What to Eat in Key West
Key West's dining is unique and casual (it's not unusual to see the occasional animal stroll by your table). Seafood is the foundation of much of the local fare; however, Caribbean and Cuban influences add a bit of a kick to your standard fish dish. Some of the city's top guided food tours offer a more in-depth look at how Caribbean and Cuban flavors have shaped the local dining scene.
Critics and travelers agree that El Siboney offers some of the best authentic Cuban food in Key West (try Frita's Cuban Burger Cafe for a more casual atmosphere). If you're craving some classic Florida–Caribbean plates, the iconic Blue Heaven is a sure bet. Not your typical eatery, Blue Heaven prides itself on its funky atmosphere (roosters and cats roam freely among the outdoor tables). For a menu that's more seafood–focused, try Seven Fish. Just keep your eyes peeled when you're looking for the restaurant on the corner of Elizabeth and Olivia streets: previous visitors say the tiny restaurant is easy to miss.
You won't have any trouble finding budget-friendly outposts in Key West, but locating a more fine dining experience can be trickier. Nine One Five is well-received by both critics and travelers. Located in an old Victorian house on Duval Street, the upscale eatery serves up a menu that's heavy on seafood and steak. After dinner, head upstairs to the Point5 Lounge where local jazz musicians sometimes play.
Plenty of fun-loving bars also dot Duval Street. Travelers suggest trying to get a table at Louie's Backyard around sunset: you'll encounter fewer crowds than those at Mallory Square, plus you can enjoy a glass of wine and small plates while you watch the sun dip behind the Gulf of Mexico. On the other end of the spectrum, the Green Parrot is well-loved for its affordable prices, beer selection and local live music.
No matter where you choose to dine when in Key West, you'll likely find Key lime pie on nearly every menu. When it first appeared in the Keys is a bit of a mystery, but the confection has become so synonymous with the Sunshine State that is was declared Florida's official pie in 2006. Though there is much debate as to where you can find the best slice, travelers and critics agree that Kermit's Key West Key Lime Shoppe, Pepe's Cafe and Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory are among the best.
Find the Best Restaurants in Key West
- #1
Seaside Cafe at the Mansion#1 of 385 Places to Eat in Key West
$ - $$ | Bar, Pizza, Cafe, Seafood1400 Duval St Located at the Mansion, Key West, FL 33040-3133Read More » - #2
La Grignote#2 of 385 Places to Eat in Key West - #3
Keys Coffee Co.#3 of 385 Places to Eat in Key West - #4
Bien#4 of 385 Places to Eat in Key West - #5
Tavern N Town#5 of 385 Places to Eat in Key West
$$ | Seafood3841 N Roosevelt Blvd Marriott Beachside Hotel, Key West, FL 33040-4534Read More » - #6
Prime Steakhouse#6 of 385 Places to Eat in Key West - #7
Garbo's Grill#7 of 385 Places to Eat in Key West - #8
Santiago's Bodega#8 of 385 Places to Eat in Key West - #9
Moondog Cafe & Bakery#9 of 385 Places to Eat in Key West - #10
Off the Hook Grill Key West#10 of 385 Places to Eat in Key West - #11
The Lobster Shack Key West#11 of 385 Places to Eat in Key West - #12
DJ's Clam Shack#12 of 385 Places to Eat in Key West - #13
Fisherman's Cafe#13 of 385 Places to Eat in Key West - #14
Bliss Restaurant Key West#14 of 385 Places to Eat in Key West - #15
Key Plaza Creperie#15 of 385 Places to Eat in Key West - #16
Incas Restaurant#16 of 385 Places to Eat in Key West - #17
Cuban Coffee Queen#17 of 385 Places to Eat in Key West - #18
Better Than Sex - A Dessert Restaurant Key West#18 of 385 Places to Eat in Key West - #19
Duetto Pizza and Gelato#19 of 385 Places to Eat in Key West - #20
The Cafe#20 of 385 Places to Eat in Key West
Explore More of Key West
If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.