Feast Your Eyes: All the Michelin-Starred Restaurants Illuminating Miami’s Culinary Skyline in 2024
The gastronomic universe recently witnessed the unveiling of the third edition of the Florida Michelin Guide, a much-anticipated event that reverberates through the culinary world. Like clockwork, this annual celebration of exceptional dining experiences showcases a plethora of establishments, each vying for the coveted Michelin stars that symbolize excellence in the culinary realm.
Shining Stars and Gastronomic Delights
For aficionados of fine dining, the Michelin Guide serves as a beacon, illuminating the path to gastronomic nirvana. With its meticulously curated selection of restaurants, the guide offers a glimpse into the epicurean wonders awaiting adventurous palates. This year’s edition of the Florida Michelin Guide continued the tradition of spotlighting the crème de la crème of the Sunshine State’s dining scene, particularly in the opulent enclave of South Florida.
Once again, the spotlight fell predominantly on the upscale, Eurocentric restaurants dotting the culinary landscape of South Florida. These establishments, known for their impeccable service, exquisite ambiance, and, of course, delectable cuisine, reaffirmed their status as titans in the realm of fine dining. From the chic streets of Miami to the idyllic shores of Surfside, these culinary havens continue to captivate diners with their gastronomic prowess.
The Stars Align: Miami Reigns Supreme
Miami, the vibrant epicenter of Florida’s culinary scene, once again emerged as the undisputed champion of the Michelin Guide, claiming the lion’s share of coveted stars. Among the illustrious winners were newcomers like EntreNos, Ogawa, and Shingo, each heralding a new era of gastronomic innovation. Meanwhile, stalwarts such as L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon proudly retained their coveted two-star status, a testament to their unwavering commitment to culinary excellence.
Notably, a constellation of one-star winners from the previous year continued to shine brightly, including Ariete, Boia De, Cote, and Elcielo Miami, among others. These culinary gems, each offering a unique culinary journey, reaffirmed their status as paragons of gastronomic delight, drawing discerning diners from far and wide.
Beyond the Stars: Celebrating Culinary Diversity
While the Michelin Guide’s star ratings often take center stage, it’s essential to recognize the myriad culinary treasures that may not fit neatly into its three-tiered hierarchy. Enter the Bib Gourmand awards, an unstarred category that celebrates high-caliber restaurants offering exceptional value. In a nod to culinary diversity, this year’s guide celebrated a diverse array of cuisines, from classic French fare to tantalizing Mexican seafood and everything in between.
Amidst the accolades and celebrations, it’s crucial to acknowledge the broader impact of the Michelin Guide on the culinary landscape. As the global standard of restaurant reviews, Michelin’s influence extends far beyond the confines of its star ratings. From shaping dining trends to driving tourism, the guide plays a pivotal role in shaping the culinary zeitgeist.
As we reflect on the latest edition of the Florida Michelin Guide, we’re reminded that culinary excellence knows no bounds. Whether adorned with stars or flying under the radar, each restaurant contributes to the rich tapestry of Florida’s vibrant dining scene. As diners, let us embark on a gastronomic odyssey, guided by our insatiable curiosity and boundless appetite for culinary discovery.
Two Miami Restaurants Added to the Michelin Guide 2023
Two additional Miami restaurants have recently been included in the Michelin Guide’s 2023 edition including Rosie’s in Little River and Jaguar Sun in downtown Miami. The two restaurants were chosen as “Bib Gourmand” restaurants.
The certification indicates that the restaurants are “approachable in terms of price and atmosphere,” according to Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guides.
Rosie’s, a restaurant that serves Southern food and prime brunch favorites includes fluffy banana pancakes with vanilla custard, deviled eggs with chicharrones, and biscuits in guanciale sauce. Larger appetites can be satisfied with heartier dishes like fried hot chicken and waffles or a hearty serving of fried fish and grits with collard greens.
Jaguar Sun is a popular restaurant noted for its homemade pasta and drinks and is situated in the downtown Miami Alea building. Warm Parker House buns and towering Caesar salads serve as the prelude to dishes like spicy strozzapreti with plump mussels, ‘nduja, and breadcrumbs or umami-packed mushroom tagliatelle.
Other Miami restaurants are on the list and include Brasserie Laurel, Fiola Miami, Lido, Lion & the Rambler, Tambourine Room by Tristan Brandt, The Gibson Room, and Walrus Rodeo.
The news was released ahead of the Michelin Guide Ceremony for 2023, which will be held on May 11 at LoanDepot Park in Miami. When the Michelin Guide Ceremony was first in Miami in 2022, 19 local eateries were named Bib Gourmands, and 11 Miami restaurants received Michelin stars.
Is Miami the ‘Best Food City of the Year’ in the Country? Bon Appétit Thinks So
Miami is experiencing a dining moment with its 11 Michelin-starred restaurants, renowned wine and food festival, multiple James Beard Award semi-finalists, and an average of one new restaurant opening every 15 seconds.
Now, another celebration is in order! Miami has been hailed as the “food city of the year” by Bon Appétit magazine in its most recent issue.
While editors toured the nation in search of daring new restaurants, they agreed that Miami was the one city they kept wanting to visit, according to editor-in-chief Dawn Davis.
According to Davis, “The always-evolving city is buzzing with opportunity, and a wave of creative chefs and restaurateurs have picked up on that air of possibility. It’s led to a spate of daring, exciting restaurants that are contributing to the city’s rich culinary history while bringing entirely new dimensions to the dining scene.”
Numerous popular eateries in Miami have been singled out by the magazine as “restaurants we fell for.” Itamae, a Peruvian-Japanese restaurant in Miami’s Design District that was recognized by the Michelin Guide as a Bib Gourmand (a restaurant that offers exceptional value) last year, came in first place on the list. The restaurant, which began as a seller in the previous St. Roch food hall, was where the magazine’s cover photo of seafood was taken which is now called MIA Market.
Other establishments applauded by Bon Appétit writers include Suite Habana Café in Wynwood, El Turco Turkish Restaurant in Upper Buena Vista, Rosie’s in Little River, a favorite for Southern brunch, Zak the Baker in Wynwood, Broken Shaker cocktail bar at the Freehand Hotel in Miami Beach, which was named one of the 50 best North American bars in 2022, Paradis Books & Bread wine bar and pizza restaurant in North Miami Beach, and Jaguar Sun in Miami.
In 2022, the Michelin guide also named El Turco and Zak the Baker as Bib Gourmands.
The magazine also gives Chef Sebastian Vargas accolades for opening Krüs Kitchen, a Bib Gourmand restaurant, and Los Félix, a Michelin-starred establishment, under one roof in Coconut Grove.
Michelin Names 8 New Miami Restaurants to The Florida Michelin Guide
Eight new Miami additions to the Florida Michelin Guide were unveiled by Michelin. The Michelin Guide classified the businesses as “New,” encouraging diners to try new and exciting restaurants in Miami.
The yearly Michelin announcement of Bib Gourmands and stars has yet to be released and Michelin occasionally “teases” its annual guides by presenting brief lists in prominent cities.
The announcement was explained in a statement by Gwendal Poullennec, the international director of the Michelin Guides, “We improve our digital tools to further strengthen the bonds that unite us to food lovers. By revealing some of the new additions made by our inspectors throughout the year.”
According to the press release, any of the 8 restaurants on the list may be awarded a Bib Gourmand or star during the annual star ceremony.
It mostly indicates that the Michelin team of inspectors is actively looking for restaurants in Miami to include in the 2023 Florida Michelin Guide. A restaurant also needs to merit its inclusion in the annual guide. Ten restaurants in Miami received one star when the Florida Guide was published in June 2022, giving them a total of 65 spots. The only establishment to be awarded two stars was L’Atelier de Jol Robuchon. The coveted three-star rating only goes to a select few great restaurants like the French Laundry, Alinea, and Eleven Madison Park. No Miami eateries have ever received this honor.
No location or date for the 2023 Michelin Florida Star Reveal Ceremony has been determined. The ceremony was previously Orlando in June 2022.
Michelin Guide Florida: New Miami Additions, February 2023
Brasserie Laurel- French-inspired cuisine inside downtown Miami’s new Miami Worldcenter.
Rosie’s- Brunch garden in Little River with Akino West as Chef.Fiola Miami- Coral Gables Italian restaurant by Michelin-starred, Fiola D.C.
Walrus Rodeo- Wood-fire cooking by the Boia De team.Lido- Surf Club with a champagne bar and delectable Italian food.
Lion & the Rambler- Chef Michael Bolen makes a classic spin on American cuisine.
Tambourine Room by Tristan Brandt- Modern/classic French and Asian inspired dishes.
The Gibson Room- American fare with modern inspired cocktails.
Award Winning and “America’s Favorite Chef” Thomas Keller is Opening a New Bistro in Coral Gables.
Bouchon Bistro, the acclaimed French restaurant owned by Chef Thomas Keller, will debut in Coral Gables in the early months of 2023, according to the chef and his staff. Along with his upscale American eatery the Surf Club Restaurant in Surfside, it will be his second restaurant in Miami.
The French Laundry, Per Se, and the freshly starred Surf Club Restaurant are all three-star Michelin restaurants owned by the renowned chef. Chef de cuisine Thomas Castellon, a former employee of Keller’s the Surf Club Restaurant and TAK Room, will take over the kitchen at Buchon’s Miami branch.
Similar to the menus at the Bouchon restaurants in Yountville and Las Vegas, the menu in Miami will feature seasonal French cuisine in addition to traditional selections like steak frites, roast chicken, mussels, and escargot.
Around 160 people will be able to dine at Bouchon Coral Gables, which also has 30 outside seats and a separate private dining area. Longtime Bouchon colleague Adam D. Tihany of Tihany Design in New York City, who created both Bouchon locations, will design the area.
The restaurant will open in the La Palma building, a historic Mediterranean-style structure constructed in 1924 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, at 2101 Galiano Street in Coral Gables. The building was originally designed by architect H. George Fink.
According to Keller, “Since opening the Surf Club Restaurant four years ago, it has been a great privilege to re-establish relationships in South Florida. We were enamored with the rich history of the La Palma building and Coral Gables neighborhood and we look forward to introducing our classic French bistro to the community.”
