Best Key West Restaurants

key west cuisine
by Historic Key West Vacation Rentals

Some people live to eat and many of us eat to live. Luckily, Key West is the best place to enjoy Floribbean cuisine and that means no matter why you eat you'll always enjoy a foodie adventure. Since at various times there have been European, Asian, and African influences along with those from the Caribbean and Latin America, there's something for everyone. What do your taste buds hunger for? Sweet tasting Pink Shrimp, Royal Reds, Conch Fritters, Spiny Lobster, Cuban Food, something with a French Flair?  We already know you’ll want to try the best Key Lime Pie! Browse our recommended list below for the best restaurants in Key West, Fl. 

 

Best Restaurants in Key West

 

Little Peal

This is a neighborhood restaurant and wine bar focusing on local seafood. It's nestled in the heart of Old Town and away from the bustling downtown streets of Key West. It's an excellent spot for fresh local catch and innovative cuisine with a tropical twist. 

 

Louie's Backyard

Louie’s is a one of the best seafood restaurants in Key West, a cafe-style restaurant with an oceanfront background setting – a must-do experience that has become a Key West tradition. Each dish at Louie’s is prepared to order, with care and respect to each ingredient. Their seafood influence is on “hooked” local fish: grouper, hogfish, snapper, and swordfish. Their Key West “pinks” come from the local shrimp fleets. And at Louie’s, your Florida Keys lobster was caught yesterday. Louie’s also features fine steaks, heirloom pork, double lamb chops and free-range chicken.

 

Bagatelle

Bagatelle serves a brunch 7 days a week, from 9am-4pm, featuring an array of eggs benedict, crispy, deep-fried french toast, fish sandwiches, and our famous lobster mac ‘n’ cheese. They also serve an American-Caribbean style dinner menu, featuring locally-sourced fresh fish, fine steaks, as well as an extensive wine list that appeals to any palate.

 

Blue Heaven

Blue Heaven is al fresco dining, Key West style: canopies of tropical foliage, improvised art (a leopard-spotted mannequin, a rooster graveyard, jolly-colored coconuts and trap floats) and a sail strung between trees providing shade. The chickens and cats roaming the premises are almost as famous as the food.

 

La Trattoria

Since 1983 La Trattoria has been serving authentic Italian cuisine in Key West with class, quality and service with two great locations to choose from. They've developed selections to satisfy even the most particular of taste buds. Their seafood is locally caught and prepared with only the freshest ingredients and their pasta selections are sure to satisfy your need for authentic Italian cuisine. Whether you’re a local or just visiting they are committed to satisfying your dining experience with the highest quality and service.

 

Hot Tin Roof

Tennessee Williams’ most famous play, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, is the inspiration for this signature restaurant. The menu is prepared in a unique culinary style dubbed conch-fusion, a mélange of tastes from Florida and the Caribbean creating the unique ‘Floribbean’ flavor.

 

Nine One Five

Nine One Five is located in a magnificent Victorian house: circa 1850. Since opening in 2002 they have received national and international acclaim with two James Beard Foundation invitations. The food is simple fare prepared properly - no fuss just great food with an international wine list to back it up.

 

Cafe Marguesa

No visit to Key West is complete without a trip to Café Marquesa, a local and tourist favorite Key West restaurant. For a memorable dining experience, Café Marquesa’s “Contemporary American Cuisine” does not disappoint. Specialties include grilled meats and fresh, local seafood, complemented by inventive appetizers and salads as well as fresh baked breads and desserts made daily. It's one of Zagat's highest rated restaurants in Key West!

 

Onlywood

On top, they imported a massive brick oven made 100% from lavic materials coming from the Vesuvius in Napoli. It reaches 1000 degrees in temperature which are a must for Neapolitan pizza style.
 They make Italian Pizza and Food, with Italian ingredients. They use 00 flower and the best tomato sauce, San Marzano, both imported from Italy, and they make their own Mozzarella following an ancient recipe. Experience Homemade Gnocchi, Fresh Fettuccine and Lasagna, Homemade Meatballs, Bolognese Sauce and more. You can also dine on fresh local seafood and special plates that change every day, always with the Italian Style.

 

Pepe's Cafe

Pepe’s is the oldest eatery in the Florida Keys, and second oldest in the State of Florida. Harry Truman was a regular, along with many others whose photos are hanging on the walls. Juices are fresh-squeezed and the oysters are shucked to order. Breads are fresh-made daily, and the only freezer in the House is for the ice cream. They make their own salad dressings as well as their Proprietary Hot Sauces.

Santiago's Bodega

Unique small plate preparations with global tastes. Visitors from around the world and locals alike share laughs and stories/ That’s where the warmth of this dining room comes from.

Salute!

Combining the dining excellence of well-loved sister-restaurant Blue Heaven with the atmosphere of a lovely beach-side cafe, Salute! On The Beach is Italian prepared with island lifestyle and tastes in mind. Featuring lighter, Caribbean-influenced takes on Italian classics—with fresh breads, vegetables and local seafood—Salute!

Pier House

Pier House offers vibrant dining options with award-winning restaurants and bars. Live music soothes the senses while fresh seafood, prime steaks and seasonal produce satisfy every culinary craving. From Key West favorites at Chart Room Bar to relaxing seaside drinks at the Beach Bar and Grill, and romantic dinners at One Duval, Pier House serves a true taste of paradise.

Moondog Cafe

Perfectly cooked scallops, brioche french toasts and eggs benedict are among the dishes to be tasted at Moondog Cafe. Tasty key lime pie, fruitcake and cheese croissants can make a favorable impression on you. Come to this place for good strawberry sangria, Mimosas or draft beer. Come here and try delicious cortadito, fresh juices or matcha.

Don't worry if you can think you can't eat it all.  Just trust us on this list. You decide if you want to roam free or set up ringside as our island sun slips beneath the sea. Choose a luxury Monthly Key West vacation rental from our collection so you'll be sure to have plenty of time. One month. Two months. Three months or longer! Be our guests for sunshine, vacation and our floribbean cuisine!