Florida is known for its beautiful beaches, tourist attractions, and fresh seafood. But when it comes to fine dining, does Florida have any Michelin-starred restaurants?
The answer is yes. While Florida may not have as many Michelin-starred restaurants as other states like California or New York, there are still several restaurants in the Sunshine State that have earned the coveted Michelin star. The most well-known of these is Chef Norman Van Aken’s flagship restaurant, Norman’s, located in the Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes.
Norman’s has been a staple of the Florida food scene since it opened in 1997. The restaurant has earned numerous accolades over the years, including a prestigious three-star rating from the Michelin Guide in 2020. The menu at Norman’s features traditional Floridian dishes with a modern twist, such as smoked pork belly with roasted yucca and pickled okra and pan-seared grouper with plantain rice.
In addition to Norman’s, there are several other Michelin-starred restaurants in Florida. These include La Mar by Gaston Acurio in Miami Beach and Edison: Food+Drink Lab in Tampa.
Both restaurants specialize in Latin American cuisine, featuring dishes such as ceviche and mofongo. Both have also earned praise from critics for their inventive menus and creative presentations.
Conclusion:
So while it may not be one of the top culinary destinations in the world yet, Florida does have a few Michelin-starred restaurants that offer unique dining experiences that are sure to please even the most discerning of palates. With more attention being paid to quality cooking across the state – not just on Miami Beach – expect even more stars to be added to Florida’s culinary map soon.