The Florida Keys Restaurants

Seafood rules in the Keys, which is full of chef-owned restaurants with not-too-fancy food. Many restaurants serve cuisine that reflects the proximity of the Bahamas and Caribbean (you’ll see the term "Floribbean" on many menus). Tropical fruits figure prominently—especially on the beverage side of the menu. Florida spiny lobster should be local and fresh from August to March, and stone crabs from mid-October to mid-May. And don't dare leave the islands without sampling conch, be it in a fritter or in ceviche. Keep an eye out for authentic key lime pie—yellow custard in a graham-cracker crust. If it's green, just say "no." Note: Particularly in Key West and particularly during spring break, the more affordable and casual restaurants can get loud and downright rowdy, with young visitors often more interested in drinking than eating. Live music contributes to the decibel levels. If you're more of the quiet, intimate-dining type, avoid such overly exuberant scenes by eating early or choosing a restaurant where the bar isn’t the main focus.

Sort by: 6 Recommendations {{numTotalPoiResults}} {{ (numTotalPoiResults===1)?'Recommendation':'Recommendations' }} 0 Recommendations
CLEAR ALL Area Search CLEAR ALL
Loading...
  • 1. Chef Michael's

    $$$$

    This local favorite makes big waves with fresh seafood that's prepared with tropical flair. Carnivores can feast on prime-grade beef, which is carved in-house and has the kind of marbling that just melts in your mouth. Gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian dishes are also available.

    81671 Overseas Hwy., Florida, 33036, USA
    305-664–0640

    Known For

    • Watermelon mint sangria
    • Fresh catch "Juliette" with shrimp and scallops
    • Intimate tropical dining

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch Mon.–Sat., Reservations essential
  • 2. Pierre's Restaurant

    $$$$

    One of the Keys' most elegant restaurants, Pierre's marries colonial style with modern food trends and lets you taste the world from its romantic verandas. French chocolate, Australian lamb, Hawaiian fish, Florida lobster---whatever is fresh and in season will be masterfully prepared and beautifully served. Pierre's oozes style, especially the wicker-chair-strewn veranda overlooking the bay. Save your best "tropical chic" duds for dinner here. The downstairs bar is a perfect spot for catching sunsets, sipping martinis, and enjoying light eats.

    81600 Overseas Hwy., Florida, 33036, USA
    305-664–3225

    Known For

    • Romantic spot for that special night out
    • Seasonally changing menu
    • Full-moon parties

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch, Reservations essential
  • 3. The Dining Room at Little Palm Island Resort

    $$$$

    The restaurant at the exclusive Little Palm Island Resort—its dining room and adjacent outdoor terrace lit by candles and warmed by live music—is one of the most romantic spots in the Keys. It's open to nonguests on a reservations-only basis, but no one under 16 is allowed on the island. If you can get a reservation, go. The oceanfront setting is one that can't be matched, except for maybe in St. Barts or Fiji. Keep that in mind as you reach for the bill, which can also make you swoon. The menu melds Latin and Caribbean flavors, with exotic little touches—think foie gras crème brûlée with mango and toasted coconut, followed by grilled Spanish octopus and corn-jalapeño pudding. The Sunday brunch, the full-moon dinners with live entertainment, and the Chef's Table Dinner are very popular.

    28500 Overseas Hwy., Florida, 33042, USA
    305-872–2551

    Known For

    • Oceanfront tables in the sand
    • Key deer meandering by your table
    • Latin and Caribbean flavors

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential
  • 4. Louie's Backyard

    $$$$

    Feast your eyes on a steal-your-breath-away view and beautifully presented dishes prepared by executive chef Doug Shook. Once you get over sticker shock on the seasonally changing menu, settle in on the outside deck and enjoy dishes like cracked conch with mango chutney, lamb chops with sun-dried-tomato relish, and tamarind-glazed duck breast. A more affordable option is upstairs at The Cafe at Louie's, which serves tapas such as shrimp fritters with coconut curry.

    700 Waddell Ave., Florida, 33040, USA
    305-294–1061

    Known For

    • Fresh, pricey seafood and steaks
    • Affordable lunch menu
    • Late night drinks at the Afterdeck Bar, directly on the water

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential
  • 5. Seven Fish

    $$$$

    This local hot spot has a casual Key West vibe and an eclectic menu. The specialty is the local fish of the day (like snapper with creamy Thai curry), but you might also try the tropical shrimp salsa, wild-mushroom quesadilla, or old-fashioned meat loaf with real mashed potatoes. For dessert, the strawberry pie provides an added measure of down-home comfort.

    921 Truman Ave., Florida, 33040, USA
    305-296–2777

    Known For

    • Fresh seafood
    • Busy spot requiring reservations
    • Amazing foccacia

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues. No lunch, Reservations essential
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. Sixty-One Prime

    $$$$

    This elegant, fine-dining restaurant in Hawks Cay Resort serves steaks and seafood. Chefs work with local farmers and fishermen to find what’s fresh and in season, then create a menu that will wow your palate (and your wallet). Don’t miss the short-rib onion soup with smoked provolone and Gruyère.

    61 Hawks Cay Blvd., Duck Key, Florida, 33050, USA
    305-743–7000

    Known For

    • Naturally raised certified Black Angus beef
    • Nightly changing menu
    • Attentive service

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch

No Restaurants Results

Please try a broader search, or expore these popular suggestions:

There are no results for {{ strDestName}} Restaurants in the searched map area with the above filters. Please try a different area on the map, or broaden your search with these popular suggestions:

Recommended Fodor’s Video