICHELIN star, restaurants must display mastery of characteristic flavors and culinary techniques using quality ingredients to receive the esteemed award.
“For the destination to receive its first three MICHELIN stars is a tremendous achievement, as well as for our growing offerings on the food scene, and this secures Tampa Bay's place on the map as a top culinary destination in Florida,” says Santiago. C. Corrada president and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. “As one of the leading destinations in the country, we are dedicated to providing our visitors with high-quality service and it shows in our restaurants and throughout our community.”
Tampa Bay continues to be front and center as the MICHELIN Guide awarded Psomi and Gorkhali Kitchen Bib Gourmands. Ponte and Flaming Mountain were also added to the guide's restaurant recommendations. Additionally, the guide also awarded Christina Theofilos from Psomi with the MICHELIN Young Chef award and Matthew Braden from Lilac with the MICHELIN Outstanding Service award.
MICHELIN Star Winners:
Learn Lilac
Rock
MICHELIN Bib Gourmand Winners:
Psomi
Kitchen Gorkhali
Rooster and the box
MICHELIN Guide restaurant recommendations:
Bridge
Kitchen on fire
Bern
Steakhouse BT Bistro
Dinner
Restaurant Colombia
Élevage SoHo Kitchen and Bar
Refugio
Roble y Ola
olivia
in swann BT Steelbach
Restaurant Mise in Place Tímpano You are sleeping delicious house Noble rice
Tampa Bay and its rapidly growing dining scene will continue to be visited by the MICHELIN Guide and will take a close look at the destination's top chefs and restaurants. To view Tampa Bay's MICHELIN stars, Bib Gourmand, and recommended restaurants with inspector's notes, visit the MICHELIN Guide website.