12 Best Places To Eat In Key West

Have you ever traveled to the Key West in Florida, or are you planning to travel? If yes, you must make your stop in this beautiful setting and explore some of the best places to eat in Key West to satisfy your craving stomach.

Key West has a unique combination of foods that include fresh seafood, Caribbean flair, and Southern comfort. Whether it’s the relaxed beachside dining experience or the refined fine dining atmosphere with to-die-for ocean views, the island has something for everybody. The best places to eat in Key West, from quaint neighborhood cafés to waterfront eateries filled with life, uphold some contrast of flavors of the island’s rich culinary firmament.

Seafood is a highlight, and the menu of many restaurants reflects fresh fish, shrimp, and lobster catches of the day. To satiate their craving for island flavors, no visitor can ignore the opportunity to enjoy conch fritters, Key West pink shrimp, and grilled-to-order mahi-mahi. Most of the dining establishments have local farm-to-table produce incorporated into their dishes for the sake of freshness and flavor for varied gastronomic palates.

More relaxed diners will find an abundance of casual eateries with tropical vibes, very different from fine-dining establishments. Whether you are enjoying your seafood platter at the marina or chomping down a classic Cuban sandwich at a local cafe, the slow chill of the island enhances every meal. Along with local dishes, Key West also has numerous international restaurants with offerings from Latin American to Asian fusion to satisfy practically any culinary craving.

A visit to Key West would not be complete without sampling the island’s most popular dessert: Key lime pie. It appears on most Key West restaurant menus, so it’s obligatory to cap any Key West meal. Fine dinner or informal snack, the best Key West eateries ensure great taste and genuine island fare.

Find The Best Places To Eat in Key West

1. The Dive Bar Shirt Club

The first one in our 20 best places to eat in Key West is The Dive Bar Shirt Club. This restaurant in Key West gives a traditional nostalgic feel, combining both filth dining and a mm-old-dive package. Located at 320 Grinnell Street, the ambiance of the place is relaxed and adorned with old vintage beer memorabilia, creating an atmosphere that dive bar lovers will appreciate.

The menu is limited yet packed with flavors, with its Tex-Mex delights: brisket tacos, chicken tacos, and big burritos. Their famous queso served with crunchy chips can also be scored. The bar boasts a wonderful lineup of beers, wines, and canned stuff unique to offer, with their best happy hours from 4 PM to 6 PM every day: that means half-price drinks.

Besides its culinary offerings, The Dive Bar Shirt Club stands out with its exclusive T-shirt of the month club. Here, patrons are treated to limited edition shirts from various dive bars across the country: a bit of the spirit of America’s little, uncharted watering holes. Truly, within its very confines, this restaurant in Key West offers a sight. Picture it: the ceiling adorned with retired T-shirt designs and walls lined with vintage beer paraphernalia. It is a living museum as much as a bar. Open daily from 11 AM to 11 PM, it welcomes guests into a tale of history, culture, and gastronomy matched in a relaxed atmosphere.

2. Milagro Restaurant and Bar

Milagro Restaurant and Bar is the next best place to eat in Key West for several reasons. The restaurant is only two short blocks from the famous Southernmost Point in Key West. It offers a fusion of Latin, Mexican, and Caribbean flavors in a relaxed, warm environment.

Chef Kevin Montoya, who has worked with Michelin Star chefs, applies his expertise to prepare 5-star cuisine in a casual bistro atmosphere. The restaurant takes pride in using locally sourced ingredients from local fisheries, which provide fresh seafood like yellowtail snapper and spiny lobsters.

Reviewers have often found the service and ambiance to be exceptional. For a fun setting with craft cocktails and an extensive tequila list, the restaurant hosts happy hours from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., during which small plate specials and drink offerings are available. With all these sorting, the Milagro Restaurant and Bar stands out as one of the best places to eat in Key West without any doubt.

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3. Blue Heaven

Another best place to eat in Key West is Blue Heaven, located in the heart of Key West, Florida. This restaurant is equally famous for its eclectic ambiance as well as its appetizing Caribbean-inspired fare. The unique setting of the restaurant affords an outdoor dining experience in which guests share the courtyard with free-roaming roosters and cats, augmenting the relaxed island atmosphere. Patrons enjoy live music under the shaded trees in an atmosphere that conveys a sense of Key West laid-back fun.

Dishes served at Blue Heaven include its famous Lobster Benedict and fluffy Blueberry Pancakes, both gigantic favorites among patrons. An even greater gem is the Key Lime Pie, with its buttery graham cracker crust, the gloriously creamy filling made with fresh key lime juice, and the signature towering meringue topping. This signature dessert has gained must-try status, with tourists coming from far and wide to taste it.

4. Hot Tin Roof Restaurant

Hot Tin Roof Restaurant comes second to none when talking about the best places to eat in Key West. The restaurant is situated in the zero marker of Duval Street in Key West, and it offers an exceptional dining experience that combines Caribbean flavor with refined elegance.

As part of Ocean Key Resort & Spa, this restaurant has a chic dining room adorned with teak wood hand-painted ceilings and a beautiful verandah over the harbor. Guests can enjoy breathtaking sunset views as the setting is decidedly romantic-inviting rather than just for intimate dinners or special occasions.

The menu emerges from the heart of Florida cooking and spices it up with Latin, Caribbean, and tropical influences, such as the delectable Tuna Tacos, Crab Cakes, and Lobster Bisque. There are also vegetarian-friendly options like Crispy Brussels Sprouts, making each visit a sumptuously satisfying one.

Hot Tin Roof Restaurant has, in recent years, earned its awards through many avenues for commitment to fresh seafood and innovative culinary procedures, including being ranked 2nd of 354 Key West restaurants on TripAdvisor. With outstanding food, stunning views, and impeccable service, one of the best Key West dining experiences can be found at Hot Tin Roof.

5. Latitudes – Sunset Key Cottages

Latitudes – Sunset Key Cottages provides fine dining right on the beach, with gentle ocean breezes and Gulf of Mexico vistas inspiring. Classic egg preparations and tropical fruit start the day for guests, while local fish and steaks are complemented by a well-chosen wine list in the evening. The wonderful ambiance, delectable cuisine, and impeccable service combined create a great dining experience.

This restaurant has been consistently rated highly in the Key West restaurant scene. It’s rated a solid 4.5 stars on TripAdvisor with over 5,300 reviews, placing it among the top eateries on the island. Dining here is a must for anyone looking to experience extraordinary cuisine while taking in the picturesque views of the Florida Keys.

Moreover, it is also listed in the Top 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America and 100 Most Scenic Restaurants in America. With its fine recognition, it is safe to say that Latitudes – Sunset Key Cottages is one of the best restaurants in Key West.

6. Sunset Pier

The Sunset Pier is situated between Mallory Square and the Key West Harbor and provides excellent waterfront dining. It is not only the breathtaking sunset views over the Gulf but also the vibrant atmosphere that breathes life into this spot amidst the scenic surroundings.

In tropical and Caribbean fare, guests can enjoy items like the house Seafood Platter (with stone crab claws and tuna poke) or Indian-spiced vegan burgers and pork Belly Tacos Al Pastor. The crafty cocktails include the Sunset Margarita and craft beers like Sunset Pier Amber Ale, which was made in collaboration with Florida Keys Brewing Co.

Besides the food, Sunset Pier is known for its live music and dancing, featuring acts from the islands and beyond almost every night. The pier is truly a classic Key West atmosphere with colorful tables, chairs, and umbrellas combined with a lively and spirited energy.

Whether it’s a romantic night for two or a fiesta with a group of friends, Sunset Pier is the ideal place to witness the famed Key West sunset while dining and being entertained.

7. Santiago’s Bodega

If you are traveling around Key West, Santiago’s Bodega is not to be missed for fine dining. This restaurant is a quaint eatery set in the heart of Bahama Village that combines the cultural fabric of Key West with tapas from around the globe. Here, the owner, Jason Dugan, envisioned a neighborhood gathering place where friends and family could enjoy great food when he opened Santiago’s Bodega in 2004.

The decor is eclectic but tasteful, with original paintings by Robert Henry Thompson and custom-built furniture from reclaimed wood creating an inviting atmosphere that embodies the energetic spirit of the island.

The menu of Santiago’s Bodega alike speaks of culinary mastery, presenting a wide-ranging collection of tapas that appeal to many palates; star dishes both include their very tender Lamb Lollipops, as well as the Spinach and Goat Cheese Salad, which is highly praised by many of their clientele.

One more essential complement to these scrumptious meals is their signature sangria, a refreshing tropical attraction. With operating hours daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Santiago’s Bodega has a few indoor and outdoor seating options that assure every customer will have a memorable dining experience.

8. Red Shoe Island Bistro

Nestled in Key West, Florida, is a tiny yet very popular restaurant called the Red Shoe Island Bistro. Known for its fine seafood and Europe-influenced cuisine, the bistro is able to create a distinctly laidback ambiance thrown in with a space decorated with odd David Bowie artifacts.

Diners have ample reasons to be impressed with the restaurant’s effort and commitment to cooking, as most of them added fresh ingredients and a decorative style in presenting the dishes. To further enhance the dining experience, the friendly and knowledgeable staff makes guests feel valued and welcome, showing how much they care for their work and its visitors.

The Red Shoe Island Bistro includes signature dishes that make quite a show of Yellowtail Snapper and Beef Stroganoff. Desserts, including Lavender Cheesecake and award-winning Key Lime Pie, leave any meal with a memorably fine close.

Outstanding reviews and the top position among Key West eateries put “excellent” in the name and face of the restaurant. Red Shoe Island Bistro will really take you through the beautiful culinary experience of Key West, whether you’re a local or just passing through.

9. Cuban Coffee Queen Waterfront

Established in 2009, Cuban Coffee Queen Waterfront is among the best places to eat in Key West Historic Seaport. This coffee shop is famous for its coffee made fresh on-site, attracting both loyal locals and bidding tourists who repeatedly vote it the best coffee in Key West.

The menu features Cuban specialties that include a variety of Cuban sandwiches and breakfast burritos for the meat lover and vegetarian alike, with accommodations for those with differing dietary preferences, like vegetarian and gluten-free bread. Of course, their 100% fruit smoothies are a must, not watered down or loaded with sugar, so they taste like fruit licked off the skin of Mother Nature herself.

The restaurant serves window service where patrons can drink in their orders in a relaxed bohemian vibe. There is outdoor hot-and-cold seating, giving customers the chance to enjoy a meal while watching life unfold around the marina. Wheelchair accessibility makes it comfortable for everyone.

Open daily from 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM, Cuban Coffee Queen Waterfront is an easy stop for breakfast, lunch, or a quick pick-me-up for coffee. Their commitment to quality and authenticity will make them an easy choice on any list if the thought of Cuban coffee in Key West comes to mind.

10. Amigos Tortilla Bar

One of the best restaurants to dine in Key West is Amigos Tortilla Bar. Located in the heart of Key West, it provides an authentic Mexican dining experience centered on freshness and simplicity. Known for being innovative with its square tacos, Amigos makes its corn tortillas fresh every day, allowing them to hold as much filling as possible, resulting in minimum spillage and maximum flavor.

The menu offers traditional Mexican street fare with seasoned meats and fresh seafood drenched in chopped onions, cilantro, pico de gallo, and salsas. Such attention to quality ingredients ensures that every dish serves nothing less than a real taste of Mexico.

In addition to their popular square tacos, Amigos treats their customers to their carnitas, their Baja fish tacos and their grilled corn on the cob topped with mild chile sauce. The Amigos has such a lively atmosphere as well as being close to most of Key West’s major attractions makes it one of those places tourists and residents alike want to visit in their quest for dining memories. Whether it’s munching or dining, Amigos Tortilla Bar has no trouble delivering a delicious and satisfying meal of Mexican street food.

11. Old Town Tavern & Beer Garden

Old Town Tavern & Beer Garden is located in the ever-bustling heart of Key West on Duval Street. This restaurant offers a modern update on the traditional tavern experience, making it one of the best places to eat in Key West. It was established in 2018 and has quickly earned local customers with the warm atmosphere it provides to guests and residents. It takes inspiration from English, Irish, Scottish, and Australian food to provide the best to every sort of customer. Signature dishes, including Scotch Eggs, Pork Belly, and Shepherd’s Pie, highlight the classic pub fare executed drink. They also cater to almost every lifestyle, including options for vegans, vegetarians, and lighter fare.

What distinguishes the Old Town Tavern & Beer Garden as much, if not more, than the food and fare is the vast selection of drinks that mingle with the atmosphere of delight and camaraderie. Arguably with the largest selection of craft beers in Key West, the tavern sports offerings from local breweries and international breweries that change weekly, providing a new experience each time you visit. Happy hours run Monday through Sunday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. to 1 a.m., in addition to Whiskey Wednesday, where all whiskeys, bourbons, and scotches are half-priced from 9 p.m. to close.

Visitors may choose to sit indoors or in the outdoor beer garden, where they can enjoy prime views of the bustling activities on Duval Street, ideal for people-watching and soaking up local flair. Whether you’re looking for games, live music, or the right spot to unwind with a cold drink, Old Town Tavern & Beer Garden provides the essence of Key West, wherein tradition meets modernism.

12. The Roost

Last but not least, another best place to eat in Key West is The Roost. Nestled in the heart of Old Town Key West, The Roost is a cozy cocktail bar and liquor store retreat from the lively Duval Street. Known for its classic craft cocktails, great wines, and selective small bites, it allows a special space for locals and visitors to relax in an intimate atmosphere. Nautically inspired tortuous woods and deep, moody turquoise walls fill it up with the feeling of being in a classic boat indoors, making it warmer and inviting.

A menu of The Roost describes a variety of artisanal cocktails made with skilled bartenders, carefully preparing the drinks. The drinks of signature status are “Blowin’ Smoke Up Your Glass,” for example, which boasts a combination of Papa’s Pilar 24-year dark rum, pineapple, lime, smoked basil syrup, and tiki bitters.

In addition, small plates are made into good combinations, like Norwegian smoked salmon crowned with crème fraîche and wedges of lemon and assorted boards of charcuterie and cheese served with honeycomb and cornichons. This, along with all the other factors listed above in terms of commitment to quality and service, makes The Roost one of the premier places in Key West for sophistication without the formality when eating and drinking.

Why Key West is a Must-Visit Destination for Food Lovers?

Key West in Florida offers food lovers a slice of heaven with an incredible collection of delicacies that undeniably reflect the cultural heritage derived from its coastal bounty. The island boasts fresh seafood, emphasizes the Cuban influence, and spreads out some famous local specialties is nothing if not a must-see destination for gastronomes seeking varied and flavorsome experiences.

Freshwater marshes like those of Amsterdam have rivers that teem with delicacies such as stone crab claws, spiny lobster, and numerous other fish-all available for local menus. Traces in restaurants like Blue Heaven, renowned particularly for their seafood dishes, even include their famous lobster Benedict, showcasing an island’s commitment to serving ocean-to-table cuisine. This fresh motto made sure that the taste of the ocean came to diners with every mouthful.

Just as in every other section of island life, with Cuba so close, the palates are brought to flavors that dance to a rhapsody of an adoptee culture. Traditional Cuban fare like picadillo, ropa vieja, and Cuban sandwiches are routine finds at lots of restaurants showcasing palates that have developed in a splendid cultural tapestry; it creates that mixed-up flavor between the Caribbean and Florida that has an authentic but very diverse gastronomic experience.

In addition, Key West usually celebrates a lot of culinary festivals showcasing the diversity of the island. They have the Florida Keys Seafood Festival, where one can enjoy fresh local seafood while listening to live music with family. Well, these festivals would celebrate the culinary delights of the island while strengthening the residents’ and visitors’ sense of belonging to this community.

All in all, with the mixture of traditional cultural dishes the modern delicacies, Key West stands out as one of the popular destinations to have a perfect vacation for foodies and food vloggers.