These are the Michelin-Worthy Restaurants in Clearwater and St. Petersburg
Written by Eric Barton | July 21, 2025
Taverna Costale
The western side of Tampa Bay doesn’t need to prove anything to Michelin. Chefs in St. Pete and Clearwater here have already built the kind of restaurants that earn stars in other cities—quietly, deliberately, and without chasing trends. What’s changed is that now the inspectors are finally paying attention.
I’ve spent the better part of 30 years eating through the best of the region, and what I’ve gathered here below are the spots that meet the Michelin bar. These are restaurants where the technique is evident, the dining rooms feel like something you’d find in Miami or L.A., and the dishes stay with you long after your Instagram story expired. If I were filling out the Michelin guide, these are the Clearwater and St. Pete restaurants I’d stamp first.
Allelo
300 Beach Dr NE | Website | Instagram
What is it: Allelo is a Mediterranean-Aegean-inspired restaurant from Shawn and Jeanna Damkoehler, who also own Juno & The Peacock and Pluma right down the road. It’s a sleek, modern space with small plates and an extensive wine selection.
Why it should be in the guide: The Damkoehlers have a focus on hospitality that’s felt in the warmness of both the space and the staff, something that’s important for Michelin inspectors.
Although: The restaurant's relatively recent opening might give inspectors pause.
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.
Elliott Aster
501 5th Ave NE | Website | Instagram
What is it: Inside the newly renovated Vinoy Resort in downtown St. Petersburg, Elliott Aster is the flagship fine‑dining concept from chef Lee Wolen—best known for holding a Michelin star at Chicago’s Boka since 2011. Wolen’s résumé includes stints at Eleven Madison Park and even El Bulli, so from the moment you step into the Rockwell Group–designed space with its open antipasti bar and theatrical lighting, you get the sense this is not your average hotel restaurant
Why it should be in the guide: The menu hits all the right notes for Michelin inspectors—the beef cheek tortelli glazed in aged balsamic reads like pasta poetry, the blood‑orange tuna crudo is bright, Floridian, and elegant, and the Bistecca Fiorentina makes a strong case for steak as the new civic sculpture of St. Pete. With Wolen’s precision, pedigree, and theatrical plating, Elliott Aster doesn’t whisper—it shouts “Michelin star.”
Although: It opened when inspectors reportedly began combing this part of Florida, and Michelin often waits to bestow an award until a place has hit its fine-dining stride.
What it deserves: One Michelin star—hell, it’s already posing for the yearbook photo .
Grace
120 8th Ave | Website | Instagram
What is it: Located in Pass-a-Grille, Grace is chef-owner Jason Lutzk’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: Lutzk’s culinary prowess shines through in dishes like his duck confit with cherry gastrique and locally-caught grouper with saffron beurre blanc. His 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
