Tyler Wolff, Beverage Director and Sommelier at Ponte, has officially earned the MICHELIN Guide Florida 2025 Exceptional Cocktails Award, putting the spotlight on one of Tampa’s most innovative and guest-focused drink creators.
At Ponte, nestled in the bustling Midtown Tampa, Wolff crafts cocktails that blur the lines between nostalgic and next-level. Think old fashioneds reimagined with kokuto sugar, walnut bitters, and amaro for a nutty, smoky, caramelly twist. Or cosmos made with lavender vodka and white cranberry juice that feel both comfortingly familiar and refreshingly bold. The duality of classic versus contemporary is at the heart of the menu—and it’s exactly what earned Wolff his spot on MICHELIN’s radar.
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Ponte has one of the best cocktail menus in Tampa
“Everybody’s comfortable with the cosmo, everybody’s comfortable with the margarita, everybody’s comfortable with an old fashioned,” Wolff told the MICHELIN Guide in a recent interview. “We keep those identities intact, but make thoughtful tweaks that allow people to explore something new.”
The secret to Wolff’s success? It’s not just in the pour—it’s in the purpose. His approach centers on the guest experience, crafting drinks that are both approachable and elevated. That guest-first mentality is what sets Ponte apart in Tampa’s already booming dining and cocktail scene.
Wolff’s journey to the top shelf of Florida mixology didn’t happen overnight. He’s worked with Chef Chris Ponte for over 13 years, starting at Café Ponte as a busser before rising through the ranks to server, bartender, and eventually manager. His big break in cocktail creation came when Olivia opened, where he collaborated on an Italian-inspired beverage menu from scratch.
Raising the beverage standard in Florida
“Balance is at the core of what makes a beverage high quality,” Wolff said during the MICHELIN Guide interview. “That’s what makes a wine or cocktail special.”
Since then, Wolff has played a leading role in the beverage programs at three standout Tampa restaurants: On Swann, Olivia, and now Ponte. With each opening, his cocktail philosophy has evolved—blending global inspiration with local flavor, all while keeping the guest in mind.
So next time you’re at Ponte, don’t just order a drink — order a story in a glass, crafted by one of the best in the state. Whether you’re a traditionalist or a trend-chaser, there’s something on the menu that’ll raise your spirits—and with Tyler Wolff behind the bar, it might just raise your standards, too.
