Besides its beautiful beaches, incredible hospitality, and top-notch attractions, Florida is undoubtedly a global culinary destination, and it was time the sunshine state was recognized for it.
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L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon Miami in the Design District, Florida's only two-star Michelin Guide restaurant.
On June 9, 15 restaurants in Florida were awarded Michelin stars for the first time. Eleven restaurants in Miami won stars, including L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon Miami in the Design District, the state's only two-star recipient.
Four restaurants in the Miami Design District received Michelin stars establishing the neighborhood as the ultimate leader in Miami dining.
Miami Desing District also received four Bib Gourmand awards for the neighborhood's Mediterranean outpost, Mandolin Aegean Bistro; Peruvian-Japanese hotspot, Itamae; American staple, Michael's Genuine Food & Drink; and acclaimed bakery, Bachour, set to open soon.
Many regard the guide's up to three-star rating system to be the global standard of restaurant reviews, with one star indicating a "very good restaurant in its category," two stars indicating "worthy of a detour," and three stars indicating a "special journey." There's also the unstarred Bib Gourmand designation, given to high-quality restaurants serving a two-course meal for roughly $50 per person.
The annual guide originated as a free brochure issued by Michelin, the tire company, in 1900 to assist drivers in locating the best places to eat and drink throughout Europe; the way they would need to buy more and secure tires, thus choosing Michelin. To some, a brilliant marketing move, and now Its prestige has grown over the last century with a massive global footprint.
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The historical event was held at Orlando's newly renovated The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes. The hotel completed its multi-million dollar renovation last fall, including modern and welcoming enhancements to its guest rooms and suites, common areas, and seven restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Knife & Spoon. Every interior detail was meticulously refreshed with the finest fixtures, luxury textiles, and furnishings, drawing inspiration from the natural beauty of Grande Lakes' lush grounds and 11 surrounding lakes. From luxurious and newly updated accommodations and leisure experiences to seasonal offerings at The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Tennis Club, sports adventures, and hosted eco-tours, pools, and spas, The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Tennis Club has it all, making it the perfect hotel to host the exclusive Michelin Florida Guide Launc
“This is an honor to be the host property for the inaugural Guide launch and awards presentation. This is an amazing step by the state of Florida to demonstrate their commitment to culinary and food and beverage excellence. My hope is that this new guide will clearly show that Florida has an amazing group of talented food and beverage professionals committed to creating world class experiences. We jumped at the chance to host this event,” said Jon McGavin, Area General Manager at The Rtiz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes and JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes.
If you want to feel like a Michelin Guide inspector and experience the best of the best, find below the first Miami restaurants to ever receive a Michelin star.
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3540 Main Highway / Website
Since its inception in 2016, Chef Michael Beltran's beloved Coconut Grove restaurant Ariete has received a slew of accolades, including "Restaurant of the Year" by Eater Miami, "Best New Restaurant" by Miami New Times, a feature in Bon Appetit magazine, and multiple nods from The New York Times. The James Beard Foundation named the talented toque a semifinalist for "Best Chef: South" in 2020. The well-known neighborhood restaurant serves a modern New American cuisine menu with solid Cuban influences. Dishes here are constantly changing to reflect the ever-changing bounty of each season and the seemingly limitless energy of Beltran's creativity. Cocktails at Ariete, like the food, are bold but elegant, with each one designed to complement Beltran's dynamic cuisine. The Cave, an intimate private dining area available for special occasions and private events, is located beneath the restaurant. Ariete has indoor and outdoor dining options on its lush, foliage-lined patio. The restaurant is well-known for its weekend brunch, monthly chef's tasting series (Versos Sencillos), and Duck Press Experience, in addition to its acclaimed fare and progressive bar program.
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5205 NE 2nd Ave / Website
Boia De is a neighborhood restaurant by chef couple Luciana Giangrandi and Alex Meyer in Miami's up-and-coming Buena Vista neighborhood. The quirky, intimate eatery is the first brick-and-mortar concept from the culinary duo, who previously ran La Pollita, a popular Mexican food cart in the nearby Design District. Its retro-modern design, comfortable chic furnishings, and modern Italian-influenced menu welcome neighbors, friends, and South Florida foodies. The simplicity of the restaurant's menu encourages sharing, focusing on local, seasonal ingredients and quality meat. The wine list features 75 options from the Old and New Worlds, emphasizing natural wines.
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3900 NE 2nd Ave / Website
COTE, the Michelin-starred and James Beard Award-nominated KOREAN STEAKHOUSETM opened in Miami's Design District in February 2021. The 5,892-square-foot restaurant is modeled after its flagship location in New York City. It is known for combining the fun and fire of Korean barbeque with the hallmarks of a classic, regal American steakhouse. The result is a one-of-a-kind and sociable environment that infuses a fine dining experience with world-class ingredients and service, complemented by a show-stopping beverage program.
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161 Ocean Drive / Website
The Den is a speakeasy Omakase experience within Azabu Miami Beach that provides five-star service in a cozy setting. The 18-seat sushi bar with a Hinoki Cypress tree counter features imported ingredients from Japan. The Den's Edomae-style sushi menu features beautifully balanced dishes prepared with traditional techniques that bring out the hidden flavors in each fish while using only carefully selected high-quality ingredients that are rotated seasonally. Omakase dinners are available, with the option to upgrade to the ultimate omakase experience, including uni and toro tastings with sake pairings.
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31 SE 5th St. / Website
Colombian-born Chef Juan Manuel Barrientos' culinary artistry has earned him international acclaim, with locations in Bogota and Miami since 2015. Elcielo's open kitchen and a backlit bar greet guests with stone floors and large wood tables as they enter the space. The sleek appearance is complemented by warm lighting and greenery. Its menu combines traditional Colombian cuisine with a modern twist. The tableside "chocotherapy" to the "Tree of Life" bread service all feature dramatic presentations. A silken corn purée poured over garam masala-sprinkled popcorn and curds of queso fresco, as well as local, seared-to-crisp grouper plated with a salsa criolla-dressed tamal, have been tasting menu favorites.
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313 NW 25th St. / Website
This hidden gem is located in the heart of Wynwood. The steel front door is difficult to find, and it only opens with a time-sensitive passcode, but beyond the mysterious proceedings, a rewarding experience awaits a few lucky guests at this eight-seat counter. Chef Shingo Akikuni stays true to tradition, sourcing most of his ingredients from Japan and adorning his nigiri with just a dab of nikiri. Beautiful tuna slabs, sweet botan ebi, and generous portions of uni are highlights of a tasting menu that never feels stuffy or overly reverent, thanks partly to an upbeat and funky playlist. Finally, diners may return to the bustling crowds, but this time they may wonder if anyone around them knows what they’ve missed.
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151 NE 41st St. Suite 135 / Website
Le Jardinier, the French word for "gardener," is a modern greenhouse in the heart of the Miami Design District. The menu of Michelin-starred Chef Alain Verzeroli emphasizes the use of high-quality vegetables, seasonal ingredients, and fresh herbs. It blends in with the modern, light-filled interiors designed by award-winning Architect Pierre-Yves Rochon. The refined yet approachable cuisine, atmosphere, and service provide guests with a holistic hospitality experience.
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3413 Main Highway / Website
Los Félix is a radiant and well-coiffed restaurant with a lot of art and a rainbow of colors; its vibe is almost immediately clear—modern, organic, and youthful. Natural fibers, sleek wood, and a muted color palette dominate the décor. A full bar and music to suit any mood make it a hit with everyone. The restaurant's highly creative Mexican cooking takes guests on a gustatory journey—at the hands of servers who are well-versed in the origins of each ingredient. Hearty pork cheek carnitas with various salsas; snapper crudo with jicama shavings and avocado aioli; and grilled octopus with beetroot mole are recent highlights. Finish with the raw chocolate tart, a vegan take on the classic.
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101 Washington Ave / Website
Stubborn Seed is the critically acclaimed restaurant from Grove Bay Hospitality Group and "Top Chef" winner Chef Jeremy Ford, located in Miami's trendy South of Fifth neighborhood. Stubborn Seed's inventive menu of rotating dishes made from locally sourced ingredients aims to provide guests with a unique dining experience with each visit. Guests can enjoy eight courses crafted with precision and unrivaled detail for an unforgettable dining experience from start to finish with the Chef's Tasting Menu.
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9011 Collins Ave / Website
The Surf Club, housed within the elegantly restored landmark and now affiliated with the Four Seasons, is an ideal location for Thomas Keller's first Florida venture. The restaurant exudes the style and elegance of a private, members-only hang out with a handsome vintage bar, plush banquettes, and dim, amber-hued lighting. Don't rush—you'll want to take in all of the Art Deco glitz. Sharp-suited servers exude effortless professionalism, similar to the impressive Continental cuisine. The team excels at sauces, as evidenced by the scallop crudo with buttermilk-basil dressing, the brilliantly reimagined Maine lobster thermidor with sauce Américaine, and the coconut chiffon cake with lime-flecked crème anglaise.
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4100 NE 2nd Ave / Website
L'atelier Miami is the latest incarnation of the late Chef Joël Robuchon's groundbreaking concept, which debuted in Paris's Saint-Germain neighborhood in 2003 and has since established roots in the Miami Design District. L'Atelier refers to a craftsman's workshop, exemplifying impeccable technique and boundless creativity. The menu format at the restaurant gives guests the freedom to create their own experience. A meal can be made up of an à la carte selection of small plates, appetizers, and entrées, or the 4-course Summer Menu "Aux Saveurs L'été," which is a 4-course seasonal tasting with options for each dish.
Bib Gourmand awards were also given to 19 restaurants in Miami, including Bachour, Chug’s Diner, Doya, El Turco, Ghee Indian Kitchen, Hometown Barbecue, Itamae, Krus Kitchen, La Natural, Lung Yai Thai Tapas, Mandolin Aegean Bistro, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, Phuc Yea, Red Rooster Overtown, Sanguich de Miami, Tinga y Cafe, Zak the Baker, and Zitz Sum.
Photography by: Courtesy Rubenpictures At Deepsleep Studio, L'Atelier De Joël Robuchon
