Locals Say These Restaurants Should Be Michelin-Recognized In St. Pete
There is no doubt that St. Petersburg has a ton of great options when it comes to dining. From hole-in-the-wall burger shacks and Mexican restaurants to high-class upscale steakhouses. Some locals took to Reddit to say which restaurants they think should be Michelin-recognized in St. Pete and Clearwater.
In typical Reddit fashion, this post on the r/St-Petersburg thread came in hot with over 120 comments highlighting which restaurants they think should be Michelin-recognized in St. Pete and Clearwater. Suggestions ranged from local grill and chill joints to upscale Sushi spots.
The Original Poster said, “What Clearwater / St. Pete restaurants deserve Michelin recognition? Unfortunately, Michelin doesn’t cover Pinellas County yet. Which restaurants would you think are guide-worthy? This includes Bib Gourmand and general mentions.”
Which Restaurants Should Be Michelin-Recognized In St. Pete?
As always, the results were a bit of a mixed bag, but some great options made the cut. We’re including some of the top restaurants locals think should be Michelin-Recognized in St. Pete and Clearwater.
We’ll start things off with a highly-rated Sushi spot in St. Pete, Sushi Sho Rexley. Their website says, “Sushi Sho Rexley is exclusively providing a brand new, high-end dining experience to the St Pete Area called Omakase. Omakase takes sushi to a whole new level and provides guests with a meal that is sophisticated, individualized and unique.”
Omakase is a menu by chef’s design. Their Signature Omakase starts with daily appetizers, then has 5 rounds of nigiri and signature dishes filled with different types of fish and shellfish coming in at $198.
Next up, we have Calida Kitchen & Wine. The Reddit user that suggested it noted that you’ll need to make your reservation well in advance.
Calida Kitchen & Wine has starters and shared plates like ribs, pork loin, chopped salad, the Board (a charcuterie board), and more. For Entrees, they have Chow Noodles, Duck Breast, Flank Steak and Market Fish.
Another spot that locals think should be part of the Michelin Recognized restaurants in St. Pete & Clearwater is The Black Pearl in Dunedin. The Black Pearl is a small intimate dining experience that requires reservations up to one month in advance.
Their website says, “Within its walls, a mere 12 tables hold profound experiences. Reservations are a testament to its sought-after embrace. At its helm is Chef Christopher Artrip, a Tampa Bay luminary, acclaimed “Best Chef, Critics Pick 2019” by Creative Loafing. His creed: ‘Life’s too short for bad food.’ The Black Pearl: where flavors and history entwine, and dining becomes art.”
The Black Pearl menu features hors-d’oeuvres, starters like maple glazed pork belly and white truffle lobster risotto to salads and more. They have entrees like Hereford Filet Mignon ($58), Maple Leaf Farms Duckling ($46) White Truffled Lobster Rissoto ($54) and more.
Personally, I’m more of a greasy burger kind of guy, but some like the appeal of upscale dining. The Michelin Ratings are making noise across the bay in Tampa, but some residents claim it isn’t worth it.
If you would like to check out all of the restaurants that locals say should be Michelin-Recognized In St. Pete & Clearwater, click here.
