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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Cafe Marquesa
Café Marquesa (at the Marquesa Hotel) offers refined coastal fine dining in Key West, blending locally sourced seafood, meats, and house-made desserts in an elegant setting.
Duetto Pizza & Gelato
Duetto Pizza & Gelato is an Old Town Key West go-to for NY-style thin-crust pizza, fresh Italian sandwiches, and 14 flavors of house-made gelato. Grab a slice on Greene Street, order delivery, and finish with a scoop, with vegan and gluten-free picks in the mix too.
Tattoos & Scars Saloon
Tattoos and Scars Saloon Key West is a lively downtown bar offering cold drinks, live music, and a true island party vibe.
Dragon & Rooster
Dragon & Rooster is an Asian fusion restaurant in Key West serving bold, vibrant flavors from across East and Southeast Asia on Duval Street
Half Shell Raw Bar
Half Shell Raw Bar is a waterfront seafood institution at 231 Margaret Street on the Key West Historic Seaport, serving broiled garlic oysters, peel-and-eat shrimp, conch ceviche, and daily fresh catches. Watch the boats and pelicans roll by while you dig in.
The College of the Florida Keys
The College of the Florida Keys — a public college in Key West offering marine-focused degrees, workforce training, and higher education in the heart of the Florida Keys.
Island Dogs Bar
Island Dogs Bar — lively waterfront bar & grill in Key West, where tropical vibes, live music, and bold flavors collide.
Toasted Coconut - Blue Flamingo
The Toasted Coconut Key West serves tropical bites, fresh seafood, and island cocktails in a laid-back, open-air setting perfect for relaxing under the palms.
The Cafe
The Café in Key West serves fresh, flavorful vegetarian and vegan cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients in a cozy, island-chic setting.
Old Town Bakery
Old Town Bakery — artisan bakery & sandwich café in Key West, where hand-crafted breads and pastries meet neighborhood charm.
Sunset Tiki Bar at the Galleon Resort
Sunset Tiki Bar at the Galleon Resort offers tropical drinks and stunning oceanfront views, making it the perfect spot to watch the Key West sunset.
Floridita Food Truck at Havana Cabana
Floridita Food Truck at Havana Cabana serves Cuban-Caribbean fare—from breakfast empanadas to pressed sandwiches and fish tacos—in a casual, open-air setting.
Captain Tony's Saloon
Captain Tony’s Saloon is a historic Key West dive bar famous for its colorful past, live music, and legendary visitors like Ernest Hemingway and Jimmy Buffett.
Island Cigar Factory
Island Cigar Factory is a premier Key West cigar shop offering fresh, hand-rolled Dominican cigars crafted with Cuban-seed leaf, perfect for enjoying the island lifestyle.
Mattheessen's
Mattheessen’s on Duval Street serves homemade cookies, ice cream, key lime pie & marble slab fudge made with the finest ingredients.