Seafood platter with crab, shrimp, and wine on a wooden table.

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.

Key lime pie with whipped cream and lime on a plate, coffee cup nearby.

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.

Couple sitting at a picnic table under colorful canopy, a musician plays guitar nearby.

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.

Colorful vintage cars and buildings line a vibrant Havana street.

Cuban Heritage, Food and Culture Enrich Key West

Sample the sweetness of fried plantains served with lime-kissed pork chops.

Lionfish sashimi garnished with greens on a glass plate by a calm lake.

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.

Gourmet dish with garnish, two glasses of wine in background.

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.

Marathon

Lighthouse Kitchen + Bar

Lighthouse Kitchen + Bar – waterfront seafood restaurant in Marathon, where fresh local flavors and sunset views shine.

Marathon

Marathon Grill and Ale House

Marathon Grill & Ale House — hearty American cuisine and craft beer in Marathon, where game-day specials, late-night hours and a welcoming “hometown” vibe await.

Marathon

Lazy Days South

Lazy Days South — oceanfront dining restaurant in Marathon, where Keys-style seafood and sunset views create laid-back island elegance.

Marathon

Takara Thai House

Authentic Thai and sushi in Marathon, Florida Keys—Takara Thai House offers fresh, made-to-order dishes in a welcoming, family-owned setting.

Marathon

Tiki Grill

Tiki Grill in Marathon serves fresh seafood, tropical cocktails, and island-inspired dishes in a relaxed, waterfront setting.

Marathon

La Chapina Restaurant

La Chapina Restaurant — authentic Guatemalan cuisine in Marathon, where bold flavors and island hospitality meet.

Marathon

Lick It BBQ & Wood Fire Pizza

Waterfront BBQ & pizza in Long Key with killer sunset views.

Marathon

Abu's Argentinian Grill

Abu's Argentinian Grill is a Florida Keys mobile food truck bringing the bold flavors of Argentina to local markets and events, serving handmade empanadas with a variety of fillings, steak and sausage sandwiches, lobster platters with skewers, and hot dogs straight from the grill.

Marathon

Salt + Ash

Salt + Ash is an elevated farm-to-table restaurant by Michelin-starred Chef Jeremy Ford, located at Hawks Cay Resort on Duck Key. It blends bold coastal flavors with fresh, locally sourced ingredients for a refined dining experience.

Marathon

The Brass Monkey

Long-running locals' bar featuring food, pool, darts, karaoke, and live music.

Marathon

Bongos Botanical Beer Garden

Keep your eyes peeled at Mile Marker 59 on Grassy Key because Bongos Botanical Beer Garden is one of those places you could easily miss and never forgive yourself for. Opened in 2020 inside The Lagoon adventure park, this tropical beer garden is surrounded by mature palms, banana trees, and an organic herb and fruit garden growing the fresh ingredients that go straight into your cocktail, with over 20 craft beers on tap, a daily food truck, weekend brunch and live music, hammock chairs for swinging, lawn games, and a genuinely dog-friendly policy that extends to a plain beef patty for your pup.