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
Morada Way Arts & Cultural District
On the third Thursday of every month, the stretch of Old Highway between mile markers 81 and 82 fills up for the Morada Way Art Walk, with galleries open late, live music in the courtyards and food from Islamorada’s kitchens. The studios are open on ordinary days too.
La Trattoria-Oceanside
La Trattoria — authentic Italian dining in Key West, where classic cuisine and seaside elegance come together.
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.
Lagerheads Beach Bar & Watersports
Key West waterfront hotspot: good eats, live music, sunset views.
Hard Rock Café
Hard Rock Cafe Key West on Duval Street blends American comfort food with rock-and-roll memorabilia and island energy.
F-ing Bagels
F-ING Bagels in Islamorada serves bold, “Keys-style” bagels, hearty breakfast sandwiches, and espresso in a fun, no-frills café.
Lobster Shack, The
Lobster Shack Key West serves fresh, buttery lobster rolls, sandwiches, and seafood favorites just steps from the beach.
Sushi Song
Sushi Song in Key West offers fresh, expertly crafted sushi and Japanese cuisine in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. Perfect for sushi lovers seeking authentic flavors.
Big Bite Burger
Big Bite Burgers Food Truck in Marathon—giant burgers, branded buns & the legendary Triple B Burger.
Keys Cones
Keys Cones is a family-friendly mobile dessert trailer serving soft-serve ice cream, slushies, and sweet treats at events and markets throughout Key West and the Lower Florida Keys.
Coast To Coast Pizza Company
Coast To Coast Pizza Company in Marathon, FL, offers handcrafted New York, Sicilian, and Detroit-style pizzas made with high-quality ingredients in a casual, family-friendly setting.
Baby's Grill
Baby's Grill is a popular food truck in Key West, offering a variety of hearty dishes including cheesesteaks, grilled chicken sandwiches, and red beans and rice. Located at Mile Marker 15, it's the perfect spot for a quick and satisfying meal.
Bourbon St. Pub
Bourbon St. Pub Key West is the island’s premier LGBTQ+ bar, offering lively entertainment, craft cocktails, and a vibrant party atmosphere in the heart of 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.
Take Two Key Largo
Take Two Key Largo offers fresh, delicious seafood and American cuisine in a relaxed Keys atmosphere.