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All the Tampa restaurants featured in the 2023 Florida Michelin Guide

By CL Staff on Fri, May 12, 2023 at 2:00 pm

Three Tampa restaurants earned the city's first ever Michelin stars this week at the unveiling of the 2023 Florida Michelin Guide in Miami.

Tampa’s Koya, Lilac and Rocca all scored the top honor of earning a star for the first time, along with Tambourine Room by Tristan Brandt in Miami Beach. In total, 19 Florida restaurants earned stars during a ceremony at LoanDepot Park.

Although controversial, a star is considered one of, if not thee, highest award in the culinary world. Chefs who earn a star see an immediate boost in their reputation, with their restaurant (and staff) benefiting from the boost in business and prestige.

While not everyone pulled in a star at this week's unveiling, quite a few Tampa restaurants however did receive "Bib Gourmands" deeming them a "great value," and "Recommend" restaurant status.

Here are all the restaurants included in the this years guide.

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Koya

807 W. Platt St., Tampa, 813-284-7423
Michelin ranking: 1 Star
"There is a watchful eye over the experience at this intimate eight-seat counter, where a multicourse contemporary tasting menu shares a singular interpretation of Japanese cuisine. The dishes are often unexpected yet always thoughtful."
Photo via KoyaTampa.com

Lilac

500 Channelside Dr, Tampa, 813- 771-8022
Michelin ranking: 1 Star
"Peruse the contemporary four-course prix-fixe with Mediterranean influences, Florida-focused ingredients and French techniques. A meal might include luxe bites like a Diver scallop infused with rosemary smoke and dramatically served under a cloche to well-executed and flavorful lobster feuillantine."
Photo via Google Maps

Rocca
323 W Palm Ave., Tampa. 813-906-5445
Michelin ranking: 1 Star
"Chef Bryce Bonsack blends his New York know-how with Italian training to great effect in this of-the-moment eatery. Naturally, there's an assortment of pastas, skillfully made in house and showcasing classic flavors and scrupulous technique, as in spaghetti al limone, tossed with knobs of blue crab and lemon, shaved garlic and zucchini."
Photo by Google Street

Gorkhali Kitchen
10044 Cross Creek Blvd, Tampa, 813-388-6404
Michelin ranking: Bib Gourmand
Michelin praised the breadth of the menu at New Tampa strip mall spot, Gorkhali Kitchen and noted its focus on Nepalese cuisine with a touch of Indian influence. "Of course, there must be momo, those iconic Nepalese dumplings that are seared, pan-fried or even in jhol (soup). Chicken is a popular protein that appears often on the menu, but don't shy away from the goat specialties. They're falling-off-the-bone tender and savory," inspectors wrote.
Photo by Melissa Santell

Ichicoro
5229 N Florida Ave, Tampa, 813-517-9989
Michelin ranking: Bib Gourmand
Without a doubt, Ichicoro ushered in a new era for Tampa’s dining scene, but the concept closed last April. Records at the City of Tampa show that an "Ichicoro 2.0" was underway across the street at 5246 N Florida Ave, but the last update for that concept happened in December 2022. It's unclear what is happening with that property.
Photo by Melissa Santell

Psomi

701 N Howard Ave., Tampa, 813-841-5555
Michelin ranking: Bib Gourmand
"Owned and run by second-generation Greek-American, Christina Theofilos, this daytime eatery and bakery epitomizes warmth and comfort. Strangers become friends in no time, noshing on breakfast and lunch during the week and brunch on weekends. The menu is laced with Greek items ranging from flavorful and tender octopus ceviche to house-made dolmades that display an added level of care. The farm to your table sandwich is layered with avocado, pickled green tomato, shaved jicama, sprouts and whipped feta. Of course, with a name that translates to bread, there must be baked goods and you'll find it all here. Don't skimp on dessert and order bougatsa, baklava or baklava coffee cake (an impressive marriage of the two)."
Photo via Psomi/Instagram

Rooster & The Till

6500 N Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-374-8940
Michelin ranking: Bib Gourmand
"It's a low-key spot with a contemporary feel. The bar is central and wraps around an open kitchen, so grab a seat at the counter for the best view. Between the lively tunes and buzzy staff, the aura is anything but stuffy. The plates follow suit—freewheeling, frequently changing and shareable with elements from SE Asia, Latin America and the Levant. Yet, nothing seems out of place, as in sumac-flecked cauliflower with whipped goat's milk feta and falafel-spiced dukkah. Fried cobia collar with nuoc cham boasts a cultish following. Such seductive textures and explosive flavors continue in full force in a dessert of black sesame ice cream with pineapple-cashew jam and Thai tea caramel. The tasting menu, though pricier, is a worthy splurge."
Photo via Rooster & The Till/Facebook

Bistro BT

4267 Henderson Blvd, Tampa, 813-513-8402
Michelin ranking: Recommended
"This casual yet charming outpost arrives on the scene courtesy of celebrated local restaurateur, BT Nguyen. It is friendly and atmospheric with gracious servers merely augmenting the inviting feel. Over in the kitchen, the team cooks up a homey combination of French and Vietnamese dishes, ranging from beloved standbys to bolder bistro fare. The Vietnamese plates are a cut above, though, and include the likes of crispy spring rolls faithfully packed with ground pork, glass noodles and wood ear mushroom; followed by deeply aromatic pho bobbing with springy noodles and generous amounts of meltingly soft tenderloin. A handful of carefully curated wines along with a small assortment of thoughtfully crafted iced teas are sure to quench your thirst in style."
Photo via BistroBT

Cena

1208 E Kennedy Blvd, Tampa
Michelin ranking: Recommended
"Nestled among retail spaces and luxury apartments, this unassuming spot is well-loved for its Italian—with an American perspective—food. Minimally dressed with exposed ductwork and mottled cement floors, the space oozes with warmth, thanks to soft lighting. The result is a happy union between neighborhood joint and hipster bar. The trendy guests are here for the kitchen's bold flavors and novel twists on traditional items. Kick off with an antipasto of fried cauliflower, octopus and gigante beans with salsa rossa. House pastas are a huge draw, and perhaps fittingly so, when you consider satisfyingly chewy chitarra with pistachio and shishito pepper pesto, burrata and lemon zest. For dessert, a playful, deconstructed take on tiramisu is a favorite."
Photo via Google Maps

The Columbia

2117 E 7th Ave, Ybor City, 813-248-4961
Michelin ranking: Recommended
"For devotees of Cuban-American cuisine, a pilgrimage to this jewel of Historic Ybor City is practically obligatory. Adorned with gorgeous painted tiles, the striking edifice occupies an entire block. However, the opulence goes beyond the façade—founded in 1905, this original location is the oldest continually operating restaurant in all of Florida (multiple offshoots have since sprung up). Equally impressive, its rooms can seat over a thousand guests; and a well-oiled kitchen turns out a steady stream of beloved specialties—from deviled crab croquetas to gambas al ajillo. At lunch, the Cubano sandwich, which has a legitimate claim to being the original version, lives up to the hype. During the evening, live flamenco performances gild the lily."
Photo via Google Maps

Bern’s Steakhouse

1208 S Howard Ave, Tampa, 813-251-2421
Michelin ranking: Recommended
"For decades, this stately steakhouse has been a local favorite for special occasions of all stripes, and its popularity shows no signs of shrinking. Diners dress to impress amid the garish vintage opulence, which is matched by a slickly ceremonious suit-clad service team and colossal wine collection. A meal might start with oysters, or one of the many caviar options, but savvy diners save ample space for a curated selection of prime steaks, many dry-aged extensively in house before getting a char treatment on the kitchen’s massive grill. Don’t fill up on the assorted sides—at the end of the meal, guests are whisked to the posh upstairs dessert room, where bananas Foster or baked Alaska can be enjoyed with house-roasted coffee and live piano music."
Photo via Bern's Steakhouse/Facebook

Élevage SoHo Kitchen & Bar

1207 S Howard Ave., Tampa, 813-999-8726
Michelin ranking: Recommended
"Don't be fooled by the lofty name or upscale location (tucked inside the Epicurean Hotel, just past the lobby). The ambience here is relaxed and the cooking is down-to-earth, though happily not mundane. Breakfast and lunch are served, but dinner is where the lion’s share of excitement lies, with a menu whose flavors confidently span the globe. Smoked barbecue chicken wings find themselves in good company with a wild mushroom chawanmushi; while za'atar and Madras curry might accent grass-fed bison or Florida grouper. Beyond the diversity of its culinary influences, the food shows a sense of balance, as in a hearty dish of chicken schnitzel matched with buttery spaetzle and finished with a mustard jus that provides that perfect bit of lightness and zest."
Photo via Élevage SoHo Kitchen & Bar/Facebook

Flaming Mountain

13520 University Plaza St., Tampa, 813-609-8888
Michelin ranking: Recommended
"Flaming Mountain's strip mall environs may be less than exciting but they save their sizzle for the food. The owners, husband-and-wife Hongfeng Li and Ling Wu, are originally from Shenyang in China's northeast, and the menu proudly displays their regional heritage alongside classic Sichuan cuisine and grilled skewers. Chef Wei Zhang sources quality ingredients for dishes that deliver bold flavor across the board. Portions are hearty, so arrive armed with an appetite for meals like Chungking spicy chicken, with a plate piled high with classic dry fried chicken studded with chilies and peppercorns. Cucumber salad tossed in a vinegar sauce balances the heady spice. Cumin-scented lamb done in a stir fry style is another standout."
Photo via Élevage SoHo Kitchen & Bar/Facebook

Haven

2208 W Morrison Ave., Tampa, 813-258-2233
Michelin ranking: Recommended
”Noshers will rejoice at the prospect of this charming, quirky and convivial concept, whose menu of shareable plates makes snacking practically de rigueur. Front and center is a selection of artisanal cheeses and charcuterie, which deserves serious consideration. Heartier dishes, like steaks, pass muster; although much of the fun lies in smaller bites. To wit, there's a section devoted to adroitly prepared offal, whether it be French-inflected rabbit kidneys with Cognac; or fried veal sweetbreads with a sweet and sour glaze. Diners with a less carnivorous bent may rest easy as there are vegetarian options aplenty. Desserts show a touch of whimsy, like a charming “dirt pie” fashioned into the likeness of a flowerpot by way of a molded chocolate shell."
Photo via Google Maps

Mise En Place

442 W Grand Central Blvd. Ste 110 , Tampa, 813-254-5373
Michelin ranking: Recommended
"Originally a small-scale catering business founded in 1986 by partners Maryann Ferenc and Chef Marty Blitz, this riverfront enclave has gone on to become a local culinary fixture. The sleek, comfortable space and assured service are as suitable for romantic duos as business groups—and either set would be well advised to sample from their list of carefully poured classic cocktails. The menu features a freewheeling selection of international flavors—from squash blossoms filled with creamy ricotta and spicy 'nduja, to mole-crusted scallops with a masa and squash purée. Desserts in particular are noteworthy. A warm pistachio polenta cake paired with olive oil gelato and basil blackberry jam, for instance, manages to be both comforting and au courant."
Photo via Google Maps

Noble Rice

615 Channelside Dr #112, Tampa, 813-542-2021
Michelin ranking: Recommended
"Restaurants pack this area just off Channelside Drive, but Noble Rice deserves your attention, and not just because it's a sister spot to Koya. Unlike most minimalist Japanese restaurants, this place has a lively, modern vibe. There is an omakase on offer at a separate counter, but the real draw here is their à la carte sushi-focused menu with some izakaya and small plate options (think shrimp toast and karaage; skewers and ramen). Traditionalists should head for the king salmon nigiri sourced from New Zealand, while bold and creative flavor combinations are found in maki like the negi toro roll, with spicy fatty tuna, scallion, tobanjan kewpie in a black garlic soy sauce. Steer seasonal, as in the bright Dungeness crab salad."
Photo via Google Maps

Oak and Ola

1910 N Ola Ave., Tampa, 813-773-1901
Michelin ranking: Recommended
"Under the aegis of celebrated chef, Anne Kearny, this boisterous scene forms one of the keystone culinary destinations for the massive Armature Works development in which it is housed. The menu relies heavily on prominent wood-fired ovens and casts a wide net for European flavors, turning to Iberian ingredients—as in the roasted octopus with chorizo, white beans and kale. Then, Germany might be the inspiration behind a plate of bregenwurst with caraway-pickled cabbage and apple chutney. Other offerings, like yellowtail snapper with amandine sauce, have their roots in New Orleans, where the chef first earned her reputation. Regardless of this particular reference point, the common thread here is assertive flavors prepared with an assured lack of fuss."
Photo via Bern's Steakhouse/Website

OLIVIA

3601 W Swann Ave, Tampa, 813-328-8866
Michelin ranking: Recommended
"Named after Chef/owner Chris Ponte's daughter, it's only appropriate that the cooking at this bustling, Italian-inspired venue should set itself apart thanks to extra care. That characteristic attention to detail includes efforts, like extruding all pastas in house before slowly drying them—but it’s the sort of work that pays off for diners. Although the cuisine draws heavily on classic flavors, don't expect by-the-books renditions—even the simplest dishes flaunt a bit of personality. Take, for example, mini rigatoni sauced with ragù Bolognese and a dollop of herbed ricotta; it's a departure from tradition that is unlikely to draw any objections. The pizza offerings are similarly appealing, like one with truffle honey, smoky speck and scallion."
Photo via OLIVIA

Ponte Modern American

1010 Gramercy Ln, Tampa, 813-582-7755
Michelin ranking: Recommended
"Chef Christopher Ponte oversees the very grand eponymous restaurant located in midtown Tampa where a cream-and-white palette sets an elegant tone. This is a linen tablecloth kind of place where a comprehensive menu lists dishes with a contemporary and creative American flair. Kick off this memorable meal with Champagne and pearls—oysters finished with a pink peppercorn mignonette foam—or opt for the salmon Wagyu set over crispy sushi rice. Discover an entire section of the menu devoted to steaks with different sauces, toppers and butters. It may read a bit showy, but it's exciting nonetheless and feels worthy of the price tag. Cocktails are quite literally split down the middle, offering both a classic version of the usual suspects alongside modern takes."
Photo via Google Maps

Restaurant BT

2507 S MacDill Ave., Tampa, 813-258-1916
Michelin ranking: Recommended
"Both intimate and serene, this romantic retreat is restaurateur and Chef BT Nguyen's flagship. Its motto "eat local, think global" accurately captures both her genre-defying, eclectic cuisine as well as her dedication to high quality, local ingredients. Although the presentation may lean a bit fussy and old-fashioned (think tomato roses and other such twee garnishes), there's plenty of substance behind the fluff. This is cooking that's assiduously seasoned and bursting with flavor. Many of the dishes draw upon the chef's Vietnamese heritage, seen in the telltale use of bright, aromatic flavors, but items like a sophisticated vichyssoise and Basque-inspired pink prawns are a testament to her classic French training and time spent abroad."
Photo via Restaurant BT/Facebook