Michelin brought its popular series of restaurant guides to Florida for the first time in November 2021, at the behest of Visit Florida, and they’ve been adding to their reviews each year, and the 2024 additions were just announced.
And it’s very clear that Michelin loves the recent omakase wave that Orlando has been riding since mid-2023.
First up is Zaru (Instagram | Website), a new Japanese udon shop that opened in August 2023 that we first told you about HERE. Michelin noted its “upbeat playlist” and “attractive dining room” as well as its “chewy noodles” made with wheat sourced from Japan’s Kagawa Prefecture. Zaru is located in the under-redevelopment Tien Hung Market in the Mills 50 District.
Sushi Saint (Instagram | Website), a new 12-seat temaki bar that opened in December 2023 on the edge of the Creative Village in Parramore, also made the list. This shouldn’t be a surprise since it’s owned by Michelin-recognized Chef Michael Collantes of Soseki in Winter Park. They serve a curated menu of small bites and nori handrolls alongside sake-based cocktails and in-house brewed craft beers.
Natsu Omakase (Instagram | Website), located at 777 N. Orange Avenue [GMap] in Orlando’s North Quarter/Uptown neighborhood got a nod for its ten-seat dining room which hosts just two seatings each night.
Camille (Instagram | Website), the French-Vietnamese-inspired pop-up that started in the catering kitchen in East End Market before opening a fancy storefront at 4962 New Broad Street [GMap] in Baldwin Park scored a mention. Chef Tung Phan’s sweet potato brioche with gold chocolate ice cream and Vietnamese coffee sauce got a special nod for excellence.
Chuan Fu (Instagram | Website), a new concept by the owners of Chuan Lu Garden (Website), opened in the former home of Orlando Meats at 1035 Orlando Avenue [GMap], just last year. The Szechuan-focused menu serves up family-style classics that will have you smiling through the sweat.
