Key West is famed for the beautiful ocean and beaches that stretch along its length. Tourists flock to the area every year to enjoy the wonderful natural environment. Undoubtedly, one of the main attractions is eating at some of the best Key West restaurants on the water.
With fresh fish and locally sourced produce, the dining is second to none. Visitors can expect to find some amazing gourmet and family-run restaurants. Along with the great cooking, diners can also experience awesome waterfront restaurants. Some of Florida’s best seafood restaurants can be found here by the ocean.
Alight, let’s dive in and discover our top Key West restaurants on the water.
1. Latitudes
Situated on the small island of Sunset Key, Latitudes is a short ferry ride away. This restaurant holds a special charm with its tranquil location and spectacular views.
Visitors love sitting on the wooden deck veranda under the shaded roof. While plenty of tables are inside, the views from outside are amazing. As you can see above, we were seated outside on the beach at sunset. Out of all the Key West restaurants on the water, it is our favorite mainly for its views.
Serving quality seafood with a modern Caribbean twist, the dishes are enticing. With its location, guests can watch and marvel at the glorious sunsets. Enjoying quality ingredients cooked fresh to order while the night draws in.
During high season, sunset reservations are booked out months in advance. You can make reservations online in advance.
2. La Trattoria Oceanside
Set overlooking the Atlantic, this beautiful oceanside restaurant recently opened in 2011. With amazing views across the sea, La Trattoria’s cuisine is inspired by Italy. To maximize its wonderful vantage, the dining room is completely surrounded by glass.
Boasting nightly specials, the chefs specialize in cooking delicious seafood with menu items such as Hogfish, Yellowtail Snapper, and Mahi, all caught locally. The ingredients are as fresh as can be, and the cooking is second to none. While the drinks on offer in the ‘Martinis Menu’ can enhance any dining experience. This would be a perfect place for a wedding or a rehearsal dinner in Key West.
3. Sunset Pier
Famous with visitors and locals, Sunset Pier is the place to be. The amazing views at sunset mean this restaurant and bar get very crowded.
Sunset Pier is one of the best Florida Keys bars for sunset, and where you’ll find us for sunset in Key West. The delicious food and great service only add to the attractive location. With colorful seating all along the pier’s length, guests have plenty of room.
The Tiki bar offers a variety of cocktails and other alcoholic beverages. While the food menu offers modern tropical cooking like ceviche or fish tacos. The service is fabulous, and guests can enjoy listening to different musical performances. With different artists and groups playing and singing live nearly every day.
Sunset Pier in Key West is a great place to eat, enjoy an amazing sunset, and kick back. We recommend going at least an hour before sunset to secure an outside table overlooking the water. This is one of the most popular Key West restaurants on the water.
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4. Half Shell Raw Bar
Located in the beautiful Key West Bight is the Half Shell Raw Bar. Attracting visitors from out of town as well as locals to eat. With the uniqueness of watching fisherman unload their catch directly inside.
Guests can enjoy eating some of the freshest seafood in Key West. The seafood is fresh and delicate, with oysters shucked directly onto diners’ plates.
Steamed buckets of oysters, shrimp, and mussels are all popular items with mouthwatering sauces made with wine, garlic, and butter enhancing the flavors. Whether served raw or cooked, this is a true delight for lovers of shellfish. Other menu items include sandwiches, entrees, pasta dishes, seafood towers, and desserts.
5. Conch Republic
Located at the southernmost point of the continental USA is the Conch Republic. Converted from the building previously owned by the Singleton Fish House and Ice Plant. This restaurant continues with the tradition of serving seafood from dock to plate.
Historically, shrimpers brought in their local catch to be processed here. Thousands of pounds of shrimp were shipped around the country from this site. The dockside location allows diners to watch the local catches come in.
The restaurant retains many of the original features, like the concrete floor. They even have the Singleton sign above their stage to enhance the history. Alongside this, the restaurant endeavors to serve the freshest and tastiest seafood on offer in Key West. With a raw bar, happy hour, and merchandise shop, guests are well provided for.
6. Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen
Penned by themselves, Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen serves American Coastal Comfort Food. This Key West restaurant prides itself on serving comforting food in a surprisingly delicious way. Using the freshest products, the chefs let the ingredients speak for themselves.
With their menus serving breakfast and dinner weekly and brunch on Sundays. The choices include dishes ranging from shrimp to duck to grouper. Located on the marina, guests get to enjoy freshly cooked food dockside. The restaurant will cook any catch that visitors bring in with them.
7. Southernmost Beach Cafe
Connected to the Southernmost Beach Resort, this cafe serves up local seafood. Inspired by boat-to-plate dining, the chefs mainly cook in a Caribbean style. However, they also add a little Asian-inspired twist to their dishes. Seamlessly blending the two styles, the innovative cooking combines different cuisines and flavors.
Their signature dish of Drunken Scallops comes from Key West comfort food. While the umami hits of the Ahi Tuna stuffed, Avocado are more Asiatic. The Caribbean-inspired decor adds to the mystique and charm of the restaurant.
Found at the southernmost point of the Keys, there is very little to disturb the tranquility. Guests can relax by the Atlantic, dining on great food with incredible views.
8. Louie’s Backyard
This delightful eating establishment consists of a restaurant and cafe within the tropical setting of Key West and its golden beaches. The picturesque oceanside location provides a panoramic view for every visitor.
For over 30 years, Chef Shook has been creating innovative dishes. Using global inspiration, the menu is updated and changed at least 4 times a year. With items such as Bahamian Conch Chowder or Grilled Pesto Rubbed Swordfish.
There is a cafe section inside the establishment that allows for drop-ins. No need to make a reservation. However, the star attraction remains the outside deck with open-air waterfront seating.
9. Hot Tin Roof
Part of the Ocean Keys Resort, Hot Tin Roof, is their signature restaurant. Serving up a fine dining experience, the cuisine mixes Caribbean and Floridian styles. Dubbed conch-fusion, the chef’s ‘Floribbean’ creations make this one of the Florida Key’s best restaurants.
The award-winning restaurant is led and serviced by renowned resort Chef Maurer. His blending of Cuban flavors with the Key West style creates a unique menu. The exceptional surroundings, decor, and food mean this is a must-visit waterfront restaurant in Key West.
10. Schooner Wharf Bar
On the historic harbor seaport, the Schooner Wharf Bar is at the end of William Street. An iconic local attraction that has been open since 1984. Serving an extensive breakfast and dinner menu along with fun cocktails.
This restaurant and bar provide an eclectic mix of culinary delights. With a raw bar, freshly caught and cooked fish, and live music. The Schooner Wharf Bar has become one of Key West’s best waterside restaurants.
11. A&B Lobster House
Providing fine dining since 1947, A & B Lobster House is an iconic eatery. Located in the heart of the seaport, the restaurant overlooks the harbor. Commanding great views of the water, guests can enjoy a wonderful culinary experience.
With selected wines to accompany the fresh seafood and exceptional meat dishes. Diners are guaranteed a night to remember watching the sunset over the ocean.
Best Restaurants in Key West – Must Eats!
12. Seaside Cafe at the Mansion
The Seaside Cafe is found at the charming mansion named Southernmost House. This recently opened family-run restaurant is just feet away from the ocean.
Already known for its artisan wood-fired pizzas and Mansion Mojitos. The Honey Butter Lobster Biscuits and world-famous Lobster Pizza draw many a guest. Open seven days a week, the Seaside Cafe is located at the ‘quiet’ end of Duval Street. With an environmentally conscious attitude, the family chefs love to cook seaside.
Related Post: Best Pizza in Key West
13. Hurricane Hole
The Hurricane Hole offers visitors casual dining in a relaxed island setting. With al fresco or air-conditioned options, guests can relax while eating great food. Fresh, locally caught fish and seafood is lovingly cooked from boat to plate.
Equally delicious and cooked in a traditional ‘Floribbean’ style are meat dishes. Visitors looking for a more informal dining experience should try the ‘Hole’.
14. Boat House Bar & Grill
Right in the heart of the historic Key West waterfront is the Boat House. This Bar and Grill restaurant is right on the dockside of the harbor. Guests can watch fishing boats while sampling some of the best seafood in Key West.
The meat entrees are equally as tasty. The wings and ribs are as good as a specialist barbeque joint. With great beer, diners can enjoy culinary excellence along with a lively ambiance.
15. Alonzo’s Oyster Bar
As stated themselves, Alonzo’s has been serving restaurant goers since 1947. Boasting sea views on three sides, it is second to none on the island. Situated right by the A & B marina, the dockside views are hard to beat.
Guests can watch the local fisherman sailing their boats while dining. The briny atmosphere heightens the individually shucked oysters, fresh seafood, and shellfish.
Originally, it was a fish house where fishing boats were pulled up to unload their catch. The restaurant retains the feel of the original, serving freshly caught fish. With two floors, diners can experience fine dining upstairs or a more casual approach downstairs.
16. Turtle Kraals
Turtle Kraals is right on the waterfront of the historic Key West Bight. Diners can enjoy great views and some of the freshest seafood around. And with a wood-fired grill, the items are elevated even more. Serving award-winning dishes like Peruvian ceviche, guests are assured of great cooking. Aside from the food, visitors can watch their famous turtle races too!
- 231 Margaret St, Key West
17. Salute! On the Beach
Between White Street Pier and Casa Marina is Salute! On the Beach. Located on Higgs Beach, this Italian-inspired restaurant has its own charm. Guests can enjoy the beach as well as the local cuisine with a twist.
A casual atmosphere combined with a lighter approach to Key West cuisine. Menu items include antipasti, fettuccine alfredo alongside Yellowtail Snapper, and Grouper Cakes.
Best Key West Restaurants on the Water Map
No matter which waterfront restaurants in Key West you choose to dine at, you’ll be eating in paradise.
Enjoy the view, enjoy the meal, enjoy your company, and enjoy Key West!