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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Clouds in my Coffee Catering/Private Chef/The Table
Clouds in My Coffee Catering, led by Chef Leigh Ann, offers gourmet private chef services, in-flight catering, and curated events in Marathon and the Middle Keys.
Sombrero Marina
Sombrero Marina: A full‑amenity, live‑aboard marina in Marathon’s protected Boot Key Harbor, complete with slips, laundry, showers, and a waterfront bar.
Florida Keys Steak and Lobster House
Florida Keys Steak & Lobster House in Marathon delivers premium steaks, fresh seafood, and surf-and-turf classics in an upscale yet relaxed Keys setting.
Takeria La Palapa
Takeria La Palapa in Marathon serves fresh, flavorful Mexican cuisine with a casual Keys vibe.
Barracuda Grill Restaurant
Barracuda Grill in Marathon, FL is a seafood-forward restaurant offering fresh fish, steaks, tacos, and an eclectic menu in a cozy, fish-themed setting.
Pop's Smoke Shed Marathon
Pop’s Smoke Shed brings bold, slow-smoked BBQ flavors to the Florida Keys with legendary brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and island-style comfort food.
TJ's Tiki Bar
TJ’s Tiki Bar at Tranquility Bay offers stunning waterfront views, tropical cocktails, and fresh island-inspired bites in a relaxed Keys atmosphere.
7 Mile Grill
Open since 1954 at the foot of the Seven Mile Bridge, 7 Mile Grill is the kind of no frills dockside counter the Keys used to be full of, and the key lime pie is still made in house. Catch something that morning and they will cook it for you.
Hideaway Café
Hideaway Café at Rainbow Bend Resort offers fine dining with oceanfront views on Grassy Key, blending French and American cuisine in a romantic setting.
Long Key Bar & Grill
There's a new spot at Mile Marker 68 and it's already earning fans — Long Key Bar and Grill has settled into the waterfront space next to Lime Tree Bay Resort on Long Key, serving up a fresh, locally inspired Florida Keys menu of breakfast, lunch, and dinner with beach vibes, signature cocktails, NFL Game Day coverage, and the kind of laid-back island atmosphere that makes you want to stay for one more round.
Havana Jack's Oceanside Restaurant and Bar
Experience vibrant American Caribbean flavors and lively atmosphere at Havana Jack's Oceanside!
The Rhum House
The Rhum House offers handcrafted cocktails, Caribbean-inspired dishes, and live music in a lively island atmosphere. Perfect for enjoying sunsets and tropical vibes.
Mahina
Mahina at Isla Bella Beach Resort — upscale Pacific-Rim dining in Marathon, where seaside elegance meets bold island-inspired flavors.
Hurricane Grille
Hurricane Grille — waterfront dining and lively sports bar in Marathon, where fresh-catch seafood, tropical cocktails and live music meet Florida Keys fun.
Tranquility Bay Beachfront Resort
Savor the Keys with a $50-per-night dining credit at Tranquility Bay's Culinary Escape.