"A seafood standout in the Tampa area, this establishment was included among 14 new additions to the Florida Michelin Guide and will be listed as “recommended” by the guide from the tire company, including on the Michelin website. The Michelin announcement clarified that further distinctions — star status and Bib Gourmand recognitions — are still to come (some of the newly listed spots may ultimately earn that nod), and that Florida’s Michelin Guide ceremony will take place April 17 at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at the Walt Disney World Resort as the guide expands coverage to new regions such as Clearwater." - Missy Frederick
"Seafood shack in Tampa offering a dressed-down menu with typical seafood shack-style offerings." - The MICHELIN Guide
"This light yet decadent starter is a constant at French seafood titan Le Bernardin. Yellowfin tuna is pounded thin, until it resembles stained glass, or possibly the world's most expensive Fruit Roll-Up. The translucent fish is draped over a precise rectangle of toasted baguette spread with foie gras mousse, and finally brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with chives. This is what surf and turf was always meant to be." - bryan kim, molly fitzpatrick, willa moore, will hartman, sonal shah
"Grouper sandwiches are right up there with Cuban sandwiches when it comes to must-devour Tampa fare. And Big Ray’s, located in South Tampa’s “South of Gandy” neighborhood (home of Mac Dill Air Force Base) does them up right. The owner grew up catching fish just blocks away on Ballast Point Pier, and now slings some of the best catches in town including the popular grouper sandwich (served grilled, blackened or fried) and grouper reuben on rye bread with thousand island dressing as well as shrimp po boys and lobster corn dogs. The old Florida vibe is complete thanks to casual picnic tables, cold brews, and a laid back outdoor setting."
A South Tampa staple from chef Nick Cruz known for its blackened grouper sandwich and playful lobster corndog. Praised by local food writers for doing simple seafood right—no-frills setting, big flavors, and a loyal neighborhood following.