When planning a trip to Key West, you plan out what you are doing each day, what tours you are going on, and what attractions you want to see, but did you figure out where to eat in Key West?
Most likely not. Let us help you out with the best restaurants in Key West to add to your itinerary.
Most visitors come to Key West Florida for the outdoor adventures on the water, gorgeous beaches, amazing sunsets, and fun nightlife. What they don’t usually know is the Key West food scene is so much more than Key Lime Pie, Key West Shrimp, and Cuban Sandwiches.
If you want to try a little of everything, consider joining this Key West food tour. With over 1,000 5-star reviews, you know it is good.
Key West is known for its laid-back feel, with a strong cultural focus on fun in the sun. Many of the best restaurants in Key West boast waterfront views and local specialties like the famous Key Lime Pie.
Foodies are sure to fall in love with the Key West Restaurant Scene.
Skip the chain restaurants! It’s easy to feast away, finding deliciously eclectic eats that include everything from traditional fresh seafood dishes to contemporary fine dining fares.
Often, Caribbean and Cuban influences tend to make their way onto menus at Key West restaurants, with tons of great Caribbean cuisine in Key West. Here is our dining guide to the best restaurants in Key West!
Key West Best Restaurants
1. Blue Heaven
Known for having adorable critters, like chickens and cats, that roam around the idyllic space, Blue Heaven is country chic al fresco fares at their finest.
They’ve been around since 1992 and have gained quite a rave reputation among Florida foodies. The menu features American, Caribbean, and vegetarian cuisine.
It’s set in the historic Bahama Village, and the space is covered in canopies of tropical foliage that are decked out with whimsy. There’s often live music to complete the charming ambiance.
Breakfast and lunch are first come, first serve, but you may want to make a reservation if you want to go for dinner. The Caribbean BBQ Shrimp, Jamaican Jerk Chicken, and Island Plate are a few of the fan favorite food items.
There’s a special Sunday breakfast menu, and it’s a lovely pick for a beautiful brunch in town. So, if you are on the hunt for Sunday Brunch in Key West, make sure to check out Blue Heaven. We suggest coming early. There is always a wait.
- Address: 729 Thomas St.
- Menu
2. Cafe Marquesa Key West
This cozy cafe spot is located inside the high-end Marquesa Hotel in Old Town Key West, and Chef Laurence Gottlieb focuses on creative New American eats. Café Marquesa is a beloved institution on the island; it’s one of the local favorite restaurants, and tourists love it too.
Some of the menu items feature grilled meats, fresh local seafood, seasonal produce, freshly baked bread, and desserts made daily. Inventive interpretations of classic cuisines are their claim to fame, with delicious dishes such as the Butter Poached Lobster and Crispy Pork Osso Buco.
There’s also a cozy bar for enjoying a few beverages or light bites. They have an extensive selection of fine wines from all over the world, as well as creative cocktails.
Café Marquesa is the ideal dining destination for a fancy night out on the town.
Café Marquesa has a rather small dining room, so it’s best to call ahead and make reservations.
On our last family trip to Key West, we had the kids and didn’t visit as we don’t think it is the best restaurant in Key West for kids.
- Address: 600 Fleming St.
- Menu
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3. Bagatelle
Bagatelle is set inside a historic building that was constructed way back in the 1800s. Today, it’s home to some of the best food in Key West, a seafood-focused and American Caribbean-style menu. Everything is locally and sustainably sourced.
The space itself is architecturally stunning, with giant wrap-around porches for that ideal Floridian alfresco feasting. It’s a beautiful spot for brunch any day of the week.
They even offer two happy hours per day. One is the breakfast hangover happy hour from 9 to 11:30 AM, and the other is the afternoon slot from 4 to 6 PM, which offers $5 tasting plates and half off on cocktails.
A must-try is their signature dish, the Lobster Mac and Cheese, which is a favorite staple here. On our last trip, our son inhaled it. We barely got any for ourselves! If you are a burger lover, the burger at Bagatelle is really good.
This local restaurant is located right on the famous Duval Street, making it an easy restaurant to visit while exploring Key West or before hitting the Key West nightlife scene.
- Address: 115 Duval St.
- Menu
4. Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen
Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen is an airy restaurant on Stock Island that features a picturesque waterfront setting overlooking the marina. The views are even better outside if you ask us.
We really enjoy their outdoor dining area. It is one of our favorite Key West restaurants on the water.
The decor is modern and minimal, and they focus on elevated coastal comfort food. Each plate is thoughtful and created in a simple way that lets the amazing ingredients really speak for themselves.
As they say, what grows together goes together. For some of the freshest seafood in Key West, you can even bring your own fresh catch in for them to prepare after a day of angling out in the open Florida Keys seas.
The Crab Beignets have become a famous bite here and are definitely a must-try on a menu full of stand-out dishes, like the Grouper Gnudi and Mussels and Clams Cioppino Style.
Matt’s is open for lunch and dinner. They do not serve lunch. You can make reservations online on Open Table.
- Address: 7001 Shrimp Rd.
- Menu
5. El Meson De Pepe’s Restaurant & Bar
This Key West Cuban restaurant is a coveted icon within the community, drawing in crowds with a vibrant and rustic feel, live Salsa music, and authentic cuisine.
They operate on a first-come, first-served basis only. It’s family-owned and operated and has been around since 1985.
They’re dedicated to celebrating the flavors of the Cuban-Conch heritage. They’re located in Mallory Square, a spot known for its sunset parties, so it’s a great way to partake in the festivities here while enjoying some tapas and classic tropical cocktails from the charming patio bar.
The Completa de Caballo Grande is a great way to taste three of the most popular Cuban dishes on the menu, as it includes Ropa Vieja, Lechon Asado, and Picadillo Habanero. My favorite is the Ropa Vieja and their Cuban bread.
If you are craving authentic Cuban food or want to try it for the first time, not only is El Meson one of the best restaurants in Key West, it is one of the best places to get some authentic Cuban cuisine in Key West!
- Address: 410 Wall St.
- Menu
6. Conch Republic Seafood Restaurant
Fresh dock to dish dining at its finest, Conch Republic Seafood Restaurant is the go-to for fresh fish and fresh seafood straight out of the sea. Conch Republic has some of the best seafood in Key West!
It was originally called Singleton Fish House, where hundreds of pounds of shrimp were processed every day, and some original elements from this time can still be seen.
The scenic waterfront patio offers sweeping views out over the ocean and the Key West Harbor. There’s a happy hour every day with some amazing two-for-one deals—definitely one of the best happy hours in Key West. The mojitos are a specialty here, and the craft beer selection is one of the best around.
Conch Republic Seafood Company has a really good fresh raw bar. We typically come for happy hour and get a few drinks and some Key West Pink Peel & Eat Shrimp.
They also serve up sandwiches, meat from the grill, Yellowfin Tuna, and the Caribbean Spiced Mahi Mahi is a real standout. One special touch is that scallops, lobster tail, or blue cheese can be added to any dish.
- Address: 631 Greene St.
- Menu
7. Garbo’s Grill
Garbo’s Grill is a tiny family-run food stand (similar to a food truck ) that packs in a lot of personality.
They’re always cooking up inventive takes on tacos, burgers, and burritos. They also offer poke bowls and lobster rolls, so the rule here really is to expect the unexpected.
The Umamiburger and the Kogidog are some of the favorite dishes on the eclectic menu. There’s often a line around the block, but don’t worry, it’s totally worth any wait.
Garbo’s Grill is located behind Hank’s Saloon. It is a great place to grab a drink, listen to live music, and eat some delicious food. We typically grab a table at Hank’s right away, and one of us goes and orders our food.
- Address: 409 Caroline St.
- Menu
8. Sunset Pier
Sunset Pier perfects the relaxed dockside environment that Key West is known for. It’s set inside the Ocean Key Resort & Spa, offering incredible waterfront vistas and live music.
It’s a long, extended dock stretching out over the sea with brightly colored furnishings.
There’s a surf shack and a tiki bar, ideal for spectacular sunset views, plus plenty of community events to check out on their calendar. They have live music every night during sunset.
If you are looking for a casual sunset dinner where you don’t have to dress up, this is one of the great places in town.
The frozen cocktails are just another enticement here that complements the great food, especially the Coconut Rum Punch Bucket. The Fish Tacos and Ceviche are both specialty dishes as well.
- Address: 0 Duval St.
- Menu
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9. Ana’s Cuban and Southernmost Grocery
If you are looking for the best Cuban breakfast, you’ll want to head to Ana’s Café. We first stumbled upon this restaurant when we were staying at the Southernmost Beach Resort, which was right across the street.
It is right up the street from the Southernmost Point Buoy, the famous Instagram spot in Key West. We suggest going and getting a photo right away in the morning when there is little to no line, and you can take several photos, and then walking up to Ana’s Café.
They are open early in the morning until 5 pm. They are most popular for their Cuban coffee, Cuban sandwiches ( I love the Spicy Cuban), and one of the best restaurants in Key West for breakfast. You can get your food to go or grab a seat on the porch.
10. Latitudes
Latitudes is a renowned fine Key West dining restaurant, known not only for its elevated cuisine but for its gorgeous views looking out over the Gulf of Mexico. It’s part of Sunset Key Cottages, located on Sunset Key.
If you are looking for a romantic restaurant or going out for a special dinner, watching the sunset while enjoying dinner at Latitudes is a Key West experience that should be on your list.
To get to Latitudes, you have to take a ferry, but it’s easily the best place to watch the sunset in Key West. The menu is created with locally sourced ingredients based on what is in season, and each plate feels like a work of art.
Breakfast and lunch are casual, though dinner here does require a bit of dressing up, as do most fine dining restaurants (make sure to check the dress code).
It offers a luxurious atmosphere, and the full bar has extensive beverages to choose from, including international wines and creative cocktails. Seared Sea Scallops here come highly recommended. There are vegetarian meal options on the menu.
Reservations are needed. We made our dinner reservations months in advance. This is one of the best places to eat in Key West, hence why it’s always booked. This is our favorite place to go for a romantic date night in Key West.
- Address: 245 Front Street
- Menu and reservations here
11. Smoked BBQ
This relaxed dining spot is set inside a vintage boat! Smoked BBQ embraces an old-school decor that’s matched only by the magnificent historic seaport views and tasty grilled meats. They serve up classic Southern comfort cuisine done right.
Bacon Hush Puppies, Pulled Pork Sandwiches, and the Baby Back Ribs are just some of the items on the menu. Specialty platters are our go-to, like the Award Winning Pulled Pork Plate or Burnt End Plate. They also offer combo platters so that you can try several items.
Quality is the focus here, and there are no bells and whistles to distract from the simple and fresh fares cooked up in traditional fashions. Smoked BBQ is just a great restaurant with great views and a unique dining room.
- Address: 1801 N. Roosevelt Blvd.
- Menu
12. Bo’s Fish Wagon
Bo’s is an offbeat casual style eatery set inside a charming driftwood shack. If you’re looking to indulge in some fresh fares that are more off the beaten path, this is secretly one of the best seafood restaurants in Key West.
Fried fish, conch fritters, and hot dogs fill the menu, and it’s actually the place to go for the perfect fish sandwich in Key West. It encompasses the no shirt, no shoes, no problem attitude of the Keys, especially with the Friday Night Jam Session.
They offer both seawiches and landwiches that are highly regarded, as well as seafood platters like the Grilled or Fried Fish of the Day. Beer, wine, and other beverages are available as well. We highly suggest getting their fried Key West pink shrimp!
It’s a charmingly rustic atmosphere, full of lowkey kitschy wooden decor, plus it’s all alfresco street-front dining, which adds to the adorable feel. A bit divey but delightful is how Bo’s Fish Wagon is often described.
- Address: 801 Caroline St.
- Menu
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13. The Key West Lobster Shack
Lobster, lobster, and more lobster is basically what is on the menu. I lie; there are two shrimp options: coconut shrimp and a shrimp roll. Just get the lobster roll. Trust us!
They have a very limited menu and even more limited hours. Open only for lunch, 11 am-4 pm, Wednesday through Saturday.
14. First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery
The First Flight Island Restaurant is set inside the birthplace of Pan American World Airways. It’s a laidback space with an aviation theme, perfect for grabbing a cold craft beer and some contemporary pub grub.
If you are looking for one of the best restaurants in Key West to serve up some good old American comfort food, this is it! They have a really good kids’ menu too. If you are looking for great restaurants in Key West for kids, it is a good option.
The back garden is covered in shady, swaying palms and string lights. Known as the southernmost microbrewery, the beers here are carefully crafted on-site. The cocktail selection is extensive as well, with an array of innovative choices like the Beer-A-Rita or Drunken Maverick.
They also are one of the popular restaurants for happy hour featuring well-priced pints, cocktails on tap, house wines, and snack specials. We like to come and escape the hot Florida sun to enjoy a beer (or two) and share some appetizers. We really like the Beef Brisket Mac and Cheese and Fried Ravioli.
- Address: 301 Whitehead St.
- Menu
15. Eaton Street Seafood Market
This simple eatery offers fresh seafood in Key West. Crab cakes, shrimp salad, and an assortment of sandwiches are the main draws here. The fried fish and grilled lobster tail fresh daily are delicious as well.
They stock an array of locally caught seafood, including grouper, yellowtail snapper, Key West pink shrimp, and hogfish. You can even arrive and pick the catch that you wish to dine out on, and it will be cooked right in front of you.
It’s one of the best seafood markets in Key West and, as such, serves up unparalleled dishes in the historic Old Town. The building itself dates back to 1877, and today, the display case is a stunning sight to behold.
- Address: 801 Eaton St.
- Menu
16. Amigos Tortilla Bar
Have you ever had a square taco? Amigos developed a square tortilla machine that makes their square tortillas because square shells hold more and less spills out. Genius if you ask us.
Expect a casual eating scene with cheap eats, but yet really tasty and filling. Some of our favorite things to order are carne asada tacos or carnitas tacos.
Besides tacos, there are also burritos, bowls, nachos, quesadillas, roasted Mexican corn on the cob, chips & guacamole, etc. They also have bottled and draft beers available. I get a Sol tall boy, and Adam orders a Negro Modelo.
If you find yourself day drinking on Duval Street or at Sloppy Joe’s, Amigos is just around the corner on Greene Street. Amigos Tortilla Bar is one of the best Mexican restaurants in Key West.
Lobster Shack is known to have the best lobster tail in Key West.
17. Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe
Kermits has hands down the best Key Lime Pie in Key West, which is quite an accomplishment in Key West.
Kermit’s Frozen Key Lime Pie on a Stick is perfect for a fun and refreshing treat on a hot Florida day. Even the building is cute, a little key lime-colored cottage set on the stunning waterfront strip of Key West.
The cafe in the garden is such a sweet secret gem that offers super affordable sandwiches and wraps. It’s a great spot for lunch.
Definitely try the Chicken Caesar wrap here. This is always my go-to lunch in Key West if I am looking for something light. It’s a great spot to relax in between checking out all the best things to do in Key West.
The cafe is all outdoors with a few tables, but it is nicely shaded.
Inside the gift shop you’ll find gourmet goodies that are locally crafted and contain key lime in some sort of fashion, everything from candy, sauces, bath and body products, jams, specialty oils, and seasonings. If you’re looking for some Key West souvenirs to bring back home, this is a great spot to get something.
If you are traveling to Key West with kids, it is a great place to stop in and cool down with a frozen Key Lime pie on a stick or lunch if your kiddos are hungry!
- Address: 200 Elizabeth Street
- Kermit’s Cafe Menu
18. Cuban Coffee Queen
Skip Starbucks and head to the Cuban Coffee Queen! A lively counter-service space offering Cuban coffee and traditional Cuban fares.
It’s a popular spot to go both for a delicious coffee and one of their tasty sandwiches.
You can even buy the beans to go, and it’s definitely worth taking some home with you. It’s a perfect place for a quick breakfast or lunch. We think it is one of the best quick breakfasts in Key West.
Try the Sunrise Special or Breakfast Burrito to start your day, or for an afternoon meal, dig into the Josi Marti or the Shipwreck Sandwich. It’s great for a quick bite or even a smoothie.
There are now three locations in Key West. It’s a small white shack that’s unassuming but with a colorful and funky flair. The original Cuban Coffee Queen is take-out only.
There’s nowhere to really eat at the place, making it ideal for packing up a picnic to take to the beach or to settle under a nice shady palm tree. The downtown location has a dine-in option.
- Address: 284 Margaret St.
- Menu
Bret
Saturday 6th of May 2023
Louie's Backyard is a KW favorite, back deck is on the water. It's off the beaten path, has the freshest seafood and incredible service. You need reservations though and it can be pricey, but worth it.
George
Wednesday 4th of January 2023
Off the Hook is our favorite place for good food, friendly staff, reasonable. Try the scallops and pork belly, or the tuna poke. Yum. You need to visit again and try some more restaurants. We also like Mangia Mangia, and Abondanza for Italian as well as Tratoria.
Denise
Monday 10th of October 2022
Virginia's is an awesome restaurant. Love their chocolate martinis. Monday is martini night
Matt
Monday 23rd of May 2022
El Siboney is needed on this list. I’ve been going to KWF for 30 years and I finally went to try Siboney. I was very angry…at myself for waiting that long. Best Cuban food on the island.
Mark Pershing
Tuesday 17th of May 2022
SouthernMost House has the best food wagon. Wood grilled pizzas and the absolute most awesome conch fritters, coconut shrimp and tuna poke in key west