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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Gardenia's Bistro / GB’s Lounge
Gardenia's Bistro is a plant-filled, eco-friendly café in Tavernier where clean, seasonal food and ethically sourced coffee come without the single-use plastic. Come sunset, the garden setting transforms into GB's Alter Ego, a breezy lounge pouring cocktails and tapas.
Pierre's Restaurant
Pierre’s Restaurant at Morada Bay — upscale French fusion dining in Islamorada with tropical bay-front views.
Joey's Mini Donuts
Hot, fresh mini donuts in the Florida Keys—Joey’s Mini Donuts / Joey Bag-O-Donuts serves made-to-order sweet treats and event catering from Key Largo to Key West.
Oceanview Inn & Sports Club
The Ocean View Inn & Sports Pub in Islamorada offers comfortable accommodations with a tropical flair, an outdoor pool, and a lively pub serving classic American fare and late-night bites.
ReelCatch
ReelCatch — Keys-inspired cuisine in Islamorada, where beachfront views meet live music & island flavors.
El Jardin Restaurante
El Jardín Restaurante in Islamorada offers authentic Honduran and Central American flavors—think tostones rellenos, hearty specialties, and vibrant Latin dishes.
Mom And Daughter Juice Bar
Mom and Daughter Juice Bar – A vibrant, locally-owned café in Tavernier serving fresh smoothies, wraps and homemade empanadas.
Ziggie & Mad Dog's
Award-winning steaks and seafood with world-class wines in beautiful Islamorada.
Calypso's
Calypso’s in Tavernier serves up fresh seafood, Caribbean-inspired dishes, and tropical cocktails in a laid-back, island-style setting.
Whale Harbor Seafood Buffet
What The Fish Rolls in Islamorada serves up fresh, local seafood with a creative twist, featuring hand-crafted rolls, tacos, and tropical flavors.
Great Wall Chinese Restaurant
Great Wall Chinese Restaurant in Tavernier offers classic, flavorful Chinese dishes like General Tso’s, fried rice, and noodle plates in a cozy Upper Keys setting.
Mercado Morada
Mercado Morada — vibrant Latin-American street-market dining at ocean-front Three Waters Resort & Marina in Islamorada, where bold flavors meet waterfront vibes.
A Dinner in Paradise
A Dinner in Paradise is a personal chef and private dining service operating throughout the Florida Keys from Key Largo to Marathon, led by Chef Arthur, offering fully customized 4-course ocean-to-table meals prepared, cooked, served, and cleaned up at your home, vacation rental, or resort for events, gatherings, and special occasions starting at $90 per person with a $375 minimum plus groceries.
Dive Bar on the Bay
Dive Bar on the Bay in Tavernier is a waterfront bar and grill serving cold drinks, casual bites, and island views in a laid-back setting.
Marker 88
Marker 88 — iconic waterfront dining in Islamorada where sunset views, fresh seafood and island-crafted cocktails converge.