The tropical paradise of Florida Keys and Key West offers some of the most interesting and unique places to eat and drink while you soak up the amazing views, weather and atmosphere.
The lifestyle of local residents in Florida Keys and Key West, and its historic tradition are represented in the cuisine on offer. The lifestyle in question revolves around taking it easy and relaxing at every opportunity. What better way to take advantage of Florida Keys and Key West then to delve into the culinary treats on offer. The tropical climate has a major influence on all food and drink with fresh seafood, tropical fruit and flavoursome desserts. So enjoy our run down of the ten best places to grab a bite to eat in Florida Keys and Key West.
Blue Heaven - Key West
Blue Heaven represents the Florida Keys and Key West perfectly. Its environment is full of art, tropical trees and even chickens and cats can sometimes be seen roaming the restaurant floors. With a Caribbean-inspired menu and delicacies such as jerk chicken and Red Stripe deglazed shrimp, Blue Heaven is an absolute must-visit restaurant for that perfect Florida Keys and Key West vibe.
Half Shell Raw Bar - Key West
Adjacent to the Ocean, Half Shell Raw Bar has a view to die for. Lose yourself as you stare across the mesmerising beach as the sun sets on the crystal blue water. Sit at picnic tables and enjoy scrumptious seafood such as oysters, clams and shrimp.
Key Largo Conch House - Key Largo
Nestled in-between emerald trees along the Overseas Highway, the Key Largo Conch House is a Victorian-style home that is true to the local delicacies of Florida Keys and Key West and is definitely worth seeking out. The patio seating is ideal for comfortable dining and favourites include raisin pecan French toast and succulent lionfish. The Conch House even comes with a sampler so guests can try the Conch ceviche and fritters before they buy.
Hungry Tarpon - Islamorada
Built in 1947, this little fish shack has withstood the test of time and delivers immaculate seafood with a real Keys feel. Hungry Tarpon is the perfect place to relax on the waterfront patio and enjoy succulent fish dishes. Locals rave about the amazing breakfast menu and you can see flocks of people gathering in the morning to grab a bite. The unique thing about Hungry Tarpon is that you can bring your own fish straight from a charter boat and the chef will cook it up! He offers three choices of preparation including blackened, sautéed and fried paired with fries and coleslaw. Where else can you do this?!
Santiago’s Bodega - Key West
Santiago’s Bodega offers a unique tasting experience from decadent dishes like the camembert wedge, exotic lamb patties and refreshing flavours such as yellow fin tuna and mango ceviche. Expect candle-lit tables, tufted upholstered booth backs and cool ambiance. The menu is one of the most varied in Florida Keys and Key West, and all for an affordable price.
Garbo’s Grill - Key West
With a cult following for their authentic island-style tacos and burritos, Garbo’s Grill’s popularity has sky rocketed over the past years. Once a food truck, Garbo’s has upgraded itself recently to a hefty sized restaurant. We love the Caya Fish Mahi Mahi tacos, which come with massive chunks of fresh mango, red cabbage and a superb jalapeno mayonnaise that gives it that final kick. The menu is relatively small but changes with the seasons to offer a variety of unique flavours and dishes.
Sunset Grille & Raw Bar - Marathon
The Sunset Grille and Raw Bar is the ultimate place to unwind during the day and come alive at night. Located next to the amazing Seven Mile Bridge, enjoy incredible sunset views and a glorious beach area. The menu offers something for everyone from steak to sushi. Our personal favourite is a crazy drink called the “Sharkbite” where you pour the “shark” mix into the drink and stir it to make the whole drink turn red…amazing! Locals visit the restaurant to relax and enjoy live music, at weekends there’s even pool parties and barbecues!
Harpoon Harry’s - Key West
Just a short walk from Duval Street, Harpoon Harry’s fulfils all your breakfast needs. Described as a 50’s style diner, Harpoon Harry’s focuses on comfort foods and a greasy spoon vibe with groovy décor and ample counter seating. The breakfast menu is available throughout the day and includes traditional food like our favourite country fried steak that comes topped with two eggs smothered in fine sausage gravy. Harpoon Harry’s offers generous helpings at an affordable price.
Rusty Anchor - Key West
The Rusty Anchor is one of the best kept secrets in Florida Keys and Key West, it attracts a mixture of fishermen, businessmen and tourists from all over the world. With a low-key vibe, the restaurant is family-friendly and all dishes have affordable prices. The décor consists of art and photographs depicting the seafood industry throughout the years that adds to the welcoming presence. We recommend the slow-cooked prime rib that is marinated to perfection.
Pierres Lounge & Restaurant - Islamorada
Located in the heart of Islamorada, experience a combination of cultures and styles at Pierre’s Beachfront Lounge and Restaurant. Enjoy French Fusion cuisine and stunning decorated rooms that feature Tibetan monastery doors and African, Indian and Moroccan tapestries. Watch beautiful sunsets from the wraparound balconies and the wicker chairs or dine indoors and sit comfortably on leather chesterfield sofas. The restaurant is located atop a glorious sandy beach and is renowned for offering private beach weddings and famous monthly Full Moon Parties. We recommend trying the Grilled Rack of Lamb, it was perfectly cooked and tasted incredible with the onion roasted fingerling potatoes. Pierre’s was recently noted by Zagat’s as “one of the top all-around dining experiences” and it is one of our favourite restaurants in all of Islamorada.
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