Author: Carrie

When planning a trip to Key West, we highly suggest planning out your meals too. When searching for the best restaurants in Key West, you can be overwhelmed. Don’t worry. We have done all the work and tasting for you.

There are a lot of different restaurants in Key West to try, and many are unique to the area. Most serve cuisine with distinct regional flavors and fresh local ingredients.

Deciding on which Key West restaurants to visit can be hard with so many choices. You’ll find everything from fast-casual to farm-to-table fares. Skip the chain restaurants! Below are the best restaurants in Key West and the places we visit on every trip.

What Food is Key West Known for?

Key West is famous for several types of cuisine. One is key lime pie, made with the native tropical fruit of the same name. Some stranger delicacies can also be seen on menus, like fried gator bites.

Key West is close to both Cuba and the Caribbean, so a lot of those flavors and traditional styles have made their way into Key West. You’ll often find Cuban influences like Cuban sandwiches and some spicier dishes, including Jerk Chicken.

Fresh seafood is also readily available as it’s a coastal location: conch fritters, pink shrimp, and stone crabs are especially iconic in the area.

After your main dish, be sure to try a Dole Whip. This frozen treat is made from pineapple and became widely known after being served at the nearby Disney World.

1. Blue Heaven

Blue Heaven first opened in 1992 and is located in the historic Bahama District of the city. Blue Heaven’s outdoor space is the main draw, it’s covered in canopies, plants, art, and there are even a few animals running around.

Sometimes they host live music during the day. The menu features American and Caribbean cuisine with lots of vegetarian options too. They also have one of the best breakfasts in Key West too. Just expect to wait for a little it is super popular.

It can get busy for dinner and Sunday brunch, so it’s wise to make a reservation ahead of time. My favorite dish is the Jamaican Jerk Chicken. It’s so flavorful and tender.

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• Address: 729 Thomas Street, Key West

2. El Siboney Restaurant

El Siboney is in downtown Key West and is one of the most popular restaurants in Key West. It originally opened in 1984 and has been a very popular place ever since. It doesn’t look like much at first glance, but the food is so good. The environment is family-friendly.

They serve Cuban eats that are affordable with a mostly meat-focused menu. The drinks are well made, especially the house sangria. If you are looking for some of the best Cuban food in Key West, try El Siboney.

All the dishes are super authentic. If I go for a light lunch, I get the Mix Sandwich. For a fancier dinner, try the Paella Valencia.

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• Address: 900 Katherine Street, Key West

3. Cafe Marquesa

Cafe Marquesa is both a high-end hotel and a restaurant in Old Town Key West. The cuisine is mainly elevated New American. A meal can be on the pricier side here, but it’s generally well worth it.

Every single dish feels creative and thought out. They’re made based on which ingredients are available in season. There’s a bar for ordering shareable plates and craft cocktails. A lot of the meals are seafood based.

Desserts, fresh bread, and pastries are all baked fresh each day. The Butter Poached Lobster and Crispy Pork Osso Buco are some of the best dinner orders here.

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• Address: 600 Fleming Street, Key West

4. Eaton Street Seafood Market & Restaurant

Eaton Street has some of the freshest seafood in Key West. It’s a restaurant and market all in one. Everything is locally and sustainably caught right off the Florida shore.

You can pick your fresh fish, and then they will cook it right in front of you. The historic building in Old Town dates all the way back to 1877 and has a lovely patio.

The staff are experts and can help guide you to pick the best catch. The Fried Fish, coconut shrimp, and Grilled Lobster Tail make for very tasty meals. The sandwich selection here is all-around excellent as well.

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• Address: 801 Eaton Street, Key West

5. Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen & Bar

Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen and Bar is right on the Key West waterfront with beautiful views of the marina. The atmosphere is modern and airy. If you’ve caught your own fish, you can even bring it in. They will cook it exactly how you want.

They’re most famous for their Crab Beignets. From the raw bar, try the Mussels and Clams Cioppino style. It’s where I go for the freshest selection in the city.

I really enjoyed the Grouper Gnudi as a main dish. You’ll need to make reservations in advance to get a table here. It is a great place for happy hour as they have pretty good specials. They’re open for brunch on both Wednesdays and Sundays.

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• Address: 7001 Shrimp Road, Key West

6. Latitudes Restaurant

Latitudes is one of the best restaurants in the Florida Keys for sunset views. It also books up weeks and months in advance during high season. Make sure to have reservations, do not expect to walk in. Book online here.

Latitudes is a great spot for fine dining in Key West. The views looking out over the Gulf of Mexico are stunning. The space and the plates are refined and elegant. It’s part of the Sunset Key Cottages establishment

The menu is all island-inspired. To get to Latitudes, you must take a short ferry ride. I like to go to see the sunset as I eat. They are open for more casual breakfast and lunch service.

For dinner, the required dress code is country club casual. There is a full bar for classic cocktails, fine wine, and craft beer. You’ll find a lot of vegetarian and seafood dishes on this menu.

If you are on a budget but still want to visit, consider going for lunch. Their lunch is affordable in our opinion and really good.

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• Address: 245 Front Street, Key West

7. Louie’s Backyard

Louie’s Backyard offers fine dining with an ocean view. It’s set inside of a renovated Victorian home with an elegant dining room and multi-level deck. Louie’s first opened in 1971. At the time, it was only able to seat 12 people.

The food here is all Caribbean American. Everything is cooked to order and made with all fresh and local ingredients. You can go for lunch, dinner, or their weekend brunch.

The Bohemian Conch Chowder is a good starter. Some of the best food on the menu are the Sauteed Gulf Shrimp with Bacon, Mushrooms, and Stone Ground Grits is a delicious signature entree.

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• Address: 700 Waddell Avenue, Key West

8. Conch Republic Seafood Company

This restaurant was originally called the Singleton Fish House. It’s where pounds of Key West shrimp were processed daily. It has since been refurbished to create the Conch Republic Seafood Company.

They’re most famous for serving fresh seafood straight out of the sea daily. If you are looking for one of the best places with a waterfront patio with scenic views, this is it. The happy hour is every day with cheap two-for-one specials. The raw bar and craft beer selection are impressive.

Any order can be enhanced with extras here, like scallops, lobster tail, or blue cheese. Try a traditional local dish to start, like Cracked Conch and Callaloo Dip. For a main, I especially loved the Spiced Mahi Mahi.

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• Address: 631 Greene Street, Key West

9. Bagatelle

This historic downtown building was constructed in the early 1800s. The wrap-around porch is a classic Key West architectural feature. The since renovated restaurant focuses on seafood and American Caribbean cuisine.

At Bagatelle, every ingredient is locally and sustainably sourced. There are two happy hours each day, late morning and early evening. They also offer brunch every day, which makes it a perfect place for a late breakfast.

One of the best things on the menu is the Lobster Mac and Cheese is an item I often crave from Bagatelle. The wine list is extensive. There are specialty cocktails and craft beer as well. It’s very popular and can get busy, so I recommend making a reservation.

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• Address: 115 Duval Street, Key West

10. Two Friends Patio Restaurant

Two Friends Patio Restaurant started as a saloon before the famous 1886 fire. It’s gone through many iterations since and has a rich history in Key West. Today they are known for their local seafood dishes.

The environment is always bustling and laid back. They host local live music seven days a week. The Basin Street Broiled Oysters come highly recommended.

They are also said to have the best char-grilled Burgers and Steaks around. It’s a casual, open-air dining experience for any meal of the day. The drink selection is extensive, and their Bloody Mary has even won awards.

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• Address: 512 Front Street, Key West

11. Garbo’s Grill

Another local favorite is Garbo’s Grill, which is a family-run food stand / food truck. The kitchen is inside of a decorated airstream out back at Hank’s Saloon. The menu is full of fusion cuisine that is always inventive.

They offer creative takes on casual handheld eats, like burgers and tacos. It’s a popular spot, so be prepared to see a line down the street.

They have outdoor seating, but there are only a few tables to sit at and eat on the shaded brick patio. It’s also open late. The Umamiburger and Kogidog have gotten rave reviews.

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• Address: 409 Caroline Street, Key West

12. Hot Tin Roof

Hot Tin Roof serves iconic Florida cuisine with a Caribbean twist. It’s set right on the waterfront and has an open-air patio. It’s part of the Ocean Key Resort and Spa.

There are lots of small plates meant for sharing and snacking. The decor has a fancy tropical feel in both the lounge and dining room. The food is more on the refined side.

Hot Tin Roof has won several notable awards over the years. They are open for breakfast and dinner daily and on Sunday for brunch. The Grilled Key West Pink Shrimp is an iconic local dish. The Tasso and Snow Crab Mac and Cheese is another delicious choice.

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• Address: 0 Duval Street, Key West

13. Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe

Kermit’s is renowned for having the best Key Lime Pie in Key West. It comes in many forms. You can get it frozen on a stick or in a bar shape. One of my favorite things to do in Key West is trying Key Lime pie at all the restaurants. Kermit’s hits the spot on a hot die with a frozen key lime pie on a stick dipped in chocolate.

It’s located on the busiest waterfront strip on Key West. The building is a lime-colored cottage that’s hard to miss. The Kitchen Cafe offers affordable sandwiches and wraps in a garden setting. My husband and I always get one of their wraps, he likes the buffalo chicken one, and I get the chicken caesar wrap.

The shop itself is stocked with local artisan products. You can find sauces, oils, snacks, jams, seasonings, gifts, and more. It began as a smoothie stand decades ago, and today there are two popular locations.

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• Address: 200 Elizabeth Street, Key West and 431 Front Street, Key West

14. DJ’s Clam Shack

DJ’s Clam Shack is a local restaurant that first started in 2009. They now have several locations on the East Coast. It became famous for being featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.

It’s an informal eatery with counter service and a few outdoor seats. It’s the best place to go for Lobster Rolls and Fried Clams in the city. The food is casual, the menu is simple, the service is fast, and the atmosphere is always lively.

It’s great for accessible and fresh seafood conveniently on the main strip. The cone packaging makes it easy to eat on the go as well.

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• Address: 629 Duval Street, Key West

15. Little Pearl

A little off the beaten path is Little Pearl, a neighborhood restaurant and wine bar. They serve fresh local seafood in the heart of Old Town. It’s mainly classic regional cuisine with a tropical flair.

If you are a fan of tasting menus and wine, this is one the best restaurants in Key West for you. There is a four-course chef’s tasting menu. It includes a choice of three dishes for each course. That way, you can still customize the experience. Everything is expertly prepared.

The space is modern and trendy. There are three seating times each evening. Be sure to make a reservation here. They have a great selection of wine. The wine list is long and well-curated.

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• Address: 632 Olivia Street, Key West

16. Banana Cafe

Banana Cafe is a French bistro with a Caribbean twist. It first opened in 1992. They’re open all day, every day, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

They serve a wide variety of sweet and savory crepes. There are many gluten-free options, such as the Baked Escargot or the Steak and Frites. Omelets, french toast, sandwiches, and Quiches are also very popular here.

In the evening, I often opt for the Seafood Risotto. The ambiance feels European and easygoing. I really enjoyed eating on the sunny patio. To drink, there are a couple of craft beers and a solid list of global wines.

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• Address: 1215 Duval Street, Key West

17. Cuban Coffee Queen

Cuban Coffee Queen serves traditional Cuban fares in Key West. It’s a counter-service spot. There are three convenient locations in the city. Two are for pick-up only. The first shop was established in 2009.

The building itself is unassuming, but the atmosphere is fun. They’re known mainly for great coffee and tasty sandwiches. Don’t expect anything fancy, just quick, great food. You can even buy bags of roasted beans to take home with you.

I love to grab a quick and easy breakfast from here, like the Cuban Breakfast Burrito. For lunch, there are a lot of meat and vegetarian options. I’ve found that Shipwreck Sandwich never disappoints.

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• Address: 284 Margaret Street, Key West and 5 Key Lime Square, Key West, and Clinton Square Market, Key West

18. Santiago’s Bodega

Santiago’s Bodega is a tapas bar. It’s an intimate and eclectic setting offering lots of small plates. The flavors are inspired from all over the world.

I like to pair my meal with a fine wine or sangria here. The Yellowfin Tuna Ceviche is my favorite cold order, besides a classic Charcuterie. For warmer food, the Croquettas and the Bacon and Basil Wrapped Mushrooms are delicious.

They have several locations throughout Florida. The weekend brunch has a smaller menu with a set price and a time limit of two hours.

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• Address: 207 Petronia Street, Key West

19. Glazed Donuts

Another favorite place of ours is Glazed Donuts. Who doesn’t love donuts? Glazed Donuts is a casual shop serving creative donuts and organic coffee. It’s the southernmost donut shop in the whole country. They’ve been around since 2012. The space has a robot theme. It’s located in the heart of Old Town.

It’s open from Wednesday to Sunday. They can run out, so it’s best to go early. The signature order is just the regular glazed. It’s actually so much better than the average donut.

Everything is made from scratch. There are lots of different styles to try, from fritter to cake. Tropical flavors like Pina Colada and Key Lime are very tasty. If you’re feeling adventurous, go for one of the weirder creations, like the Candied Canadian Bacon or the Maple Bourbon.

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• Address: 420 Eaton Street, Key West

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Where do you think the best restaurants in Key West are?

We are always looking for new Key West restaurants to check out.

On the hunt for some fresh seafood in Key West? You’re in luck. You are never far from some when looking for the best seafood in Key West.

It comes as no surprise that Key West is also home to a culinary culture of the best seafood in the country. Whether it’s a waterfront spot or an Old Town eatery, there are always so many fresh fish dishes to choose from, caught daily straight out of the Gulf of Mexico.

From beachside shacks to upscale fine dining and everything in between, you’re sure to enjoy the best seafood in Key West with these ten dining destinations.

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What seafood is Key West known for?

Key West is best known for several types of seafood. The fresh daily catch can change depending on the season of course. Hogfish, yellowtail snapper, grouper, and mahi mahi are just a few of the more common kinds you’re likely to see on the plate. The more special delicacies that are must tries on the island are the Key West pink shrimp, the Florida spiny lobster, and stone crabs.

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1. Blue Heaven

Blue Heaven is a restaurant famous for its food as much as its enchanting space. It’s set inside the historic Bahama Village. It’s owned by a pair of self-proclaimed free spirits, which is certainly reflected in the atmosphere. It’s an outdoor eatery underneath canopies of tropical foliage, often including live entertainment. Covered in whimsical art, there are even adorable cats and chickens roaming around the land.

The Scallops Provencale, Jamaican Jerk Chicken, and Caribbean Shrimp all have gotten rave reviews. There are a few vegetarian options to try as well. The menu rarely changes, so you can’t count on being able to order all their most iconic dishes. If you manage to save any room, they serve some of the best Key Lime Pie on the island. Breakfast and lunch are for walk-ins only, but there are limited reservations available for dinner.

• Menu
• Address: 729 Thomas St, Key West

2. A and B Lobster House

A and B Lobster House is an iconic venue on the historic Key West seaport. It’s been the place for world-class fine dining in the area since 1947. The scenic balconies have been a major draw for many celebratory diners over the years. It’s gone from shrimp fishing fleets to luxury yachts crowding the marina down below. From humble beginnings to fine dining decadence.

They serve all of the rich classics, expertly prepared and artfully plated. The bespoke cocktails or global wines go well with any of the gourmet dishes. Start off any feast with Oyster Rockefeller or Escargot. Treat yourself to any gluten-free lobster plates, like Thermidor or risotto.

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• Address: 700 Front St, Key West

3. DJ’s Clam Shack

DJ’s Clam Shack is where Northern and Southern style seafood meet. It’s a long-standing legend on the island that became only more popular after being featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. It has a small and fairly unassuming facade, with a beachy backyard for eating in. They have several locations along the East Coast dating back to 2009.

The prices are reasonable, and the fare is made fresh using high-quality ingredients. The innovative cone packaging makes it a super convenient food to grab on the go, especially when exploring Old Town. The Overstuffed Maine Lobster Roll and Garlic Steamed Middle Neck Clams seem to be their signature items. If you’re ordering off the golden fried favorites menu, go for the Conch Fritters.

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• Address: 629 Duval St, Key West

4. Conch Republic Seafood Company

The Conch Republic Seafood Company is known for delicious dock-to-dish dining. The catches go from their boats straight to the table. It was originally called the Singleton Fish House and Ice Company. Thousands of pounds of shrimp were processed here over the years. Many of the original design elements were salvaged and incorporated into the space today, including the old logo sign.

I love the happy hour here, offering two-for-one beers or house wine daily. The fresh raw bar has melt-in-your-mouth oysters and clams. The menu has a wide variety of meals to try, from Caribbean Spiced Mahi Mahi to Coriander Crusted Tuna. You can even dress up any dish with scallops, shrimp, lobster tail, or blue cheese crumbles.

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• Address: 631 Greene St, Key West

5. Louie’s Backyard

Louie’s Backyard is a Caribbean American restaurant with an oceanfront location. There’s a multi-level deck and elegant dining room inside the refurbished Victorian home. It first opened in 1971 and has since earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. The unobstructed views of the Old Bahama Channel are outstanding from this spot, especially during the sunset.

Coming here has become a beloved tradition in Key West. Every plate is carefully prepared to order, and all of the seafood is hooked fresh from the sea. Handcrafted cocktails, fine wines, and craft beers can add an extra level of enjoyment to this experience if you ask me. They serve lunch, dinner, and a weekend brunch. The Sauteed Gulf Shrimp with bacon, mushrooms, and stone grits is the highly recommended entree to try.

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• Address: 700 Waddell Ave, Key West

6. Seven Fish

The motto at Seven Fish is simple good food, and they always deliver. It all came from humble beginnings over 20 years ago. Today the casual and modern bistro setting speaks for itself. Each order is made from scratch to create unpretentious plates.

The Thai Curry Snapper is the house signature, and the Banana Chicken and 7 Fish Meatloaf are a couple of the local favorites. The Seafood Ceviche is a great start to any feast here, and you should finish it all off with a homemade dessert like the Key Lime Pie.

The wine list is impressive, and the martinis are masterfully made. It’s on the pricey side but well worth it when treating yourself to a nice night out on the town in Key West.

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• Address: 921 Truman Ave, Key West

7. Bo’s Fish Wagon

Bo’s Fish Wagon is the place to go for the perfect fish sandwich in Key West. It started as a small wagon 25 years ago and has since blossomed into a local legend. It’s definitely a no shirt, no shoes, no problem kind of joint. A classic Florida counter service foodie spot, it’s an open-air shack serving fresh food without the fuss. It’s covered in kitschy memorabilia and funky beach-themed furnishings.

If you can, head over on a Friday night to enjoy the live music and let loose a little. The Cracked Conch Sandwich made with Cuban bread, and Key Lime mayo is a very tasty meal. Wash it all down with an ice-cold beer. The Scuzzy B.O. is the best side order, in my opinion as well.

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• Address: 801 Caroline St, Key West

8. Thirsty Mermaid

The Thirsty Mermaid is a raw bar and restaurant. It’s a cute and clean, modern atmosphere with a nautical flair. Everything is locally sourced and made with love here. It’s an intimate space, so there may be a short wait upon arrival. They feature a selection of East and West Coast oysters rotating daily. Order the Mermaid Platter to enjoy a little bit of everything.

The selection of craft beers on tap is well-curated. They are open every day from noon until 10:00 pm. The Local Catch Du Jour at market price is always a great call here. The daily happy hour offers appetizers and drafts at a great discount. They’ve won a ton of awards over the years, including the Diner’s Choice in 2019.

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• Address: 521 Fleming St, Key West

9. Little Pearl

Little Pearl is a friendly neighborhood wine bar serving fresh local seafood. It’s conveniently located in the heart of Old Town. The focus is innovative cuisine with a tropical twist. They offer a four-course custom chef’s tasting menu that feels like the epitome of fine dining in Key West. I do recommend making a reservation in advance to dine here. There are three seatings 5:00 pm, 7:00 pm, and 9:00 pm.

They are always experimenting and diversifying the wine list with a variety of vintages. I’d advise going with the Katafi Shrimp, Lobster Bao, Sous Vide Grouper, and then the Watermelon Thai Chile Sorbet to finish. The space feels effortlessly cool, with minimal decor, warm lighting, and a wooden wine rack as the focal point.

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• Address: 632 Olivia St, Key West

10. The Flaming Buoy

The Flaming Buoy is part retro supper club and part sassy bistro. The cuisine is all locally inspired, combining fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and Cuban flavors. Check out their dinner and movie options to enjoy a classic film with your gourmet order. The environment has a cool old-school charm. The menu is simple and thoughtful at the same time, giving a modern update to many Florida comfort foods.

The Bacon Wrapped Scallops, Lobster Mac and Cheese, and Yellowtail Snapper with Banana Salsa are all the most coveted orders. Their wine list is inspired, and you can also bring your own bottle from the Uva Wine Shoppe for no extra corking fee. Be sure to always ask about the daily specials here as well.

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• Address: 424 Eaton St, Key West

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Where is your go-to when wanting the best seafood in Key West?

We are always looking for new restaurants to try.