Best Restaurants - Key West
Places to eat and our choices
Santiago's Bodega
"Santiago's is sharing." This local's-favorite restaurant is known for serving delicious, shareable small plates with inspirations from all over the world. We also love their Sangria. Keep in mind that you'll want to book your table in advance as they tend to fill up for dinner reservations.
Blackfin Bistro
Whether you are craving fresh, locally sourced fish paired with hand selected wines, or a mouth-watering gourmet burger, look no further. This place has got what you're looking for. Indoor and outdoor seating available.
Salute
A casual beachfront restaurant with upscale menu items. There are very few restaurants in Key West that sit right against the sandy beach. Featuring lighter, Caribbean-influenced takes on Italian classics-with fresh baked breads and local seafood.
Louie's Backyard
This Caribbean-American restaurant is perfect for dinner dates and cocktails by the water, especially during sunset. Make sure to call for reservations in advance to enjoy the outdoor seating and gorgeous view.
Miso Happy
Polished standby restaurant for creative sushi & Thai offerings in a compact seating area with a casual vibe and actually ranked on the top place in TripAdvisor and we can't agree more.
The Docks
Both indoor & outdoor seating, with waterfront and sunset views overlooking Stock Island's commercial fishing harbor. Their specialty cocktails are curated using fresh ingredients, and they have an excellent craft beer and wine selection. A full raw bar offers both baked and raw oysters and fresh locally caught seafood. We personally love the peel-and-eat shrimp, they are best in town.
Photos are online source
Do you have a sweet tooth like us?
Flamingo Crossing
Since 1987 Flamingo Crossing has been serving up homemade ice cream made right in their cute little shop. There are many of delicious flavors to choose from, all made with fine ingredients.
Better Than Sex
Better Than Sex is a restaurant that features some amazing deserts in an intimate speakeasy-like atmosphere. Serving delicious wines in chocolate and caramel dipped glasses, beers, and house-made cocktails. All tables have some level of privacy with a wall or curtain in between most of them. Must have reservation.
La Creperie French Cafe
Sweet, savory crepe or galletes? You can choose both at this creperie located in Bahama Village. a perfect location for people watching along the bustling street. You don't need reservations, first come first serve.
Photos are online source
1. Key Lime Pie: You’ll be able to find Key Lime pie at almost any food establishment. There are different variations of this dish, and many restaurants have a great twist on this popular Key West Desert. We suggest you start with “Kermit’s” to try a classic Key Lime pie. From there the possibilities are endless. Who serves your favorite Key Lime pie? Send us a message.
2. Chocolate Dipped Key Lime Pie: Classic Key lime pie dipped in chocolate and served on a popsicle stick. “Mattheessen’s” is our favorite place to enjoy this desert. Their pie is homemade, and it is dipped in Belgian chocolate. Tip: one piece is plenty to share! Let us know where you found your favorite chocolate dipped key lime pie!
3. Cuban Sandwich: With a lot of local Cuban culture, there is a lot of great Cuban cuisine! You must try a traditional Cuban Sandwich while you are in Key West. Our favorite spot for a quick grab-and-go Cuban Sandwich is “Sandy’s.” Tip: Check out their menu online and call ahead to order so it’s ready when you arrive. This way you can maximize your time for all the other great adventures to be had here. Where did you find the best Cuban Sandwich? Send us a message and let us know!
4. Cuban Coffee: Wake up with a Cuban coffee! There are many places where you can find a cup of Cuban Coffee. Our favorite is a tiny hole-in-the-wall shop called “Best Coffee in Town.” You may notice that they could learn a few things about marketing and presentation, but the coffee speaks for itself. Where is your favorite Cuban Coffee? Send us a message, we’d love to hear from you.
5. Grouper and Snapper: Our local grouper and snapper are caught fresh every day and you can find many great dishes with these delicious fish. Our favorite spot for fresh grouper and snapper is “The Docks,” on Stock Island. Not only is their food fresh and amazing, but the view is delicious as well. They are home to my personal favorite dish on the Island, “Local Sauteed Snapper '' which is served over green gazpacho risotto and key lime bure blanc.
6. Peel and Eat Shrimp: These shrimps are known as “Local Key West Pinks” and they are typically served cold. “The Docks” is also our favorite place to sample this appetizer, but “Caroline’s” on Duval does them well too. Where did you find the best peel and eat shrimp? Message us and let us know.
7. Conch Fritters: Conch is a local shellfish, or a sea snail to be more precise. Key west loves to serve this delicacy in a fritter form. You’ll barely know you’re eating a sea snail, but it's fun to try.
8. Caribbean Lobster: Not to be confused with a main lobster, these lobsters don’t have claws. The tail meat, however, is just as delicious! Add it to your dish or try the Lobster Mac n’ Cheese at “Ramshead Southernmost Restaurant,” and enjoy live music every day of the week from 11am to 2pm and from 5pm to 8pm.
Local Bites
Key west has no shortage of great menus to choose from. One can find cuisine from all over the world, and you can check out our recommendations for local favorite restaurants, but there’s a few things you really must try in Key West when it comes to local dishes. Put these items on your list and do a local food scavenger hunt!