Best Seafood in Key West
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.
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.
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.
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- 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