These are the Michelin-Worthy Restaurants in Clearwater and St. Petersburg
Taverna Costale
By Eric Barton | Feb. 7, 2025
After spending my college years, and the hazy few years afterward, in Tampa Bay, I've watched the culinary scenes in St. Petersburg and Clearwater evolve from beach bars and chain restaurants to a legitimate foodie destination. Now that the Michelin Guide has announced its expansion here, and here’s hoping Tampa Bay’s western cities will finally get the attention they deserve. But which St. Pete and Clearwater restaurants deserve to be in the Michelin Guide? Let's dive into the spots that might soon be getting Michelin stars, Bib Gourmands, or the lesser-but-still-amazing inclusion in the guide.
Taverna Costale
200 Central Ave | Website | Instagram
What is it: Created by chef Fabio Viviani, Taverna Costale is a rustic modern Italian eatery and tavern located in downtown St. Petersburg. The restaurant offers a blend of exceptional pastas, pizzas, and signature seafood dishes in a stylish setting that includes indoor and outdoor seating.
Why it should be in the guide: Viviani's culinary pedigree and the restaurant's focus on craft is evident in dishes like the Chianti Braised Pork Shank and house-made pastas.
Although: Being part of a larger restaurant group might raise questions about the chef's consistent presence and local focus.
What it deserves: One Michelin star
The Black Pearl
315 Main St | Website | Instagram
What is it: Chef Brett Gardiner's refined New American cuisine is the star at this tiny, 12-seat restaurant in downtown Dunedin. It doesn’t get more intimate at a restaurant that seems no bigger than a dinner party yet looks as elegant as anywhere.
Why it should be in the guide: Gardiner's skillful blend of classic techniques and modern flavors, showcased in dishes like his lobster thermidor and wagyu beef tartare, demonstrates the kind of culinary expertise Michelin seeks.
Although: Inspectors have a lot of ground to cover, so here’s hoping they don’t overlook this spot simply because of its diminutive size.
What it deserves: One Michelin star.
Brick and Mortar
539 Central Ave | Website | Instagram
What is it: In the heart of downtown St. Petersburg, Brick & Mortar is steered by chef Jason Ruhe's dedication to seasonal, locally-sourced cuisine. The intimate space, with its exposed brick walls and open kitchen, sets the stage for Ruhe's ever-changing menu of creative small plates.
Why it should be in the guide: Ruhe's commitment to showcasing Florida's bounty through innovative dishes like smoked mullet rillettes and lionfish ceviche aligns perfectly with Michelin's appreciation for local, sustainable cuisine.
Although: The casual, small-plates format might not fit the traditional Michelin mold.
What it deserves: I’d say a star if Michelin weren’t so bent toward in-your-face formality, but likely it’s a Bib Gourmand.
Allelo
300 Beach Dr NE | Website | Instagram
What is it: A Mediterranean-inspired restaurant in downtown St. Petersburg, Allelo is the brainchild of Chef Jeffrey Jew, a Top Chef alum. The sleek, modern space provides a fitting backdrop for Jew's innovative take on coastal cuisine.
Why it should be in the guide: A creative fusion of Mediterranean and Florida flavors is evident in dishes like octopus a la plancha with romesco and local snapper crudo, demonstrates the kind of culinary artistry Michelin appreciates.
Although: The restaurant's relatively recent opening might give inspectors pause.
What it deserves: One Michelin star.
Grace
120 8th Ave | Website | Instagram
What is it: Located in Pass-a-Grille, Grace is Chef Lisa Doherty's ode to modern American cuisine with global influences. The restaurant's airy, coastal-chic interior complements Doherty's refined yet approachable menu.
Why it should be in the guide: Doherty's culinary prowess shines through in dishes like her duck confit with cherry gastrique and locally-caught grouper with saffron beurre blanc. Her dedication to sourcing from local farms and fisheries is exactly what Michelin inspectors look for.
Although: Its location in a quieter beach town might make it easier for inspectors to overlook.
What it deserves: One Michelin star.
Il Ritorno
449 Central Ave N | Website | Instagram
What is it: Chef David Benstock's modern Italian restaurant in downtown St. Petersburg has been pushing culinary boundaries since 2013. The intimate space showcases Benstock's innovative approach to classic Italian cuisine.
Why it should be in the guide: Benstock's technical skill and creativity, evident in dishes like his famous short rib mezzaluna and charred octopus with bone marrow, align perfectly with Michelin standards. His multiple James Beard Award nominations further bolster Il Ritorno's case.
Although: The restaurant's size and casual ambiance might not fit traditional Michelin expectations.
What it deserves: One Michelin star.
House of Vegano
1990 Central Ave | Website | Instagram
What is it: A vegan sushi restaurant in St. Petersburg's Grand Central District, House of Vegano specializes in plant-based Asian fusion cuisine. Recently relocated to a larger space, the restaurant offers a unique blend of vegan sushi rolls, ramen, and dumplings.
Why it should be in the guide: Owner Thalia Tatham's innovative approach to vegan sushi, using ingredients like locally-sourced Lion's Mane mushroom to create plant-based seafood alternatives, demonstrates the kind of culinary creativity Michelin appreciates.
Although: The casual atmosphere and relatively recent relocation might give Michelin inspectors pause.
What it deserves: A Bib Gourmand.
Maritana at The Don CeSar
3400 Gulf Blvd | Website | Instagram
What is it: The signature restaurant of the iconic "Pink Palace," Maritana offers upscale dining with a focus on sustainable seafood. The elegant space, with its aquarium centerpiece, provides a fitting backdrop for the refined coastal cuisine.
Why it should be in the guide: The restaurant's commitment to sustainable seafood and its skillful execution of classic dishes with modern twists aligns well with Michelin's values.
Although: Being part of a behemoth hotel might make it harder for the restaurant to establish its own culinary identity.
What it deserves: Inclusion in the guide.
Intermezzo
1111 Central Ave | Website | Instagram
What is it: A trendy coffee and cocktail bar in downtown St. Petersburg's Edge District, Intermezzo offers a stylish space for both daytime caffeine fixes and nighttime libations. Known for its sleek, minimalist design and oyster bar, it's a popular spot for locals and tourists.
Why it should be in the guide: Intermezzo's dedication to handcrafted drinks, skilled baristas, and a vibrant atmosphere make it a standout in St. Pete's burgeoning cocktail scene. The bar boasts an impressive menu of coffee creations and cocktails, showcasing house-made syrups and infusions.
Although: As primarily a coffee and cocktail bar, it may not offer the culinary depth typically associated with Michelin recognition.
What it deserves: Inclusion in the guide.
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