8 Must-Try Restaurants In Key West
Good food is basically a religion in Key West. Which makes sense, considering the town is quite literally surrounded by fresh seafood and less than 100 miles from the divine flavors of Cuba. Central to the creed are local specialities like key lime pie and fried conch, plus happy hours and an earnest promise to never miss a sunset.
In other words, eat, drink and be merry. You can handle all of that, right?
There’s certainly no shortage of ways to do it. From oceanfront fine dining to funky dive bars, the best food in Key West comes in all shapes and sizes. The amount of options might seem overwhelming, but we know of a few local favorites that’ll get you started on the right path.
Blue Heaven: Best Brunch
Steven Miller
Appropriately named, Blue Heaven is indeed a little slice of heaven. If, of course, heaven has funky backyard vibes with chickens roaming freely and the most epic everything from brunch to key lime pie.
There’s no wrong time to go—dinner is all-time, with a long, eclectic menu, live music and a bustling bar scene. But what people really love at Blue Heaven is the brunch. Stretching until 2pm, their breakfast offering is nothing short of legendary.
Eggs Benedict, house-made baked goods and banana pancakes top the list of reasons why the morning breakfast wait can last for hours. (Tip: skip the line by snagging an open seat at the bar.)
Locals and visitors alike will tell you that this is the spot, and they’re not wrong. It might even deserve the title of the best place to eat in Key West. But we’ll let you decide that for yourself.
Garbo’s: Best Food Truck
If you’re a fan of the Food Network, you might have already heard of this much-praised taco and burger spot on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive Ins & Dives.” If you haven’t heard of it—well, welcome to the party.
A verifiable must-eat in Key West, Garbo’s Korean inspired grub offers the kind of ooey, gooey, savory mess of a meal that always leaves you satisfied. The entire menu of tacos is a good call, but people rave about the umami burger too. Actually, people rave about every single item on the menu.
Close to Duval Street and conveniently cozied up to a local bar, this is a top choice for a casual meal and good vibes.
Little Pearl: Best Fine Dining
We love the sandy, salty beach shack feel as much as the next person, but sometimes the moment calls for something a little finer. When that’s the case, make your reservation at Little Pearl.
Serving innovative small plates in the form of a Chef’s tasting menu, this intimate restaurant offers a chic take on local seafood dishes. Visitors rave about both the service and the wine list, all of which promises an elegant, memorable experience that’s not to be missed.
Hogfish: Locals’ Favorite
Coyobo
Here we go, time to answer the question on everyone’s mind: where can you find the best local food in Key West? Hogfish, my friends, is the place.
A true off-the-beaten-path restaurant with an authentic Florida Keys feel, Hogfish has it all. From the al-fresco, thatched roof dining room to the views of Stock Island’s Safe Harbor Marina, it’s all laid-back beach vibes here.
But don’t let the relaxed atmosphere throw you off—the food is top-notch. Seafood reigns supreme here, and the famous Hogfish sandwich is not to be missed.
Conch Republic: Freshest Seafood
You can’t go home without a Key West seafood feast and there’s no place to enjoy one quite like Conch Republic. Open-aired, lively, and conveniently located in the downtown marina, fresh is the name of the game here.
We’re talking about a real, straight-from-the-sea situation. Their extensive menu of premium, fresh fish is locally caught and processed. Enjoy it at their ever popular raw bar or settle in for a platter of cracked conch or Key West pink shrimp and a tropical drink.
As an added bonus, Conch Republic is committed to ocean conservation, supporting the Reef Relief initiative and acting as a local advocate.
Looking for more seafood?
Louie’s Backyard: Most Romantic Spot
Nothing says date night quite like sweeping ocean views. And at Louie’s Backyard, you’ll find plenty of them.
What began 30 years ago as a humble, three-table backyard offering is now entirely transformed into a cherished Key West institution. Now in the National Register of Historic Places, a beachside Victorian makes an unforgettable setting for an upscale-casual experience.
The atmosphere pairs perfectly with an elegant menu of seafood mains like swordfish, scallops and octopus. You’ll want to start with the conch fritters—a Key West specialty—and save room for drinks and dessert.
Sandy’s Cafe: Best Cuban Sandwich
In Key West, Cuban food has to share the stage with the area’s beloved seafood. And one visit to the ever cool and casual Sandy’s Cafe will explain why.
Family-owned and operated since the 1950s, Sandy’s has a well-earned reputation for some of the best Cuban sandwiches in all of Key West. The sans-seating, order-at-the-counter window is simple and unassuming. Their flavors, however, are not.
Grab a sandwich before a beach day, or head over early for excellent, affordable breakfasts and your new favorite cup of coffee.
Cuban Coffee Queen: Best Coffee
With three locations around Key West, it’s not hard to imagine that Cuban Coffee Queen wins the title of best coffee in the keys. Yes, you’ll have to wait in line to get it, and yes, it’s an ultra-popular spot. But all those things are true for a reason.
Obviously, grabbing a Cuban coffee with steamed milk is a necessity. But you’ll also want to come hungry. The quick, counter service offers well-loved breakfasts and sandwiches and is the perfect spot to grab lunch before a day of adventure.
Key West Food Tours
Still hungry? That’s good. Because this list barely scratches the surface of all the good eats in Key West and beyond. To get a taste of all the top spots—from the most fun beach bars to the best local food—hop on a Key West food tour.