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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Tacos Jalisco 3
Tacos Jalisco 3 in Tavernier serves authentic Mexican tacos and traditional dishes made with fresh ingredients.
The Nest BBQ and Sports Bar
Nest BBQ serves up mouthwatering, slow-smoked barbecue with bold flavors in a casual, welcoming atmosphere. A must-visit spot for barbecue lovers.
Chris Clearwater Charters
Chris Clearwater Charters: Custom fishing, snorkeling & sandbar adventures with a chef-captain in the Florida Keys.
Habanos Oceanfront Dining
Habanos Oceanfront serves authentic Cuban cuisine—like ropa vieja and Cuban sandwiches—with tropical drinks and standout marina views in Islamorada.
Puerto Vallarta Mexican Bar & Grill
P.V. Mexican Seafood — authentic Mexican-seafood dining in Islamorada, where fresh Pacific-Rim recipes meet vibrant island flavor.
Lido 73
Lido 73 — waterfront Italian-inspired dining in Tavernier (Florida Keys), where coastal flavor meets laid-back beach-club ambiance.
Sushi Sake
Sushi Sake in Islamorada offers fresh, authentic sushi and Japanese cuisine in a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. Perfect for sushi enthusiasts seeking quality and flavor in the Florida Keys.
Mr. C's Gourmet Ice Cream
Mr. C’s Ice Cream & Gelato – Serving homemade, all-natural ice cream, gelato, and real-fruit sorbets made from a 52-year-old family recipe in Islamorada.
Florida Keys Farmers Market
A lively weekly farmers market in Islamorada with fresh produce, local art, and live music.
Florida Keys Brewing Co.
Florida Keys Brewing Co. is the Upper Keys’ first microbrewery, serving award-winning craft beers in a vibrant beer garden and taproom located in Islamorada’s Morada Way Arts District—perfect for beer lovers and locals alike. Also offers a vacation rental.
Tiki Bar at Amara Cay Resort
The Tiki Bar at Amara Cay Resort in Islamorada serves tropical cocktails and island-inspired bites with breathtaking ocean views and a relaxed Keys vibe.
HARBOR CAFE 90
Harbor Café 90 blends Cuban café culture with Florida Keys vibes, serving freshly baked pastelitos, croquetas, cafecitos, and savory bites by the waterfront.
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.
Bitton Bistro Cafe
Bitton Bistro Café in Islamorada serves French-inspired cuisine, fresh pastries, and gourmet coffee in a cozy, relaxed setting.