Key West knows its way around a good meal. The island is packed with incredible seafood shacks, waterfront bistros, and restaurants that somehow manage to serve the freshest catch with a side of sunset views. And with this much variety, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s where this guide comes in.
Latitudes
$$$ | (305) 292-5394 | WEBSITE
What elevates Latitudes above the many other waterfront restaurants in Key West is their combination of stunning views and flawless execution. There’s the breathtaking sunset panorama from any seat in the house or the lobster bisque so rich you could savor each spoonful for minutes. There’s typically a wait for reservations, even on evenings when the ferry ride feels like a mini-adventure.
We understand—we’d happily enjoy these expertly prepared dishes while watching waves crash against the dock if that’s what it took.
Seven Fish
$$$ | (305) 296-2777 | WEBSITE
While this celebrated Key West spot is best known for their seafood, when it comes to entrees, we go for the Curry snapper every time—it’s one of the best dishes on the menu. The fantastic knockout with outstanding curry sauce and fresh steamed vegetables almost guarantees you’ll need to loosen your belt when you’re done.
Jersey Mike’s Subs
$ | (305) 204-4815 | WEBSITE
The antidote to a hungry, sandwich-less afternoon in Key West is a buffalo chicken sub from Jersey Mike’s Subs. Layers of fresh chicken are finished off with buffalo sauce, ranch, and crisp lettuce that tastes like it was sliced at the exact moment of peak crispness. It all comes together for a spicy, creamy-crunchy bite, ideal for a meal on the way to the beach.
Capt Tony’s Saloon
$ | (305) 294-1838 | WEBSITE
The antidote to a touristy, history-less evening in Key West is a Pirate’s Punch from Capt Tony’s Saloon. Glasses of fruity rum punch are finished off with a lively band, pool tables, and a grungy atmosphere that feels like it was preserved at the exact moment of peak dive-bar authenticity. It all comes together for a laid-back, music-filled escape, ideal for a drink on the way from the cruise ship pier.
Kennedy Cafe
$ | (305) 809-9000 | WEBSITE
A gyro from Kennedy Cafe may very well be one of the best single meals you’ll ever have. The warm, fluffy pita can barely contain the juicy meat that’s so tender you could savor it like a slow-cooked stew. While the international dishes (like Italian pasta or Mediterranean platters) are fun detours, stick with the Turkish breakfast—that’s the version that highlights the flawless combination of fresh ingredients and bold flavors.
CHINA GARDEN
$ | (305) 296-5618 | WEBSITE
A plate of chicken in garlic sauce from China Garden may very well be one of the best single dishes you’ll ever have. The tender, savory chicken can barely contain the rich garlic sauce that’s so velvety you could savor it like a fine broth. While the spicy tofu is a fun detour, stick with the original—that’s the version that highlights the flawless combination of garlic and soy.
Alonzo’s Oyster Bar
$$ | (305) 600-3405 | WEBSITE
The fresh oysters at this waterfront bar are oceanic treasures. A chilled platter of briny bivalves is the foundation for a feast of coastal delights. While a selection of local oysters with a zesty mignonette is satisfying on its own, this place is vibrant, and you should be too. Add on a bowl of rich conch chowder, crispy calamari, golden fried shrimp, or a perfectly-mixed cocktail from the friendly bartender.
Brady’s Pub Key West
$ | (305) 295-8880 | WEBSITE
Brady’s Pub, a Key West staple, has earned its reputation thanks, in no small part, to their patty melt, stacked with caramelized onions and melted cheese. Despite the richness, it manages to avoid being overly greasy, and the toasted rye gives just a slight crunch when a knife slides right through it. You’ll see the signature golden-brown sandwiches on nearly every table, or wrapped up for takeout. It’s impossible not to enjoy.
Olives Mediterranean Grill Key West
$$ | (305) 407-5191 | WEBSITE
Olives Mediterranean Grill Key West, tucked away a few blocks from the main area, is a hidden gem thanks, in no small part, to their pistachio baklava, layered with honey and nuts. Despite the sweetness, it manages to avoid veering into being cloying, and the flaky pastry gives just a slight crumble when a fork glides right through it. You’ll see the signature diamond-shaped pieces of this dessert on nearly every table, or tucked into paper takeout bags. It’s impossible not to love.
Salty Oyster Dockside Bar & Grill
$$ | (305) 295-6363 | WEBSITE
Salty Oyster Dockside Bar & Grill is buzzing with guests “ooh-ing” and “aah-ing” over every dish from the dockside kitchen. Their damn good cocktails are no exception, especially the constantly rotating Rocket Fuel Pina Colada—like coconut rum blended with fresh pineapple, or spiced rum and mango puree swirled with lime. Every version we’ve tried is refreshing, not too sweet, and capable of sparking a crush on a liquid companion.
Yellowfin Bar & Kitchen
$$ | (786) 862-6305 | WEBSITE
Trust us, even if the words “fried seafood” or “marina view” make you skeptical, you’ll still love this spot. The dishes are flavorful and just expertly prepared enough to showcase fresh ingredients like whole fried snapper and grilled shrimp. The slight richness from the seafood is balanced out with bright, clean surroundings.
The real question isn’t whether you want a meal, but where to sit: both the outdoor marina seating and the cozy sofa area offer views and comfort worth developing a regular dining habit for. Just get there with an appetite and be ready for the included gratuity.
Duffy’s Steak & Lobster House
$$ | (305) 296-4900 | WEBSITE
You’ll be consistently impressed by the seafood at this steak and lobster house in Key West. But what will linger with you longest is the key lime pie. No surprise, since this place is often called the best in town. The Maine lobster is a prime example. It’s a remarkably fresh delight served with a perfectly seasoned rib eye and a delicate teriyaki sauce that practically melts on your tongue.
Onlywood Grill
$$ | (305) 998-4540 | WEBSITE
A plate of gnocchi bolognese from Onlywood Grill may very well be one of the best single bites you’ll ever have. The tender, pillowy pasta can barely contain the rich meat sauce that’s so velvety you could savor it like a fine wine. While the wood-fired pizzas and seafood platters are fun detours, stick with the original—that’s the version that highlights the flawless combination of homemade pasta and authentic Italian flavors.
The Courthouse Deli & Whit’s Frozen Custard
$ | (305) 294-2929 | WEBSITE
While this beloved Key West deli is best known for their Cuban sandwich, when it comes to dessert, we go for the strawberry milkshake every time—it’s one of the best things we ate all week. The creamy frozen custard knockout with sweet strawberry swirl almost guarantees you’ll need to take a napkin to your chin when you’re done.
The V
$ | (305) 294-9968 | WEBSITE
For years tucked away in Key West, locals have been flocking to The V for its generous fish and chicken dishes that taste like home cooking. The hearty portions come at prices that won’t break the bank, served in a cozy space that feels like stepping back to a simpler time. After the owner greets you with genuine warmth, you’ll find the friendly service makes every meal feel special.
Now, while enjoying that excellent food, you can appreciate the straightforward, welcoming atmosphere that has made this spot a hidden gem. It remains as satisfying as ever.
Key West Cuban Coffee
$ | (305) 440-2452 | WEBSITE
You’ll be routinely blown away by the food at this Cuban restaurant in Key West. But what will stick with you most is the coffee. No surprise, since this place is owned by Caroline, known for her warmth. The cafe con leche is a prime example. It’s an intensely rich stunner with perfectly balanced espresso and steamed milk that practically melts in your mouth.
