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.
Filters
Kiki's Sandbar & Grille
Kiki’s Sandbar & Bar & Grille — beachfront seafood bar & grill in Little Torch Key, where live music, tropical views, and island vibes come together.
Galley Grill
The Galley Grill in Summerland Key serves hearty American comfort food, fresh breakfast classics, and casual lunch specials in a welcoming Keys-style café.
7 Mile Cafe & Kava Bar
Espresso drinks, smoothie bowls and paninis at mile marker 30 on Big Pine Key, with a full kava bar working alongside the coffee counter. Doors open at 7 in the morning, which makes it an easy first stop before you go looking for Key deer or point the car toward Key West.
No Name Pub
No Name Pub – A legendary off-beat Florida Keys tavern serving award-winning pizza and pub fare amidst thousands of dollar bills stapled to the walls.
Mangrove Mama's
Mangrove Mama’s — beloved seafood & steakhouse in Sugarloaf Key where Island-style flavors meet a laid-back Florida Keys vibe.
Boardwalk Bar & Grill
Boardwalk Bar & Grill in Big Pine Key is a laid-back Florida Keys restaurant serving pizza, seafood, burgers, and comfort food favorites with live music and late-night bites.
The Perry Hotel & Marina
The Perry Hotel Key West is a modern, pet-friendly waterfront retreat located on Stock Island, just minutes from downtown Key West.
Bagel Island Sandwich Shoppe
Bagel Island Coffee is a cozy Big Pine Key café offering freshly made New York-style bagels, Cuban coffee, and hearty breakfast & lunch sandwiches.
Driftwood Express
Driftwood Express in Big Pine Key offers wood-fired pizzas, specialty calzones, subs, wings, and fresh salads in a casual, family-friendly setting.
Island Deli
Island Deli — popular sandwich shop in Big Pine Key serving hearty subs, Cuban sandwiches and breakfast favorites since the morning hour.
China Garden
China Garden in Big Pine Key offers classic Chinese dishes like General Tso’s Chicken, pork fried rice, and chow mein in a casual, family‑friendly setting.
Boondocks Grille and Draft House
Boondocks Grille & Draft House is a lively waterfront restaurant and tiki bar in Ramrod Key, offering fresh seafood, burgers, live music, and the only 18-hole mini-golf course in the Florida Keys.
Big Pine Rooster
Big Pine Rooster is a Big Pine Key restaurant celebrated for its hearty, homestyle meals—from BBQ ribs to fresh seafood—served daily in a casual island setting.
Morita's Cuban Cafe
Morita’s Cuban Café – A cozy roadside Cuban eatery in Cudjoe Key serving up authentic sandwiches, plates and coffee.
Sugarloaf Key Hotel at KOA Resort
Tropical seaside stay with marina access and on-site dining.