April 28, 2025
Orlando's culinary scene has reached new heights in 2025, marking a significant milestone with its first-ever Two MICHELIN Star restaurant and expanding to a total of 59 MICHELIN Guide-recognized establishments.
MICHELIN Stars are the highest accolade awarded by the inspectors to restaurants in the Guide. Stars identify restaurants that offer the best culinary experiences. Contrary to popular belief, they reward only the quality of the cooking itself.
The MICHELIN Star - there was only one to begin with - was created in 1926. Then, between 1931 and 1933, the system was extended, and three levels of Stars were introduced.
They stand for:
- One MICHELIN Star: High-quality cooking - Worth a stop.
- Two MICHELIN Stars: Excellent cooking - Worth a detour.
- Three MICHELIN Stars: Exceptional cuisine - Worth a special journey.
See the new additions and MICHELIN Guide’s points of view below.
⭐️ ⭐️ SOREKARA
Micah Cox/Sorekara
4979 New Broad St., Orlando, FL 32814
Japanese, Contemporary
Japanese, Contemporary
In a world of uniformity, Sorekara proudly forges its own path. This Baldwin Park restaurant is unlike anywhere else you've been, offering a surprising and delightful culinary journey that revels in turning expectations on their head. Chef/owner William Shen's tasting menu highlights Japan's 72 micro seasons with highly original dishes infused with a sense of whimsy (note the course designed to mimic a convenience store snack run or the "nigiri"). Whether it's madai sporting a distinctive riff on tradition or a deeply savory bowl of kegani sourced from Hokkaido, there is an elegance and refinement threaded throughout the meal, which progresses through multiple rooms across several hours. Another hint that this is far from typical? Sorekara is open for one seating only a few nights a week.
⭐️ ÔMO BY JÔNT
Ruben Cabrera/Ômo by Jônt
115 E. Lyman Ave., Winter Park, 32789
Contemporary
Contemporary
Chef Ryan Ratino's lauded D.C. restaurant, Jônt, is more than just the inspiration for this offshoot. This Winter Park restaurant echoes that spirit and sensibility (think classic French techniques married with pristine Japanese ingredients), albeit with a few Florida touches. The larger space allows for discrete moments at each meal, while three tasting menus run the gamut from tightly edited and more affordable to loaded with luxury ingredients. No matter the selection, expect refined dishes punctuated by the seasons, as in chawanmushi with an autumnal twist of braised sweet potato, kombu, and a brown butter sauce. Scallop prepared two ways demonstrates the kitchen's deft hand while chocolate and hazelnut kakigori is an elegant tribute.
7 Orlando restaurants retained stars from last year;
10100 Dream Tree Blvd., Orlando, FL 32836
Steakhouse, Spanish
Steakhouse, Spanish
955 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park, FL 32789
Fusion, Sushi
Fusion, Sushi
1809 Winter Park Rd., Orlando, 32803, USA
Japanese, Sushi
Japanese, Sushi
4962 New Broad St., Orlando, FL 32814
Vietnamese, French
Vietnamese, French
4401 Floridian Way, Orlando, FL 32830
Contemporary
2840 Curry Ford Rd., Orlando, FL 32806
Peruvian, Contemporary
777 N. Orange Ave., Orlando, FL 32801
Japanese, Sushi
Orlando features a total of 59 restaurants on the Michelin Guide; 1 Two Star, 8 One Stars, 15 Bib Gourmand distinctions for good quality at a good value, and 35 selected for their recommended list.
