After a day of sunburn and tourist crowds, there isn’t a worse part of a Key West vacation than trying to find decent seafood. You’re hungry, skeptical, and not in the mood to play the ‘Is this place authentic?’ game with the 20 overpriced menus you low-key can’t trust. Finding good seafood here is a challenge. Finding a place that’s actually worth the hype is even harder. But not impossible.
Turtle Kraals
$$ | (305) 294-2640 | WEBSITE
All you had in mind was some fresh seafood with your partner and now suddenly the entire extended family of 15 people want in. Go to Turtle Kraals. No matter how many people you roll into this coastal paradise with, you should be able to find a table. There’s also a vibrant bar area that usually features a local musician playing acoustic versions of Jimmy Buffett. If that’s not what you want while eating a giant plate of lobster tempura, we have nothing in common.
Conch Republic Seafood Company
$$ | (305) 294-4403 | WEBSITE
It’s hot, you just got off the boat after a long day on the water, and you realize you’re craving something fresh and Caribbean-inspired. You’ll hit the gym tomorrow, but in the meantime, you’re heading to Conch Republic Seafood Company. The classic seafood spot in Key West offers a diverse menu full of the peel-and-eat shrimp, perfectly seasoned pasta dishes, and big plates of seafood your body is craving after spending hours in the sun.
Bagatelle
$$ | (305) 296-6609 | WEBSITE
The sun was supposed to set at 6pm, but the cruise ship crowds took over Duval Street tonight and now it’s 8:30pm and you’re seeing red. Go to Bagatelle. This historic Key West house certainly doesn’t have the fastest service in the neighborhood (or even the block), but it doesn’t matter. This is your third trip to the Keys in the last two years and all you want right now is some swordfish and a cucumber cooler. Come to this charming patio restaurant to get them.
Fogarty’s
$$ | (305) 294-7525 | WEBSITE
The day was a complete sh*t show. The heat was relentless, the crowds on Duval Street were overwhelming, and you spilled your drink trying to navigate the sidewalk. It’s times like these when you go to Fogarty’s. Skip the fancy seafood and focus on the fish sandwich and Key Lime pie instead. It’s open with friendly service and a pleasant atmosphere.
Seaside Cafe at the Mansion
$$ | (305) 340-8167 | WEBSITE
If you’re visiting Key West, there’s a 100% chance at least some of your trip will involve searching for good seafood. Fortunately, there’s the Seaside Cafe at the Mansion. Open with that classic coastal charm, this waterfront spot serves solid classics (the lobster pizza and Parmesan truffle fries are our order) and famous mojitos that are perfect for relaxing after a day in the sun, even though you know those iguanas wandering by will steal your attention more than they should.
The Flaming Buoy Filet Co.
$$ | (305) 295-7970 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in a corner of Key West that most visitors might overlook, The Flaming Buoy Filet Co. is the kind of spot that locals keep to themselves. The space feels cozy and inviting, with a fun Star Wars theme that adds character without being overwhelming. This isn’t some stuffy fine dining establishment with $40 entrees—it’s where you come for generous portions of excellent seafood in a relaxed atmosphere.
They’re known for their incredible lobster Mac, which is so good people order extra to take home, and dishes like the grouper with lime butter sauce or the Surf & Turf filet and lobster never disappoint. The staff treats everyone like family, and they’re great with large groups. It’s open daily for dinner, and while most nights are wonderful, every place can have an occasional off night. The key lime dessert is the perfect ending to any meal here.
Viva Argentinian Steakhouse
$$ | (786) 396-7463 | WEBSITE
You’re deep into vacation mode, which means you’re completely tired of crowded tourist spots and the last thing you want to do is wait in another line for mediocre seafood. Break away from the pack and go to Viva Argentinian Steakhouse. The classic steakhouse has a prime location in Key West and is home to our favorite Patagonia Burger with Brie cheese and caramelized onions in the city.
Also, with happy hour deals on drinks, you can order as many Ginger Sangrias as you want without breaking the bank. The outdoor bar can get busy on the weekends.
PESCADO
$ | (305) 396-7425 | WEBSITE
After a day of sunburn and sand in every crevice, you need something to make the beach slog worthwhile. That’s when PESCADO comes through. This food truck tucked in a gas station lot serves up fresh seafood that actually tastes like the ocean. The fried fish tacos with chipotle sauce are crispy and satisfying, and the burritos are big enough to share (though you won’t want to). The owners are genuinely friendly, and watching them cook everything to order makes the wait feel worthwhile.
Sure, it’s not fancy—you’ll be eating at a picnic table—and at around $17 a plate, it’s not exactly cheap. But when you’re walking back to your hotel with leftovers for tomorrow, you’ll understand why people keep coming back.
B.O.’s Fish Wagon
$$ | (305) 294-9272 | WEBSITE
You swore this would be the last time you’d wait in line for seafood, but here you are craving that soft shell crab sandwich again, a messy masterpiece that somehow always tastes better when you’re standing at a counter. Head to B.O.’s Fish Wagon to make yourself feel better about your life choices while you take in all the wall art.
The rustic shack on a side street in Key West is open every day until sunset and serves the kind of fresh seafood (including our favorite grouper sandwich in town) that reminds you why you came to the Keys in the first place.
Nine One Five
$$$ | (305) 296-0669 | WEBSITE
It’s 8:30pm and you really just wanted to stay in. But your partner just mentioned they could use a nice dinner, and now your evening’s extended because you can’t say no to someone who said you’d be perfect for their anniversary celebration. Nine One Five in Key West is open every night until 11pm and has that ideal combination of good seafood and good service in a space that you can appreciate.
The bacon wrapped dates are our usual go-to, but if you’re on a lighter diet until vacation, the beet salad is a very solid starter.
The Docks Restaurant + Raw Bar
$$ | (305) 396-7049 | WEBSITE
Located at the waterfront in Key West, The Docks Restaurant + Raw Bar is just a short stroll from the main tourist strip, ideal for when you’ve had enough sun and need a proper meal. The Docks is open for lunch and dinner, and has an extremely solid menu full of fresh seafood and standout dishes. With most entrees falling between $30 and $45, it’s on the higher end but worth it for the quality. Be sure to get the Pompous Captain signature drink.
