The MICHELIN Guide today announced it will be expanding its selection in Florida with three new destinations being added in 2025, including St. Pete-Clearwater.
The inclusion of St. Pete-Clearwater as a destination partner of the MICHELIN Guide Florida 2025 provides another level of attention to the destination – home of America’s Favorite Beaches – and provides a spotlight on the wide range of dining options from local fish shacks to fine dining.
“We are ecstatic to have been sought out and invited to be a part of the Florida MICHELIN Guide for the caliber of restaurants and culinary experiences you can find in St. Pete-Clearwater,” said Brian Lowack, President/CEO of Visit St. Pete-Clearwater. “This inclusion now gives us the chance to show off our award-winning beaches and award-worthy culinary experiences as we set out to change the perception of what beach cuisine can be. With this new designation St. Pete-Clearwater will reach a new audience of food-focused travelers who are in search of an extraordinary culinary experience & America’s Favorite Beaches in one incredible destination.”
“Florida continues to raise the bar with its emerging culinary talent, international influences and the palpable passion of its local restaurant communities,” said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guides. “Over the past three years, we’ve seen the Florida selection grow and strengthen as our Inspectors shined a spotlight on their discoveries. We look forward to exploring these new destinations and highlighting the excellence of their local restaurant scene.”
Food remains a core part of travel and lifestyle these days. In a recent Future Partners report, 57% of American travelers find Foodie Trips appealing. Last year, 10% of visitors traveled to St. Pete-Clearwater solely for the food scene. With the new designation St. Pete-Clearwater can reach a new audience and unlock even more food-focused travelers who want a sunny day on the beach, a great dinner, and to stay the night at America’s Favorite Beaches.
St. Pete-Clearwater chefs and restaurants are no strangers to being recognized for their excellence. Numerous establishments have received Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence with others earning awards and designations from statewide publications. Additionally, two chefs – David Benstock from Il Ritorno and Rob Reinsmith from Wild Child – have defeated Bobby Flay in Food Network competitions while the destination has also had a chef appearance on the hit TV show Top Chef.
The MICHELIN Guide’s anonymous Inspectors are already in the field, making dining reservations and scouting for culinary gems in the new territories. The full 2025 restaurant selection will be revealed at a later date during the annual MICHELIN Guide ceremony for Florida.
“The MICHELIN Guide’s expansion into three additional Florida destinations in 2025 and statewide in 2026 further cements the state as a premier culinary destination for both locals and visitors. Florida’s rich and diverse culinary scene has long been a cornerstone of the vacation experience, and we are thrilled that more talented chefs and exceptional restaurants across the state will now receive the recognition they deserve,” said Dana Young, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA.
The MICHELIN Guide is constantly observing the evolution of culinary destinations around the world. The Guide’s selection process is determined by anonymous Inspectors and remains completely independent. The MICHELIN Guide is working with Visit Florida on marketing and promotional activities only.
Information courtesy of Visit St. Pete/Clearwater.