Culinary offerings from St. Pete-Clearwater's emerging dining scene.
In a landmark announcement, St. Petersburg and Dunedin will be recognized by the Michelin Guide starting in 2025. This prestigious recognition promises to elevate the culinary scene in Pinellas County, as local restaurants vie for Michelin stars. The initiative aims not only to improve local dining experiences but also to attract food enthusiasts and culinary talent to the region. With significant investments already made and future expansion plans throughout Florida, the stage is set for St. Pete-Clearwater to become a culinary hotspot.
The culinary scene in St. Petersburg and Dunedin is about to get a major upgrade! Starting in 2025, restaurants in Pinellas County, Florida, will be officially recognized by the prestigious Michelin Guide. This exciting development means that local eateries will now be eligible for those coveted Michelin stars, marking a milestone for the region’s food culture.
This fantastic news was unveiled on February 4, 2025, during a lively news conference at the beautiful Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg. The announcement signifies that the delicious culinary creations of local chefs will now be judged by Michelin inspectors, who are famous for their rigorous standards in the world of fine dining.
But that’s not all! The Michelin Guide will also be expanding its reach to include Broward and Palm Beach counties. By 2026, the plan is to cover the entire sunshine state of Florida! This is exciting for food lovers and tourism enthusiasts alike, promising a lineup of exceptional dining experiences throughout the region.
To make this happen, Visit St. Pete-Clearwater has partnered with Michelin in a paid arrangement that spans two years, with an annual investment of $90,000. This partnership will enable Michelin inspectors to evaluate local restaurants, focusing on key performance indicators such as the quality of product, mastery of flavors, excellence in technique, distinct personality of cuisine, and consistency between visits.
Since 2022, notable investments have been made in Florida’s culinary landscape. Over the past three years, state tourism agencies have contributed about $1.5 million to support Michelin’s initiatives in Florida. This shows a strong commitment to elevating Florida’s status as a top tourist destination driven by exceptional food experiences.
Currently, five restaurants in Tampa have earned Michelin stars, and just earlier this month, additional eateries throughout Florida were added to the guide, showcasing the state’s diverse culinary talents. The Michelin Guide isn’t just about the stars either; it recognizes restaurants that offer Bib Gourmand awards, identifying places where diners can enjoy great food at moderate prices.
The decision to include St. Pete and Dunedin in the Michelin Guide is seen as a game changer for local chefs and restaurateurs. Many are optimistic about the increased recognition that comes with this announcement and how it may provide a significant economic boost to the area. There’s a growing hope that this guide will attract not only foodies but also culinary talent to the region, which has struggled with staffing shortages in the industry.
Visit Florida’s President shed light on the importance of culinary experiences in travel planning, enhancing the appeal of Florida. With fabulous food offerings on the rise and the reputation of the Michelin Guide backing them, Pinellas County’s culinary scene is set to be an exciting draw for both tourists and locals alike.
As we look to 2025, the anticipation is building! St. Pete-Clearwater is primed to become a hotspot for food lovers, and local establishments are gearing up to showcase just what makes their cuisine truly special. With so much potential on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to explore the flavors of Pinellas County!
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