Wondering where to eat on your Key West trip? In this ultimate guide to the best Key West restaurants, we’ve rounded up 18 can’t-miss spots that locals love and travelers return to again and again. Whether you’re visiting Key West for the amazing sunsets, the snorkeling, or the Duval Street nightlife, one thing’s for sure—Key West is a true food lover’s paradise. From historic bars to romantic oceanfront dining and tucked-away local gems, the island is bursting with bold flavors, tropical flair, and unforgettable meals.
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We’ve compiled our Key West foodie favorites and you’ll find everything from fresh-caught seafood and Cuban comfort food to chic brunch cafes and classic raw bars—all with must-try dishes and insider tips to help you plan the best food options before you arrive.
Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, these are the top restaurants in Key West you won’t want to skip. So, create your own self-guided foodie walking tour using our guide. Even if you are only in Key West on a cruise port stop you can visit a few of these spots!
P.S. Don’t forget to check out our other Key West guides on what to do in one day, best hotels in Old Town, and the best food trucks in Key West to help you plan your full Key West itinerary!
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☀️1. El Siboney
📍900 Catherine St
Why it’s one of the best in Key West: No-frills Cuban comfort food that’s packed with flavor and local charm. We first found this gem on a Cultural Food Tour and have been back many times. The food is so good and the portions are huge so maybe split an entree so that you are not over-full. Read more reviews on El Siboney here
Must-try dish: Roast Pork with Plantains, Cuban Sandwich, cortadito with bread.
🌙2. Moondog Café & Bakery
📍823 Whitehead St
Why it’s one of the best in Key West: A hip and popular café with creative brunch, lunch, and dinner. Indoor and outdoor seating with tropical vibes. The food was delicious here and it took us 2 trips to actually get in! Read more reviews on Moondog Cafe here
Must-try dish: Any of their specials, Lobster Avocado Toast, or Guava Croissant.
🌴3. Two Friends Patio Restaurant
📍512 Front St
Why it’s one of the best Key West restaurants: Great live music, breezy outdoor seating, and seafood classics and the best grilled shrimp salad that we’ve had. Read more reviews of Two Friends Patio here
Must-try dish: Crab Cake Benedict, Grouper Sandwich, grilled shrimp salad.
🍷4. Lola’s Bistro
📍728 Simonton St
Why it’s one of the best Key West restaurants: Chef-driven, ever-changing chalkboard menu in a hidden setting. This gem looks plain on the outside, but it was one of the best dining experiences we’ve had in Key West! There were also 2 celebrities dining at our seating. We made reservations 3 months in advance! It’s also pricey, but totally worth it. There are 2 seatings a night and the menu changes each week. Read more reviews of Lola’s here
Must-try dish: Specials change nightly—everything is amazing.
🌸5. Louie’s Backyard
📍700 Waddell Ave
Why it’s one of the Key West’s best: Fine dining with the famous Afterdeck Bar. Make reservations for dinner a couple of months in advance! The upstairs bar has open seating if you don’t have a reservation, but it gets crowded so get there early! Read more reviews on Louie’s Backyard here
Must-try dish: Caribbean Jerk Pork Tenderloin, Snapper.
🐓6. Blue Heaven
📍729 Thomas St
Why it’s one of the best Key West restaurants: Roosters, reggae, and ridiculously good brunch. Blue Heaven is a popular brunch spot in Key West’s Bahama Village neighborhood. This quirky outdoor and indoor spot is a classic and a must-visit. It gets super crowded so get there early. Read more reviews on Blue Heaven here
Must-try dish: Lobster Benedict or Banana Pancakes.
🌺7. Santiago’s Bodega
📍207 Petronia St
Why it’s one of the best in Key West: Tapas heaven with cozy ambiance and white sangria that is the best we’ve had. Definitely make a reservation for dinner – it’s not that big so it fills up. Read more reviews on Santiago’s Bodega here
Must-try dish: Goat Cheese Peppers, Spicy Shrimp, daily Chef’s Board.
🍸8. Latitudes at Sunset Key
📍245 Front St (via ferry)
Why it’s one of the best Key West restaurants: Waterfront fine dining on a private island—doesn’t get more romantic. Reservations are a must here well in advance for this Sunset Key favorite! You also have to take the ferry to get there, but it is worth it!
Must-try dish: Yellowtail Snapper, Lobster Ravioli. Read more reviews on Lattitudes here
Tip: Go for brunch for a slightly less crowded and casual experience.
✈️9. First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery
📍301 Whitehead St
Why it’s one of the best Key West restaurants: Home of Pan Am’s first ticket office—now a brewery and restaurant with tropical dishes. They have a great patio area and you can usually get in without a long wait! Read more reviews on First Flight at Tripadvisor
Must-try dish: Drunken Scallops, Island Burger.
Tip: First Flight is a great brunch spot in Key West too!
🔹10. Café Marquesa
📍600 Fleming St
Why it’s one of the best in Key West: Elegant fine dining in a cozy boutique hotel. Reservations for dinner are highly recommended. It gets really busy. Read more reviews on Cafe Marquesa on Tripadvisor
Must-try dish: Wagyu Filet, Scallops with Corn Purée.
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⛲️11. Nine One Five
📍915 Duval St
Why it’s one of the best Key West restaurants: Inventive dishes, great porch seating, and chic atmosphere. We love the food here! Read more reviews on Nine One Five on Tripadvisor
Must-try dish: Truffled Lobster Mac & Cheese, Tuna Tartare.
🦪12. Alonzo’s Oyster Bar
📍700 Front St
Why it’s one of the best Key West restaurants: Fresh raw bar and unbeatable happy hour on the marina. Read more reviews on Alonzo’s Oyster Bar on Tripadvisor
Must-try dish: Baked Oysters, Lobster Sliders, conch fritters
🍰13. Pepe’s Café
📍806 Caroline St, Key West, FL 33040
Why it’s one of the best Key West restaurants: Established in 1909, Pepe’s is the oldest restaurant in Key West—and it still feels like a local’s hangout. Known for its hearty breakfasts, freshly squeezed juices, and old-school charm, it’s a must-visit for anyone who appreciates timeless brunch vibes. We also loved the Key Lime Pie from Pepe’s! Read more reviews on Pepe’s Cafe on Tripadvisor
Must-try dish: Steak & Eggs Breakfast or the Homemade Key Lime Pie.
🧜♀️14. Thirsty Mermaid
📍521 Fleming St
Why it’s one of the best Key West restaurants: Sleek raw bar with fresh seafood and a creative cocktail list. Read more reviews on the Thirsty Mermaid on Tripadvisor
Must-try dish: Stone Crab Claws, Daily Ceviche.
🥩15. Duffy’s Steak & Lobster House
📍1007 Simonton St
Why it’s one of the best Key West restaurants: Classic steakhouse with hearty portions and local flair. It’s an iconic favorite that we try to visit at least once on a trip! Also, if you are wondering where to eat and don’t have reservations they usually have tables available! Read More Reviews on Duffy’s Steak and Lobster on Tripadvisor
Must-try dish: Steak & Lobster Combo.
⛵️16. Conch Republic Seafood Company
📍631 Greene St
Why it’s one of the best Key West restaurants: Dockside favorite for fresh conch fritters and fun vibes. If you can’t decide where to eat you can usually get a table here last minute- it’s huge! Read More Reviews of Conch Republic Seafood Company on Tripadvisor
Must-try dish: Conch Fritters, Mahi Sandwich.
✨17. Sloppy Joe’s Bar
📍201 Duval St
Why it’s one of the best and classic Key West Spots: Iconic, energetic, and dripping with Key West history. We avoided Sloppy Joes on the first 2 trips, but once we tried it we were instantly fans! The sloppy joe is really that good! They also have live music and a fun atmosphere! Read More Reviews of Sloppy Joe’s on Tripadvisor here
Must-try dish: Sloppy Joe, Sloppy Rita Cocktail.
🍜18. Pho King Awesome
📍420 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040
Why it’s one of the best Key West restaurants: A playful name and bold flavors make this Vietnamese fusion spot a standout on Duval Street. It’s perfect when you’re craving something beyond seafood. It is also usually easy to get into without a reservation! We love the island bowl and ramen here! Read more reviews of Pho King Awesome on Tripadvisor
Must-try dish: Short Rib Pho, ramen, island bowl, or the Vietnamese Egg Rolls.
Bonus: They also serve creative tropical cocktails and have vegan options!
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Tip: Check out the Key West Chamber of Commerce for even more ideas of what to do on a Keys vacation!
FAQs About the Best Restaurants in Key West
Yes! Many of the top Key West restaurants offer outdoor seating, garden patios, and even live music. Try Blue Heaven for its open-air courtyard with roaming chickens and live music, or Moondog Café, which has a beautiful patio surrounded by tropical plants. For a lively vibe with more music, head to Two Friends Patio Restaurant on Front Street.
Yes! One of the best parts of visiting Key West is its walkability. All of the top restaurants in Key West featured in this guide are within walking distance of each other—especially if you’re staying near Old Town, Duval Street, or the Historic Seaport (and cruise port). Grab a bike or take a short walk and you’ll never be too far from amazing food.
Looking for the best brunch in Key West? You’ll love Santiago’s Bodega for small-plate brunch with sangria, or Pepe’s Café, one of the oldest restaurants in Florida serving great brunch items with fresh-squeezed mimosas. Moondog Café also offers creative brunch dishes and pastries daily near the Hemingway House, and of course, our favorite is Blue Heaven!
Final Thoughts on the Best Key West Restaurants
Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner in Old Town, a casual lunch, or a cocktail stop between Duval strolls, these 18 best restaurants in Key West offer something for every taste. Don’t worry if you can’t hit them all on one trip, there’s always next time! Have you tried any of these top Key West restaurants?