News Summary
Orlando’s dining landscape has grown significantly, with the Michelin Guide acknowledging 59 restaurants, including nine Michelin-starred and 15 Bib Gourmand establishments. Notable newcomers include Sorekara, earning two Michelin stars, and Capa, maintaining its Michelin status for the fourth year. The local culinary scene features a diverse array of options, from food trucks to high-end dining, highlighting the commitment of local chefs to quality ingredients and culinary innovation. As Orlando continues to embrace its food culture, the future looks promising for both locals and visitors.
Orlando has been making waves in the culinary world, with the Michelin Guide recognizing 59 restaurants in the area as of 2025, which includes nine establishments holding prestigious Michelin stars and 15 designated as Bib Gourmands. This marks a significant growth from previous years, establishing Orlando as a notable food destination, second only to Miami in Florida.
Among the new additions for this year are 11 restaurants that have been included in the Michelin Guide, highlighting the city’s expanding culinary landscape. Sorekara, a restaurant located in Baldwin Park, received two Michelin stars thanks to its innovative tasting menu that draws inspiration from Japan’s 72 micro seasons. Additionally, Capa, a Spanish-influenced steakhouse located at the Four Seasons Orlando, has been recognized with a Michelin star for the fourth year in a row, cementing its reputation within the community.
The Orlando dining scene boasts a wide array of culinary experiences, ranging from affordable food trucks to high-end Michelin-starred establishments. Notable eateries reflect the diversity of cuisines available, with Kaya—a restaurant lauded for its sustainability—earning the Michelin Green Star. The Mills 50 District has gained a reputation for its vibrant selection of Asian-owned eateries, including Bánh Mì Boy and UniGirl, which have also received Bib Gourmand recognition.
The growth in restaurant licenses in Central Florida can be attributed to local chefs’ commitment to using quality ingredients and fostering collaboration among culinary professionals. This dedication is evident in the emergence of new dining spots such as Otto’s High Dive and Zymarium, both of which have garnered praise for their unique offerings, including creative cocktails and mead.
As the local culinary sector flourishes, Christina Thomas, a significant figure in the Orlando food scene, has been part of the movement since founding GoEpicurista in 2013. Inspired by the loss of her sister, Thomas has dedicated her efforts to sharing culinary stories and promoting local dining experiences. GoEpicurista celebrates life through food and friendships, aligning with the ethos of making memories over meals.
Moreover, the importance of trustworthy journalism is highlighted by Central Florida Public Media, which aims to empower the community through informed reporting. Their popular podcast titled “Are We There Yet?” explores themes around space exploration and encourages engagement with contemporary issues, further intertwining Orlando’s culture with its culinary pursuits.
The Orlando Magic, the city’s first professional sports franchise since 1989, contributes to the community’s vigor as well. With 18 playoff appearances and a recent Southeast Division title, the team also partakes in initiatives like the Pick, Read and Roll program, positively impacting the literacy of 16,000 youth in the area.
Additionally, the arts continue to thrive in the region, with humanitarian photographer Juan David Tena breaking barriers as the first Colombian artist to present a solo exhibition at the Orlando Museum of Art. His work captures the essence of cultural diversity, showcasing the creativity and depth within the community.
As Orlando embraces its culinary potential and cultural richness, future culinary events and initiatives are anticipated to further elevate its status as a recognized foodie city. The ongoing celebration of diverse flavors, community efforts, and the commitment to quality dining experiences promise an exciting future for both residents and visitors.
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Additional Resources
- Forbes: Navigating Orlando, Florida’s Award-Winning Dining Scene
- Wikipedia: Culinary arts
- Time Out: Best Restaurants in Orlando
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant
- Fox 35 Orlando: Orlando Rises as Top Foodie Destination
- Google Search: Orlando food scene
- Orlando Weekly: 29 Orlando Restaurants with Cult-Like Followings
- Google Scholar: Orlando dining scene
- Orlando Date Night Guide: Orlando Michelin Star Restaurants
- Google News: Orlando Michelin restaurants
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
