In February, MICHELIN added six Tampa Bay restaurants to their list of recommendations and Thursday night, two of those restaurants earned their first stars.
During this week’s MICHELIN Guide ceremony, nine restaurants across Florida earned their first stars. Tampa Bay staples Rocca, Lilac and Koya maintained their stars and will now be joined by newcomers Ebbe and Kōsen. Streetlight Tacos was honored with the Bib Gourmand recognition.
Ebbe
Ebbe is better described as an experience more than a restaurant. There is one menu at a time for tastings and a beautiful U-shaped marble bar where the experience takes place. The founder, Swedish native Ebbe Vollmer, showcases and explores culinary cultures with simplicity for every tasting. This restaurant is known for its extensive tasting menu, beautiful dining environment and amazing chefs.
From the Scandinavian elements in each dish to the plating, Ebbe is an elegant eating experience. Some 2024 tasting menu items included the oxtail with russet potatoes and brown spring truffle, and a parsnip and yellow foot pheasant dish.
1202 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602 | (813) 284-8276
Kōsen
Founded by Executive Chef Wei Chen, the establishment has now earned the acclaimed MICHELIN star.
The restaurant focuses on reinterpretations of classic Japanese cuisine. Its simplistic, peaceful design leaves room for a performative, lively eating experience. With over twenty courses of their signature omakase and fifteen courses of nigiri omakase, plus a large seasonal menu, there is a lot of savor.
307 W Palm Ave, Tampa, FL 33602 | (813) 999-1720
Streetlight Taco
This Mexican restaurant hailed for its Taco Tuesdays and signature cocktails, has quickly made a name for itself.
The restaurant, which specializes in fresh-ground masa and hand-pressed tortillas, has a wide array of tastes, from sweet to savory. MICHELIN noted the Japanese Eggplant Taco, which has an heirloom bean puree and chile onza salsa and the Sunday Snack Tostada with cream cheese, crab, mango and mango habanero sauce.
4004 Henderson Blvd, Tampa, FL 33629 | (813) 217-9158
Check out the other Michelin recommended restaurants here. Or to advertise with us click here.
