Key West is a foodie’s paradise, offering everything from fresh seafood and Key Lime Pie to quirky atmospheres and waterfront views. We have friends who live in Key West and family who travel there multiple times a year. Every time we visit, they plan our entire itinerary around eating at all the best restaurants in Key West. Seriously, we’ve never had a bad meal there and many have been over-the-top amazing. Those are the ones I want to tell you about!
To make this guide as comprehensive as possible, I polled my three trusted sources – again, locals and frequent long-time visitors to the island – and asked them to share their top recommendations for different types of meals and venues. I compiled their answers in the dining guide below to help you navigate the Key West dining scene with ease.
Whether you’re craving the best Key Lime Pie, a fine dining experience, or a laid-back live music bar, this complete Key West dining guide has you covered. Let’s dig in!
(And if you only have a short time on the island, check out our Key West Weekend Itinerary to help you make the most of your trip!)
Best Restaurants for Breakfast
Start your day with a hearty Key West breakfast at one of these beloved places:
- Blue Heaven: A Key West icon, where you eat under a canopy of foliage enjoying Lobster Benedict, pancakes, fresh fruit, and watch the occasional rooster wandering by.
- Harpoon Harry’s: A unanimous favorite for its diner-style vibe and generous portions. (Know that it’s cash only, but there’s an ATM inside.)
Best Brunch Spot
Brunch lovers won’t want to miss:
- Ram’s Head Southernmost: Known for its relaxed atmosphere, classic brunch offerings, and famous Bloody Mary bar.
Best Lunch Restaurants in Key West
For a delicious midday meal, try one of these favorites:
- Louie’s Backyard: Dine indoors or out at this upscale eatery known for its great service, views, and food. A family favorite is the chicken and waffles.
- Santiago’s Bodega: Famous for its cozy atmosphere and tapas. Be sure to try the beef tenderloin!
- Conch Republic: Delicious seafood, sandwiches, and salads at this open-air, relaxed venue next to the marina. Their spinach salad with homemade passion fruit vinaigrette is one of my favorites!
- Pepe’s Café: Quaint atmosphere, good food, and the oldest restaurant in the Keys.
Best Happy Hour Spots
Wind down your day with happy hour specials at these spots:
- Onlywood: Known for its wood-fired pizzas and cocktails.
- Boat House Bar and Grill: A waterfront bar with great drink deals and a lively vibe.
To help you out, we created a compact and printable version of this list plus an interactive map to all the locations. Fill out the form below and we’ll email it to you!
Best Fine Dining in Key West
Key West may be known for its laid-back vibe, but it also offers incredible fine dining experiences. Here are the top recommendations:
- Latitudes: A waterfront gem on Sunset Key with unbeatable views and gourmet dishes.
- Milagro: Delicious cuisine with a fusion of Caribbean and Latin flavors.
- Café Sole: Intimate ambiance with expertly prepared seafood.
- La Trattoria: Intimate setting, delicious Italian dishes and extensive wine list.
- Louie’s Backyard: The oceanfront ambiance makes this an unforgettable meal.
Best Seafood in Key West
The seafood in Key West is unmatched. Here’s where to go:
- Café Marquesa: The Triple Tail comes highly recommended.
- Café Sole: The Hogfish is the star of the show here.
- Duffy’s Steak and Lobster House: Don’t miss the crab cake appetizer.
- Conch Republic: Peel and eat shrimp – the perfect start to your meal.
- Hurricane Hole (For lunch): Delicious fried shrimp – so fresh they melt in your mouth.
Best Steak in Key West
Key West is known for its seafood, but these steak spots are can’t-miss:
- Milagro: Known for its perfectly cooked cuts and intimate atmosphere.
- Prime Steakhouse: A classic steakhouse offering prime cuts and exceptional service.
Best Key Lime Pie
No trip to Key West is complete without indulging in Key Lime Pie. Here’s where to find the best:
- Kermit’s: A delicious local favorite.
- Café Marquesa: Smooth tasting with a fluffy texture.
- Latitudes: Perfect balance of tangy and sweet.
*If you’re in the mood for dessert but Key Lime Pie isn’t your thing, try the crepes at Banana Café. They come highly recommended.
Best Martini
- Virgilio’s: Sleek venue offering expertly crafted martinis and live music.
- Abbondanza: Their espresso martinis are a favorite.
- La Te Da: Stylish, lively spot with superior martinis and entertaining cabaret shows.
Best Atmosphere With a Water View
These two picturesque locations are the epitome of Key West oceanfront dining:
- Louie’s Backyard: Dine under the stars with ocean breezes. A unanimous pick for its stunning oceanfront setting.
- Latitudes: Perfect for sunset dining on a private island. It’s romantic, scenic, and the ideal spot for a special night out.
Best Atmosphere Without a Water View
These restaurants offer a unique ambiance that elevates the entire dining experience:
- Milagro: Warm, inviting vibe with a stylish yet relaxed atmosphere.
- La Trattoria (Virgilio’s bar in back): Intimate and charming with a tucked away martini bar in back.
- Roostica: Wood-fired pizzas in a cool, casual setting including a covered patio.
Most Unusual Spot
For something totally unique:
- Blue Heaven: A quirky, outdoor dining experience complete with roosters roaming the courtyard. The yellowtail snapper is a popular entree!
Best Casual Bars for Live Music
Key West has a thriving live music scene. These casual, no-frills bars are local legends:
- Schooner’s: A classic dive bar with a welcoming atmosphere. Very popular with the locals.
- Green Parrot: Known for its quirky vibe and live music.
- Hank’s Hair of the Dog Saloon: Popular for its lively music and great crowds.
- Willie T’s: A fun, open-air bar with live performances and dollar bills hanging everywhere.
Most Fun Venue
For a lively and memorable time:
- Schooner’s: A fun, laid-back vibe.
- Pepe’s: Great food in a fun, laid-back setting.
- Irish Kevin’s: A lively Key West bar with endless entertainment.
Favorite Overall Restaurants in Key West
Finally, here are the absolute favorites from my sources:
- Latitudes: Stunning views and impeccable cuisine.
- Milagro: Upscale elegance.
- Abbondanzas: People’s Choice Award for best Italian restaurant in Key West.
There are so many wonderful places to eat, you’ll likely not fit them all into your Key West itinerary, but that just means you need a return trip! I hope you find the recommendations in this Key West dining guide helpful. Remember to get your free printable Dining Guide and map below. Bon Appétit!
Have you been to Key West? Do you agree these are some of the best restaurants in Key West? Have anything to add? Leave us a comment. We’d love to hear from you!
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