Rocco Smith
Key West is the ultimate destination for a tropical getaway here in the United States.
Key west is like Florida’s little slice of paradise that’s just filled with white sugar sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and absolutely incredible places to eat.
If you’re planning on visiting Key West, or even if you live there year-round, you might be wondering where the best restaurants in the area are.
If that sounds like a thought that’s crossed your mind before, then I’ve got something for you.
I went looking for the best restaurants Key West has to offer so I could put together a guide ranking them all, and I did not come back empty handed.
You’ll find Cuban food, Caribbean cuisine, and, of course, the freshest seafood you’ll ever taste in your life at these amazing Key West restaurants.
The next time you’re trying to think of where to eat in Key West, just take a look at this list down below.
You’re bound to find something you like.
Blue Heaven Key West
729 Thomas St, Key West, FL 33040
Phone: 305-296-8666
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Kicking things off is a place called Blue Heaven.
This American restaurant specializes in Floridian-Caribbean food and it really never disappoints.
My favorite thing to come here and order is the surf n’ turf, but I always opt for the fresh scallops.
You can find Blue Heaven off of Thomas Street, right around the corner from The Hemingway Home and Museum and the famous Key West Lighthouse in the Bahama Village neighborhood, so there’s no shortage of fun activities nearby to enjoy before or after your meal.
Definitely check this place out for some delicious food. The only thing that’s missing is a view of the water!
Cafe Marquesa Key West
600 Fleming St, Key West, FL 33040
Phone: 305-292-1244
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Next up is one of my favorite places to eat in Key West when I’m near the Key West Historic District.
Cafe Marquesa is a delightful, cozy eatery with all sorts of upscale fare that has their own unique spin put on it. Plus, this place is conveniently located right near the Key West Theater and Crowne Plaza Key West hotel.
My go-to order when I visit Cafe Marquesa is a starter of their seared and chilled yellowfin tuna.
After that, I recommend the crispy yellowtail snapper as a main course.
It comes with parmesan grits, chilled pink shrimp salad, chili butter, and an amazing English pea puree.
El Siboney Restaurant
900 Catherine St, Key West, FL 33040,
Phone: 305-296-4184
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El Siboney is the next place I want to mention on my list of top places to eat in Key West because they serve some of the most incredible Cuban cuisine I’ve ever tasted.
Just thinking about eating here makes my mouth water.
El Siboney can be found on Catherine Street downtown, just northwest of Higgs Memorial Beach Park and the Casa Marina Key West hotel.
When you get there, you just have to order a Cuban sandwich and you’ll understand why I love this place so much, but there are plenty of other fantastic options on their menu as well.
Santiago’s Bodega
7305, 207 Petronia St #101, Key West, FL 33040
Phone: 305-296-7691
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Now, it’s time for some tapas. Santiago’s Bodega is a unique and intimate little restaurant that I highly recommend anyone try when they’re in town.
They serve cold tapas, hot tapas, comforting soups, and hearty salads.
There is something for everyone on their menu and that’s one of my favorite things about Santiago’s.
When you get here, I suggest starting with their Greek salad or maybe a decadent French onion soup to get you started and really prime your appetite.
When it comes to the tapas, there is an insane amount of options, so make sure to read the menu carefully so you don’t miss out on something you might like.
Garbo’s Grill
409 Caroline St, Key West, FL 33040
Phone: 305-304-3004
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Garbo’s Grill is another amazing place to eat in Key West.
What I love about Garbo’s is that the location is so convenient, it’s right nearby some of the most fun Key West attractions like Mallory Square where the cruise ships dock, the Key West Aquarium, and the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum.
Garbo’s is the perfect restaurant to hit after an exciting day of exploring.
My favorite dish from Garbo’s is their Cayo fish taco, but you can get it in the form of a burrito as well.
It consists of the fish of the day, which is always something good, as well as red cabbage, mango, jalapeno, cilantro, onion, and the delectable house Caribbean sauce.
Eaton Street Seafood Market & Restaurant
801 Eaton St, Key West, FL 33040
Phone: 305-295-3474
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Over on the northwestern side of the island is a place called Eaton Street Seafood Market & Restaurant.
This is probably the number-one place to get fresh seafood in Key West, hands down.
The fish and shellfish here are so fresh you can literally taste the ocean in every bite, and there is a good chance what you eat was caught that same day.
What I love from Eaton Street Seafood Market & Restaurant is an appetizer of the conch ceviche, but then I go right for a fish sandwich made from any one of the fresh fish behind their display case.
Glazed Donuts
420 Eaton St, Key West, FL 33040
Phone: 305-294-9142
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Up next is Glazed Donuts, and if you’re not starting your day in Key West off here, then you’re really doing yourself a disservice.
They serve coffee and, as the name suggests, donuts, but not just glazed.
Some of my favorite donut flavors that Glazed Donuts offers include the maple bacon, Cuban coffee cake, chocolate frosted, and the peanut butter cup.
There are lots of other delicious donuts to try here, though, including a seasonal donut that’s always changing!
I also highly recommend a classic cafe Cubano or a cortado if you’re in the mood for coffee with your donut.
Red Shoe Island Bistro
411 Petronia St, Naval Air Station Key West, FL 33040
Phone: 305-509-7271
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This next place is called Red Shoe Island Bistro and they’re located over on Petronia Street, not far from the Truman Waterpark and the Key West Amphitheater.
This restaurant is casual and comfy, you’ll probably want to spend all day or night here, especially after you’ve tried the food.
I love coming here for fresh fish dishes, but the real treat comes after dinner when I indulge in a slice of their homemade key lime pie for dessert.
This place is also awesome because if you want to sit outside and eat, there are a few charming sidewalk tables underneath an awning.
The Flaming Buoy Filet Co.
424 Eaton St, Key West, FL 33040
Phone: 305-295-7970
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Heading back over to Eaton Street, we’re looking for The Flaming Buoy Filet Co.
This New American restaurant is known for its unbelievable steak and seafood dinners that everyone around town seems to love.
They serve wonderfully unique dishes here at The Flaming Buoy Filet Co., and I am here for it.
My favorite is probably the lobster mac and cheese, but there is an absolutely incredible menu option called the “Entree Trio” that comes with a grilled fresh catch, red Thai curry, and bacon-wrapped scallops over mashed sweet potatoes.
It’s out-of-this-world good.
Cuban Coffee Queen
284 Margaret St, Key West, FL 33040
Phone: 305-292-4747
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Up next is Cuban Coffee Queen and this place is a must-visit for anyone in Key West looking for a cup of traditional Cuban coffee, as well as classic Cuban fare that is always sure to impress.
Cuban Coffee Queen is located near the Key West Bight and the Yankee Freedom Dry Tortugas Ferry.
This little counter-serve coffee shop is charming and fun, an absolutely bright and delightful way to start your morning in paradise.
I highly recommend one of their delicious smoothies to help beat the heat on a hot day, but they have lots of food options too.
Harpoon Harry’s
832 Caroline St, Key West, FL 33040
Phone: 305-294-8744
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Harpoon Harry’s is a quirky, old-fashioned cash-only restaurant located on the corner of Caroline Street and Margaret Street that I think everyone should check out while they’re in Key West.
My favorite part about Harpoon Harry’s is that they serve breakfast all day, every day.
What could be better than that? Nothing, if you ask me.
What I always order from Harpoon Harry’s is the seafood omelet that comes with lobster, lump crab, and hollandaise sauce.
I either go for that or the tenderloin and eggs for something a little heartier.
Latitudes
245 Front St, Key West, FL 33040
Phone: 305-292-5394
Up Next is Latitudes.
This restaurant is located over on Sunset Key in the Sunset Key cottages resort, so you’ll need to have access to a boat in order to get to this one, but it’s so worth it.
Sunset Key is really a little paradise-within-a-paradise overall, and Latitudes makes it even better.
I really enjoy the surf n’ turf burger from Latitudes.
It comes with a grilled angus beef patty, Maine lobster, and brie cheese on a brioche bun with delectable truffle fries.
They also offer cobia which is one of my favorite fish to eat.
The Lobster Shack Key West
507 South St, Naval Air Station Key West, FL 33040
Phone: 305-741-7149
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Right near The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory on South Street is another amazing place to eat fresh seafood in Key West.
The Lobster Shack is a shellfish-lover’s dream come true.
The Lobster Shack serves all kinds of lobster roll variations and each one is more delicious than the last, so you may want to splurge and get more than one.
My favorite lobster roll to order from The Lobster Shack is the Diablo Lobster Roll that’s made with spicy sriracha mayo.
It’s the perfect amount of heat to complement the sweet lobster meat.
Key Plaza Creperie
1105 Key Plaza, Naval Air Station Key West, FL 33040
Phone: 305-517-6032
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If you’re spending time at the Key Plaza shopping mall, you’re definitely going to want to stop in and pay Key Plaza Creperie a visit.
After all, a shopping spree can really work up an appetite if you ask me, so it’s necessary to replenish after a while, and what better way than with crepes?
They serve paninis, sweet crepes, savory galettes, and so much more here at Key Plaza Creperie.
My go-to order is usually one of the chicken bechamel galettes that comes with spinach, mushroom, tomato, onion, and swiss cheese.
Hogfish Bar & Grill
6810 Front St, Stock Island, FL 33040
Phone: 305-293-4041
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Hogfish Bar & Grill may be last on my list, but you definitely should not make this the last place you visit in Key West, especially if you’re looking to grab some drinks!
Hogfish Bar & Grill is a fantastic place to eat and hang out with plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy the fresh Florida air while you take in the sights of the harbor.
This is the place to go for some absolutely mind-blowing chowder and soups.
They serve an incredible Bahamian conch chowder and a creamy lobster bisque that will totally knock your socks off (not that you should be wearing any here).
Key West is really party central, but the good times aren’t only found at the bars.
As you can see, there are plenty of places to eat in Key West with amazing menus and delicious food.
No matter what you’re in the mood for, you can find it here.
If you’re looking to eat by the water while you’re here in Key West, be sure to check out these amazing restaurants!
Did we leave a restaurant out of this list? Make sure you leave us a comment and we’ll check it out!
Cafe Sole! The sweetest little French Restaurant ever!
My favorite dish is the Baby Clams on spaghetti. And they have one of the best Key Lime Pie on the island.
Louie’s Backyard!
We love to have Sunday Brunch at the bar here. My favorite dishes are the shrimp and grits, the cornmeal pancakes and the Green Goddess Salad. And their Pina Colada is fabulous!
LOUIES BACKYARD is easily in top 3 or 4…A & B Lobster House has to be in top 15…