Tampa’s Big Ray’s Fish Camp Gets Michelin Guide Nod

The Michelin Guide added Big Ray's Fish Camp to its select list of recommended spots. This small seafood shack in Tampa's Ballast Point district caught the attention of the world's most respected food critics.

"We are the shack with the plaque!" said Chef Raymond "Nick" Cruz, owner of Big Ray's, according to Tampa Bay 28. "I was floored. We had no idea it was coming. It's one of the coolest things to ever happen at the restaurant."

After 11 years of serving fresh catches to Tampa diners, this recognition marks a milestone. Their signature dishes, the grouper sandwich and lobster corndog, keep bringing customers back to 6116 Interbay Blvd.

Michelin stars often go to upscale establishments, but their recommendations also point diners to exceptional local spots. These picks showcase standout cooking without the white tablecloths.

Step inside and you'll find a no-frills space that puts food first. Old crab traps dangle overhead. Snapshots from satisfied customers fill the walls. The smell of fresh fish hits you at the door.

Success led to a second spot on Tampa's downtown Riverwalk. Both kitchens stick to what works: simple, fresh seafood done right.

The full write-up appears on Michelin's website. This recognition puts the fish camp among Tampa Bay's most talked-about dining spots.