Food & Drink
Taste your way through The Florida Keys, where every bite feels like a mini adventure. From dockside seafood shacks and fresh-caught fish to Cuban coffees, quirky tiki bars, and Key lime pie that might just change your world, the culinary scene here is as vibrant as the coral reefs. Whether you’re after a fancy dinner with sunset views or a casual snack by the water, local chefs, distilleries, and cafés serve flavor with a sprinkle of Keys charm. Come hungry — you won’t leave disappointed.
Sweet Key Lime Pie Flavors the Keys
Few people visit the Florida Keys without sampling a few pieces of Key lime pie, renowned as the island chain’s signature dessert. Millions of slices of the tart, creamy treat — voted the official pie of Florida by the state legislature in 2006 (yes, really!) — are savored every year by Keys visitors and locals.
Brewed and Barreled in the Florida Keys
If you’re a fan of fine beers, ales, rums and more, you’re sure to enjoy unique libations created in the Florida Keys.
Cuban Heritage, Food and Culture Enrich Key West
Sample the sweetness of fried plantains served with lime-kissed pork chops.
Lionfish: An Incredible Edible Fish
It’s believed that lionfish, a popular Indo-Pacific aquarium fish, was first released in Florida’s Atlantic waters during the 1980s. Now lionfish prey voraciously on invertebrates and over 70 species of domestic fish. And these toothy coral reef fish, part of the scorpion fish family, have no natural reef predators except spearfishing humans.
The Keys Can’t-Miss List: Marathon Restaurants
Planning a getaway to Marathon and the middle Florida Keys? Check with local residents to find out which eateries they recommend to visiting family, friends and newcomers eager to discover the islands’ eats.
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Mangoes Restaurant
Mangoes — Caribbean-inspired dining on Duval Street in Key West, where fresh seafood and live music meet tropical island vibes.
Hurricane Hole
Hungry Tarpon Restaurant in Islamorada offers scenic waterfront dining with fresh seafood and bold cocktails right on the marina.
Seven Fish
Seven Fish — refined seafood bistro in Key West at 921 Truman Ave, where fresh local fish meets modern comfort in a casual yet elevated setting.
Hemingway Distillery
Slip into the Hemingway Social Club, a cool, air-conditioned speakeasy hidden inside Papa's Pilar Rum Distillery on Simonton Street in Old Town Key West. Pull up a stool for craft rum and whiskey cocktails in a room that practically hums with Ernest Hemingway's island spirit.
A&B Lobster House
A&B Lobster House is a historic waterfront fine-dining restaurant in Key West, renowned for fresh seafood, premium steaks, and harbor views.
Grand Café
Grand Café is a Duval Street gem in Key West offering fresh seafood, hand-cut steaks, and elegant ambiance in a historic Victorian setting.
El Mocho Restaurant
El Meson de Pepe is an iconic Cuban restaurant in Key West, located on Mallory Square, offering authentic Cuban cuisine and tropical cocktails in a lively, festive atmosphere.
Small Chef At Large Catering
Small Chef At Large — full‑service catering & private chef services in Key West, where gourmet meals, event catering and yacht provisions meet island elegance.
Kermit's Key Lime Pie Shop
Located on Duval Street, Kermit's Key West Key Lime Shoppe offers a variety of key lime treats, including their famous key lime pie, in a vibrant and historic setting.
Mattheessen's
Mattheessen’s on Duval Street serves homemade cookies, ice cream, key lime pie & marble slab fudge made with the finest ingredients.
DJ's Clam Shack
DJ’s Clam Shack in Key West is a casual seafood spot known for its over-stuffed lobster rolls, garlic steamed clams, and conch fritters.
Baby's Grill
Baby's Grill is a popular food truck in Key West, offering a variety of hearty dishes including cheesesteaks, grilled chicken sandwiches, and red beans and rice. Located at Mile Marker 15, it's the perfect spot for a quick and satisfying meal.
Deluna's Cafe
Daya’s Cafe Cuban Restaurant in Key Largo offers authentic Cuban breakfast, sandwiches, and espresso in a welcoming, casual setting.
Baby's Coffee — Old Town
Baby's Coffee has opened a new Old Town cafe on Fleming Street, bringing its since-1991 Keys roasting right into the heart of Key West. Walk in for bold espresso, the same fresh-roasted blends found at the Mile Marker 15 flagship, and a case of baked goods to start your day.