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Everyone talks about the great fishing, snorkeling, and back-to-nature adventures in Key West, but you might be surprised to learn just how popular this island city is with people who really appreciate great food. There are so many great options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner– and of course, the famous key lime pie–that you might have a difficult time choosing where to eat and when. Fortunately, this handy guide will give you a quick overview of several of Key West’s best restaurants that will impress anyone who is as passionate about eating as they are about travel.
Visit Eaton Street Seafood Market for Legendary Lobster Roll
As you explore Old Town Key West, you are sure to work up an appetite visiting the Key West Lighthouse and climbing the 88 steps to the top for magnificent views or hiking the trails at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. Eaton Street Seafood Market makes a great lunch or dinner stop. You can’t miss the Art Deco-inspired building and plenty of outdoor seating. Eaton Street’s seafood cases are full of the day’s catch, from snapper and grouper to crab, scallops, shrimp, and lobster, plus a wide range of house-made sauces and salads to tempt you. Among the most popular menu items are lobster rolls, fish sandwiches, and conch fritters. In addition to prepared-for-you meals, you can also buy fresh seafood to take home and prepare yourself.
Celebrate a Special Occasion at Cafe Marquesa
Discover impressive upscale dining at The Marquesa Hotel, a well-known local resort that’s open to all, even if you haven’t booked a room there. Cafe Marquesa’s menu showcases a broad selection of highly desirable dishes like Oysters Rockefeller, roasted duck breast, foie gras sourced in the Hudson Valley, and smoked swordfish. The extensive wine list ensures you will find the ideal bottle to complement your contemporary American meal, and the knowledgeable and attentive wait staff offer friendly suggestions for handcrafted cocktails if you would like them. Complete your meal with freshly made beignets and fine coffee for a night to remember.
Cook Your Catch at Dante’s to Extend the Fun of Your Fishing Trip
Everyone has a great time at Dante’s Key West Pool Bar & Restaurant! This is a popular restaurant because of its big menu, lots of outdoor seating that can accommodate a crowd, a pool for guests’ use, live music, and a weekend DJ. At Dante’s, you can get everything from wings to tropical cocktails, steaks, chops, salads, and seafood pasta. Make this the place you go for dinner after spending the day fishing with All In Fishing Charters for their “hook ‘n’ cook” dinner, where they’ll grill, fry, or blacken the fish you catch.
Dinner with a View at Latitudes
Sunset Key Cottages’ on-site restaurant Latitudes serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a stunning backdrop of water views. The private island location offers a one-of-a-kind setting but it also requires a bit of planning to accommodate for the need to take the boat over from the main part of Key West. The vibe here is resort-casual, and the menu is bright, light, and dedicated to the freshest flavors and ingredients. Don’t miss the pink shrimp carbonara, lemon glazed snapper, and skirt steak, with key lime pie as the most fitting end to your dinner.
Indulge in Freshly Baked Key Lime Pie at Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe
You’ll be hard-pressed to visit Key West without at least tasting key lime pie, so you might as well make it the most delicious key lime pie you might ever have. Kermit’s is your source for all things key lime-centered, from baked goods to skincare products. The Elizabeth Street location is easily recognizable because of its charming yellow and green exterior. Along with traditional key lime pie, you’ll also be tempted by a range of creative flavors like strawberry key lime pie, too. Pies are sold by the slice or whole, and with the outdoor seating available, you can dig in immediately.
Dinner and Dessert at Duetto Pizza and Gelato
Duetto’s is a local legend serving up hand-tossed pizzas and house-made gelato daily. Both recipes are famous for their authenticity and award-winning taste. Choose traditional cheese or one of many specialty pizzas to eat in or take out, including classics like Margherita and new favorites like Tricolore and Biancaneve. The gelato is available in more than a dozen flavors, too, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Savor Every Moment of Your Visit to Key West
There are so many fun things to do in Key West, including exploring the vibrant and diverse range of cuisines available here. As a special crossroads where you can indulge in global flavors sourced with local ingredients, this island city offers everything from sophisticated fine dining to casual comfort food prepared by skilled hands.
