Many individuals journey to Key West for the seashores, sunsets, and nightlife, however Key West can be residence to many nice eating places. In reality, top-of-the-line issues to do in Key West is eat. Key lime pie, conch fritters, Cuban meals, espresso, recent seafood, lobster rolls…the alternatives are infinite. On this submit, we cowl 20 nice eating places in Key West, plus a few of the finest sundown spots to have a drink.
In regards to the Eating places on this Listing
I wrote this submit after our fourth go to to Key West. Tim and I ate (and drank) method an excessive amount of to collect the mandatory info for this submit…all within the identify of analysis, in fact. 🙂
Most of those eating places now we have been to, just a few now we have not. For over 10 years, I’ve household that makes an annual pilgrimage to Key West, so you will notice a few of their suggestions right here too. And several other of those eating places are additionally beneficial by the locals we talked to.
When you have been to Key West, we’d additionally love to listen to your favourite eating places, and I’m certain our readers will too. You may depart your suggestions within the remark part on the finish of this submit. Thanks!
I listing 20 eating places in Key West, which seems like rather a lot, and it’s. On the finish of the listing, I slim it all the way down to our eight favourite eating places in Key West, adopted by just a few nice spots to observe the sundown with a drink in your hand.
Have enjoyable choosing out your favorites!
Information to the Eating places in Key West
Important Meals and Drinks to Strive in Key West
Blue Heaven
Latitudes
Santiago’s Bodega
Cuban Espresso Queen
Louie’s Yard
Amigos Tortilla Bar
La Grignote
Conch Republic Seafood Firm
Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe
Café Marquesa
Salute! On the Seaside
Garbo’s Grill
DJ’s Clam Shack
Eaton Avenue Seafood Market
Banana Café
El Siboney Restaurant
Caroline’s Café
Bagatelle
Two Pals Patio Restaurant
Higher than Intercourse – A Dessert Restaurant
The place to Eat: On a Map
Our Suggestions
Sundown Eating places and Bars
Meals to Strive in Key West
Earlier than we leap into the place to eat in Key West, here’s a fast listing of what to eat in Key West.
Key Lime Pie. Key Lime Pie could be present in eating places all through Key West and the Florida Keys. We by no means had a “unhealthy” piece of Key Lime pie, however our favourite slice is from the Blonde Giraffe, which is in Tavernier (within the Florida Keys), adopted by Banana Café, in Key West.
Cuban Espresso and Cuban Meals. Key West is simply 90 miles from Cuba and there are numerous Cuban influences within the meals and drinks in Key West. Cuban espresso, rice and beans, Cuban sandwiches, mojitos…yum!
Conch Fritters or Cracked Conch. Conch, pronounced “konk,” are marine snails that stay within the heat waters round Key West. The meat is served a number of alternative ways. In conch fritters, the meat is morselized, mixed with bread and seasonings, and fried, just like a hush pet. Cracked conch are strips of the conch which might be breaded and fried, just like clam strips.
Spiny Lobster. Spiny lobster stay within the shallow, heat waters round Key West. There’s a probability you may see one in every of these guys whereas snorkeling, kayaking, or scuba diving (we noticed one on our eco kayaking journey with Lazy Canine Adventures). They’ve a barely totally different look and style than Maine lobster.
Key West Pink Shrimp. Like conch and spiny lobster, the Key West pink shrimp stay within the waters round Key West they usually make it onto most of the menus on the town.
Lobster Rolls. I used to be shocked at what number of locations in Key West serve lobster rolls made with Maine lobster. We have now two beneficial eating places which might be well-known for his or her superior lobster rolls.
Finest Eating places in Key West
Under is a listing of 20 nice eating places in Key West. Many are first come, first serve and don’t take reservations. I present the hyperlink to their web sites, so you possibly can test hours, pricing, and if you may make a reservation. For the placement of those eating places, they’re all labeled on the map close to the top of this information.
1. Blue Heaven
Specialty: Brunch
Worth: $$ – $$$
Location: 729 Thomas Avenue
Web site: blueheavenkw.com
For those who can solely go to one restaurant in Key West, have brunch at Blue Heaven.
Courting again to 1992, Blue Heaven is among the busiest, hottest eating places in Key West, for good motive. The meals is superior, and the setting is exclusive.
Blue Heaven is al fresco eating, which implies that you sit outdoors, below the duvet of palm bushes and tropical vegetation. Chickens and cats roam the property, bushes develop up and over historic, rusted ovens, and stay music performs every day.
We have now eaten right here a number of instances. There generally is a lengthy look ahead to brunch (as much as 2 hours!!), however it’s definitely worth the wait. Blue Heaven is finest recognized for his or her brunch, however they serve meals all day lengthy. You may make a dinner reservation, however brunch is first come, first serve.
2. Latitudes at Sundown Key
Specialty: Tremendous eating with sundown views
Worth: $$$$
Location: Sundown Key
Web site: www.sunsetkeycottages.com/key-west-restaurants/latitudes/
Latitudes isn’t just an excellent restaurant, additionally it is a Key West expertise.
Positioned on Sundown Key, this fantastic eating eating places serves gourmand meals with top-of-the-line sundown views in Key West.
This restaurant is racking up the awards. It’s on a number of Open Desk lists, together with 100 Most Romantic Eating places in America and 100 Most Scenic Eating places in America, in addition to Meals & Wine’s Most Romantic Restaurant in Each State.
Latitudes serves domestically sourced fish and tropical fruit. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. For one of the best expertise, plan on having dinner at sundown. We did a sundown dinner a number of years in the past and it’s one in every of our greatest eating experiences in Key West.
To get right here, it’s a 5-minute ferry trip from Key West, which is included together with your reservation. If you wish to dine at Latitudes, you will want to make a reservation far upfront, as a result of they are often onerous to get.
3. Santiago’s Bodega
Specialty: Tapas
Worth: $$ – $$$
Location: 207 Petronia Avenue
Web site: santiagosbodega.com
That is one in every of our favourite eating places in Key West. Santiago’s Bodega is a tapas restaurant that additionally serves sangria, fantastic wines, and dessert.
Strive the avocado and pear salad, goat cheese-filled and prosciutto wrapped shrimp, beef tenderloin, or the saganaki. The plates are small, so it’s plenty of enjoyable coming as a gaggle, ordering a bunch of issues from the menu, and sampling totally different dishes.
Reservations could be made upfront on their web site.
4. Cuban Espresso Queen
Specialty: Cuban espresso
Worth: $
Location: A number of places
Web site: cubancoffeequeen.com
“Drink extra cuban espresso and do silly issues sooner.”
Cuban Espresso Queen serves one of the best espresso in Key West. However that is greater than only a espresso place. The meals is nice too.
I’m an enormous fan of the iced cafe con leche. Tim, who doesn’t drink espresso (no joke!) at all times goes for a smoothie. Cuban Espresso Queen additionally serves Cuban meals for breakfast and lunch…rice and beans, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, and smoothies.
That is one other standard spot and folks begin lining up earlier than opening time…we all know since we have been in line brilliant and early at 6:45 am. Cuban Espresso Queen is my go-to spot for espresso whereas in Key West.
There are a number of places. The unique location (the photograph above) is on the waterfront on 284 Margaret Avenue. Cuban Espresso Queen is also positioned at Clinton Sq. and downtown Key West at Southard and Duval.
5. Louie’s Yard
Specialty: Nice meals and sundown views
Worth: $$$$
Location: 700 Waddell Avenue, close to the Southernmost Level
Web site: louiesbackyard.com
This can be a restaurant now we have not personally been to but, nevertheless it got here extremely beneficial from locals we spoke to, in addition to my household who visits Key West regularly.
Louie’s Yard is a fantastic eating restaurant that boasts nice views of the ocean. This can be a great spot to observe the sundown, both with a drink in your hand or whereas having dinner. There may be indoor and out of doors seating over a number of ranges.
If you would like an excellent meal and sundown views, put Louie’s Yard in your listing. You’ll see us right here on our subsequent go to to Key West.
6. Amigos Tortilla Bar
Specialty: Sq. tacos
Worth: $
Location: 425 Greene Avenue, close to Sloppy Joe’s and Duval Avenue
Web site: amigostortillabar.com
Amigos Tortilla Bar is among the Key West’s finest low-cost eats. We solely ate right here as soon as however you will notice us right here once more on a return go to to Key West.
Amigos is positioned on Greene Avenue, just some steps from Sloppy Joe’s and the bars on Duval Avenue. This small restaurant serves burritos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, nachos, and their specialty, sq. tacos.
Tim and I break up the platter of three tacos (hen, beef, and chorizo potatoes) with rice and bean and it was unbelievable!
Amigos Tortilla Bar is first come first serve and open from midday till 10 pm or 11 pm, relying on the day of the week.
7. La Grignote
Specialty: French bakery/brunch
Worth: $$ – $$$
Location: 1211 Duval Avenue
Web site: On the time that I’m scripting this, they don’t have a web site, however right here is the hyperlink to their info on Journey Advisor.
Breakfast at La Grignote. The duvet photograph for this information was additionally taken at La Grignote.
That is our favourite breakfast spot in Key West. The meals is nice, the restaurant is lovely and positioned in a quieter part of Duval Avenue, and it’s simpler to get a desk right here than Blue Heaven. And I feel the meals is best.
Dine on French toast, lobster benedict, almond croissants, or Quiche Lorraine. It’d sound boring, however we love the yogurt with recent fruit, granola, and honey. The La Grignote Key Lime tart is wonderful and our second favourite Key Lime pie in Key West (Banana Café, which is correct subsequent door, is our favourite).
La Grignote is open for breakfast and lunch and they’re first come first serve.
8. Conch Republic Seafood Firm
Specialty: Cracked conch
Worth: $$
Location: Historic Seaport
Web site: conchrepublicseafood.com
Conch fritters and cracked conch
This very touristy restaurant is in Key West’s Historic Seaport. The restaurant will get blended opinions, and I used to be hesitant to attempt it, however our tiki boat captain stated that is among the finest spots in Key West to attempt conch fritters and cracked conch.
So, we gave it a attempt.
This huge, busy restaurant lacks any actual appeal. Our waiter, who was nice, advised us that the Conch Republic is understood for the cracked conch. So, we tried each.
They have been good however nothing I would want to eat once more. In case you are trying to attempt conch fritters or cracked conch whereas in Key West, it is a good place to go for a fast chunk, however I might go elsewhere for dinner.
9. Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe
Specialty: Chocolate coated Key Lime Pie on a stick
Worth: $
Location: Nook of Greene and Elizabeth Avenue, close to the Historic Seaport
Web site: keylimeshop.com
That is one other uber touristy spot. It’s positioned just some steps from the Conch Republic Seafood Firm, so when you get your fill of cracked conch or conch fritters, make your method throughout the road to this key lime coloured restaurant.
Kermit’s sells key lime pie a number of alternative ways. They’re well-known for placing a slice on a stick and masking it in chocolate, however you may also get it bare or coated with whipped cream.
Their key lime pie is sweet, nevertheless it’s not our favourite.
10. Café Marquesa
Specialty: Tremendous eating
Worth: $$$$
Location: 600 Fleming Avenue, Marquesa Resort
Web site: marquesa.com/cafe-marquesa
We had our greatest meal in Key West at Café Marquesa. This fantastic eating restaurant is one in every of Zagat’s highest rated eating places in Key West.
From begin to end, the complete expertise was impeccable. The workers may be very attentive, the cocktails are one of the best we had in Key West (I cherished the pomegranate gin martini!), and the meals is great.
The menu adjustments seasonally, however Tim had the crispy pork Osso-Bucco which was top-of-the-line issues we ate in all of 2021. My grilled Scottish salmon was additionally fairly good.
Pork Osso-Bucco
We ate at Café Marquesa for the primary time on our most up-to-date go to to Key West and it is a place I might love to go to once more on a future go to.
11. Salute! On the Seaside
Specialty: Italian meals with Caribbean influences
Worth: $$ – $$$
Location: Higgs Seaside
Web site: saluteonthebeach.com
That is one other restaurant we haven’t been to but, however each my household and locals rave about this place.
Salute! is positioned proper on Higgs Seaside. It’s run by the identical of us who personal Blue Heaven. On the menu is Italian meals with a Caribbean twist. Our tiki boat captain says that you simply get one of the best mussels in Key West at this restaurant.
They’re open for lunch and dinner, they usually do take reservations.
12. Garbo’s Grill
Specialty: Korean BBQ taco
Worth: $
Location: 409 Caroline Avenue
Web site: garbosgrillkw.com
For an inexpensive eat, this is among the finest eating places in Key West.
This glorious meals truck is parked at Hanks Hair of the Canine Saloon. They serve tacos, burritos, and poke bowls with Korean and Caribbean flavors. We ate the Korean BBQ tacos, their specialty, they usually have been superb.
The meals truck is positioned in the back of Hank’s saloon. Order your meals, seize a desk, and benefit from the stay music at Hanks that runs all day. In case you are thirsty, Hanks serves craft beer and cocktails. The music is nice, and that is one in every of our new hang around spots in Key West.
13. DJ’s Clam Shack
Specialty: Lobster rolls
Worth: $$ – $$$
Location: 629 Duval Avenue
Web site: djsclamshack.com
DJ’s Clam Shack’s declare to fame is their look on Man Fieri’s Diners Drive-Ins & Dives. Lobster rolls, made with Maine lobster, is their signature dish, however in addition they serve steamed center neck clams, clam strips, conch fritters, and mahi mahi tacos.
Their lobster roll is unbelievable…simply nearly as good because the lobster rolls that we had in Boston. The clam strips are fairly good too. I didn’t have the conch fritters right here (there may be solely a lot we are able to eat) however folks rave about them on Journey Advisor, so should you needed to attempt conch fritters with out going to the Conch Republic, I’ve a hunch they’d be fairly good right here.
DJ’s Clam Shack is open for lunch and dinner and they’re first come first serve.
14. Eaton Avenue Seafood Market & Restaurant
Specialty: Lobster rolls
Worth: $$ – $$$
Location: 801 Eaton Avenue
Web site: kwseafood.com
We didn’t eat right here however a number of locals stated that Eaton Avenue is one of the best place in Key West for a lobster roll, so I couldn’t depart it off the listing. That is additionally an excellent place to get stone crabs, Key West pink shrimp, Royal Purple shrimp, Maine lobster tails, and New England clam chowder.
15. Banana Café
Specialty: Breakfast and brunch
Worth: $$ – $$$
Location: 1215 Duval Avenue
Web site: bananacafekw.com
This French café is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s positioned on Duval Avenue, proper subsequent door to La Grignote, one other French café and unbelievable brunch spot that I discussed earlier.
We have now been right here twice, for breakfast and for Key Lime pie. Each are nice and I’ve to say that Banana Café is our favourite place in Key West to get Key Lime pie. The pie is sooooo good and drizzled with a raspberry sauce that makes it even higher.
In case you are on the lookout for a great breakfast, with choices extra than simply eggs, bacon and potatoes, this restaurant (and La Grignote) is price contemplating.
16. El Siboney
Specialty: Genuine Cuban delicacies
Worth: $$ – $$$
Location: 900 Caroline Avenue
Web site: elsiboneyrestaurant.com
If you would like genuine Cuban meals, El Siboney is among the finest eating places in Key West.
This small, unassuming restaurant is positioned away from bustling Duval Avenue. From the touristy coronary heart of Key West (Mallory Sq., Sloppy Joes, and the Historic Seaport), it’s a 20 to 30-minute stroll to get right here, or fast taxi or Uber trip.
It doesn’t appear to be a lot on the skin, nevertheless it’s the meals that you’re right here for. The roast pork melts in your mouth and the garlic shrimp are scrumptious. The Cuban Combine sandwich and Ropa Vieja additionally get rave opinions. The meals comes out quick and the parts are enormous.
In case you are on the lookout for an off-the-beaten-path eating expertise, and wish to attempt genuine Cuban meals, put El Siboney on the highest of your listing. They’re open every day for lunch and dinner and are first come first serve.
17. Caroline’s Café
Specialty: Fish and Caribbean meals
Worth: $$ – $$$
Location: 310 Duval Avenue
Web site: carolinescafe.com
Caroline’s Café is positioned on Duval Avenue, just some steps away from a few of the hottest bars in Key West. It’s at all times full of folks, whether or not it’s lunchtime, midafternoon, or late at evening.
On TripAdvisor, it will get nice opinions, which is why we needed to offer it a attempt.
The meals is sweet, however nothing stellar. They serve numerous bar meals and Caribbean meals. On the menu, you’ll see issues like conch fritters, shrimp po’boys, Cajun blackened hen sandwiches, hen wings, peel and eat shrimp, and the fisherman’s recent catch. I had Caroline’s Well-known Fish Sandwich, which was good. However in my view, there are numerous higher eating places to attempt in Key West first (like Amigos, which is just some blocks away).
Nonetheless, Caroline’s Café has a superb location close to the bars on Duval Avenue, so it may be an excellent spot for dinner as you go bar hopping.
18. Bagatelle
Specialty: Fish and steak
Worth: $$ – $$$
Location: 115 Duval Avenue
Web site: bagatellekeywest.com
We have been right here for blissful hour, of which they’ve two. The breakfast hangover blissful hour runs from 9 am to 11:30 am. The afternoon blissful hour runs from 4 to six pm. We have been right here for the afternoon blissful hour.
Bagatelle is in a historic constructing on Duval Avenue, not removed from Mallory Sq.. This restaurant has extra of an upscale feel and appear than the opposite eating places on this space. They serve recent fish, steaks, and have an in depth wine listing. The Key Lime martini is excellent too!
My cousin Becky loves this place, significantly for blissful hour. The cocktails are nice, and the appetizers are discounted throughout blissful hour.
Bagatelle makes an excellent brunch, lunch, and dinner spot. Reservations could be made upfront (a good suggestion, particularly for dinner).
19. Two Pals Patio Restaurant
Specialty: Bloody Mary
Worth: $$ – $$$
Location: 512 Entrance Avenue
Web site: twofriends.com
Two Pals Patio Restaurant has a protracted historical past in Key West. It dates again to 1886. First it was a saloon after which, in 1967, it turned a restaurant. This was a hangout of Mel Fisher, the person who found the misplaced treasures of Atocha.
Two Pals is open seven days per week for breakfast, lunch and dinner and there may be stay music day-after-day.
Their signature “dish” is the Bloody Mary, which they state is one of the best in Key West. We had breakfast right here and it is a good spot, eating on their open patio, with a breeze within the air, and stay music enjoying. Count on to attend in line, simply not so long as you would need to wait at Blue Heaven.
20. Higher than Intercourse – A Dessert Restaurant
Specialty: Dessert
Worth: $$ – $$$
Location: 926 Simonton Avenue
Web site: betterthansexdesserts.com
For those who like the thought of consuming decadent desserts in an intimate setting, think about this distinctive restaurant. It’s one other a kind of uniquely Key West experiences.
You can be seated in a semi-private sales space and may order desserts with names like The Morning After, Italian Stallion, and Cookie Nookie Pie. Tim and I shared the Peanut Butter Perversion, and it was scrumptious.
The ambiance of the restaurant is moderately distinctive, and in some methods, it had the sensation like we have been in a strip membership. I feel I’d take the children elsewhere.
Finest Eating places in Key West: On a Map
The best way to Use This Map: Click on the icons on the map to get extra details about every restaurant. Click on the star subsequent to the title of the map so as to add this map to your Google Maps account. To view it in your cellphone or pc, open Google Maps, click on the menu button, go to “Your Locations,” click on Maps, and you will notice this map in your listing.
Our Suggestions
Even with the lengthy listing of eating places in Key West, 20 is rather a lot to select from. Under are our 8 favorites and why we selected them.
Blue Heaven: An important Key West restaurant expertise, whether or not it’s your first or your fifth go to
Amigos: Finest tacos and finest low-cost eat in Key West
Latitudes: One other important Key West expertise. Make your reservations upfront!
Santiago’s Bodega: We had one in every of our greatest meals in Key West right here. A lot of enjoyable ordering plenty of small plates and attempting new meals.
La Grignote: Finest breakfast in Key West (in our opinion)
El Siboney: The spot to attempt genuine Cuban meals
Café Marquesa: We had our greatest meal in Key West right here and we will probably be again once more!
Cuban Espresso Queen: We love this place and go to a number of instances each time we come to Key West.
Finest Sundown Eating places in Key West
If you would like a drink or a meal with an epic view of the sundown, put these in your listing:
- Latitudes
- Louie’s Yard
- Bistro 245
We didn’t eat at Bistro 245, however we checked it out. It’s positioned subsequent to Mallory Sq. so you’ll have spectacular views of the sundown from right here. There are two ranges of seating plus and out of doors patio. You may have drinks, appetizers, or dinner whilst you watch the sundown.
