
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
- #1Seaside Cafe at the Mansion#1 of 388 Places to Eat in Key West
Tripadvisor (1140)$ - $$ | Bar, Pizza, Cafe, Seafood1400 Duval St Located at the Southernmost House, Key West, FL 33040-3133Read More » - #2Meet Burger USA#2 of 388 Places to Eat in Key West
Tripadvisor (164)$ - $$ | American, Bar, Grill517 Truman Ave, Key West, FL 33040-3173Read More » - #3La Grignote#3 of 388 Places to Eat in Key West
Tripadvisor (829)$ - $$ | French, Cafe1211 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040-3129Read More » - #4Clemente's Trolley Pizzeria#4 of 388 Places to Eat in Key West
Tripadvisor (179)$ - $$ | Italian, Pizza516 Fleming St, Key West, FL 33040-6882Read More » - #5Keys Coffee Co.#5 of 388 Places to Eat in Key West
Tripadvisor (293)$ | American, Cafe, Healthy505 Southard St, Key West, FL 33040-6835Read More » - #6Prime Steakhouse#6 of 388 Places to Eat in Key West
Tripadvisor (1034)$$ | Seafood, American, Steakhouse951 Caroline St, Key West, FL 33040-6636Read More » - #7The Lobster Shack Key West#7 of 388 Places to Eat in Key West
Tripadvisor (502)$ - $$ | Seafood, American507 South St, Key West, FL 33040-3165Read More » - #8DJ's Clam Shack#8 of 388 Places to Eat in Key West
Tripadvisor (2192)$ - $$ | American, Bar, Seafood629 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040-6554Read More » - #9Santiago's Bodega#9 of 388 Places to Eat in Key West
Tripadvisor (5386)$ - $$ | European, Spanish207 Petronia St Suite 101, Key West, FL 33040-7305Read More » - #10Bien#10 of 388 Places to Eat in Key West
Tripadvisor (2131)$ | Latin, Fusion, Caribbean1000 Eaton St, Key West, FL 33040-6925Read More » - #11Fisherman's Cafe#11 of 388 Places to Eat in Key West
Tripadvisor (330)$ | American, Caribbean, Cafe, Seafood, Fast Food205 Elizabeth St Unit D, Key West, FL 33040-6612Read More » - #12Off the Hook Grill Key West#12 of 388 Places to Eat in Key West
Tripadvisor (1435)$ - $$ | Pizza, American, Bar, Seafood, Healthy, International920 Caroline St Stop #1 on the Duval Loop, Key West, FL 33040-7475Read More » - #13Garbo's Grill#13 of 388 Places to Eat in Key West
Tripadvisor (4295)$ | American, Caribbean, International409 Caroline Street, Key West, FL 33040-6501Read More » - #14Tavern N Town#14 of 388 Places to Eat in Key West
Tripadvisor (2371)$$ | Seafood3841 N Roosevelt Blvd Marriott Beachside Hotel, Key West, FL 33040-4534Read More » - #15Cuban Coffee Queen#15 of 388 Places to Eat in Key West
Tripadvisor (2805)$ | Cuban284 Margaret St, Key West, FL 33040-6640Read More » - #16Key Plaza Creperie#16 of 388 Places to Eat in Key West
Tripadvisor (783)$ - $$ | American, European, Cafe1105 Key Plaza, Key West, FL 33040Read More » - #17Better Than Sex - A Dessert Restaurant Key West#17 of 388 Places to Eat in Key West
Tripadvisor (4114)$ - $$ |926 Simonton St, Key West, FL 33040-7448Read More » - #18Moondog Cafe & Bakery#18 of 388 Places to Eat in Key West
Tripadvisor (825)$ - $$ | American, Cafe, Healthy823 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040-7421Read More » - #19Kermit's Key West Key Lime Shoppe#19 of 388 Places to Eat in Key West
Tripadvisor (2809)$ | American200 Elizabeth St Corner of Greene & Elizabeth Street, Key West, FL 33040-6613Read More » - #20Duetto Pizza and Gelato#20 of 388 Places to Eat in Key West
Tripadvisor (2784)$ | Italian, Pizza540 Greene St Suite #1, Key West, FL 33040-6660Read More »
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