Where to Eat in Key West: 18 Best Restaurants You Can’t Miss

Wondering where to eat on your Key West trip? In this ultimate guide to the best Key West restaurants, we’re featuring our favorite 18 can’t-miss spots that locals love too. Whether you’re visiting Key West for the amazing sunsets, the snorkeling, or the Duval Street nightlife, Key West is a true food lover’s paradise. We love it all, from historic bars to romantic oceanfront dining and tucked-away local gems, Key West is bursting with bold flavors, tropical flair, and unforgettable meals.

lolas best key west chef restaurant experience
The chef works magic at Lola’s, one of the best Key West Restaurants that we’ve tried!

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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. We also list the 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!


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☀️1. El Siboney

el siboney key west best cuban food
El Siboney is a quaint yet delicious Key West Cuban gem.
key west cuban food pork rice el siboney
Definitely get the pork and plantains at El Siboney in Key West!


Must-try dish: Roast Pork with Plantains, Cuban Sandwich, cortadito with bread.


  • We discovered El Siboney on this food tour that we loved on our first Key West trip:
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🌙2. Moondog Café & Bakery

moondog cafe best brunch in key west
Moondog Cafe and Bakery is a great brunch spot in Key West!

📍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

two friends patio key west old town where to eat
Two Friends Patio has great food and a great patio!

📍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

Lolas is a hidden gem in key west that is a must try
Lola’s looks unassuming, but is a hidden gem and amazing culinary experience.

📍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 which was cool. 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, but everything is amazing.


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🌸5. Louie’s Backyard

louies backyard key west upscale dining experience
Louie’s Backyard is an upscale Key West gem!

📍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! I had a fantastic birthday dinner here! Read more reviews on Louie’s Backyard here
Must-try dish: Caribbean Jerk Pork Tenderloin, Snapper.

🐓6. Blue Heaven

blue heaven best brunch in key west guide
Blue Heaven is a great brunch spot in Key West!

📍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. It’s a must-stop on all of our trips to Key West! Read more reviews on Blue Heaven here
Must-try dish: Lobster Benedict or Banana Pancakes.

🌺7. Santiago’s Bodega

santiago's bodega key west amazing food
Santiago’s Bodega has amazing small plates and sangria!

📍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. This one is really an off the beaten path hidden gem! Definitely put it on your itinerary even if you just go to try the amazing white sangria! 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

18 best key west restaurants to try on your trip lattitudes
Lattitudes is one of the 18 best Key West Restaurants and worth the ferry ride to get there!

📍245 Front St (via ferry)
Why it’s one of the best Key West restaurants: Waterfront fine dining on this private island is the romantic spot. 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! It is a Key West foodie favorite!
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

first flight brewery old town key west pan am
First Flight is one of our favorite Key West restaurants to visit!

📍301 Whitehead St
Why it’s one of the best Key West restaurants: Iconic home of Pan Am’s first ticket office; it’s now a brewery and restaurant with tropical dishes. They have a great patio area and you can usually get in without a long wait! My burger was the best one that I’ve had in Old Town! 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!

first flight famous burger best Key West food
First Flight’s amazing burger is legendary!

🔹10. Café Marquesa

📍600 Fleming St
Why it’s one of the best Restaurants in Key West: Elegant fine dining in a cozy boutique hotel. Reservations for dinner are highly recommended. It gets really busy. You can also sit at the bar to eat if there’s space. We think it’s a great spot for a late drink and small bite too! 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: Their inventive dishes, great porch seating, and chic atmosphere. We love the food here and just sitting and hanging out watching all of the Duval Street craziness! Read more reviews on Nine One Five on Tripadvisor
Must-try dish: Truffled Lobster Mac & Cheese, Tuna Tartare.

🦪12. Alonzo’s Oyster Bar

alonzos oyster bar key west seaport best happy hour
Alonzo’s Oyster Bar has the best happy hour on the Seaport in Key West!

📍700 Front St
Why it’s one of the best Key West restaurants: It’s fresh raw bar and unbeatable happy hour on the marina. They have half-price apps and drinks during happy hour and we love the Harbor Walk area view from the outdoor seating. Read more reviews on Alonzo’s Oyster Bar on Tripadvisor
Must-try dish: Baked Oysters, Lobster Sliders, conch fritters

🍰13. Pepe’s Café

pepe's cafe key west best key lime pie
We loved the Key Lime Pie at Pepe’s Cafe!

📍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

thirsty mermaid key west best cocktails and food
We loved the cocktails and oysters at the Thirsty Mermaid!

📍521 Fleming St
Why it’s one of the best Key West restaurants: It’s sleek raw bar with fresh seafood and a creative cocktail list. They also have an amazing seafood tower to try! Read more reviews on the Thirsty Mermaid on Tripadvisor
Must-try dish: Stone Crab Claws, Daily Ceviche.

🥩15. Duffy’s Steak & Lobster House

duffy's classic steak and lobster best key west food
Duffy’s is a classic and we always try to fit it in on a Key West trip!

📍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 Key West restaurant 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

conch republic seafood company historic seaport key west
The harbor views from Conch Republic Seafood company are amazing!

📍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

sloppy joes key west duval st best sandwich
Sloppy Joe’s is a favorite spot for a reason and I’m glad we finally went!

📍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

pho king awesome key west duval street best food
Pho King Awesome is worth a stop for some great food and cocktails!

📍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!

Tip: Buy a shirt here! it’s Pho King awesome!!

the best food at pho king awesome key west
We love the Island bowl and dumplings at Pho King Awesome!

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

Are there Key West restaurants with outdoor seating and live music?

Yes! Many of the top Key West restaurants offer outdoor seatinggarden patios, and even live music. Try Blue Heaven for its open-air courtyard with roaming chickens and live music, or head to Two Friends Patio Restaurant on Front Street.

Can you walk to all the best restaurants in Key West?

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).

Where’s the best brunch in Key West on the weekend?

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 mimosasMoondog Café also offers creative brunch dishes and pastries daily near the Hemingway House, and of course, our favorite is Blue Heaven!

Which Key West restaurants are good without a reservation?

Conch Republic Seafood Company and First Flight usually have space, and Alonzo’s Oyster Bar, Duffy’s, and Pho King Awesome are reliable last-minute choices.

Where is the best happy hour in Key West for seafood?

Alonzo’s Oyster Bar on the marina is a go-to for raw bar favorites and a popular happy hour with half-price apps and cocktails.

What is the typical dress code for restaurants in Key West?

Usually casual. Most Key West restaurants welcome casual attire. For fine-dining spots like Café Marquesa, Louie’s Backyard, and Latitudes, smart-casual works best.

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?

Author’s Note: We are frequent Key West visitors and foodies who explore every restaurant that we can find in Key West to experience the best local favorites and hidden gems. Hopefully, our reviews will help you plan your own foodie adventures in Key West!

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