Best Places To Eat In The Florida Keys: Restaurant Guide

Whether you’re dreaming about tasty fish tacos or a slice of Key lime pie, my Florida Keys restaurant guide is packed full of top picks.

Waking up in the Florida Keys is a special experience. Golden sunrises over crystal-clear waters, seabirds swooping down and the sway of a palm tree or two. We’ve just spent a week road tripping through the region.

It was a holiday designed to cover a few of our interests – food, beaches and family. We had our 16-month-old toddler in tow, who, as the week wore on, turned into a Florida-loving water baby!

As for his parents, we are two food-lovers. We have always travelled with our stomachs, excited to taste delicacies around the world. The Florida Keys is known for its abundance of fresh fish and seafood, light spicing, and of course, Key lime pie. I made it my mission to eat my way around the Keys, all in the name of research. And yes, that included a few Key lime pies too (it’s a tough life!)

With my list of favourite meals well-documented (don’t worry, there are plenty of photos to whet your appetite) it’s time to dive headfirst into my Florida Keys restaurant guide.

Oh, and if you’re looking for more tips for your trip, don’t miss my guide to visiting the Florida Keys with kids.

Where To Eat In The Florida Keys

I’ve worked my way from the top of the Keys in Key Largo, all the way down to Key West. You’ll find the restaurants in order of their location.

Key Largo Fisheries, Key Largo

I’d researched Key Largo Fisheries before our trip began. Part-market, part-restaurant, this is a casual foodie destination with some of the freshest fish and seafood in the Florida Keys. Located on the water in Key Largo, it’s somewhere you can watch the hungry tarpon swimming under the dock as you wait for your meal to arrive. Plenty of locals were shopping for seafood to take home, but we took a seat in the covered restaurant.

When I say casual, I mean it. This is a place where you read the menu, queue up, place your order, grab a buzzer, and collect your tray of food. Food is served on paper plates with plastic cutlery. But do you know what, this kind of rustic experience fits perfectly with the surroundings, and more importantly, it tasted delicious.  

I ordered the blackened shrimp tacos – a favourite dish from my travels, and one I couldn’t wait to sample here! They were large, generous with shrimp, layered with a tasty salsa and sauce, and a bit sloppy (in a good way!) I chose a side of rice and beans, a dish I spotted in the Keys quite a bit, with its origins in Cuba. The black beans were flavoursome and moreish!

My partner’s blackened fish burger was tasty too, although we both agreed the tacos were the star of the show. This restaurant is a great option if you’re looking for a casual dining experience in Key Largo.

ReelCatch at Amara Cay Resort, Islamorada

We spent our first few nights staying at La Siesta Resort, a beautiful beachfront resort in Islamorada. Amara Cay is another resort within the same group, so for a bit of a change, we hopped on the complimentary shuttle to enjoy dinner at Amara Cay’s signature restaurant, ReelCatch.

This hotel restaurant has a sophisticated appearance, and although we had our toddler with us, the servers were really welcoming and accommodating! The menu is full of crowd-pleasers, including calamari, shrimp alfredo, lobster mac and cheese, pork belly and steak.

We started with the burrata caprese salad, which came with heirloom tomatoes, cucumber, basil and focaccia. Smart presentation and tasty food, what’s not to like?!

For main course we shared the yellowtail snapper, which was topped with a zingy sauce of lemon, tomatoes and capers. This was absolutely delicious. The fish was cooked to perfection and complemented well by the sides and sauce.

We really enjoyed the dining experience at Amara Cay. There’s also a lovely tiki bar by the beach, so why not begin your evening with a happy hour cocktail, before sitting down for dinner?

Islamorada Brewery & Distillery, Islamorada

While this isn’t a place that focuses on food, I wanted to include Islamorada Brewery & Distillery in my Florida Keys restaurant guide. There are quite a few breweries and distilleries in the Keys, but this one has one of the best reputations. The bright yellow and turquoise building was so inviting, we couldn’t miss it!

We started with a  quick tasting in the distillery, sampling gins, vodkas and rums. Then, we took our seats in the quirky garden. My partner opted for a tasting flight of craft beers, while I sipped on a refreshingly-tangy mojito. As a quick aside, this is a great place to visit in Islamorada with kids, as there are lots of outdoor games to play with.

Italian Food Company, Islamorada or Key Largo

If you’re planning a road trip through the Florida Keys, and looking for an Italian restaurant, you’re in luck! The Italian Food Company has two branches to choose from, one in Key Largo and another in Islamorada.

We enjoyed a relaxing meal in Islamorada. From the moment we walked in, it felt like we were part of the family! Friendly servers and managers… even the chef popped out to say hello! On one side of the restaurant was a retro car, while on the other was the toasty glow of the Italian pizza oven.

Ordering was a challenge as there were so many things we fancied. The menu has everything you’d hope to see in a family Italian restaurant, from generously-topped bruschettas and cheesy parmigiana, to seafood pasta and Neapolitan pizzas.

We started with a delicate plate of beef carpaccio, which was topped with rocket, parmesan, capers and lemon. It was delicious!

For our main courses we ordered the lamb chops and the rigatoni alla norma (with aubergine). Both dishes were really well balanced and very generous. We couldn’t finish them!

Yet, being in an Italian restaurant like this, we couldn’t resist dessert! I don’t know about you, but I definitely have a separate stomach when it comes to sweet treats! We pretty much rolled out, full and satisfied!

Hungry Tarpon, Islamorada

Are you looking for waterside dining in the Florida Keys? Well, this is one of my favourite spots! Hungry Tarpon is located within Robbie’s Marina, where you’ll find a fun mix of shops, dining options and tour operators, including the region’s glass bottom boat tours.

The restaurant is a family-friendly spot, with a huge menu of Keys favourites, including conch fritters, ceviche, stone crab claws and blackened mahi. I couldn’t resist the shrimp tacos, keen to compare it to the dish at Key Largo Fisheries!

My partner went for the sesame tuna bao buns. Both were tasty. The tacos were a little different, with a really strong spice rub on the shrimps and a salad garnish. I must say, this location is absolutely stunning, with the bright turquoise water lapping the shore.

Angler & Ale, Duck Key

Angler & Ale is one of three dining options within Hawks Cay Resort, on Duck Key. The restaurant is right on the marina, so if you sit on the terrace you’ll have views of the boats coming and going. We liked the relaxed ambience and broad menu.

We started with the ceviche of the day, which was made with conch. It was light and zingy with a tasty marinade, and came with a large portion of tortilla chips.

For my main course, I ordered the blackened mahi mahi topped with a tropical salsa. It was an eye-catching and colourful plate of food. The fish was cooked well and the blackened spice mix was tasty.

This restaurant also offers a “hook and cook” experience, where they will cook any fish that you catch! With fishing being very popular in the Keys, this is a handy option!

Matt’s Stock Island Bar, Key West

If you’re heading to Key West on your road trip around the Florida Keys, you’re going to need several restaurants to choose from! Matt’s Stock Island Bar is one of the eateries inside The Perry Hotel in Key West. This is a chic hotel, with an industrial-styled lobby, large swimming pool, and marina access.

As with so many restaurants we enjoyed in the Florida Keys, this one also has a focus on local produce. I spotted yellowtail snapper, Key West shrimp and blue crab on the menu.

I ordered the tuna poke bowl, which had a generous amount of tuna, perfectly-ripe avocado, kimchi and a tasty ponzu sauce. In fact, it was so good, I’d name it as one of my favourite dishes from the entire week!

Southernmost Beach Café, Key West

If you’re looking for restaurants in the centre of Key West, I’ve got two amazing options for you! Southernmost Beach Café is located moments from the famous Southernmost Point marker. You’ll probably spot the queue for photos, way before you spot this restaurant!

The café is right on the beach with beautiful ocean views, and boasts a menu with Caribbean and American influences. I don’t know whether to tell you this now or later, but I think I’ll do it now. This was our favourite meal of the week. The food was absolutely incredible! We even went as far as to say that it’s the best meal we’ve eaten this year!

So, what did we order? I began with the tuna tartare, which came with Asian accompaniments including pickled ginger, seaweed, a soy dressing, and Sriracha aioli. It was heavenly! So many delicious tastes on one plate, and the presentation was smart too.

My partner opted for the spicy grilled octopus, which was served with a tarragon puree. Even I, as someone who doesn’t really like octopus, thought this was mouth-wateringly good! The cooking of the octopus was spot on. It was so tender; my knife went through it like butter. Top-class cooking!

For our main courses we both ordered fish. I chose the salmon, cooked with blackened spices and served with a Key lime beurre blanc. We also ordered a variety of side for the table, including truffle mashed potato and parmesan brussels sprouts. Every single element was delicious! The salmon was cooked beautifully, falling away in flakes. The sauce was zesty, and the truffle mash was as decadent as you can imagine!

We loved our dining experience at the Southernmost Beach Café. I’d return back there in a heartbeat for a meal as good as that!

Half Shell Raw Bar, Key West

If you’re craving a casual meal in Key West, I’d recommend Half Shell Raw Bar. Located in the Key West Historic Seaport, this is a great spot for lunch or dinner. It’s located right on the water, so you’ll be able to see the boats and the fish while you eat!

My partner ordered the clams and I had the grilled shrimp. They were both prepared well, and the meal was a satisfying one – especially when accompanied by good views!

Best Key Lime Pie In The Florida Keys

Key Lime Pie is the signature dessert of the Florida Keys. It’s a zesty, yet decadent dessert made with Key limes, which are tarter than a standard lime. The filling is usually made with sweetened condensed milk, and encased in a Graham Cracker crust. At some places you’ll see it topped with whipped cream or meringue.

I made it my mission to try several different Key lime pies while I was in the area. Here are my tips!

Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory, Tavernier (between Key Largo and Islamorada)

People travel from far and wide for these Key lime pies! They’ve won numerous awards over the years. You can choose to have your pie naked, topped with whipped cream or meringue, or even on a stick, covered in chocolate!

We shared a large slice of meringue-topped Key lime pie, while sitting in the pretty Serenity Garden out the back of the store. The pie here was absolutely divine. It was zesty and zingy, yet lovely and sweet from the thick layer of meringue. It was the first of our trip, and I already felt it might be be hard to beat!

Half Shell Raw Bar, Key West

This restaurant has a range of Florida favourites, and the server said the Key lime pie was one of the best in Key West. We couldn’t wait to try it.

This one came topped with whipped cream. Unfortunately, it didn’t hit the high notes of Blond Giraffe’s. It was tasty and sweet, but there wasn’t the zinginess of our first.

However, it went down well… particularly with a little someone!

Kermit’s Key Lime Pie Shop, Key West

I’d read about Kermit’s before our trip. Many people said it was the best place for Key lime pie in the Florida Keys. I couldn’t wait to compare it to the others we’d sampled.

All in the name of research, I tried the chocolate-covered Key lime pie on a stick at Kermit’s. I was intrigued by the part-pie / part-ice-cream. Would it work?!

Yes, it was absolutely delicious! The crack of bitter dark chocolate complemented the zingy flavour of lime. It was slightly frozen too, adding to the experience. I thought it was a winner and I’d recommend you try it on your trip.

My partner tried the coconut Key lime pie at Kermit’s and also declared that as his favourite from the trip. So, if you’re visiting Key West, definitely stop by Kermit’s for a little slice of pie heaven!

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my Florida Keys restaurant guide. Now it’s your turn to eat your way around the Keys!

If you’re planning a holiday anytime soon, don’t miss my guide to visiting the Florida Keys with kids. Also, check out the Florida Keys website which is packed full of practical info and inspiration.

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