ORLANDO, Fla. — It's one of the most esteemed awards a restaurant can win: the elusive Michelin star. Last night, a few Florida restaurants finally got that coveted honor.
While none in Tampa Bay made the cut, five total eateries across the Sunshine State earned stars during the ceremony at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando on Thursday. Sorekara, a Japanese restaurant in Orlando, was the only new addition to earn two stars.
Despite not receiving any stars last night, Tampa Bay didn't go home entirely empty-handed. After the Michelin Guide finally announced the inclusion of spots in St. Pete-Clearwater, Pinellas County saw its first victories in The Tides Market (Safety Harbor), as well as Fortu, Sushi Sho Rexley and Il Ritorno (St. Petersburg).
The goal for Chef Jon Walker and Mary Kate Walker, who opened The Tides Market in 2021, is to shine a light on the Pinellas culinary scene.
"Being included in the 2025 Michelin Guide Florida not only celebrates our team’s commitment to quality and innovation but is also a testament to the vibrant, dynamic and evolving culinary scene happening in our own backyard," Jon said.
All four Pinellas restaurants will be added to the guide's list of Florida recommendations, along with a few other Tampa favorites.
It was a particularly good night for South Florida, which saw one-star wins in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach. A second Orlando spot, Ômo by Jônt, earned the final star.
Five Tampa restaurants—Ebbe, Kōsen, Koya, Lilac and Rocca—all maintained their stars.
“You know, it might just be time we take a look if HOAs are really even necessary.
Maybe we should just do away with homeowner associations as a whole.”
South Florida lawmaker Rep. Juan Carlos Porras (R-Miami) says it may be time to do away with homeowners associations altogether, as more Floridians speak out about rising fees, costly lawsuits, and even arrests tied to HOA disputes. He said this week that he is considering filing legislation in the next session that would abolish HOAs statewide.
