Three new Tampa restaurants will be inked into the prestigious Michelin Guide next month, joining the 19 that were inscribed last year as either “recommended” or a “great value.” This year, it’s a puffy Michelin Man salute to Lilac, Ponte Modern American and Noble Rice, each of which will find out their official designations come May 11. If Tampa’s first official star is in order, you’re going to want to book these places sooner than later. Which is why we’re combing through our three favorite, must-try dishes from each, carefully vetted from not only our own palettes, but Tampa Bay’s trusted food critic reviews, as well. Now pull up OpenTable and let these menu items do the rest.
Lilac | Tampa Edition
Fluke Crudo
Marinated artichoke, Italian winter citrus vinaigrette
Heritage Pork Belly & Spanish Octopus
Spicy nduja sausage, sweet corn succotash
Aged Colorado Lamb Chop
Saucisse d’agneau, leeks in vinaigrette, coriander-black truffle crumble
Ponte | Midtown
“Champagne + Pearls” Oysters
Pink peppercorn mignonette foam
Triple Steak Tartare
Black truffle, horseradish, bone marrow
Boneless Short Ribs
Mongolian style, scallion-potato puree, green apple cucumber slaw, jalapeno, chili-peanut crunch
Noble Rice | Channelside
Otoro Sashimi
Fattiest bluefin tuna
Negi Toro Maki
Fatty tuna, scallion, tobanjan kewpie, black garlic shoyu
Shrimp Toast
Hoisin, herbs, wagyu tallow, tobanjan