Where to Eat in Key West

When researching a new place to visit, one of the first things I look for is where to eat. What can I say? I’m a creature of habit. Unsurprisingly, there were a lot of options in Key West, but I’ve narrowed them down for you! Keep reading to learn more about where to eat in Key West. Trust me, you’ll be hungry after this!

Conch, Rock Lobster, & Cuba

Before we get into the restaurants, I want to give you a crash course on what to expect in Key West food-wise. Most restaurants offer some variation of fried conch or conch fritters on their menus. Conchs are similar to clams or mussels and have a large, typically pink, spiral shell. They taste like fried clams and are typically served with dipping sauces.

TRAVEL TIP!

Did you know that Key West is known as the Conch Republic? For a brief moment in the 1980s, the town succeeded from the United States and was named after these sea creatures. The more you know!

Another popular seafood dish found in Key West is spiny lobster. They’re in season from August until May and are caught locally in Key West! The main difference between the spiny lobster and its cousin, the Maine lobster, is the claws. These lobsters typically have smaller class and a sweeter taste. My verdict – they’re both delicious and worth a try!

If you’re not a seafood fan, don’t worry. Key West is also famous for its Cuban flavors. You’ll find roasted pork, plantains, and even a classic Cuban sandwich at many restaurants. The island is only 90 miles from Cuba! I love Cuban food, so I was excited to learn that Key West had many options.

Finally, you can’t go wrong sampling some key lime pie. Key limes were grown right in Key West to make this tangy treat, but unfortunately, due to limited space and climate change, most of the key limes are imported from Mexico. Most restaurants have their version of the original recipe! Make sure you grab a slice or three!

My Favorite Spots

There are so many good restaurants here it was hard to narrow down my favorites! Let’s look at my recommendations for where to eat in Key West.

Blue Heaven $$

Blue Heaven is one of the most popular spots in Key West, and for good reason. This place is famous for its key lime pie. Over five inches tall and with a whipped meringue topping, what’s not to like? Perfect for lunch or a late breakfast, you can enjoy live music al-fresco and admire the unique art of Key West locals. They specialize in Caribbean cuisine, such as Jamaican jerk chicken and fresh scallops. They don’t take reservations, so be prepared to wait, especially for the weekend brunch hour.

Cafe Marquesa $$$

Located in the Hotel Marquesa, Cafe Marquesa features contemporary American cuisine in a cozy, romantic setting. The menu changes with the season, but they’re known for their pork osso-bucco. They also feature a tasting menu and special events like their Golden Hour dining experience. In full transparency, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about this dish. I enjoyed this restaurant so much that I ate there twice! Check out their website above for booking reservations and special events.

A&B Lobster House $$$

A&B Lobster House is the perfect spot for a sunset dinner! Located on the harbor, you can watch the boats dock as you dine on fresh seafood and steak. This spot has been around for over seventy years, so it must be good. The restaurant specializes in steak and lobster and provides an extensive wine list to pair with your meal. If you visit during spiny lobster season (August – March), order a tail or two!

El Siboney Restaurant $

You cannot visit Key West without trying Cuban food, and El Siboney is the place to go. Seriously, this place is on every “Where to Eat in Key West” blog post I’ve encountered. The casual, budget-friendly restaurant features traditional Cuban food and homemade sangria. They’re known for their roast pork (puerco asado), and you have to try their fried sweet plantains! The dining experience makes you feel like you’re sitting in Cuba being treated to home-cooked meals.. 10/10 would recommend it! The restaurant does not take reservations, but it’s worth the wait!

Louie’s Backyard $$$

Louie’s Backyard is an oceanfront, outdoor dining restaurant featuring Caribbean flavors and freshly caught local seafood. They have a large deck and wrap-around porch with ocean and beach views. It’s an excellent spot for a romantic evening! The chef, Doug Shook, is creative and changes the menu four to five times a year by creating new dishes with unique flavors. The fish and crustaceans they use are caught here in Key West, and they also support local farmers by purchasing fresh produce for their dishes. It’s a win-win.

DJ’s Clam Shack $$

I don’t typically like to frequent restaurants shown on TV as they can be somewhat of a tourist trap. DJ’s Clam Shack is anything but! It’s a casual spot great for conch fritters, fried shrimp, and a couple of beers with friends. The self-service restaurant can get crowded, and seating is limited, but it’s a great option to enjoy by the beach or pool. Originally shown on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, the restaurant has gotten busy since the show, but it’s worth a trip. Definitely get the lobster roll here!

More Favorites!

General Horseplay – An eclectic bar with a fantastic cocktail menu. The drinks feature fresh herbs, fruits, and other natural ingredients!
Sloppy Joe’s – A popular bar on Duval Street serving solid drinks and live music!
The Saint Hotel – Make sure to visit this place for a quick drink in their hotel bar. They serve the best Hemingway Daquiris, and the decor is really cool!
Cuban Coffee Queen – Great coffee and an even better Cuban sandwich. I loved their cafe con leche!
Garbo’s Grill – An amazing place for fresh tacos and seafood rolls. They’re open until midnight, which makes it a perfect spot for late-night snacks!
El Meson de Pepe – Another amazing Cuban restaurant situated in Mallory Square. Dine on homemade Cuban food while watching the sunset on their patio!
Kermit’s Key Lime Pie Shop – This was my favorite Key Lime Pie on the island. They even offered frozen slices covered in chocolate – yum!

Key West is home to over 400 restaurants, so you’re bound to find a spot for even the pickiest of eaters! I can’t wait to revisit Key West to try some more restaurants and key lime pie. If you liked this post, be sure to check out my ultimate travel guide and itinerary below! I’d love to hear your recommendations for where to eat in Key West. Let me know your favorites in the comments below.