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.

Islamorada

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.

Key Largo

Lilo's Deli

Lilo’s Deli is a Key Largo deli serving casual grab-and-go bites for visitors exploring the Upper Florida Keys.

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.

Key West

The Alamo Key West

The Alamo Key West is a laid-back local bar known for its friendly atmosphere, cold drinks, and classic island charm.

Key West

Lagerheads Beach Bar & Watersports

Key West waterfront hotspot: good eats, live music, sunset views.

Islamorada

Caloosa Cove Resort

Fifteen acres on the ocean at mile marker 73.5, with 30 suites that all have kitchens, balconies and water out the front door, plus a heated pool and a sandy beach. Tie your boat up out back, walk over to Habano's for Cuban food, and never move the car.

Key West

Sky Bar at the Mansion

Sky Bar at the Mansion in Key West offers oceanfront rooftop dining and craft cocktails with panoramic Atlantic views at the historic Southernmost House.

Key Largo

Rancho Pascual

Peruvian Cuisine & More — authentic Peruvian restaurant in the Florida Keys where fresh ceviche, bold flavors and island hospitality meet.

Key West

Four Flamingos

Four Flamingos Key West offers a vibrant dining experience featuring fresh seafood, tropical flavors, and creative cocktails inspired by the spirit of the islands.

Key West

Courthouse Deli & Whit's Frozen Custard

Courthouse Deli and Whit’s Frozen Custard in Key West serves fresh-made sandwiches, salads, and creamy frozen custard in a cozy, local spot.

Sushi Sake Key Largo

Sushi Sake in Key Largo serves fresh, authentic Japanese sushi and sashimi in a relaxed, inviting setting. Perfect for sushi lovers craving quality and flavor.

Islamorada

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.