Florida's ever-growing list of MICHELIN Guide restaurants is as diverse as they come, and now, with these newest additions spread across the Sunshine State, that list keeps growing.
The Greater Miami area has four new spots with a wide range of flavors, including creative contemporary spots, a buzzy steakhouse, and some of the best crispy pizza you'll find in the 305.
Orlando continues its run as one of the most interesting food scenes with a slew of places offering everything from Vietnamese and Chinese to Japanese and barbecue.
And, over in Tampa, check out the four latest spots from a laidback seafood shack and a sandwich shop to a proper pub and a Scandi-seafood bar from the chef behind MICHELIN One Star Ebbe.
Below, get the full scoop on the fourteen newest additions to the Florida selection!
Coral Gables
Kojin 2.0
Cuisine: Contemporary
Chefs Pedro and Katherine Mederos are back with Kojin 2.0 and it's not just the Coral Gables location that's new. This iteration's contemporary menu has clear Japanese influences and whether you swing for the tasting menus or order a la carte, expect bold cooking that takes risks while delivering approachable dishes. Foie toast—rye bread topped with a round of goose liver ganache and a dot of strawberry preserves—captures the culinary spirit of this place, where you may encounter equally creative dishes like bone marrow panna cotta finished with a stunning house-made coffee shoyu; a savory-sweet goat cheese cavatelli in a thick butternut squash sauce; or a creamsicle ice cream sandwich.
Miami
Recoveco
Cuisine: Contemporary
This South Miami restaurant from Chefs Maria Teresa Gallina and Nicolas Martinez may be diminutive but there's plenty of personality packed into this small space. The menu echoes that tiny-but-mighty sentiment with a concise format that shifts often, particularly with the seasons. Small and large plates are approachable but far from standard. The chicken liver mousse displays their signature flair, with house-made speculaas cookies made with peppercorn and cardamom piped with ribbons of velvety mousse and a star fruit jam. Roasted dry-aged chicken is a signature, though, if on offer, the wagyu ribeye in a banana au poivre is a nice choice. For dessert, sapodilla sticky toffee pudding is a sweet closer.
Sunny's Steakhouse
Cuisine: Steakhouse
This Little River hot spot effortlessly blends a chic old-meets-new Florida look and feel, and it's always buzzing with an equally good-looking crowd. As for the food, think classic American steakhouse with added luxury and a few local nods (stone crab claws). Pasta and several main dishes with plenty of swagger are appealing but it would be a sin to skip the steak. Selections range from shareable cuts to those sized for individuals, and though flavorful enough on their own, sauces like pineapple hot sauce and a rich bone marrow vinaigrette are a nice surprise. Russet potatoes fried in chicken schmaltz for a cross between smashed and roasted are a perfect side but save room for the decadent kouign-amann ice cream sandwich.
ViceVersa
Cuisine: Pizza
Outside it may be sunny and bright, but step inside ViceVersa, just off the lobby in the Elser Hotel, and it's a different mood entirely. Dark wood and rich green walls enhanced with pops of color from framed art lend a sultry moodiness to a room that's buzzing with activity.
Most are here for the crispy, thin Neapolitan-style pizza, which is a focus of the tightly edited menu, but raw bar selections like royal red shrimp with a punchy cherry bomb relish and a smattering of appetizers (think salads and meatballs) with a bold Italian-minded approach are equally worthy of attention. All good things must come to an end, but when they're met with gelato, it's so much better. For the best of both worlds, order an affogato martini.
Orlando
Bánh Mì Boy
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Located inside Mills Market, Bánh Mì Boy brings a Vietnamese look, feel, and flavor to this food hall. As the name suggests, bánh mì, or sandwiches, are indeed the focus (try the crispy pork belly with roasted garlic mayo and house patė on French bread for a deeply savory and satisfying meal). It's not just about the classics, though, and fusion finds include a French dip with a side of pho broth, as well as a Vietnamese-style cheesesteak. The create-your-own summer roll option is undoubtedly one of their most appealing options, with the ability to pick from a variety of proteins (think pork belly and lemongrass chicken) to vegetables, spices, and sauces. Iced coffee or fresh sugar cane juice round out this spot-on meal.
Gyukatsu Rose
Cuisine: Japanese
This food stall in the East End Market is from the same team behind Domu. Pull up a seat at this Japanese-focused counter and the concept becomes immediately clear as they fire up the grill—it's all about gyukatsu, or breaded beef cutlets. The menu is simple, and the only decision needed is whether you want one portion or two. Sided by cabbage salad, rice, and soup, the beef arrives on a tray seasoned, lightly fried, and sliced, and from there, it's in your hands, searing on your grill and seasoning with soy and onion sauces to your liking. End on a sweet note with their frozen matcha pudding layered with Oreo crumble and brûléed sugar on top.
It's a hot ticket, so reservations are a must.
Kai Kai
Cuisine: Chinese
They're no strangers to these parts, having run a popular food truck before, but Jerry and Jackie Lau's food stall inside Mills Market is proof that they're here to stay. Kai Kai shines a spotlight on Cantonese cooking. Not sure where to begin? Take one look at that case of barbecue and roasted meat tempting from just behind the counter and it becomes clear. Sold by the pound or as a meal with steamed rice and two or three selections (crispy pork, soy sauce chicken, and char siu are go-to choices), the menu also includes noodle and rice dishes, as well as an entire section devoted to dim sum. Roast duck bao is a surprising delight, as is the fried mochi pork dumpling with just a hint of sweetness that delivers an impactful bite.
Smokemade Meats + Eats
Cuisine: Barbecue
Central Texas-style barbecue in Orlando? You bet, at this spot off busy Curry Ford Road from owner/pitmaster Tyler Brunache. Concrete floors, simple tables, and a lengthy menu written on butcher paper are a sign that this place is serving up the real deal. It's a classic meat and sides affair, and they even make their own white bread that's sliced and served alongside your selections. Pork ribs in a black pepper and salt rub are tender and incredibly flavorful with a nice hit of smoky edge, while the jalapeño-cheddar sausage gives Texas a run for its money. Sides like collard greens studded with garlic and mac & cheese are just two of the can't-miss accompaniments.
Walala Hand-Pulled Noodle House
Cuisine: Chinese
It's not just a name at this spot run by a father-daughter duo—it's a promise. It's all about Lanzhou-style hand-pulled noodles here, where counter seats face a glass-enclosed kitchen displaying bubbling broths and noodles being pulled. A massive bowl of savory, clear broth tangled with noodles and tender beef shank is a house classic; add Chinese pickles for an extra pop of flavor. Sub beef short rib for the shank and you'll discover another signature dish or opt for the dry-style noodles with ground pork and peanuts. While you're here for the noodles, there are plenty of other tempting options, including pan-fried dumplings and buns, and if you're lucky, Chinese fried dough with warm soy milk for dipping.
Tampa
Big Ray's Fish Camp
Cuisine: Seafood
Far from the trendy neighborhoods, this seafood shack that could be mistaken for a bait and tackle shop flies slightly under the radar but is a total find. Order from the menu displayed behind the counter, then find a seat at one of a few wooden tables set with metal chairs inside, or head outdoors to a tent-covered picnic table. Owner Raymond "Nick" Cruz doles out a typical dressed-down, seafood shack-style menu with starters like smoked fish dip, peel and eat shrimp, and a basket loaded with blackened shrimp and Cuban-style yucca. Then, a smattering of sandwiches includes their house classic fried grouper alongside creative riffs like a lobster tail corn dog sided by fries or coleslaw. To finish, nothing beats a wedge of key lime pie with graham cracker crust.
Cousin Vinny's Sandwich Co.
Cuisine: Italian-American
There's usually a line and rarely a seat at this casual sandwich shop in Tampa's NoHo neighborhood. It's Italian to the bone (note the flag out front for further proof) and the name is both a nod to the movie of the same name, as well as one of the co-owners, Vincent “Vinny” Andriotti. Together with friends Russell Leone, AJ DeSimone, and Jake Schmidt, they're bringing New York Italian-American flavor to Tampa. Any sandwich aficionado knows it's all about the bread and the fillings, and both are top notch here. Tomato and mozzarella on their house-made schiacciata (think focaccia, only thinner and crispier) is a knockout, but the Tony Piccante, a crispy chicken cutlet with vodka sauce, cheese, and roasted red peppers on an Italian sub is another winner.
Fisk
Cuisine: Scandinavian/Seafood
For a glimpse into the excellence that awaits at Ebbe, snag a seat at this relaxed, handsome bar concept which shares the same front door and kitchen. Seafood with Swedish and global touches forms the heart of a menu that offers both a concise tasting as well as easy à la carte ordering. You might consider making a meal out of lighter bites, starting with Alaskan smoked salmon prepared as an éclair or, perhaps, crab salad with pink grapefruit and grilled avocado. Meatballs and schnitzel are tempting entrees, but do not miss the fish soup. Made with excellent stock, fennel, and just a touch of cream, it is a comforting masterclass in balance and finesse. Those who really love rum will find a friend in the boozy baba au rhum.
Mad Dogs & Englishmen
Cuisine: Gastropub
Mad Dogs & Englishmen isn't exactly new—the previous iteration down the street opened in 1991—but this new standalone space is bigger and better with a proper English pub style. Inside is a warren of small rooms, along with a bar and a large conservatory that opens up on nice days. In classic style, the walls are appropriately loaded with all manner of British paraphernalia, and the food follows suit, with a litany of traditional offerings including a weekly Sunday roast. Tuck into a puff pastry-wrapped sausage with a tangy curry-Dijon mayo. Shepherd's pie is a must in any pub, but here it's made with tender lamb. Topped with mashed potatoes and finished with breadcrumbs, it's a solid if slightly unique take on a classic.
Winter Park
Bar Kada
Cuisine: Japanese/International
While Soseki is known for its intimate stature and serious tasting menu, Bar Kada is its perfect complement. Located in the same building, this space has triple the seats along with a more casual concept (note the disco ball for further proof). Expect the same commitment to quality and the strong creative streak seen at Soseki, only here it's dressed down to fit the laidback vibe. The Japanese dishes with global influences have plenty of personality and deliver on bold flavors, as in the kinilaw-style spicy-sweet sashimi or roasted maitake mushrooms in a ponzu beurre blanc. Cocktail and wine offerings are deep, but the sake selection is a real standout, and the knowledgeable bartenders make a seat at the bar especially interesting.
Hero image: Gus Gomez / Kojin 2.0
