48 Orlando Restaurants Earn MICHELIN Guide Honors in 2024
30.04.24
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Open Jaw
MICHELIN celebration Florida
On 18APR, 2024, the MICHELIN Guide Miami, Orlando and Tampa was updated, with inspectors revealing five new Orlando restaurants.
Two of those, Camille and Natsu, are also among our latest One-MICHELIN-Star venues, with Papa Llama (previously a Bib Gourmand) and Victoria & Albert’s (previously MICHELIN Recommended) also joining those ranks.
Additional 2024 honours for Orlando include:
MICHELIN Green Star, which recognizes exceptional sustainable dining that doesn’t sacrifice flavour, to the MICHELIN Recommended Kaya led by Chef Lordfer Lalicon,
MICHELIN Exceptional Cocktails Award to Justin Levaughn of Otto’s High Dive, a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand, and
MICHELIN Service Award to Victoria & Albert’s Maître d'Hôtel and Sommelier Israel Perez.
Per Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the MICHELIN Guides, inspectors found that Orlando had very much to offer food and wine enthusiasts, with talented chefs and their committed teams creating culinary experiences matched only by the destination’s amazing attractions. Orlando’s MICHELIN Starred restaurants include:
SOSEKI MODERN OMAKASE — WINTER PARK
CAPA STEAKHOUSE & BAR
KADENCE — AUDUBON PARK GARDEN DISTRICT
NEW FOR ‘24: CAMILLE — BALDWIN PARK
Chef Tung Phan has taken the pop-up and given it permanence at this space just off Lake Baldwin. Seats at the counter feature the ten-course Vietnamese-French tasting menu, while booths offer an abbreviated version. Rooted in French techniques, Vietnamese flavors are given a refined twist here. The Dungeness crab curry arrives with a tartlet shell, filled with crab meat and mixed with lime, served atop the lid, which when removed, reveals a deliciously hearty curry. Salmon over king trumpet noodles in a tamarind and pineapple sauce is creative, but the best may be saved for last. The sweet potato brioche topped with a “gold” chocolate ice cream and Vietnamese coffee sauce is an elegant finale.
NEW FOR ‘24: NATSU — NORTH QUARTER DISTRICT
At Natsu, there are just two seatings a night at this intimate omakase where a 10-seat counter dominates a spartan-styled room. Meals begin with four dishes from Chefs Stone and Sky, including chawanmushi and truffle kampachi, served with crispy potato straws and a yuzu truffle vinaigrette for an unexpected flavor combination that is especially memorable. The sushi is impressive and doesn’t gild the lily, as in skin-on barracuda with a dynamic char or soy-marinated salmon that finishes ever-so-sweetly. Supremely buttery toro needs no flourish and is melt-in-your-mouth tender. It all rounds out with a hand roll and ice cream.
NEW FOR ‘24: PAPA LLAMA — CURRY FORD WEST
Husband-and-wife duo Kevin and Maria Ruiz prepare modern Peruvian cuisine full of bright ingredients with a bit of polish, and the multicourse tasting menu is an approachable (and affordable) way to sample their sincere cooking. Nigiri kicks off the meal with a smart nod to the Peruvian tradition of Japanese fusion, delivering dialed-in flavors with confidence. Bok choy is elevated with bold, contrasting textures, while chicken thigh roulade with aji amarillo aioli is simply spectacular. For dessert, sweet potato donuts over a blueberry compote seal the deal.
NEW FOR ‘24: VICTORIA & ALBERT’S — DISNEY’S GRAND FLORIDIAN RESORT & SPA
Nestled within Disney’s crown jewel, the Grand Floridian Resort, this restaurant is by no means an easy reservation. The setting is intimate, and the pacing is that of a leisurely, three-hour waltz orchestrated by a gracious brigade of veteran servers. Chef Matthew Sowers cooks with contemporary verve and draws on influences spanning from Asia to the Nordics. Think delicate tarts set with New Zealand langoustine, striking “sandwiches” made with venison carpaccio and red cabbage, and bold sauces like cherry-cola bordelaise. Other details like water lists, an ornate coffee and tea service, and a serious wine program further impress.
With two added in 2024, MICHELIN Guide inspectors have recognized 11 Orlando restaurants of the Bib Gourmand designation, which recognizes great food at great value. In other words, the sort of place where you can have two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for about $50. Our Bib Gourmands include:
YH Seafood Clubhouse — International Drive Entertainment District
Kaya was further honoured in 2024 with a MICHELIN Green Star, which showcases their commitment to sustainable gastronomy.
“Many people don’t realize the rich, diverse food scene Orlando has,” said Blais about his restaurant’s recognition. “Being part of the MICHELIN Guide will hopefully demonstrate that to the rest of the world, and at Four Flamingos we’re honored be a part of this amazing culinary community.”
“It’s about time MICHELIN has come to Florida,” said Melissa Kelly regarding Primo’s inclusion. “It’s very exciting. Orlando has blown up in the last 18 years. It’s not just chains. It’s an international city.”
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