No trip to Key West is complete without a few visits to the best Key West restaurants to eat some of the best Key West food! There’s nothing better than an outdoor adventure or relaxing the day away, soaking up the sun, the sand, and the sea, and finishing the day with a delicious meal.
All around Key West, you’ll find deliciously locally-made fare, mostly fresh and fantastic seafood dishes cooked up in the traditional styles of the area. Below are all the best restaurants in Key West for a foodie feast.
Key West Food to Try!
Key Lime Pie: No Key West restaurants list is complete without mentioning Key Lime Pie, and you’ll have to try it at least once when you visit Key West. While key limes are no longer harvested in Florida in mass like they used to, the key lime still is synonymous with the Florida Keys. You’ll find this tart and creamy pie on dessert menus around town, each one tastes different than the last!
Conch Fritters: Pronounced “konk,” this is a meaty seafood from an oversized sea snail. It is native to the Caribbean and the Florida Keys. You can eat it raw, but a popular way to eat conch is in “fritter” form. This is finally chopped conch meat mixed with a flour and egg batter and then deep fried in oil. You can also find this dish in many Key Largo restaurants.
Conch Chowder: Another use of conch meat is to mix it with potatoes, tomatoes, and vegetables for a delicious conch chowder!
Key West Pink Shrimp: This shrimp is not your normal shrimp! These shrimp reside in clean coral sand right off the coast of Key West! They have a unique taste hard to find anywhere besides Key West.
Spiny Lobster: Typically in season August through May, the spiny lobster doesn’t have claws, so its meat is all in the tail. It’s not quite as good as the lobster you may find in Maine, but it’s a specialty you should try if you see it on the menu in these Key West restaurants.
Cuban Coffee and Cuisine: Key West has many Cuban influences, and there’s nowhere this is more apparent than in the food and coffee. Make sure to eat at one of the Cuban eateries listed below at least once on your trip!
The Best Key West Restaurants – Quick Answers
- Best Key West Fine Dining Restaraunt: Latitudes
- Best Key West Restaurant for Date Night: Cafe Marquesa
- Best Key West Pizza Restaurant: Onlywood Pizzeria Trattoria
- Best Key West Seafood Restaurant: Conch Republic Seafood Company
- Best Key West Takeaway Restaurant: Key West Cuban Coffee
- Best Key West Mexican Restaurant: Amigos Tortilla Bar
- Best Cuban Restaurant in Key West: El Siboney
- Best Sushi Restaurant in Key West: Sushi Song
The Best Restaurants in Key West
Conch Republic Seafood Company
An institution in the Key West food scene for decades. The discovery of pink shrimp beds in the late 1940s led to a shrimping rush known as the “pink gold” rush, with new docks and a stone breakwater constructed to accommodate the hundreds of shrimp boats that fished out of our Bight. The Conch Republic Seafood Company is housed in the original Singleton Fish House and Ice Plant, which were built to process Key West Pink Shrimp.
The Main Dining Room is where the shrimp were processed, headed, and sorted before packing and shipping over 50 years ago. They dished up some of the best seafood in Florida half a century ago and have withheld those customs.
The company is still committed to offering the freshest local seafood to its customers while preserving and honoring the unique history of the area and the shrimping business. Come here if you are after some of the best pink shrimp you have ever had in your life.
Blue Heaven
Blue Heaven is probably one of the most well-known and best restaurants in the Florida Keys. It’s set in the historic Bahama Village and offers an island-style menu beloved by many. It’s a great spot for a meal any time of day.
The Caribbean BBQ Shrimp is a popular pick, and the Yellow Submarine and Island Plate are equally enjoyable. The outdoor garden is glorious, and if you’re lucky you’ll see the chicken and the cat who are known to roam the property as adorable besties. There are plenty of truly tasty vegetarian options here too, whether you eat meat-free or not.
Onlywood Pizzeria Trattoria
For the best pizza and Italian in Key West you can’t miss Onlywood on Duval. Their restaurant features a massive brick oven imported from Napoli, made entirely of lavic materials sourced from Vesuvius. The oven can reach temperatures of up to 1000 degrees, perfect for creating authentic Neapolitan-style pizza, which is hard to find outside of Italy.
Onlywood uses the finest Italian ingredients, mainly imported from Italy. You’ll likely be wondering why the mozzarella tastes so good, and our only answer is it’s the homemade in-house ancient recipe they hold dear.
In addition to delicious pizza, you can also find homemade gnocchi, fresh fettuccine, lasagna, meatballs, and Bolognese sauce as well as fresh local seafood and daily specials that showcase the best of Italian cuisine.
Cafe Marquesa
Cafe Marquesa is a high-end eatery set inside a fancy hotel serving elevated New American fares. It’s a great spot for a special night out on the town if you’re looking for some fine dining in Key West.
It’s a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The plates are inventive and elevated and all based on the seasonal availability of the ingredients. The bar space is cozy for light bites and boozy beverages and they have some of the best Key Lime pie in all of Key West!
Amigos Tortilla Bar
This tiny cantina has some of the most amazing Mexican and tacos in the area. Their service is quick and delicious, a perfect place to have dinner after a long day of adventuring.
Amigos Tortilla Bar has a unique tortilla machine designed to cut dough into a distinctive square shape, which is more than just a gimmick – it’s a functional feature.
Their folded square shape tortillas allows for more filling with less spilling!
Sushi Song
If you’re craving sushi in Key West you can’t go wrong with Sushi Song! Available for take out and open ultra late (sometimes until 4am!)
With a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and expertly prepared sushi rolls, this establishment is a must-visit for sushi lovers. Whether you’re in the mood for classic rolls or creative flavor combinations, Chef Song has something to satisfy every palate. consider ordering a Song Signature Roll like the Japan Red Hot or Maine Lobster Volcano (baked Maine Lobster – yum!).
The Lobster Shack
The Lobster Shack is a shellfish lover’s dream. Situated near Dog Beach, which is one of the best Key West beaches it’s a tiny, brightly colored, coastal cottage that’s full of fun. For example, their cheeky tagline is “the best tail in town.”
The menu isn’t too fancy, and it features mainly different types of lobster rolls, plus their famous bisque and some conch fritters for a side. If you like spice go for the Diablo Roll, otherwise the Lobster BLT Roll is a great choice. If they happen to have some freshly baked Key Lime Pie while you’re there, it’s also a must-order.
Hot Tin Roof
- Price: $$$
- Cuisine: Latin American-style small plates
- Address: 0 Duval St, Key West (GPS)
- Website: See Menu
Hot Tin Roof is a restaurant where it’s worth savoring every bite and is one of the best Key West restaurants on the water. The main focus is a fusion of Caribbean and classic Florida flavors, and all the small plates are so fun to share. The waterfront scenery is really stunning, and sitting out on the open-air patio is a lovely way to spend some time here.
The lounge and dining room are decorated in an island-style, with some whimsical sculptures and murals adding to the ambiance. The Snow Crab and Tasso Mac and Cheese and the Chilled Seared Rare Tuna are some seriously fine fares.
Key West Cuban Coffee Shop
Not to be confused with Cuban Coffee Queen on Margaret Street, this establishment is more than a coffee shop! Here you can enjoy anything from Smoothies to (you guessed it) Cuban food.
AtKey West Cuban Coffee Cocina has extensive menu with a range of delicious options to choose from. Head here to start your day with Cuban Toast, Huevos Rancheros, Empanadas, or Chicken Breakfast Tacos. If you’re looking for something easy you can also order online with their easy online ordering system.
Thirsty Mermaid
The Thirsty Mermaid is a breath of fresh air in the Key West foodie scene and one of the most incredible Key West seafood restaurants. An adorable little eatery, it’s bright and clean in a way that feels hip and modern. The menu offers many locally sourced seafood dishes, each thoughtful and seasonal.
It also has an amazing raw bar, with a rotating selection of oysters, clams, and ceviches. There’s plenty of Florida craft beer on draft as well as an extensive list of wines available by the glass, half bottle, or full bottle. It’s a perfect pick for happy hour, with delicious discounted snacks and drinks.
Pepe’s Cafe
Pepe’s is an iconic institution in Key West that’s been feeding the hungry Florida masses since way back in 1909. As such, a stop in at this rustic joint is basically mandatory and we’re sure you will leave thinking it is one of the best restaurants in Key West. They offer signature breakfast dishes, such as the Jumbo Eggs and Lox Platter.
It’s also open for lunch and dinner, but be sure to check the times before you head over. The menu is small, with a few options for steaks, fresh fish, and sandwiches. There’s a full bar, homemade desserts, and a very tasty surf and turf as well.
Nine One Five
Set inside a renovated Victorian home from 1850, Nine One Five offers a special atmosphere. It’s an all-around effortlessly charming experience that feels unique to the area. The fare here is mainly American with some global inspiration.
The Lobster Ravioli and Clams & Chorizo are both dishes that are to die for here. It also turns into a late-night wine bar, and with the fresh Florida air out on the picturesque patio covered in twinkle lights, it’s the ideal setting for it.
Azur
- Price: $$$
- Cuisine: Mediterranean restaurant
- Address: 425 Grinnell St, Key West (GPS)
- Website: See Menu
For something a bit different from the norm in Key West, try the modern Mediterranean eatery Azur as it’s one of the best restaurants in Key West. It’s located in the heart of Old Town, just off the tourist strip of Duval Street. It’s a super tranquil space that offers an upscale, yet cute and contemporary, ambiance.
It has an intimate indoor and outdoor setting full of plants and warm colors. The House-Cured Salmon Carpaccio, Confit Duck Leg, and Seafood Risotto are just a few of the delicious dishes on deck here. They offer a beautiful brunch as well.
Kermit’s Key Lime Café
You can’t visit the Florida Keys and not have a taste of the famous Key Lime Pie so I have to include a Key Lime specific restaurant on this list of restaurants in Key West! There are plenty of places selling Key Lime Pie in Key West!
However, none stand out as much as our FROZEN key lime at Kermit’s. This place is an institution with two locations, the original at 200 Elizabeth Street and one right off Duval Street.
There is also a restaurant serving up affordable breakfast meals here!
Latitudes
Latitudes is a local legend for oceanfront fine dining in Key West. Set inside of the Westin Hotel, it’s an upscale eatery serving elevated American plates, which are outshone only by the stunning views of the sea, especially as the sun sets. It’s the epitome of island elegance and requires only a short ferry ride to arrive.
The fares are fresh, full of flavor, and sourced responsibly. You can go for any meal of the day, but be advised that if you head over in the evening, you may need to dress up a little. The Pink Shrimp Carbonara and Ahi Tuna Sliders seem to be the beloved bites.
Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen and Bar
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: American restaurant, seafood
- Address: 7001 Shrimp Rd Suite 200, Naval Air Station Key West (GPS)
- Website: See menu
Matt’s is the mecca of American coastal comfort food in town. The atmosphere is so modern and airy, featuring water views, so it’s just a joy to eat at. One of the coolest things to do here is bring in your own catch after a day of angling out on the open seas and they will prepare it for you just the way you want!
The brunch menu is available Wednesdays and Sundays, and it features unlimited small plates and bottomless mimosas or bloody Marys. They also offer happy hour every day and a BBQ dinner once a week. The Crab Beignets are super delicious here.
Bagatelle
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: Seafood restaurant
- Address: 115 Duval St #6505, Naval Air Station Key West (GPS)
- Website: See menu
Located in downtown Key West, Bagatelle is a seafood focused American eatery. It’s set inside an historic home built way back in the 1800s, and the wrap-around porch is one of its most charming attributes.
They offer brunch and dinner daily, plus two happy hours – one in the late afternoon and one made just for curing hangovers in the morning. If we start our adventure off here, we tend to opt for the Southern Benedict and Corned Beef Hash with a seasonal co*cktail, and if we end up at Bagatelle after a day full of Florida sunshine, we go for the Lobster Mac and Cheese and Tenderloin Carpaccio paired with a nice glass of red.
El Siboney (One of our absolute favorite Key West restaurants!)
If you drove all the way from Key Largo to Key West in search of Cuban food, a stop here is a must. El Siboney is a hidden gem in downtown Key West and THE Cuban restaurant Key West.
Cuban food is a staple of the foodie scene in the Keys and trying some is one of the best things to do in Florida. Truth be told, this little hole in the wall has some of the best Cuban food! The traditional home cooking and no-frills setting are all part of the fun.
Whatever you order, you’d be wise to try a glass of the house-made sangria while you’re here. It’s a meat-heavy menu, and everything is authentic and affordable. The Roast Pork and Siboney Steak are both mouthwatering meals.
El Meson de Pepe
El Meson de Pepe is a family owned and operated establishment that first opened in 1985 and is one of the most revered Key West restaurants. It’s an adorably rustic space with exposed brick, vintage memorabilia, and colorful murals covering the walls. They often host live Salsa music out on the patio for fun-filled evenings on Mallory Square.
They serve up authentic Cuban cuisine with unique flavors using traditional recipes that have been passed down for generations. One claim to fame here is the best mojitos and caipirinhas on the island. The other is classic foods full of flavor, like the Vaca Frita. Try the Conga Combo for a little taste of everything good here.
Cuban Coffee Queen
- Price: $
- Cuisine: Coffee coffee shop, quick Cuban cuisine
- Address: 284 Margaret St, Naval Air Station Key West (GPS)
- Website: See menu
This lively counter service spot is so much more than just a renowned coffee stand in Key West. Alongside their expertly roasted cafes and fresh fruit smoothies, you’ll find fantastic Cuban fares made in all the tasty traditional styles. It’s a perfect stop for a hearty breakfast that feels quick and easy or a delightful lunch.
The Cuban Breakfast Burrito and the Shipwreck Sandwich tend to get top billing, although the menu has plenty of options for every preference, including vegetarians.
Garbo’s Grill
This tiny food stand is run by a husband and wife team, and it’s such a cute hidden gem for chowing down in Key West. The menu is eclectic and inventive, so there are always some fun fusion foods to try here. It’s a little airstream that’s decked out in neon lights and is actually considered to be part of the iconic Hank’s Saloon as well.
The Korean BBQ Tacos and the Umami burger steal the show on this short but incredibly impressive menu. It’s even open late if you find yourself craving a Poke Bowl or Lobster Roll after a wild night out on the town.
Eaton Street Seafood Market and Restaurant
If you’re dreaming of digging into some of that quintessential Florida shore seafood straight out of the ocean, Eaton can surely fulfill your fantasy. It’s a simple space that feels modern and trendy without the frills.
The market sections offer gourmet goodies galore, including a counter fully stocked with locally caught gems and handmade artisan accouterments. The restaurant fixes up these fares for you, offering Grilled Lobster Tail, Shrimp Salad Sandwiches, Fried Conch Baskets, and more.
Smoked BBQ
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: Barbecue restaurant
- Address: 1801 N Roosevelt Blvd, Key West (GPS)
- Website: See menu
Good old fashioned American smoked meats are served right on the beautiful marina here. What’s better than barbecue with a beachy backdrop?
The atmosphere is relaxed and features a quaint old school decor. Bacon Hushpuppies, Back Country Spring Rolls, and the Bucket of Bones are stellar ways to start off any meal here. For mains, they’ve got it all from pulled pork to brisket to burnt ends. They always offer a daily special that’s just as delicious as well.
Bo’s Fish Wagon
For the (self-proclaimed) perfect fish sandwich in Key West, you’ve got to go to Bo’s. It’s certainly an offbeat eatery which is all part of its charm. It’s set inside a tiny driftwood shack that features a decidedly funky decor. It’s a laidback spot to kick back with a cold beer and embrace those Florida feels.
They’ve got options from both the land and the sea in the form of platters and handhelds, the Grouper being the most famous food to try here. The Friday Night Jam Session is always quite the draw as well.
Sunset Pier
The Sunset Pier is a delightful dockside dining destination that locals and tourists alike seem to consider an iconic staple of the foodie scene. Set inside the Ocean Key Resort and Spa, they offer waterfront panoramas and live musical entertainment. Brightly colored shaded tables line the wooden structure stretching out into the sea for a unique eating experience in Key West.
The cuisine is just as tropical, and tasty to boot. It may be on the pricier side but is well worth it for the fun and the photo ops. It’s not just about the bites either, there’s craft beer, fine wine, and specialty co*cktails to enjoy as well.
best Restaurants in Key West map
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