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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El Jardin Restaurante
El Jardín Restaurante in Islamorada offers authentic Honduran and Central American flavors—think tostones rellenos, hearty specialties, and vibrant Latin dishes.
Caribbean Club
Historic Florida Bay bar with stunning sunsets, live bands, karaoke nights, and signature rum punches — a beloved local hangout in Key Largo, FL.
Paradise Cafe
Paradise Café – A casual, family-friendly café in Key West serving all-day breakfast, sandwiches and burgers.
Hobo's Cafe
Hobo’s Café in Key Largo serves fresh local seafood, generous portions, and friendly service in a laid-back Florida Keys setting.
Sweet Conch Kitchen
Sweet Conch Kitchen in Key West serves fresh, authentic conch dishes and local seafood in a cozy, welcoming setting. Perfect for a casual bite or flavorful Key West experience.
The Rhum House
The Rhum House offers handcrafted cocktails, Caribbean-inspired dishes, and live music in a lively island atmosphere. Perfect for enjoying sunsets and tropical vibes.
Coasting Cocktails
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.
Mattheessen's
Mattheessen’s on Duval Street serves homemade cookies, ice cream, key lime pie & marble slab fudge made with the finest ingredients.
Looe Key Reef Resort & Dive Center
Looe Key Reef Resort offers beachfront accommodations, daily scuba and snorkeling trips, a full-service dive shop, and a Tiki Bar with live entertainment in the Florida Keys.
Calypso's
Calypso’s in Tavernier serves up fresh seafood, Caribbean-inspired dishes, and tropical cocktails in a laid-back, island-style setting.
Beards & Brews
Beards & Brews is a unique Stock Island spot — part upscale barber parlor, part lounge bar — where you can get a haircut, beard trim, and enjoy a craft beer or cocktail.
Rick's and Durty Harry's
Rick’s & Durty Harry’s Entertainment Complex — vibrant live music and dance club in Key West, where seven venues under one roof deliver nonstop fun on Duval Street.
Cafe Marquesa
Café Marquesa (at the Marquesa Hotel) offers refined coastal fine dining in Key West, blending locally sourced seafood, meats, and house-made desserts in an elegant setting.
La Crêperie French Café
La Crêperie French Café is a charming, family-owned café in Key West, FL, offering authentic French crêpes, galettes, and paninis in a cozy, open-air setting.