The Michelin Guide released its 2026 Florida Recommendations this year in celebration of expanding its coverage to the entire state.
Six restaurants in the area have been added to the general recommendation list: 1921 Mount Dora, Smoke & Donuts, June, Kappo Tsan, Osteria Ester, and Sparrow.
The majority of Orlando’s constellations remain intact, with Camille, Cadence, Omo by Jont, Soseki, and Victoria & Albert retaining their one-star distinction, and Solekara retaining their two-star distinction. Those losing stars were Capa at Walt Disney World Resort’s Four Seasons Resort Orlando and Papa Rama in Orlando’s Curry Ford West neighborhood. They have been relegated to a list of general recommendations.
No new stars were awarded in Central Florida.
Good Salt Restaurant Group co-owner Jason Chin was thrilled to see two of his restaurants, Osteria Estelle and Sparrow, join the Michelin rankings.
Jason Chin of Good Salt Restaurant Group told the Orlando Sentinel following the announcement, “We’re thrilled to have been chosen again this year.” “To be honest, as a group we were starting to think it was unthinkable.
“I haven’t received much recommendation so far, but I’m glad to finally be noticed.”
Chin pointed out that the Good Salt team’s pride in their work is the most important aspect.
“I couldn’t be more proud,” he said. “This industry is tough and we often forget to look up and enjoy the fruits of our labor.
“I hope my team members can be as proud of themselves as I am and enjoy this moment.”
Instead of the glitzy parties that have been the MO since the tire company first began honoring Florida restaurants in 2022, this year’s state selections were announced in a livestream on the Michelin Guide’s YouTube channel. According to its representatives, it has more than 7 million followers around the world.
“As the Michelin Guide now spans over 60 destinations around the world, we have evolved our approach and diversified the format in which we present our annual restaurant selections,” a company spokesperson told the Sentinel. “In some cases, selections will be released digitally through press releases and online platforms, including social media channels.”
Dramatic music preceded the ceremony at 2pm, hosted live from Paris by Michelin Guide presenter Jawa Ingram and Michelin Guide international director Gwendal Poulennec. They walked viewers through this year’s long list, which included restaurants from every corner of the state, from Gainesville to Key West.
“You are now a fellow man. You belong here. Welcome to every chef’s table, welcome to the Michelin Guide,” a narrator’s voice can be heard preceding the announcement.
June’s Executive Chef Jason Campbell was pleased to have Team Market Group on board for the first time.
“This is a great club that recognizes all the hard work and dedication of our back-of-house and front-of-house teams in conveying June’s vision and spirit to our guests and community,” Campbell said.
In March, June was named Restaurant of the Year at the 2026 Orlando Sentinel Foodie Awards.
For Johnny Tan’s Omei Restaurant Group (which boasts 11 Michelin-rated restaurants in both Orlando and Tampa, including the two-star Solekara in Baldwin Park), the latest addition, Kappo Tsang, is a thrill.
“We have been planning Kappo Tsang for the past three years, so it was honestly a very pleasant surprise to receive the Michelin rating in the first year,” Mr Tan said. “Although the ceremony was not held in person this year, we plan to celebrate with the same enthusiasm with our team.
“We will never take this award for granted and are extremely grateful to have been able to keep it. This really means a lot to all of us and we are deeply grateful for the continued support. Go Orlando!”
Juan Valencia of the 1-star Omo by Jonto in Winter Park has been awarded the Michelin Sommelier Award. The award was also won in 2023 by Orlando sommelier Benjamin Coutts. He currently serves as Beverage Director at Kappo Tsan.
Sparrow was named Best New Restaurant at this year’s Orlando Sentinel Foodie Awards.
Kaya at Mills 50 retained its Green Star honor, which is given to restaurants that are “at the forefront of sustainable gastronomy.”
Two restaurants earned their first stars: Cuban restaurant Emelina in West Palm Beach and Middle Eastern restaurant Mutra in North Miami Beach. The Omei-owned Kosen in Tampa retained its star, while the Lilac at the Tampa Edition Hotel lost its star.
Inspector notes will be published on each restaurant’s page on guide.michelin.com and in the app.
See the complete Michelin selection in Orlando at guide.michelin.com/us/en/florida/orlando/restaurants.
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