Michelin Guide to Orlando
For the first time ever, Orlando is on the Michelin list with four Michelin-starred rated restaurants and seven restaurants that now have the Bib Gourmand distinction. Several others have also been listed as a recommendation to locals and visitors.
This blog post isn’t to debate whether or not you should care that Michelin now sees Orlando as a foodie destination. Nor is it a discussion of the worthiness of each recipient and who was snubbed. Instead, it's to share my insights into the places I’ve been if you have a spot on the list you’ve been eyeing. Unfortunately, I’m still working through the list myself, so there are several I can’t speak to, but I’ll surely update once I’ve gone.
Kadence - 1 Michelin Star
I wrote about my experience at Kadence back in 2017, when we splurged on an anniversary dinner. It’s worth every penny if you have it to spare for a heightened experience that is more intimate than most.
If I haven’t been what can I expect: A multi-course chef’s tasting experience where you relinquish all control and trust the chefs. That means no dietary substitutions. If you are a picky eater, this is not for you, but it is something that will expand your palette and prove to be a tremendous food-driven experience.
Price: $$$$ - $150 - $250 per person
Other Michelin-Star Rated Restaurants:
Bib Gourmand
A restaurant delivering a high quality dining experience at a reasonable price. To be precise, a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand restaurant must offer two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for around $40.
The Strand
I probably annoy people with how much I talk about The Strand, but it deserves my loyalty and repeat business because it has been so good to me since 2014. It delivers the best experience that an affordable night out in Orlando can offer, leaving behind the stuffy atmosphere and loud booming theatrics with no Instagram opportunity in sight. The food has your complete attention. It flew under the radar way too long, in my opinion, and I'm so happy to see it get its time in the forefront, as long as I can still get a table.
If I haven’t been what can I expect: A limited menu of farm-to-table offerings and daily specials. A cozy elevated local diner feel. The desserts are not to be missed. (They have outdoor seating on the weekends)
Price: $$ - Dinner entrees can run $15-$30
Domu
Domu got so popular after it opened that I think it eventually suffered a little contrarian backlash. Long waits for a table, paired with more ramen options around Orlando to sink a spoon into makes this a spot you will either love - or say it’s overhyped. I leave that declaration to your taste buds, but I’ve had delicious meals here, and you certainly can’t say you’re a true Orlandoan if you haven’t had their wings.
If I haven’t been what can I expect: A trendier vibe with hip hop music pumping in the background. Get there early if you want to get into their first shift of seating. If you have to wait, you can hang by their bar or visit the East End Market including The Neighbors space upstairs.
Price: $$ - Entrees run $15 and up with add-ons
Bombay Street Kitchen
I’ve only eaten at Bombay Street Kitchen once, and I blame that solely on the pandemic. Currently, there is no outdoor seating, so I haven’t gone again and again, but from first impressions, I still think about it. Especially all the flavors and textures I was offered with the Kurkuri Bhindi Bhel. This is a spot you don’t want to miss.
If I haven’t been what can I expect: A bright, colorful atmosphere inside. The small plates allow you to order as you dine, and try as many dishes as you’d like.
Price: $ Dishes start at $5 and go up to $18
Ravenous Pig
Ravenous Pig has been a staple in Orlando for longer than any other local foodie joint on the list. Some say that they spearheaded the local food movement that we now enjoy an abundance of now. I recall eating at their old Orange Avenue location for a simple lunch back in 2007 at what felt like our first “gastropub .” I can still taste the Shrimp and Grits dish I had back in 2009. So many meals later, it’s nice to see how it’s grown and stayed true to what made it unique back when we were all Orlando Foodie tots.
If I haven’t been what can I expect: It’s got a very date-night or special occasion vibe, but with the new addition of their beer garden it’s really an any occasion spot for locals.
Price: $$ - Entrees range from $28 - $50 and up
Swine & Sons
Swine and Sons have proved itself to me after many years as a solid option, especially for lunch. Their menu isn’t overwhelming but offers a nice variety of food cravings. Their hot chicken is always an enormous crowd-pleaser, and I certainly hope their new falafel bowl is here to stay.
If I haven’t been what can I expect: Very casual setting inside The Local Butcher in Winter Park. It’s a walk-up counter where you order and find a seat (inside or outdoors).
Price: $$ Most items run $12 - $15
Other Bib Gourmand Restaurants:
Papa Llama - next on my list (reopening June 28th)
MICHELIN Guide’s Point Of View
Tori Tori
Tori Tori makes you feel cool as soon as you walk in, but thankfully it’s backed up with exciting bites and a great drink program. Izakaya dining offers a wide variety of menu items, so don’t feel overwhelmed at first glance. The menu is fun, so have fun with it and explore all the different options.
If I haven’t been what can I expect: A hip spot where snagging a table as soon as you get in is preferable. Sitting at the bar is fun too, but as your plates pile up you might get squeezed on space. The bartenders run the show here; there is no wait service. Make a game plan of what to order and try to do it as much as you can at once.
Price: $$ Dishes range anywhere from $3.50 - $24
Black Rooster
In the blink of an eye I feel like I went from the grand opening of what is now the Mills 50 areas' favorite little taqueria, to hurriedly grabbing takeout years later during COVID-19 as we all clung to any sense of normalcy we could grasp. Black Rooster set itself apart in a city that experienced a considerable taco boom a few years back with great ingredients and consistency that the locals knew they could rely on and they haven’t swayed. It’s also run by some pretty amazing humans, which is worth all the Michelin Stars in my own rating system.
If I haven’t been what can I expect: A small intimate space at the Mills 50 location, with a little more room (plus a patio) over on the new location on Curry Ford. It’s casual but still gives you an exciting foodie feel in the gut. The Crispy Fish and Black Rooster Asada taco are still some of my favorite in town.
Price: $$ Tacos range from $3.50 - $4.75
Pizza Bruno
Bruno tops most people’s best pizza lists, but I still think about the red wine-braised octopus I had one night and the famous garlic knots. A new location will be opening in College Park, so more opportunities for pizza are coming your way.
If I haven’t been what can I expect: A causal neighborhood joint feel with indoor and outdoor seating. Be prepared to wait on the weekends.
Price: $$ Pizzas range from $14 - $24
Kai Asian Street Fare
My first trip to Kai had me hooked immediately, from the tacos, bulgogi fries, and the garlic noodles, they didn’t miss. They went into heavy rotation for takeout for me, especially when I had a Korean style crispy wing craving.
If I haven’t been what can I expect: Casual no frills, strip center vibes. Order at the counter and find yourself a seat. It’s all about the food.
Price: $$
Prato
I LOVE Prato. Full stop. It's on every list I send to people looking for dining recommendations, and although I don't dine there as often as I'd like, my meal rarely changes when I go. I order the Cetriolo cocktail, the meatballs, and the mustard spaghettini "cacio e pepe". It's all I need in life, and Prato has never let me down on dozens and dozens of occasions. So please go and enjoy it if you haven't.
If I haven’t been what can I expect: It’s Park Avenue, so you’ll have plenty of good people watching while you eat, but for the quality of food you get it still feels very down-to-earth and comfortable.
Price: $$ - Pizzas run $17-$18 while other entrees run around $30
Se7enbites
Chef Trina has come a long way from the tiny space back in 2013 where it all began. I remember picking up her small pies at Pom Pom’s, and that’s where the addiction began. Since then, Se7enbites has reached a new level of local fame and notoriety while still delivering the gut-busting indulgent comfort foods we loved from the beginning. If a decadent breakfast/lunch isn’t on the agenda, it’s worth swinging by for the dessert case.
If I haven’t been what can I expect: You can expect a line out the door which gives you time to decide what carb loaded dish will swiftly bring on an afternoon nap. Go for the 7th Trimester, that works every time.
Price: $ Dishes start at $7 - $16.75
Sticky Rice Lao Street Food
This local spot to indulge in Lao food, something Orlando desperately needs more of, is an intimate space with long communal tables. I’ve always enjoyed the flavors here whether it was on the garlic ribs, the steak laab, or the crispy rice lettuce wraps.
If I haven’t been what can I expect: This is a casual spot where you will be getting cozy with your table neighbors. The plates offered are small and shareable so load up and get ready to get your hands dirty. There is not currently outdoor seating, but the food travels well for takeout.
Price: $ - Dishes start at $3 - $11
Kabooki Sushi
I embarrassingly have no good photos of my meals at Kabooki. My first visit was back in 2014, and you can certainly look at those photos to laugh, but since that one meal, it has been one of my favorite sushi restaurants in Orlando. It was even my anniversary pandemic meal last year. A huge tray of sushi to-go at home still felt decadent, even from my couch. It’s grown in popularity, locations, and physical space since then, and it still tops my recommendations for those wanting a lovely, elevated evening out.
If I haven’t been what can I expect: You definitely want to make reservations here, and the new space feels a little more hip and upscale than before, so adorn yourself accordingly.
Price: $$ - Dishes vary but can easily range in the $20 - $30 for entrees and rolls
Polite Pig
As a local, you may not venture to Disney Springs all that often, but if you do, there’s a good chance you’ve already tried the Polite Pig. Now for me, I live far closer to its sister restaurants, so if I have a craving, that’s where I will be heading. However, the crispy Brussel sprouts and brisket might be worth the I-4 trek.
If I haven’t been what can I expect: In theme park adjacent fashion, this is a very casual indoor and outdoor setting. If your loved one is spending way too long in Anthropologie, this is a spot you can sit and get a local beer and a hearty snack.
Price: $$ Theme park adjacent pricing from $12 - $26 and up
Other recommended restaurants:
Four Flamingos - Next on my list
Maxine’s on Shine - I’ve actually been to Maxine’s and it was lovely, it was just so long ago I want to revisit and share updated thoughts.
TAMPA
In regards to the three restaurants that got the Bib Gourmand in Tampa, I have been to two and I can tell you they are worthy in my personal opinion.
Rooster and the Till
I wrote about my delightful experience at Rooster and the Till back in 2019 here. This meal was very close to perfection. From oysters, gnocchi with short ribs, pork belly, and sea bass we got an amazing tour of flavors from this very comfortable and unpretentious spot. I would absolutely recommend dining at Rooster & the Till if you find yourself in Tampa.
Ichicoro Ramen
Since my last food few food adventures in Tampa, Ichicoro is still one of my top spots, especially if you are craving ramen. Most of my most memorable ramen dishes have not happened in Florida, but From first slurp I was transported back to the same flavors of a killer Ramen dish I had in Atlanta. The pork was crispy on the outside, yet flavorful and juicy on the inside. The noodles were the perfect texture; I could go on and on. In short, it made me very happy and I will make the drive from Orlando for a repeat dish.
All photos are property of Lemonhearted Creative unless otherwise labeled. All meals mentioned were paid for personally.