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.
Filters
The Lower Keys
China Garden
China Garden in Big Pine Key offers classic Chinese dishes like General Tso’s Chicken, pork fried rice, and chow mein in a casual, family‑friendly setting.
The Lower Keys
Tonio's Seafood Shack & Tiki Bar
Tonio’s Seafood Shack & Tiki Bar serves fresh seafood, island-inspired dishes, and tropical cocktails in a fun waterfront setting.
The Lower Keys
7 Mile Cafe & Kava Bar
Espresso drinks, smoothie bowls and paninis at mile marker 30 on Big Pine Key, with a full kava bar working alongside the coffee counter. Doors open at 7 in the morning, which makes it an easy first stop before you go looking for Key deer or point the car toward Key West.
The Lower Keys
Boardwalk Bar & Grill
Boardwalk Bar & Grill in Big Pine Key is a laid-back Florida Keys restaurant serving pizza, seafood, burgers, and comfort food favorites with live music and late-night bites.
The Lower Keys
Icestream Homemade Ice Cream
Homemade small-batch ice cream from a renovated Airstream at Morning Joint.
The Lower Keys
No Name Pub
No Name Pub – A legendary off-beat Florida Keys tavern serving award-winning pizza and pub fare amidst thousands of dollar bills stapled to the walls.
The Lower Keys
Morita's Cuban Cafe
Morita’s Cuban Café – A cozy roadside Cuban eatery in Cudjoe Key serving up authentic sandwiches, plates and coffee.
The Lower Keys
Broil Steakhouse
Broil Steakhouse is a boutique steak and seafood restaurant in Cudjoe Key, offering wood-fired dishes with the perfect blend of fine dining and island charm.
The Lower Keys
DJs All-Star Seafood Café
DJ’s All-Star Seafood is a Big Pine Key food truck serving fresh, made-to-order seafood and island favorites along the Lower Keys.
The Lower Keys
Taco Express
Taco Express Lower Keys — vibrant Mexican-American eatery in Summerland Key, where bold flavors and all-day breakfast meet island beach vibes.
The Lower Keys
Mangrove Mama's
Mangrove Mama’s — beloved seafood & steakhouse in Sugarloaf Key where Island-style flavors meet a laid-back Florida Keys vibe.
The Lower Keys
El Siboney Stock Island
El Siboney Restaurant on Stock Island serves authentic Cuban cuisine with hearty portions and homemade flavors in a casual, family-friendly setting.
The Lower Keys
The Dining Room
The Dining Room at Little Palm Island offers an exclusive oceanfront culinary experience featuring fresh, locally inspired cuisine in a luxurious tropical setting.
