St. Petersburg added two more restaurants to the Michelin Guide Florida on Thursday as local tourism officials push to position the city’s dining scene alongside its beaches and hotels as a driver of visitor spending.
Michelin added Elliott Aster and In Between Days to its list of recommended Florida restaurants, expanding Pinellas County’s presence inside a guide that has gained influence among Florida tourism agencies, hotel operators and restaurant groups competing for higher-spending travelers.
Restaurants retaining Michelin recommendations include Fortu, IL Ritorno, Sushi Sho Rexley and The Tides Market in Safety Harbor.
The additions come as St. Petersburg attracts more independent restaurant operators and higher-end dining concepts tied to the city’s broader population growth and downtown development boom. Cities across Florida have also invested more heavily in culinary tourism as visitors increasingly build trips around restaurants, entertainment and cultural experiences rather than traditional beach travel alone.
Visit St. Pete-Clearwater President and CEO Brian Lowack said the area has seen growth in travelers choosing the destination partly for its restaurant scene.
“We have seen demonstrable growth among visitors who are seeking out our dining scene as a reason to visit our destination,” Lowack said in a statement.
Elliott Aster is led by Chef Lee Wolen, while Chef Justin Shwetzer leads in between days.
Michelin’s recommended designation recognizes restaurants inspectors consider notable dining destinations, although the category sits below Michelin star status.
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