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Tampa Residents Say Dining At This Michelin Star Restaurant Is NOT Worth It

Author Jen Glorioso

Where do you go when you want to treat yourself? Tampa has plenty of fine dining options and even a few Michelin Star Restaurants like Koya, Ebbe, Lilac, Rocca, and more. Tampa locals break down which of these fancy restaurants are actually worth the money.

These are opinions from the Tampa Reddit thread, so take it with a grain of salt. People on the internet rarely ever comment on good experiences, only bad ones. Most of the complaints are about the price, which should be the last thing on your mid when you visit these 5-star fine dining restaurants. But if you’re one of those people who trust the words from the internet, then you should stay away from this Tampa Michelin Star restaurant.

Tampa has been making some splashes in the culinary world recently. 6 Tampa restaurants were added to the Michelin Guide in 2024. Supernatural Food & Wine, Predalina, Streetlight Taco, The Pearl, Ebbe, and Kōsen were all added to the guide. In 2022, Tampa’s first-ever Michelin stars were awarded to Rocca, Koya and Lilac.

Which Michelin Star Tampa Restaurant Is NOT Worth The Trip?

Out of the 5 Tampa restaurants with a Michelin Star, locals seem to agree that Lilac was the most underwhelming. Although Lilac at the Tampa Edition is arguably one of Tampa’s most aesthetically-pleasing restaurants, and the ambiance is amazing as well, redditors were not impressed with the food and felt it was not worth the price. Some said the presentation was beautiful, but the food itself was a bit of a letdown. Most people will agree that is the standard Tampa Edition experience.

Speaking of price, one Reddit user said that their meal for 2 people and 2 drinks was $425 before tip. Now I don’t mind treating myself for my birthday or anniversary, but I have never got close to spending $400 on a meal for 2.

One restaurant the Reddit users seem to agree is worth the experience is Rocca. The table side Mozzarella cart is a really cool experience and many say there’s not a bad thing on the menu (and to especially try the duck).

Jen was born and raised in the Tampa Bay area. She’s been with Beasley Media Group since 2022. In her spare time, you can find her at Tampa Bay Lightning games, Tampa Bay breweries, or the beach. Catch up on Jen’s content about the highest-rated restaurants/bars in Tampa, things-to-do around the area, and upcoming concerts.

7 Tampa Chefs Who Have Competed On The Food Network

  • Johnathan Rodriguez - Sal Y Mar

    Chef Johnathan Rodriguez is the most recent Tampa chef to compete on the Food Network. He recently competed on Season 6 (Episode 5) of Supermarket Stakeout. Host Alex Guarnaschelli gives 3 chefs $500 to spend on groceries, but needs to last 3 stake outs and dish up a continental breakfast. This episode airs May 15 at 9pm.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/C6hhX_PMuJo/

  • Jada Vidal - Sous Chef at Noble Rice

    Chef Jada Vidal is not only a Chopped champion, but she’s appeared on “Guy’s Grocery Games” (and won $20,000) and “Beach Brawl.” You can try her delicious meals at Noble Rice. You can stream Jada’s Chopped (season 56 episode 721) on Max.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/C25Fd2XMc2R/

  • Ronicca Whaley - Owner of Shiso Crispy

    Ronicca is the owner of the Shiso Crispy food truck and restaurant. She’s competed multiple times on the fan favorite Guys Grocery Games. She won her first competition and came back and competed against other champions in the Summer Games. I just recently watched her episode and it’s hilarious watching her run around the set compared to her other competitors. She recently opened up the Shiso Crispy restaurant in Downtown St. Pete, more info on that location here.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CvuWn1vOm3u/

  • Brenda Villacorta - Owner of Sucré Table

    Chef Brenda Villacorta is a Tampa local who was professionally trained in New York. She competed on season 4 of Halloween Baking Championship, and on Cake Wars Christmas. She’s even taken home top prizes from these competitions. Brenda opened up Sucré Table in 2020, you can see her at 4048 W Kennedy Blvd.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/C6EzwBNxzhL/

  • David Benstock - Owner and Executive Chef at Il Ritorno

    Chef David Benstock appeared on the popular cable network show “Beat Bobby Flay,” in 2019 and did just that. His episode ended up airing way later thanks to the pandemic. You can try his delicious Italian cuisine at Il Ritorno in St. Pete.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/C6zIbKTByaT/

  • Michael Buttacavolli - Chef at Cena

    Another Tampa chef to compete (and win) on Beat Bobby Flay is Michael Buttacavolli (Chef at Cena). He beat Bobby Flay with his famous meatball recipe, which you can still try at Cena in Downtown Tampa.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/C4lM8o4MEjN/

  • Rosana Rivera

    Chef Rosana Rivera made history by being the first Latina chef to win Beat Bobby Flay. She competed with her husband Chef Ricardo Castro back in 2019 and the episode aired back on December 26.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/C3D_qukuOYV/

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Author Jen Glorioso
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