The 40 Best Places to Eat in Key West Florida

I’ve got you covered if you’re looking for the best places to eat in Key West! Of course, it makes sense to map out a plan for where you want to eat on vacation. So, this list of the best restaurants in Key West is here to help you out.

By the way, we also have a post with 35 things to do in Key West; make sure to check it out.

Rent a car in Key West

Whether you fly into Key West or into Miami and drive through the keys, you’ll definitely want a rental car! If you decide to rent a car during your Florida vacation, I recommend renting a car from Discount USA Car Rental.

Discount USA Car Rental offers the lowest rates through all the major companies, and you don’t pay anything until you pick up your car.

If you’re driving to Key West, don’t miss 30 things to do from Miami to Key West and 30 Things to Do in Miami for Kids.

40 Best Places to Eat in Key West Florida

Here are the best places to eat in Key West, in no particular order. I hope you can try lots of them during your Key West vacation. Also, make sure to share your favorite places to eat in Key West in the comments at the bottom of the post.

Kermit’s Key Lime Shoppe

Okay, so we all know that key lime pie is always at the top of the list of things to eat in Key West. Well, the best key lime pie you can find will always be at Kermit’s Key Lime Pie Shoppe, located on Elizabeth Street.

This restaurant always gets rave reviews. It’s a popular spot, so arriving early is a good idea. Kermit’s also serves breakfast and lunch.

One look at all the menu items, and one taste, makes it easy to see why it’s one of the favorite restaurants in Key West.

Oh, and if you get hooked on their pie, don’t worry! They ship pies all over the United States.

Pepe’s Cafe

If you are looking for a local favorite while in Key West, look no further than Pepe’s Cafe. This is a great spot to hang out with the locals.

This restaurant has been open since 1909. It is one of the authentic Key West eateries. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. So, no matter when you arrive, you will be served something delicious.

Harpoon Harry’s

A local restaurant down the street from Pepe’s is Harpoon Harry’s. It is a diner with friendly staff. You can easily stay on budget when you eat here.

It is important to note that this restaurant only takes cash.

Photo is property of Harpoon Harry’s

Half Shell Raw Bar

If you are looking for fresh local seafood, you must go to the Half Shell Raw Bar. The seafood is so fresh; the pigeons constantly try to snag a few samples.

Don’t panic when you see “dolphin” on their menu. It is what they happen to call mahi mahi.

Commodore Waterfront

Commodore Waterfront is currently moving locations. However, they will still serve their delicious cuisine when they are in their new location. This is one of the best happy hour places in Key West.

If you want the best seats at this restaurant, always arrive early for happy hour. This will ensure you get a seat with excellent views.

Sloppy Joe’s

Sloppy Joe’s is right off Duval Street. It’s a nice place to go to grab a beer and something to eat without being in the middle of the hustle and bustle. You can order anything from a pizza to tacos and hot sandwiches.

There are plenty of appetizers if you don’t want a full meal.

Alonzo’s Oyster Bar

The perfect place for oysters and lobster rolls is Alonzo’s Oyster Bar. They have a full lunch and dinner menu. Dinner reservations are always recommended, especially if you want a seat that overlooks the water.

You can choose from numerous small plates. Although, their seafood towers offer the best deals. The Shipwreck Tower will feed a small crowd.

Photo is property of Alonzo’s.

Hard Rock Cafe at Curry Mansion

I prefer to dine at local restaurants while on vacation. However, I can never pass by a visit to this Hard Rock Cafe. It is located inside a historic building, the Curry Mansion. It is said that this mansion is haunted. You will have to dine there yourself to find out!

Fogarty’s and the Flying Monkeys Saloon

If you are craving fish tacos, you must venture over to Fogarty’s and the Flying Monkeys Saloon. In addition to fish tacos, they have conch fritters, mahi mahi bites, and key lime shrimp.

For those that don’t eat fish, you can order smokey Joe’s ribs, the Fogarty’s burger, or the three-cheese pasta.

Pinchers

You will find Pinchers restaurants all over Florida. They are known for their 2-for-1 drinks all day long. They also have happy hour food specials every afternoon.

The dining room is child friendly. The menu is child friendly. And there is no specific dress code.

They have some of the best seafood. You can even choose how you want your shrimp prepared. But, of course, there are plenty of meat options for anyone who isn’t craving seafood.

Antonia’s

The best Italian food in Key West can be found at Antonia’s. Their menu is filled with authentic cuisine options. The house wines pair perfectly with everything on the menu too.

It is a must to order pasta here. However, the sauteed veal scallopini and the chicken Milanese are excellent options if you don’t want pasta.

Amigos Tortilla Bar

One of the best restaurants for Mexican food is Amigos Tortilla Bar. This restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. Choose your favorite tacos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, or nachos. Then sit back and relax as you dive in and eat.

Cuban Coffee Queen

Cuban Coffee Queen is one of the best places to grab a cup of coffee in the Florida Keys. Their coffee and cuisine all have Cuban influences. You won’t find French toast at this restaurant. But you will find all sorts of yummy things like a Cuban sandwich, along with coffee, tea, and smoothies.

Blackfin Bistro

You will find a bistro menu at Blackfin Bistro on Duval Street. Consider yourself lucky if lobster bisque is one of the specials on the day of your visit. You may have to settle for their lobster rolls, blackfin burger, or grilled yellowfin tuna if it’s not on the menu.

Photo is property of Blackfin Bistro.

Bagatelle

The go-to place for brunch in Key West is Bagatelle. They serve brunch seven days a week. The brunch menu contains French toast, eggs benedict, lobster mac and cheese, and much more.

This is a favorite place for many of the locals. Bagatelle is also famous for its breakfast hangover happy hour. It is a great way to recuperate from the night before.

Blue Heaven

Blue Heaven is one of the Key West restaurants that doesn’t focus on seafood. Instead, it’s a great place to eat blueberry pancakes for breakfast or carrot and curry soup later in the day. Vegetarian options are abundant on the menu at Blue Heaven.

Garbo’s Grill

Garbo’s Grill has no inside dining room since it is a food truck. However, the outside space is perfect for enjoying delicious food. It’s all about the fusion foods at this food truck.

Start with an order of Korean BBQ tacos. Then grab a kimchi-topped hot dog or the Korean shrimp tacos.

Oh, and if this restaurant sounds familiar, it was featured on Dinners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.

The Lobster Shack Key West

All things lobster are served at The Lobster Shack Key West. They have a few different lobster rolls. You could try the Key West lobster roll or the diablo lobster roll. Just don’t be boring and go for the traditional New England lobster roll.

The best time to visit this restaurant is when you are at the southernmost point. However, it isn’t too far away from the buoy.

Azur

Azur is one of the best places to eat in Key West Florida. This restaurant is open for brunch and dinner. Key lime French toast is a hit for brunch. Although, the crab cake benedict is popular too.

At dinner, choose the seafood risotto. It is filled with five different types of seafood and topped with fresh veggies.

Little Pearl

Dining reservations are necessary at Little Pearl. They are currently doing three seatings of their 4-course dinner menu. The menu changes occasionally, so you never know precisely what you will have. However, it will always be good.

Cafe Marquesa

Cafe Marquesa might appear to be a high-end restaurant in Key West. But don’t let the appearance fool you; this is a family-friendly restaurant filled with yummy foods with a Southern twist. The spiny lobster, fresh fish, and center-cut filets are all made to perfection.

There is a full bar at this restaurant. This makes it the perfect spot to hang out with friends before or after a meal.

Photo is property of Cafe Marquesa.

Southernmost Beach Cafe

Some of the best seafood in Key West can be found at the Southernmost Beach Cafe. This restaurant is only 90 miles from Cuba.

The Southernmost Beach Cafe is considered a boat-to-table restaurant. So, yes, the seafood is that fresh!

Their most popular dish is the drunken scallops. The scallops are cooked with bacon before being drizzled with a glaze made with local beer. The best part is this dish is then served with lobster mashed potatoes.

Hot Tin Roof

Hot Tin Roof is a restaurant at Ocean Key Resort. This is one of the restaurants near Mallory Square. They serve breakfast and dinner each day and brunch on Sundays. Their menu is small. However, it is one of the best places on the island to get lobster bisque.

Sunset Pier

Sunset Pier is another restaurant at Ocean Key Resort. Their menu features Key West pink shrimp, along with other fresh seafood. The menu is small, but they offer the best lunch in Key West.

First Flight Island Restaurant and Brewery

First Flight Island can be found in one of Key West’s most historic buildings. This building is where Pan American World Airlines began. The first tickets for the airlines were sold here in 1927.

The kitschy decor matches the airline’s history. Yet, the food is all Key West. I recommend sitting outside on the patio. You can enjoy the views while enjoying their famous dish, the street corn, and avocado bowl.

Glazed Donuts

When you are on vacation, there is no shame in eating donuts. At any time! Glazed Donuts is one of the best places to get donuts in Key West.

Key limes are used to make their key lime donuts. Then you have options like pineapple upside-down Brulee and blackberry frosted.

Arrive early for the best selection. And remember, they close when all the donuts are sold.

El Siboney Restaurant

El Siboney Restaurant has served great food to Key West locals since 1984. They specialize in fresh seafood and Cuban food. You must try their conch chowder, ropa vieja, and chicken enchiladas.

Pro tip: The local’s order by menu number. Do the same thing to fit right in.

Eaton Street Seafood Market

Yes, Eaton Street Seafood Market is a market that sells only the freshest seafood. However, there is also a restaurant there. This means you can take advantage of the fresh seafood being made into delicious dishes.

Choosing between fried conch strips, crab cake sandwiches, and fish tacos will be difficult. However, you may need to order them all.

Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen and Bar

This Key West restaurant is open for breakfast and dinner daily. However, the brunch has made it one of the best places to eat in Key West Florida. You must have a brunch reservation if you want to experience the food yourself.

Matt’s Stock Island Kitch and Bar brunch menu is filled with amazing dishes. The most popular ones include the tropical guava cream French toast and the pork belly benedict.

Seaside Cafe at the Mansion

The Seaside Cafe at the Mansion is known for its lobster pizza. However, you will also find lobster biscuits, tuna poke, and sandwiches on the menu. This restaurant may be eclectic, but it is still one of the best places to eat in Key West.

Thirsty Mermaid

This full raw bar serves both East and West Coast oysters. I recommend ordering numerous appetizers to share. This ensures you get to try most of the dishes.

Must-try appetizers include sauteed Bahamian conch and littleneck clams. Non-seafood dishes are on the menu too. Of course, the homemade gnocchi with spicy short-rib ragu is always a hit.

Latitudes

You will not find too many fine-dining restaurants in Key West. Latitudes is part of Sunset Key Cottages. Reservations are always recommended, especially for dinner.

This is the one restaurant in Key West where you can order lobster benedict. Pork tenderloin is also on the menu for dinner, along with lots of fresh seafood.

Conch Republic Seafood Restaurant

The Conch Republic Seafood Company operates this restaurant. You don’t need to have a good reason to go there. All you need is a craving for delicious seafood.

They serve more than seafood, and you will find plenty of options on the menu. Save room for dessert too. Their hot pineapple upside-down rum cake is their most popular. Yes, it even beats out the key lime pie!

Banana Cafe

Banana Cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For breakfast, you should always order crepes. Any of the salads and sandwiches are perfect for lunch.

When it comes to dinner, start with shrimp, mac, and cheese. Then order the classic fish and chips, seafood risotto, or the Banana Cafe burger.

Photo is property of Banana Cafe.

Bo’s Fish Wagon

Bo’s has a little bit of everything on the menu. Seafood sandwiches and meat sandwiches, as well as seafood platters. Everyone can find something they are craving when they go to Bo’s.

Hogfish Bar

You’ll need to make a quick trip to Stock Island to eat at Hogfish Bar. Trust me; the drive is worth it!

The hogfish sandwich is one of the best things to order at this restaurant. It is the house specialty. They fry up hogfish and place it between two slices of Cuban bread. Unfortunately, this dish is not available all the time. Only when the local divers manage to get some hogfish from the ocean.

915 Duval

Don’t walk too quickly past the historic Victorian house at 915 Duval Street, or you will miss out on some delectable food. There is a ton of Key West’s pink shrimp in the soul mama seafood soup.

You can’t go wrong pairing many other dishes on the menu with a Key West sunset drink.

Louie’s Backyard

Louie’s Backyard is an upscale restaurant in Key West. You don’t need to be dressed to the nines to dine there, though. They have the best food on the menu too.

You may wait a little bit at this Key West restaurant once you order. All the dishes are made to order.

If you don’t want to wait for food, head down to the Afterdeck bar. They serve up some great cocktails, including a great bloody mary.

Santiago’s Bodega

Santiago’s Bodega is one of the quirkier restaurants in Key West. Yes, I know, many of the restaurants are quirky. But this one takes it to the next level.

This is a great place to go to order small plates to share. In addition, they have hot and cold tapas, so take your time perusing the menu.

Oh, and head over for weekend brunch too. They go all out on the weekends.

Photo is property of Santiago’s Bodega.

The best places to eat in Key West

These are the best places to eat in Key West Florida. I hope the list of the best restaurants in Key West gives you a few ideas of different places to try during your vacation.

More Florida travel tips

While you’re here, don’t forget to check out more of our Florida travel tips!

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The 40 best places to eat in Key West Florida